Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1

9.1 Megapixel Super HAD™ CCD Image Sensor:

The HX1 features a 9.1 megapixel Exmor™ CMOS image sensor that brings out the full resolving power of the camera's precision G-Lens to deliver extremely fast speed, high resolution, and stunning low-light sensitivity with improved image clarity and drastically reduced noise. With 9.1 megapixels, you can create stunning, photo-quality prints up to A3+ (13x19”) size, or crop your images and still come away with high resolution shots.

Professional Quality G-Lens:

Designed and manufactured to the highest standards of optical performance, the Sony G-Lens is optimized to perfectly complement the advanced image sensors and image processing technology in Sony's cameras. G lenses are used in top of the line digital single lens reflex (DSLR) cameras and advanced pro-sumer HD Camcorders. Capture the action up close with the 20x optical zoom, and with the 28mm wide angle lens the HX1 even allows you to capture more of the scenes in landscape or group portraits. The HX1's G Lens has a six blade aperture capable of producing a beautiful bokeh (beautifully defocused backgrounds with a soft natural feel). The aspherical lens elements made from ED (extra-low dispersion) minimize chromatic aberration common to high-magnification lenses.

20x High Zoom:

20x optical zoom extends your reach and helps bring you closer to the action – a real benefit for sporting events, wildlife, distant landscape views and dramatic portrait shots.

28mm Wide Angle Lens:

Widen your view and capture more of the city, landscape, or group with a 28mm wide angle G lens.

3.0" Clear Photo LCD™ tilt display (230k pixels):

Compose and show off your images on the large 3.0” 1 (230K) Clear Photo LCD Plus™ display, which tilts up or down approximately 90 degrees for easier high and low angle shooting and features a special anti-reflective coating for sharp visibility, even in bright sunlight.

CMOS Sensor:

Enjoy extremely high resolution, fine tonal gradation and fast speed that faithfully reproduces every detail of your subject and reduces visual noise. The Exmor™ CMOS sensor brings out the full potential of the lens to ensure clear, high-precession image quality.

BIONZ™ image processor:

The BIONZ™ image processor delivers the high resolution and fast performance you expect from a Sony® digital camera.

Colors available in:

The Cyber-shot® DSC-HX1 camera is available in black.

High Speed Shooting (10fps):

The HX1 can capture full 9.1 megapixel resolution images at up to 10 fps, helping to ensure you never miss the decisive moment. What's more, the HX1 employs a mechanical shutter that helps reduce distortion when continuously shooting moving subjects.

Sweep Panorama Mode:

Reach beyond the traditional wide angle lens, and capture more breathtaking shots with the Sweep Panorama Mode. Simply press the shutter button and sweep the camera in the desired direction (horizontal or vertical), and the camera continuously shoots at a high speed and then seamlessly stitches the images together to create one stunning panoramic image. Available in wide and ultra-wide options, the camera can take panoramic shots of up to 224 degrees, which is wider than a fish-eye lens. Now capturing wide landscapes or church spires or skyscrapers are as easy and press and sweep.

Handheld Twilight Mode:

Capture cleaner and sharper night shots without using a tripod. When set to Handheld Twilight Mode, the HX1 captures six images in a fraction of a second with one press of the shutter, keeping the moving object from one and superimposing the rest of the frame from the 6 images doubling the sensitivity to create a single optimized image with 50% less noise than an image shot with a camera with a traditional image sensor.

Anti-Motion Blur Mode:

Anti Motion Blur mode with allows you to capture shots with reduced noise and less blur., ideal when subject or object moves, in dim light environment or when using telephoto, This is made possible by the fast speed of the Exmor™ CMOS sensor with High ISO and the power of the BIONZ™ processor which allows the camera to detect subject movement and camera shake which might blur the main subject. Six images are taken in a fraction of a second and are layered into one, creating the optimal image with approximately 50% less noise (compared to image shot with camera with traditional sensor).

HD Movie (1080p):

Capture your movies in stunning 1080p HD resolution and with the built in stereo microphone record audio that is crisp and clear. Continue to extend your reach, and use the 20x zoom to capture those moments at a distance. The HD movie files are recorded at 30fps (1440x1080) in the high quality, high compression MPEG4 AVC/H.264 format, for easy sharing on a compatible PC, and when uploaded on to the web. Maximum recording time per movie is 29minutes, limited to available capacity on storage media. HX1 also has HDMI™ connectivity that allows images can be shared in high definition on a compatible HDTV 5 .

Intelligent Auto Mode:

Intelligent Auto (iAuto) mode goes beyond traditional auto settings by recognizing and adjusting to scene conditions and lighting, enhancing natural skin tones, and reducing blur. By incorporating advanced features such as Intelligence Scene Recognition, Face Detection technology, and Optical SteadyShot™ image stabalization, iAuto lets you take advantage of the latest Sony Cyber-shot technology without leaving auto mode. Whether you're shooting expansive landscapes, capturing playground action, or taking pictures at a birthday party or wedding shower, iAuto will optimize your camera's settings to help ensure you come away with a great shot.

Intelligent Scene Recognition:

Intelligent Scene Recognition (iSCN) Mode automatically detects eight different types of scenes and, within just 1/30th of a second, selects the appropriate camera settings: Backlight, Backlight Portrait, Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Twilight using a Tripod, Portrait, Landscape, and Macro. iSCN has two modes: Auto and Advanced. In Auto Mode, the camera takes a single shot using the optimal settings. In Advance Mode, the camera takes a photo with the standard automatic settings and, if in difficult lighting (low light or back light) immediately takes a second photo with optimized setting so you can chose which to keep.

Face Detection technology:

Face Detection technology detects up to eight individual faces and controls flash, focus, exposure, and white balance to deliver accurate, natural skin tones with reduced red-eye. It can also give priority to children or adults. Newly added Face Motion Detection adjusts ISO sensitivity and accelerates the shutter speed when facial movement is detected, reducing blur in the subjects face.

Selected Face Memory:

Optimizing focus, exposure, and white balance for a specific face is easier now with selectable facial memory, even when the subject leaves the frame. This feature is perfect at weddings and other events where the goal is always to focus on a certain person.

Anti-blink Function:

It's frustrating to think you've captured that perfect shot, only to review it later and discover one of your subjects blinked just as you pressed the shutter. The Anti-blink function works to help counter blinking and squinting. When the camera is set to Portrait, the Anti-blink function captures two images, recording only the photo with less squinting. If a blink is detected in other shooting modes, a warning will be tilt displayed after you take the shot.

Red-eye Reduction:

Helps reduce common red-eye problems.

Smile Shutter™ Technology:

The popular Smile Shutter™ technology automatically detects and captures a smiling face. Simply activate by pressing the Smile Shutter button and the camera will capture a smile the moment it happens. You can also select subject priority (Adult or Child Priority or touch subject on screen) and indicate the degree of Smile Detection Sensitivity to high (small smile), medium (laugh) or low (grin). Smile Shutter also makes a great substitute for the self timer. Just smile once everyone is ready, and the camera will automatically capture the shot.

Double Anti-blur Solution:

The combination of Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization and High ISO sensitivity helps compensate for shaky hands, minimizes blur, and allows flash-free shooting to preserve the mood.

Optical SteadyShot™ Image Stabilization:

Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization uses a built-in gyro sensor to detect camera shake and automatically shifts the lens to help prevent blur without sacrificing image quality.

High Sensitivity Mode (ISO 3200):

High ISO allows for faster shutter speed, so you can take photos indoors or in low light without the need for a flash. In addition to High Sensitivity Mode (ISO), you can select up to eight ISO settings (Auto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200) when shooting in Program Auto Mode to adjust sensitivity to your shooting conditions.

Dynamic Range Optimizer Standard and Plus:

Dynamic Range Optimizer (DRO) Standard and Plus uses a sophisticated algorithm to determine the best exposure and contrast settings for almost any shooting environment. The result is more natural images with clearer details that more closely match what your naked eye sees. DRO is particularly effective when shooting backlit portraits or any scene with a dramatic contrast between background and foreground lighting. DRO Plus allows for even greater optimization by analyzing each region of an image and performing additional image processing.

Convenient Photo Modes:

Choose from 13 convenient photo modes to quickly adjust for specific shooting conditions. Photo modes include iAuto, Easy, Program, and Scene Selection such as High Sensitivity, Landscape, Soft Snap, Twilight Portrait, Twilight, Beach, Snow, Fireworks, Underwater and Gourmet Mode. Gourmet Mode lets you capture mouth-watering culinary creations with all the color and clarity of images you see in gourmet magazines.

9-Point Auto Focus:

Because an off-centered subject can make your shot more interesting, a 9-point auto focus system measures nine precision focus points, giving you greater creative freedom to compose your images.

Function Guide:

This beginner-friendly optional function helps navigate through the various functions and settings tilt displaying the description of chosen functions or settings on the LCD screen.

Intelligent Auto Focus:

Auto Focus has become more intelligent, too. Cyber-shot automatically detects the changing situations such as subject brightness or zoom ratio, and activates the auto focus before the user presses the shutter button.

Functional Button Layout:

The HX1 draws on the functional layout of Sony® a (alpha) digital SLR cameras with the incorporation of a jog dial for easy, one-handed selection of settings, as well as a custom button that can be programmed to access one of three commonly used settings – Smile Shutter™ technology, white balance, or metering mode.

Easy Shooting Mode:

With Easy Shooting Mode, even beginners can take great photos. In Easy Shooting Mode, easy-to-understand basic instructions are tilt displayed on the LCD screen and the camera switches to all automatic settings with iSCN so you can just take the photo without worrying about settings. The menu is also simplified on playback to provide limited but straight forward operating functions for those afraid of choosing wrong settings.

16:9 High Resolution Mode:

Using the 16:9 High Resolution Mode, you can record high resolution images in the 16:9 aspect ratio favored by HDTVs. This setting is ideal if you plan to view your images on a compatible HDTV 6 and invite friends and family members under for a slideshow.

Memory Stick Duo™ Media Convenience:

The Cyber-shot® DSC-HX1 camera accepts Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media (sold separately).

Stamina® Battery Power:

Provides extended battery life and shooting capacity when using a fully-charged lithium-ion battery. The included battery supports up to 390 shots 7 .

Easy Image Management:

Easy Image Management takes the hassle out of sorting through large volumes of image data, so you can quickly select and view your desired photos. Photos can be browsed in four convenient ways: by Standard Folder view, Date view, Event view, and Favorites showing only user-selected images. You can also harness the power of Face Detection technology to filter by face type (choices include All People, Children, Infants, and Smiles).

HDTV Compatibility:

HDTV Compatibility: View your photos and videos in glorious high definition on a Sony® BRAVIA® or similar HDTV using the optional VMC-MHC2 HD output adapter cable (sold separately).

BRAVIA® Sync™:

When connected to a BRAVIA® Sync™ enabled BRAVIA® HDTV via HDMI™ output on the supplied HDMI adapter (HDMI™ cable required, sold separately), the Cyber-shot® HX1 camera playback screen will automatically display, and you can control camera playback using your BRAVIA® HDTV remote control8. Just press the Sync button on the remote to display a dedicated menu. Such easy operation makes viewing your photos and videos on a large-screen TV even more enjoyable.

PhotoTV HD:

PhotoTV HD: Bring your photos to life and enjoy highly detailed, high definition images with PhotoTV HD-capable Sony® BRAVIA® HDTVs 2 . PhotoTV HD fine tunes settings on your HDTV, such as sharpness, gradation, and color to tilt display images that look more like actual printed photos.

Wide Zoom tilt display:

To use the entire image area of the compatible HDTV screen (sold separately), Wide Zoom tilt display automatically expands standard 4:3 and 3:2 images to 16:9.

PHOTOMUSIC feature:

PHOTOMUSIC 3 combines images with music (5 minutes per track) to produce fun and entertaining slide shows. The standard visual effects (Simple, Nostalgic, Active, and Stylish). Select from pre-loaded tracks on camera or transfer your own from your compatible PC (sold separately).

In-Camera Retouching Tools:

Retouch and enhance your pictures on the go with 10 in-camera editing functions: Trimming, Red-Eye Correction, Soft Focus, Partial Color, Fisheye Lens, Cross Filter, Radial Blur, Retro, Happy Face and Unsharp Masking effects.

Multi-purpose Resize function:

The Multi-purpose Resize function lets you change the aspect ratio of an image right in the camera, so you can adjust images as necessary, whether you want to tilt display them on a compatible HDTV 5 , or e-mail them / upload them to a blog 4 .

Picture Motion Browser ver. 4.2.02:

Sony® PMB (Picture Motion Browser ) PC software 11 provides a simple, easy-to-use way to transfer video and still images to your PC, as well as sort, edit, and output to data disc and the Web (compatible PC with internet connection required). Finding your images with PMB is easy with Calendar view and Face Search. Face Search allows you to filter by faces (one or many) and also a specific person's face. Share images and videos on popular sharing sites with Media Services function.

More external Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1 reviews!

Weights and Measurements

• Dimensions (Approx.) : W x H x D: 114.5mm x 82.8mm x 91.8mm (4 5/8" x 3 3/8" x 3 5/8")
  
• Weight (Approx.) : Approx. 1lb 1.8oz. (504g) - With battery and Memory Stick media.
   

Hardware

• LCD : 3.0" 1 Clear Photo LCD Plus (230,400 pixels)
  
• Lens Construction : 13 elements in 10 groups (including 1ED glass element and 1aspheric element)
  
• Lens Type : Sony G-Lens
  
• Microphone/Speaker : Stereo / Mono
  
• Viewfinder : Yes - Electrical
   

General

• Imaging Device : 1/2.4 type(7.63mm) Exmor CMOS Sensor
  
• Megapixel : 9.1 MP
  
• Recording Media : 11MB internal Flash Memory, optional Memory Stick Duo™ Media, optional Memory Stick PRO Duo™ Media
   

Power

• Battery Capacity : Approx. 195 minutes / Approx. 390 images
  
• Battery Type : InfoLITHIUM H type 6.8V
   

Operating Conditions

• Flash Effective Range : ISO Auto: Approx. 0.3 - Approx. 9.2m (Approx. 0.98' - Approx. 30.2') (W) / Approx. 1.5 - Approx.5.1m (Approx. 4.92' - Approx. 16.7') (T), ISO3200: up to Approx.16m(Approx.52.5')(W) / Approx.10m(Approx.32.8')(T)"
  
• Flash Mode(s) : Auto / Flash On / Slow Syncro / Flash Off
   

Service and Warranty Information

• Limited Warranty Term : Limited 1 Year Parts & Labor
   

Convenience

• Burst Mode : Approx 10 fps (10 shots)
  
• Color Mode(s) : Normal / Vivid / Sepia / B&W / Real
  
• Date/Time Stamp : Available in the included PMB software.
  
• Dynamic Range Optimizer : Standard / Off / Plus
  
• Image Stabilization : Optical
  
• Media/Battery Indicator : Yes/Yes
  
• Memory Stick PRO™ Media Compatibility : Tested to support up to 16GB Memory Stick DUO PRO™ media capacity 1 ; does not support Access Control security function.
  
• Red-Eye Reduction : Auto / On / Off
  
• Scene Mode(s) : iAuto, Easy, Program, Handheld Twilight, Anti-Motion Blur, Sweep Panorama, Manual Exposure, Aperture Priority, Shutter Speed Priority and Scene Selection such as High Sensitivity, Landscape, Soft Snap, Advanced Sports Shooting, Twilight Portrait, Twilight, Beach, Snow, Fireworks, and Gourmet
  
• Self Timer : Yes (10 seconds, 2 seconds, Off)
  
• Still Image Mode(s) : Normal/High Speed Burst(High/Med/Low)/Bracketing(JPEG)-AE(Plus/Minus0.3EV/0.7EV/1.0EV)/WB/Color
  
• White Balance : Auto / Daylight / Cloudy / Fluorescent 1 (White Fluorescent Lighting) / Fluorescent 2 (Natural White Fluorescent Lighting) / Fluorescent 3 (Day White Fluorescent Lighting) / Incandescent / Flash / Underwater White Balance Mode - Auto, Underwater 1, Underwater 2, Flash
   

Convenience Features

• AF Illuminator Light : Auto / Off
  
• Clear RAW NR : Yes
  
• Histogram Display : Yes
  
• In-Camera Editing : Trimming / Red Eye Correction / Soft Focus / Partial Color / Fisheye Lens / Cross Filter / Retro / Radial Blur / Unsharp Masking / Smile
  
• Movie Mode(s) : 1280 x 720(Standard) (Approx.30fps, Progressive) / 1280 x 720(Approx.30fps, Progressive) / 1440 x 1080(Fine) (Approx.30fps, Progressive) / 1440 x 1080(Standard) (Approx.30fps, Progressive) / VGA(640 x 480, Approx.30fps, Progressive)
  
• Multi-Pattern Measuring : Yes
  
• NightFraming System : No
  
• NightShot® Infrared System : No
  
• PictBridge Compatible : Yes
  
• Power Save Mode : Yes (after approx. 3 min. of inactivity)
  
• Real Imaging Processor™ Technology : BIONZ™
   

Optics/Lens

• 35mm Equivalent : Still shots: 28-560mm / Movie 16:9: 31-620mm / Movie 4:3 :38-760
  
• Aperture Range : Auto(F2.8-F8.0) / Program Auto(F2.8-F8.0) / Manual(F2.8-F8.0)
  
• Digital Zoom : Smart Zoom / Precision Digital Zoom / Off
  
• Exposure Compensation : Plus / Minus 2.0EV, 1 / 3EV step
  
• Face Detection : Detects up to 8 Faces - with Touch Priority / Auto Priority / Child Priority / Adult Priority
  
• Focal Length : 5.0-100.0mm
  
• Focus : 9 points / Center Weighted AF / Flexible Spot / Semi Manual / Manual
  
• Macro Mode : Macro On/Auto: W:Approx.1cm(0.03') to Infinity, T:Approx.150cm(4.92') to Infinity
  
• Optical Zoom : 20x
  
• Shutter Speed : Auto(2" - 1/4,000) / Program Auto(1" - 1/4,000) / Shutter Priority(30" - 1/4000) / Aperture Priority(8" - 1/2000) / Manual(30" - 1/4000)
  
• Smart Zoom® Technology : 5M:Approx.26x(Total), 3M:Approx.33x(Total), VGA:Approx.108x(Total), 16:9(2M):Approx.36x(Total)
  
• Total Zoom : Approx. 40x
   

Processor

• BIONZ™ Engine : Yes
   

Inputs and Outputs

• Accessory Terminal : Multi connector
  
• Audio/Video Output(s) : Yes via Mutli-Use Connector
  
• HD Output : Yes (1080i)
  
• USB Port(s) : Yes - USB2.0 Hi-Speed
   

Software

• Operating System Compatibility : Microsoft® 2000 Professional, XP Home and Professional; Macintosh® OS 9.1/9.2/OS X (10.1-10.5)
  
• Supplied Software : Picture Motion Browser Vers 4.2.11 + USB Driver (Not supported by Macintosh® Operating Systems)
   

Control

• ISO : Auto / 125 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600 / 3200

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