Sony has launched its latest Cyber-shot bridge camera - the DSC-HX1, its first compact able to shoot HD video at 30f/s.

Sony's Cyber-shot HX1: flagship bridge

Aside from capturing 1080p videos, the 9.1Mp HX1 camera also packs in a CMOS sensor and “G lens” that Sony said were originally developed for its Alpha line of digital SLR cameras. The benefits, Sony claimed, include reduced image noise when shooting at high ISO sensitivities and a 20x optical zoom.

Handheld Twilight mode enables the camera to capture a high-speed burst of six frames, which are then combined to create what Sony’s labelled as “a single optimised image” with “dramatically reduced noise levels”. Anti-shake’s also included.

Another shooting mode, Sweep Panorama, can be used for capturing landscapes and city scenes. Simply holding down the shutter button and swinging the camera either horizontally or vertically allows it grab a high-speed burst of frames which it then automatically stitches together into a single image.

The 3in LCD tilts, apparently

Don’t fear if all that sounds a little complicated though, because if you still just want to photograph your buddies then smile recognition is built in too.

The camera’s equipped with a tilting 3in LCD and can be connected to an HDMI-equipped HD TV to show all the 1080p movies you've shot along with your snaps.

Sony’s Cyber-shot DSC-HX1 will be available from the beginning of May, but a price hasn’t been given yet. ®