Sony may have just redefined point and shoot cameras with the new Cyber-shot HX1. The first feature that sticks out to me is the inclusion of a 9.1 megapixel sensor. I give a big kudos to Sony for sticking with a reasonable megapixel count and making the most of those pixels.

The HX1 packs a couple of features that many have tried and few, if any, point and shoots have done well. First, is 10 fps frame rate at the full 9.1 megapixels. This is truly incredible frame rate that actually works very well in this compact superzoom camera.

Next up, is Sweep Panorama mode. This mode allows you to hold the camera and pan from side to side while the HX1 captures its image. The result? Simply amazing. I’ll have more on this feature later in a hands-on preview, but Sony really nailed it.

The Sony Cyber-shot HX1 should be available in April 2009 for $499.99.  Check availability on Amazon.com.

More details below.

Sony HX1 Key Features

• 9.1 megapixels
• 1/2.4″ Exmor CMOS sensor
• 20x optical zoom
• Sony G lens
• 10 frames per second
• Sweep Panoramic mode
• 3 Shot Exposure bracketing
• 1080p HD video capture

Sony HX1 Reviews

Photography Bay (hands-on)

It’s not everybody’s camera. However, anyone that is looking for a super zoom point and shoot camera should have the HX1 near the top of a rather short list. The killer features, like Sweep Panorama and 10 fps, will be enough to seal the deal for some.

Imaging Resource

Right out of the box you can get great results with the 20x optical zoom Sony G lens coupled to an Exmor CMOS sensor with sensitivity to ISO 3,200 using Programmed Auto, intelligent Auto, or Easy mode.

PhotographyBLOG

Having a long zoom on a snappy camera with almost all the controls you desire made for a very pleasant shooting experience – so much so that we were reluctant to give the camera back!

PhotoReview

Autofocusing was generally fast and accurate, although low light levels initiated minor hunting. The special shooting modes (Sweep Panorama, Handheld Twilight and Anti Motion Blur) were fun to use, although they did restrict many shooting controls.

Camera Labs

Sony’s Cyber-shot DSC-HX1 is a powerful super-zoom camera with some pretty unique features that allow it to stand out from the crowd.

DP Interface

The Cyber-shot HX1 indeed lives up to part of its hype – the camera handles quite well and has good build quality, there’s full manual controls and good battery life… and it looks REALLY close to a digital SLR.

Cameras.co.uk

The Cybershot DSC HX1 can handle most situations very well. Purple fringing can be an issue where light, such as from the sun, catches the edge of light coloured objects.

DC Resource

If you’re sticking to small prints and like all the unique features that the HX1 offers, then it’s worth a look. Those of you who’ll be making large prints or viewing the images on your computer may want to look at another super zoom model.

DP Review

For some people the versatility of the wide zoom range, the ultra-fast continuous shooting speeds, the unique shooting modes and the convenience of having a HD video camera and stills camera in one package will be extremely attractive.

Sony HX1 Press Release

LAS VEGAS (PMA #F171), March 2, 2009 – Sony is spotlighting its first digital still camera to feature sweep panorama technology here at the Photo Marketing Association confab. The new HX1 Cyber-shot model can take 224-degree panorama shots in one easy press-and-sweep motion.

It is also the company’s first Cyber-shot camera to use the exclusive 1/2.4-inch Exmor™ CMOS sensor technology. This technology allows it to achieve burst speeds of 10 frames per second at full 9.1 megapixel resolution in continuous burst mode.

Setting it apart from most digital still cameras, which use an electronic shutter to achieve high speed, the HX1 unit has a mechanical shutter that helps reduce distortion when shooting a moving subject.

Compared to images shot with traditional sensors, the HX1 model takes clearer images with about 50 percent less noise when in handheld twilight or anti-blur modes. It is also the first Cyber-shot camera to include a Sony G lens and 1080p HD movie clip recording capabilities.

“Traditional CMOS sensor technology provides higher shutter speeds, but we are using what we call an Image3 system that combines the best image, sensor and processor,” said Karim Noblecilla, senior product marketing manager in Sony Electronics’ Digital Imaging Division. “By combining this sensor with a high-quality Sony G lens and powerful BIONZ™ processor, we are able to create solutions beyond fast speed that helps consumers get better pictures.”

Incorporating on-chip A/D conversion, which minimizes image degradation that can occur during analogue processing, Noblecilla said the Exmor CMOS sensor delivers outstanding images, reduces noise and can continuously shoot at a high speeds.

Clear Images in Low Light or for Moving Subjects

Compared to cameras with traditional sensors, the HX1 model has two scene modes that significantly reduce noise. Using the high-speed shutter Exmor CMOS sensor technology, the new model takes six shots within a fraction of a second. Combined with the power of the BIONZ imaging processor, it immediately superimposes them into one picture. The camera calculates the position of objects in each frame and composes the sharpest picture possible, resulting in clearer, sharper images.

The two modes that use this functionality include hand-held twilight and anti-motion blur. For difficult shots in low light, the hand-held twilight mode results in clearer and sharper pictures without the need of a tripod. Anti-motion blur uses High ISO to reduce blur especially in dimly lit environments.

To reduce blur, the camera detects if a person or object is moving, or if the camera is shaking, which is likely when taking a telephoto shot. When it superimposes the images, the camera captures the moving subject or object from one of the six shots. It takes, combines and composes the rest of the image using the six shots. This reduces blur on the main subject and results in a sharp, clear background.

Sweep Panorama Technology

Capturing wide landscapes, church spires or skyscrapers is as easy as “press and sweep.” Sweep panorama mode lets you reach beyond the traditional wide-angle lens and capture breathtaking shots. With wide and ultra-wide settings and horizontal or vertical directions, sweep panorama mode can take up to 224-degree horizontal or 154-degree vertical shots.

Using the fast-speed Exmor CMOS sensor, the camera continuously shoots full-resolution images at a high speed. Using the BIONZ imaging processor, it automatically stitches the pictures together to create one stunning panoramic photo. The maximum resolution is 7152 x 1080 (ultra wide horizontal).

“This panorama mode is so seamless that it removes the guess work,” Noblecilla said. “The camera indicates where you are in the degree range, so you know how wide you can shoot and stitches the photos automatically. It calculates and aligns pictures for you without using additional software.”

1080p HD Movie Recording

The HX1 camera captures movie clips in 1080p HD resolution, and a built-in stereo microphone records crisp, clear audio. The camera’s wide 20x optical zoom is also available while shooting.

When set to HD movie, it records at 30 frames per second (1440 x 1080). The camera uses the high-quality, high-compression MPEG4 AVC/H.264 format. Other recording options include standard-definition video and VGA.

The camera also has HDMI™ connectivity via supplied HDMI accessory (cable not included) so images can be shared in high definition on an HD television set. MPEG4 AVC video recording allows you to view footage on a PC and upload it to the Web.

Sony G Lens

The Sony G lens is optimized to complement the advanced image sensors and image processing technology in Sony’s cameras. The HX1 camera features a 28-560 millimeter f/2.8-5.2 wide-angle lens with 20x telephoto range. With the combination of this G lens and sweep panorama mode, the camera can cover almost any telephoto and wide angle need.

Containing a six-blade aperture, the G lens produces beautifully defocused backgrounds with a soft, natural feel. A-spherical lens elements and elements made from extra-low dispersion glass combine to minimize chromatic aberration common to high-magnification lenses.

Intelligent Auto

Like many of Sony’s new cameras this year, the HX1 model has the convenient and powerful intelligent auto mode, which combines Intelligent Scene Recognition (iSCN), Optical SteadyShot™ and face detection technologies. It recognizes scenes and lighting conditions within one-thirtieth of a second, and then changes settings. This produces clearer images with more natural skin tones, reduced red-eye, fewer closed-eye shots and less overall blur without compromising image quality.

The iSCN feature detects up to eight scenes and automatically changes settings that will apply to the scene or lighting conditions. With the iSCN Advance feature, the camera takes a second shot when low or backlight is detected, letting users choose the best picture.

With face detection technology, the camera will adjust the flash, focus, exposure and white balance producing more natural skin tones and reducing red-eye. Face motion detection identifies a moving subject and adjusts the ISO to minimize blur. In conjunction with iSCN, the camera takes two pictures simultaneously and saves the one in which the eyes are the least closed.

A new selected-face memory function registers one face (selected by the user) as the main face and adjusts focus, exposure, flash and white balance accordingly. The camera remembers the face every time that face shows in the frame.

Additionally, the camera comes with Smile Shutter technology that helps capture a smile the moment it happens and dynamic range optimizer (DRO) technology that adjusts for contrast.

Pricing and Availability

The Cyber-shot DSC-HX1 camera will be available in April for about $500 and pre-sales will start in March. The camera and a range of accessories will be available online at sonystyle.com, at Sony Style® retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail), at military base exchanges and at authorized dealers nationwide.