Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1: Review

Posted to Digital Cameras 2009-09-19

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1 Review:

Sony's latest entry into the compact digital super zoom category is the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1 digital camera. Featuring a whopping 20X (28-560mm 35mm equivalent) zoom range and a new CMOS sensor, the camera can produce images at an SLR-like 10fps. The camera features 9.1-megapixel resolution, optical image stabilization and a 3.0-inch, 230,000-dot tilt-out-and-swivel LCD display.

In addition, there's a 9-point autofocus system, an ISO range of 125-3200 and shutter speeds from 30 - 1/4000 seconds. The camera can produce 1080p HD video at a 30fps rate, record stereo sound and has a .2 inch 201,000 dot electronic viewfinder. The DSC-HX1 measures 4-5/8"x3-3/8"x3-5/8", weighs 18.1 ounces and uses Memory Stick DUO/Pro Duo memory cards for storage. It features 13 scene modes, 8 shooting modes and has 7 custom white balance settings.

Rating:

4.6 out of 5

Value

The DSC-HX1 is a bit on the pricey side when compared to most of the competition. In fact, it costs as much as some entry level DSLRs. But the very usable large zoom range opens up a lot of picture taking possibilities, as does the 10fps continuous shooting. And the zoom works in movie mode as well, which is not true for much of the competition. Image quality is excellent in good lighting, but suffers quite a bit at higher ISOs. Also, the small viewfinder is a bit disappointing at this price.

Features

The DSC-HX1 has most of the features we've come to expect on compact digital super zooms. Face detection autofocus, tilt-and-swivel display, electronic viewfinder and movie mode. The movie mode is better than most, though, with full HD video at 30pfs - much of the competition is limited to 24fps. And the continuous shooting speed of up to 10fps rivals that of some SLRs, thanks to the new CMOS sensor used in this camera.

Summary

The DSC-HX1 is a full-featured compact digital super zoom, or "bridge" camera, as some people call them. Cameras like this are intended to be a "bridge" between the compact point-and-shoot and DSLR worlds, and the DSC-HX1 does a good job at this. The price is a bit high, though, so you might want to look at some of the lower-priced competition that offers similar features.

Pros

9.1MP resolution
20X zoom (28-560mm 35mm equivalent)
10 fps continuous shooting
Tilt-and-swivel 3.0 inch LCD
Face detection autofocus

Cons

There are no cons for this product