Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1

A unique feature allows the HX1 to take seamless panoramas with one click and no stitching.

2009 is already shaping up to be another bumper year for the superzoom 'bridge' camera. Since the publication of our superzoom test at the start of this year there have been a number of new models released with new features such as bigger zooms, better video and fast burst modes. Sony's entry in this category, the HX1, features a 20x lens (that extends from 28mm at the wide end all the way to 560mm at the telephoto end), HD video recording, a large 3' tilting LCD screen, up to 10 frames per second continuous shooting speeds, and special shooting modes that help you get better pictures easier. All this built around an all-new CMOS sensor.

Sure, it's got that funky flip-out display, in-camera panorama stitching, HD video recording and a host of other fancy features for its $500 pricepoint, but does Sony's new Cyber-shot DSC-HX1 give DSLRs a run for their money? Digital Photography Review doesn't seem to think so.

An ultra-zoom digicam with HD video recording capabilities and some handy functions for still shooting.Sony has brought its Exmor CMOS technology to the super-zoom arena in the form of the 9.1-megapixel Cyber-shot DSC-HX1. Styled like a mini-DSLR - but too big to be pocketable - the HX1 is the highest-priced model on the current market. However, it boasts a 20x optical zoom lens plus a couple of features that make it stand out from the crowd, including a Sweep Panorama mode and 10 frames/second continuous shooting speed.

Sony HX1 is a 9.0MP Small Sensor Superzoom camera with a 1/2.4-inch sized CMOS sensor and 28-560 mm F2.8-5.2 lens. Read our HX1 review to find its pros and cons.

Sony DSC-HX1 review, find out how the DSC-HX1 stacks up against the competition in our real-world review with in-depth image quality comparisons.

Review posted 02/10/2010Quick TakeProsVersatile zoom lens with 28-560mm equivalent focal range; Sweep Panorama Mode; 1080p HD Video Capture; Versatile exposure mode options; 3.0-Inch LCD; Bionz Processor; EXMOR CMOS Imaging sensor; 10fps at 9-Megapixels; Excellent overall Performance ConsMore than average

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1 is a super-zoom camera with some rather unique features up its proverbial sleeve. These include a 20x zoom lens and 9 megapixel CMOS sensor, both of which utilise Sony's DSLR technology, 3 inch tiltable LCD screen, and fast 10fps burst shooting mode. Going up against the likes of the Canon Powershot SX20 IS, Panasonic FZ38 and Olympus SP-590UZ, we find out if the £480 / $500 Sony HX1 hits the right spot...

A unique feature allows the HX1 to take seamless panoramas with one click and no stitching.

Review posted 02/10/2010Quick TakeProsVersatile zoom lens with 28-560mm equivalent focal range; Sweep Panorama Mode; 1080p HD Video Capture; Versatile exposure mode options; 3.0-Inch LCD; Bionz Processor; EXMOR CMOS Imaging sensor; 10fps at 9-Megapixels; Excellent overall Performance ConsMore than average