Sony Cybershot HX1 Camera Announced Today

March 2009, Carl Garrard (Update 3-2 Cybershot HX1-Product Images)

Today Sony announces the new Sony Cybershot HX1 Digital Camera, set to compete in the very popular superzoom category. Normally we do not report on Cybershot news here at AlphaMountWorld, yet our preview shows this camera was simply way too interesting to ignore. If you think this camera is just a slightly modified Cybershot H50, we ask that you think again. For the first time, Sony has incorporated Alpha DSLR technology into a Cybershot digital camera. The Sony Cybershot HX1 boasts a 20x Zoom 28mm-560mm "G" lens, 9 Megapixel Exmor 1/2.4" CMOS sensor, and a BIONZ processor. Clearly, these are proven technologies borrowed from the Alpha line. The Sony HX1 also features other neat tricks under its skin. Features like full 9mp resolution 10fps still image recording, 1080p HD Video with Stereo Sound recording (at up to 30fps), a one of a kind Panorama mode that stitches several images automatically in camera (with only one press of the shutter), and a real mechanical shutter apparently to help eliminate image distortion electronic shutters can sometimes introduce.

Our first impression with the Sony Cybershot HX1 is that it seems Sony is aggressively addressing image quality issues that quite frankly needed improvement in the Sony H50. By not increasing the resolution over its predecessor (hooray!) and including "G" elements into it's lens, I anticipate this should help matters considerably, yet we will need to test this camera to prove these upgrades do in fact make a difference. This will be the first time a high end Cybershot has strayed from using a Carl Zeiss lens that I can remember. Needless to say this new camera is very interesting to us here, and subsequently we will be reviewing our first Cybershot to see how well these "Alpha" additions add up to its overall performance. We will give many more details about the camera as soon as they are available to us.

Here are some technical specifications from Sony on the HX1 "G" Lens

The Sony Cybershot HX1 also uses two of its scene modes (Twilight and Anti-Motion Blur) to take several overlapping images and then combines them automatically in-camera... add some tricky processing and this process apparently helps to reduce high sensitivity image noise by a claimed 50%. This is an interesting feature that I think if performs as advertised will be very welcome among Cybershot enthusiasts.

One of the features that I particulary paid attention to during the press conference and am really excited about is the Sweep Panorama Mode. Sony has introduced a feature that works like no other. The information given to me thus far on this mode is a bit vague, yet I will share with you what I know so far. Instead of taking several different shots then having to stitch them afterwards in post processing, the Cybershot HX1 takes one wide image and processes it internally to remove any distortions prior to viewing, just like a regular image. The Cybershot HX1 can be set to take the image from left to right, or right to left for a landscape shot and from top to bottom, or bottom to top for a portait shot. Below is an illustration of the Sweep Panorama Mode, showing the various angle of coverage, from both a landscape and portrait perspective. Pretty nifty trick if you ask me.

Sweep Panorama Mode Illustration

Clearly, Sony has been working hard on redefining their flagship superzoom camera, and obviously needed to stay competitive in the highly popular segment of compact hybrid cameras. Set to sell for a MSRP retail price of $499.00, the Cybershot HX1 has a lot of value going for such a seemingly advanced package.

Here are some of the main specifications of the Sony Cybershot HX1

We are set here at AlphaMountWorld to do our first Cybershot Review of the HX1. I feel that because Alpha technology is being introduced into the HX1, it could serve as a compelling backup camera or travel camera our readers might be interested in. I am personally interested in seeing how this camera performs as well. We will have more information on this camera as it comes to us and will include all of it in a final review.

Here are more images of the HX-1, and we will continue to revise our Preview as more information is available to us.

SONY PRESENTS FIRST CYBER-SHOT CAMERA

WITH SWEEP PANORAMA TECHNOLOGY

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 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.

Stay tuned for our final review of the Sony Cybershot HX1!