March 3, 2009: Sony Europe has released details of the new Cyber-shot HX1, which features a 20x optical zoom lens and a new Sony-developed ‘Exmor’ CMOS sensor with an effective resolution of 9.1 megapixels.
Measuring 5.92 x 4.57 mm, this sensor uses technology developed for the Sony Alpha digital SLR program and produces images with reduced noise, especially when shooting in high ISO settings. It also supports full-resolution shooting at up to 10 frames/second using a mechanical shutter. The ‘Exmor’ CMOS sensor supports two new shooting modes. For static subjects, the Handheld Twilight mode grabs a high-speed burst of six frames, combining them to create a single optimised image with dramatically reduced noise levels. For moving subjects, the Anti Motion Blur mode also superimposes six frames to produce one composite image with reduced subject blur.
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Front view of the Cyber-shot HX1.
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Rear view showing the main button controls and tilting LCD monitor.
Making its Cyber-shot debut is a new G Lens that has been designed to complement the CMOS sensor and Bionz processor chips. Developed originally for Sony’s Alpha DSLRs, the G Lens in the HX1 teams aspherical and ED (extra-low dispersion) elements to minimise common aberrations and provide sharp images. It covers a focal length range equivalent to 28-560mm in 35mm format. A new ‘Sweep Panorama’ mode enables users to capture a panned sequence of shots, which will be stitched together automatically in the camera to create an extra-wide, high resolution image.
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The Sweep Panorama mode allows users to create extra-wide shots by panning across the scene. It can also be used with the camera held vertically and for vertical panoramas.
Panoramas can be viewed as a scrolling preview on the camera’s 3-inch tilting Clear Photo, 230,000 dot LCD screen or new S-Frame digital photo frames or previewed on a PlayStation3. The Cyber-shot HX1 is the first compact camera from Sony capable of shooting 1080/30p HD movies at 30 frames/second. HD movies and still photos can be viewed on Sony’s Bravia TV sets or any HD Ready television (optional cable required). A new jog dial simplifies ‘click and rotate’ selection and adjustment of camera settings. For extra convenience, there’s also a Digital SLR-style Custom button that can be assigned to Smile Shutter, White Balance adjust or metering mode select functions.
The Cyber-shot DSC-HX1 digital compact camera is scheduled for release from the beginning of May 2009.
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