Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX1

By Leonard Goh, CNET Asia
Aug 6, 2009

For sleek and stylish cameras, the Sony Cyber-shot T series is one of the top choices in the market. Today, the Japanese electronics giant introduces a more powerful sub-category to this family of shooters. The 10.2-megapixel TX1 retains the same, slim profile of its siblings such as the T90, but this new model has a couple of nifty features which makes taking good pictures an easier task. Also, Sony used a new sensor, the Exmor R (first seen on the superzoom HX1), which claims to be twice as sensitive to light. How did it fare? Here are our early impressions.

Design

When placed side-by-side with the T90, the TX1 is not easily distinguishable. It has the same sliding front cover which protects the lens as well as powers up the camera when pushed down. However, we noticed the new Cyber-shot has a tapered end which accentuates the fashionable look of this camera.

As the TX1 is a touchscreen-operated snapper, you won't find many buttons on it. On the top are the power/shutter button and the zoom lever, while a playback switch is situated along the bezel of the 3-inch LCD.

The TX1 fits comfortably in our hands. Even though it weighs only 142g (with battery and memory media), the construction of the point-and-shoot feels solid. The glossy shell didn't attract much fingerprints after we handled it, save for the large LCD on the rear, but this is a common issue for touchscreen shooters.

Features

Don't let the petite look of the TX1 fool you. This camera is a powerhouse capable of delivering good pictures even in low-light conditions. Part of its achievements can be attributed to the new Exmor image sensor which Sony claims is more sensitive to light, but we think the other new features have a part to play, too.

One of the highlights is the Hand-held Twilight mode, which, when activated, snaps six pictures in quick succession when you press the shutter. The Bionz engine will then superimpose these pictures on top on each other to create the sharpest possible image. We tried this function to take some pictures at night without a tripod, and found the results to be extremely satisfactory. Noise level was kept to a minimum and the edges of our subject were sharp. Details looked well-rendered, too. Considering the unit we had was a pre-production model, we expect the actual camera to perform at the same level, if not, better.

The Anti-motion Blur mode functions in a similar fashion as the Hand-held Twilight mode by taking six photographs quickly and superimposing them. But this feature is optimized for taking pictures of fast-moving subjects such as race cars and active children.

The Sweep Panorama mode, which debuted on the Cyber-shot HX1, can be found on the TX1 as well. Instead of having to manually take two or more shots and stitch them together on the camera or computer, this feature allows users to hold down the shutter and pan the shooter across the scene. This generates a 5.3-megapixel (4,912 x 1,080-pixel) panoramic shot as seen on the right.

Outlook

Unlike most point-and-shoots we've tried which faltered in low-light situations, the TX1 managed to hold up well. So far, we didn't find any major flaws with the new Cyber-shot, except for the lack of a wide-angle lens which we would have appreciated.

The Cyber-shot DSC-TX1 will be available in Asia from September with pricing to be advised. Check back soon for the full review.

• Most Popular

• Upcoming

What's Hot