| |
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX1 reviews
You can find here the most interesting reviews / ratings from the well-known expert sites about the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX1 Camera. Here are the reviewers:
|
- 29 April 2010 - |
|
- 4.5 |
|
- 20 January 2010 - |
|
- 3.5 |
|
- 04 January 2010 - |
|
- 4 |
|
- 28 December 2009 - |
|
- 0 |
|
- 19 November 2009 - |
|
- 4.5 |
|
- 16 November 2009 - |
|
- 0 |
|
- 13 November 2009 - |
|
- 0 |
|
- 21 October 2009 - |
|
- 4 |
|
- 14 October 2009 - |
|
- 0 |
|
- 30 September 2009 - |
|
- 4 |
TrustedReviews 's conclusion / rating - 29 April 2010 |
“ The Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-WX1 is exactly what a luxury ultra-compact should be; a tiny techno-toy crammed with all the latests gadgets and gizmos, with fast performance, plenty of clever features and decent picture quality to match. It may look a bit dull but it is very well made, and despite the price it's actually not bad value... ”
TrustedReviews's rating: |
|
- 4.5 |
Complete review here
RegHardware 's conclusion / rating - 20 January 2010 |
“ All in all, the DSC-WX1 is a bit of a curate’s egg. You get a dinky camera and some nice features like, Sweep Panorama and high-speed, full resolution continuous mode, but at £300, its performance is a bit lacking. We also think Sony should swallow a bit of corporate pride and start offering compacts that use SD cards and standard AV interfaces... ”
RegHardware's rating: |
|
- 3.5 |
Complete review here
Buy-n-shoot 's conclusion / rating - 04 January 2010 |
“ As a complete package, there isn’t much that the Cyber-Shot DSC-WX1 doesn’t offer: it’s sleek and stylish, affordably priced, produced quality images, is packed full of an array of expected features s well as being topped with numerous little cherries to really help this camera assert itself amongst the pack... ”
Buy-n-shoot's rating: |
|
- 4 |
Complete review here
DigitalCameraReview 's conclusion / rating - 28 December 2009 |
“ I really enjoyed using the WX1 and I captured some interesting images with it, but I also found the camera a bit frustrating - it sometimes appears to have been designed by a committee. On the one hand, the WX1 provides a lot of nifty features that were clearly added to appeal to more advanced shooters - it has a very good zoom that starts at a wide angle equivalent of 24mm, a manual White Balance mode, a 720p video mode, and enhanced low light shooting capabilities.
On the other hand, the camera is auto exposure only (which limits user input into the creative process), it has no optical viewfinder and, unlike similar digicams from other manufacturers, doesn't provide direct access (via shortcut menu) to the most commonly changed/adjusted camera settings and functions like white balance, sensitivity, and exposure compensation. The WX1 is also ultra-compact, easy to use, has loads of neat features, and it's stylish in a minimalist sort of way - all reasons why it should appeal to casual photographers and snap-shooters... ”
DigitalCameraReview's rating: |
|
- 0 |
Complete review here
PhotographyBLOG 's conclusion / rating - 19 November 2009 |
“ The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX1 offers the same focus on image quality rather than simply increasing the megapixel count as its sister model, the TX1, with more conventional controls and a cheaper price-tag.
Sony's new Exmor-R sensor certainly delivers the goods in terms of image quality, with the promise of better low-light performance borne out in practice. Despite having such a small image sensor, the WX1 produces impressive results up to ISO 800, with noise not really becoming apparent until the relatively slow speed of 1600. Colours are accurate, chromatic aberrations virtually non-existent, the Sweep Panorama mode makes capturing panoramic images as effortless as it gets, and the super-fast 10fps burst mode at full resolution is the real icing on the cake. Only a rather limiting fastest shutter speed of 2 seconds detracts from the otherwise excellent pictures that this camera takes.
The 24mm wide-angle lens is also a great performer, with not too much barrel distortion despite the extreme angle of view, and a very versatile 5x focal range that also allows you to get close up and personal. The lens is one of the key reasons why we'd choose the WX1 over the TX1, as is the lack of touchscreen interface. While this is initially an attraction on the TX1, ultimately it's quicker and easier to navigate your way around a camera using the more conventional button-driven controls of the WX1.
Although cheaper than the TX1, $350 / £300 is still a lot to ask for the WX1 - after all, this is only a 10 megapixel point-and-shoot camera with no manual modes to speak of. Having said that, if you don't need or want the ability to fully control your camera, then the Sony Cyber-shot WX1 makes an excellent choice. Its wealth of innovative hand-holding modes makes it easy to successfully shoot regular photos, panoramas, and particularly low-light images, an area where most compacts really struggle. It may only look like yet another compact camera, but the Sony WX1 delivers impressive results in a fun and easy way... ”
PhotographyBLOG's rating: |
|
- 4.5 |
Complete review here
DCResource 's conclusion / rating - 16 November 2009 |
“ Like many of you, I was quite intrigued by the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX1 when it was announced. Sony combined a fast lens (at least at wide-angle) with a new sensor design that promises "twice the sensitivity of traditional image sensors" and put them into a compact point-and-shoot camera. Unfortunately, the WX1's image quality is lacking, the lens is a disappointment, and the camera is missing the features found on cheaper W-series models (save for the HD movie mode). While the new Exmor R CMOS sensor allows for fast continuous shooting and a cool sweep panorama feature, there's only a modest improvement at higher ISOs compared to "regular" cameras. All-in-all, the DSC-WX1 didn't live up to the hype for me, which is why I have a hard time recommending it.
....
In the end, the Cyber-shot DSC-WX1 just didn't do it for me. I like its performance, well-implemented face and smile detection system, cool sweep panorama feature, and HD movie mode. However, the WX1's disappointing image quality and so-so ergonomics coupled with the fact that it costs more than the DSC-W290 but has fewer features makes me think that your money could be better spent on another camera... ”
Complete review here
PhotographyBay 's conclusion / rating - 13 November 2009 |
“ Sony Cybershot WX1 Review
Written by Eric on November 13th, 2009 | 0 Comments
Sony Cybershot WX1
The Sony Cybershot WX1 is a 10.1-megapixel point and shoot camera – but it isn’t just another camera with a new model number and more megapixels. The WX1 provides everything that you get in your run-of-the-mill point and shoot camera, but also adds some great features like an easy panoramic mode, an effective low light mode and a powerful new imaging sensor.
Sony Cybershot WX1 Key Features
* 10.1 Megapixels
* 5x Optical Zoom (24-120mm equivalent)
* 2.7″ LCD
* ISO 80-3200
* Memory Stick Compatibility
* Rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery
How It Feels
Sony Cybershot WX1
The Sony WX1 is definitely a pocket camera. I had no trouble toting the WX1 around in my jeans or shorts pockets. Even for a smaller camera, the WX1 felt pretty good when shooting with it. The shutter button only takes a very light touch and could be used one-handed; however, I still preferred putting two hands on the camera to minimize the shake.
Overall, I like the button layout and the handy mode dial. I’m a dial fanatic though, so you may not consider this as convenient as I do. As far as I’m concerned, if you can put it on a dial, button or wheel, then do it.
The WX1 doesn’t go that far though. The key settings that ought to be on a dial can be found there, and those of us who like to tinker with customizing those settings can dig into the menus to find what we’re looking for.
5x Zoom Sony G Lens
Sony Cybershot WX1
I was impressed with the zoom range that Sony managed to pack into this small camera. The 5x zoom gives you the equivalent of 24-120mm on a 35mm-sized camera. There is some barrel distortion at the wide end of the zoom range, but that is to be expected.
Zoom speed from wide to tele and back is neither slow nor lightning fast. I would consider it adequate for most point and shooters’ concerns.
Sony’s SteadyShot image stabilization works as advertised. It definitely helps reduce blur from camera shake, and should probably be left on at all times. I was surprised that I could get a family album keeper or two from such a slow shutter speed. Big kudos to Sony on its image stabilization efforts.
Image Quality
The WX1 features Sony’s new Exmor R CMOS image sensor, which has just been introduced in Sony’s most recent compact camera update. The WX1 is one of the first cameras to get this upgrade (the TX1 also gets the Exmor R sensor).
The Exmor R sensor takes a different approach over conventional imaging sensors from other manufacturers. Ordinarily, there are wires and other circuit elements positioned above the light sensitive photo-diodes on an image sensor. Sony’s Exmor R sensor puts this stuff behind the photo-diodes so it doesn’t have any unnecessary inhibitions to the sensor’s light gathering ability.
This sensor seems to make a difference too, as I was pretty impressed with the low light and high ISO performance of the camera. It holds its own against bigger point and shoot cameras that are known for their low light performance. I expected the Canon G11 to readily trounce it, but found myself second-guessing the G11 after squinting a bit at the images from it and the WX1.
The above image is a 100% view of two images from the Canon G11 and Sony WX1 at their highest ISO settings in rather poor lighting conditions.
For reference, here’s a zoomed out view of the whole scene:
More kudos to Sony for reigning in noise on such small camera.
Cool Features
Sweep Panorama is probably my favorite feature in the WX1. This feature was originally introduced in the Sony HX1 at PMA 2009. It works just as well in this smaller camera as it does in the much larger HX1.
Just set the mode dial to the panorama icon, and pan the camera in the direction of arrow. When the WX1 has the shot, it will let you know.
This Sweep Panorama setting makes those huge panoramic images possible for those of us that aren’t going to take the time or effort to stitch several photos together in post-processing software. Granted, this process is much easier now, thanks to the availability of auto-stitching in consumer software products like Photoshop Elements 8; however, it’s still a very pleasing result to point and shoot your panoramic images with no further fuss. (Note – the levels and saturation for the second image were tweaked in post-processing – the stitch is straight out of camera though)
Handheld Twilight is a low-light shooting mode that helps you capture scenes that would otherwise not be possible without the aid of a tripod or ridiculously high ISO settings. This is another one of those “amazing” features.
When set to this HHT mode (as you’ll hear it referred to), the WX1 captures six images quickly and then combines them to create a single, sharp image with low noise. The fast exposures aid in keeping noise down and preventing camera shake blur. I noticed that some of the shots were a bit warmer in HHT mode than in other modes though.
Above, you see the results of the HHT mode on the left and a normal image captured in “P” mode on the right. Look at how blurry the normal capture is and compare it to the HHT mode capture. Handheld Twilight works as advertised.
Anti Motion Blur (AMB) mode is very similar to HHT mode, except that AMB mode is designed to help you stop action in low light, while HHT mode is geared toward use on non-moving subjects. Both seem to do their job quite well.
All of these modes that I’ve talked about so far in this “Cool Features” section are accessible directly on the mode dial so that you don’t have to go digging around in menus to find them. This accessibility will help those of you who are apprehensive about customizing the settings on your camera. So, if you get a little lost in these modes, you can just flip the mode dial back over to the fully auto mode with the little green camera.
10 Frames Per Second is the last cool feature that I’ll talk about. The WX1 actually gives you the ability to capture a succession of 10 frames in as little as 1 second. Additionally, these frames are captured at full resolution, which is an uncommon feature on a point and shoot camera. This burst mode is selectable via a small button near the shutter release on top of the camera. It’s another convenient way to keep you out of the menu while you are trying to capture an image. You can adjust the frame rate at 10 fps, 5 fps or 2 fps; however, the maximum burst is still 10 frames.
In the above images, I caught my favorite model strolling through the park using the high-speed burst on the WX1. Panning and autofocus tracking of moving subjects are not strong-suits of the WX1; however, this mode will definitely have its uses for some.
Conclusion
Overall, I think the Sony WX1 is one of the leading, consumer-oriented point and shoot cameras. If you’re ready to recognize that a pocket-sized camera is smarter than you, and you can trust it to do it’s job, you’ll have a happy relationship with the Sony WX1.
However, don’t buy this camera unless you’re willing to move the mode dial away from the “full auto” setting. The special features like Sweep Panorama , Anti Motion Blur and Handheld Twilight modes help distinguish the WX1 from the rest of the point and shoot crowd. If you deny the WX1 the ability to help you in those low light settings, there’s only yourself to blame... ”
PhotographyBay's rating: |
|
- 0 |
Complete review here
CNET UK 's conclusion / rating - 21 October 2009 |
“ What it really comes down to with the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX1 is expectations. Just because Sony has used a sensor found in its high-end camcorders and a lens based on those from its Alpha dSLRs, should you expect excellent photo quality? It certainly sounds reasonable. But, in the end, the fun-to-use DSC-WX1 is still a point-and-shoot camera, capable of above-average photos under challenging conditions where most other snappers in its class fail... ”
Complete review here
Imaging Resource 's conclusion / rating - 14 October 2009 |
“ The Sony WX1 has some magic up its sleeve. Its new sensor sees better in low light and it can grab a handful of shots in the dark and composite them into an image you can't capture with other cameras. Add Sweep Panorama to the picture and the Sony WX1 spells compact fun.
However, the Sony WX1 was a little too compact for me, the battery cover springing open and the Mode dial turning at unexpected times. I also found the buttons too small and the small icons impossible to read in low light. If you're in the same boat, consider the Sony WX1's touchscreen sibling, the TX1.
There was good detail in the images, but the reds and blues were clearly oversaturated. But the Sony WX1's 5x G lens with optical image stabilization wasn't really a liability. In fact, its 24mm wide-angle focal length was a boon in such a small camera. For its extreme low light capability in such a remarkably small package, the Sony WX1 still earns a Dave's Pick, but those without small hands should probably handle the camera first to make sure they'll be able to operate this diminutive digital camera... ”
Imaging Resource's rating: |
|
- 0 |
Complete review here
CNET 's conclusion / rating - 30 September 2009 |
“ What it really comes down to with the WX1 is expectations. Just because Sony used a sensor found in its high-end camcorders and a lens based on those from its Alpha digital SLRs, should you expect excellent photo quality? It certainly sounds reasonable. But in the end the WX1 is still a point-and-shoot, capable of above average photos under challenging conditions where most other cameras in its class fail. It's a fun little camera to use, too... ”
Complete review here
|
|
Comments (6)
Video reviews (3)
Camera info
Digg
del.icio.us
Reddit
Google
Home
Simulator