Sony unleashes superzoom with full-HD video-recording feature

Leonard Goh | Mar 03, 2009

According to Sony, the HX1 uses a CMOS sensor which delivers better image quality. (Credit: Sony)

With the rise of small shooters with interchangeable lens system such as the Micro Four Thirds and Samsung's hybrid system, we wonder if there is still a market for superzoom cameras. Sony probably thinks so, which explains its announcement of the Cyber-shot DSC-HX1.

Before you think of it as just another 20x optical zoom shooter, the 9-megapixel HX1 is actually more like a dSLR trapped in a compact chassis with a non-removable lens. Typically, cameras of this class use CCD sensors, but Sony has opted for the Exmor CMOS chips used in its Alpha dSLRs. Also, this has a mechanical shutter which rattles off at 10 frames per second (fps) in full resolution.

If the 28mm wide-angle lens is not wide enough to capture a landscape shot, there is a Sweeping Panorama function which allows you to pan across the scene while the HX1 takes and stitches the pictures together to form a high-resolution image.

Sony is also catching up with Canon in the race for full-HD video capture. The new superzoom can record clips in 1080p resolution at 30fps. This rivals the PowerShot SX1 IS and we think it's a matter of time before other brands implement a similar function into their shooters as well.

The HX1 will be available in the US from April, with availability in Asia unconfirmed at press time. Pricing is to be advised and we will update when we get more information.

Filed under: Digital Cameras
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Jignasha Patel

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Jignasha Patel says...
It is like a old modal.

Mar 03, 2009 18:36

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Guwahati

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Guwahati says...
Its d age of 26x, and atleast 12mp.......
Given Sonys high pricing and uncompetetive features, serious consumers will give it a passe.

Mar 07, 2009 20:58

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