Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1 Reviewed

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1 is the first camera to feature Sony’s 1/2.4-inch Exmor CMOS sensor technology providing burst speeds of 10fps at full 9.1 megapixel resolution. The HX1 offers 20x super zoom, 28mm wide angle, Optical SteadyShot and face detection. It is able to record 1080p Full HD video.

The Cyber-shot DSC-HX1 has been reviewed by DPReview, who comments:

Looking at the market as a whole, with an emphasis on image quality, we just cannot give the Sony DSC-HX1 our highest recommendation, but it’s certainly worth consideration if you’re looking for a superzoom compact and can live with the inevitable image quality compromises.

Conclusion – Pros

• Decent resolution for such an ambitious lens
• Good color, generally accurate focus gives a high ‘hit rate’ even in auto mode
• Huge photographic versatility with 28-560mm lens and auto macro mode
• Image stabilization works well (and can be used in movie mode)
• Ultra fast 10 fps continuous shooting mode (limited to 10 frames)
• Fast focus for a camera of this type
• HD video capture with high quality stereo sound
• Unique sweeping panorama mode
• In-camera image stacking for reduced noise (Twilight mode)
• Many user selectable image parameters including noise reduction
• Wide ISO range from 125 to 3200
• Long life lithium ion battery
• Solid construction and good handling
• Impressively little distortion for such a large lens
• Enjoyable and easy to use
• Good screen, bright and clear with tilting up and down up to 90 degrees
• Customizable shortcut button
• Pretty good macro performance

Conclusion – Cons

• Pixel level quality not great; visible sharpening and NR artefacts
• ISO 800 – 3200 noisy and of limited use
• Noise reduction destroys fine detail at anything over ISO 400, effects visible at base ISO
• Electronic view finder is low resolution and small
• Focus hunts in low light situations
• Lens zooming action quite slow
• Takes a long time to turn on and off
• Continuous shooting locking you out for up to 17 seconds can be quite frustrating
• Quite expensive
• Uses Memory Stick