PMA09: Sony DSC-HX1 superzoom bursting with new features

[M_Smith]

PMA09: Sony DSC-HX1 superzoom bursting with new features
[SIZE=-1]Although Sony has already announced most of its new 2009 point-and-shoot cameras, they saved the most unique model for the PMA09 show here in Vegas. Today, Sony unveils a 9-megapixel superzoom, Cyber-shot DSC-HX1, $500. (Click on the images for closer looks.)
This is the first in a new product line replacing Sony's "H" series of superzooms. It features a CMOS sensor (most others are CCDs) and a 20x optical zoom, the longest for Sony thus far. It also includes wide-angle capability. However, the following features are what make this Cyber-shot stand out:

• Speedy, flexible burst mode: Burst modes are nothing new on digital cameras, but higher burst rates are one of the camera industry's newest trends. The GHX1 go most cameras one better by shooting either 5 or 10 frames per second (fps) for 10 shots, or 2 fps for up to 100 shots. Sony says that the burst mode uses a mechanical shutter, instead of an electronic one, to minimize distortion.

• Flexible Panorama: Many digital cameras have in-camera panorama modes. Most take three shots and then use in-camera software to stitch the images together. The HX1 can fire off dozens of shots while you pan across either a wide ultra wide range, either left-to-right or right-to-left. You can also shoot vertical panoramas. As with most other cameras, the HX1 resizes panoramas to around 5 to 10 megapixels, so that they aren't too large.
• Counteracting noise and blur: Another HX1 feature counteracts visual noise or motion blur. Here's how it works: The camera will fire off six shots in a burst. In one mode, the HX1 selects sections from each of the six shots and choose the ones with the least amount of noise. In the other, anti-motion blur, mode, it selects sections with the least amount of blur. Then, it composites the six images together, in-camera.
• HD video quality: Although the HX1 is certainly not the first digital camera to claim HD quality video, Sony says the videos will be 1080p resolution at 30 frames per second. There's also a built-in stereo microphone.

I'll have more news from PMA09 in Vegas here on the Electronics Blog. For help in choosing the right camera for your needs, see Consumer Reports' free online Buying Guide for Digital Cameras.
?Terry Sullivan
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