Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1

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Camera manufacturers seem to have chosen megazooms as their latest battlefield. Thankfully, the fight isn't just about who's got the biggest lens. In this case, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1 incorporates several technologies from the Alpha dSLRs. In theory, the combination should deliver better photo quality than we're used to seeing in this class. In practice, it doesn't. Fast performance, solid video, and some truly interesting features make it worth considering, but the specter of middling photo quality will haunt your decision like the ghost of vacation pictures past.

Editors' note:

This review is based on tests done by our sister site CNET.com. As such, please note that there may be slight differences in the testing procedure and ratings system. For more information on the actual tests conducted on the product, please inquire directly at the site where the article was originally published. References made to some other products in this review may not be available or applicable in Asia.

Design

The HX1 may look like a dSLR but it lacks an interchangeable lens system.
(Click for larger image)

The HX1 is relatively compact for a megazoom, tipping the scales at 435g and with physical dimensions of 115 x 83 x 92mm. This makes for a big grip that is comfortable to hold.

The body is somewhat cluttered with buttons. On the top left you've a button that toggles between the small electronic viewfinder and the tilting but low-resolution 3-inch LCD. Behind the pop-up flash sits the stereo microphone. Next to that is the power button with a review and custom button that you can set one of three shortcuts: White balance, metering or Smile Shutter.

At the front top of the grip is the shutter with zoom switch. The zoom feels pretty typical for this class; it operates smoothly, but because it's stepped, you can never be quite sure where it stops. In the middle lie the focus selection and drive mode buttons.

Tags: DSLR, Button, Sony Corp., LCD, HX1

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