Agentless Backup is Not a Myth
Gripes over, let’s take a look at the DSC-HX1’s features. It uses a1/2.4in Exmore CMOS sensor with 9.1 megapixels (effective) and offers a maximum resolution of 3456 x 2592, down to VGA. On the top of our review sample was a sticker proclaiming that the DSC-HX1 offered “Full HD 1080 [video],” but that is stretching things a bit both literally and metaphorically.
Sony is still punting Memory Stick storage on this model
The HD video spec is actually 1440 x 1080 at 30fps, and this is upscaled to fill a Full HD 1920 x 1080 display. You get two HD recording options at data rates of 12Mbps or 7Mbps, plus 1280 x 720 and VGA recording modes, all at 30fps. H.264/ AVC compression is used for encoding.
Other features include a Bionz processor, optical SteadyShot image stabilisation system, shutter speed range of 2-/4000sec in auto mode (extended to 30 seconds in manual mode), ISO range 125-3200, 9-point AF system, Dynamic Range Optimiser (DRO) for improving exposure and contrast, ten scene modes (such as landscape and portrait), Face Detection, Scene Recognition and Smile Shutter systems, various colour modes and colour filters, as well as Anti Motion Blur and Hand-Held Twilight modes. The last two involve the DSC-HX1 firing off six frames, and combining the information from them to reduce blur.
But we’re not finished yet. The DSC-HX1 uses CMOS technology to offer two novel features. The first, Sweep Panorama, automatically lines up and stitches together multiple panoramic images in-camera. The second, High-Speed Burst Shooting (aka continuous shooting), fires off ten high resolution frames in just one second – the PowerShot SX1 IS can only offer 4fps. Sony’s Picture Motion Browser photo management software is included in the box.
So much for the features, how does the DSC-HX1 handle? Well, the answer is, pretty well. The camera’s design is more akin to a miniature DSLR than a compact. It measures 114.5 x 82.8 x 91.8mm and weighs 500 grams with card and lithium-ion battery. It takes around three seconds from switch on to take the first shot but, be warned, if you forget to remove the lens cap, the DSC-HX1 spits it off the end of the zoom.
A flip screen makes handling more versatile
You can use the mode dial to select the usual PASM modes, plus Auto, Easy, Anti Motion Blur, Hand-Held Twilight and Sweep Panorama modes. Just below the mode dial is a control dial. By pressing and turning the dial, you can easily select and adjust various parameters (such as ISO speed, aperture value and shutter speed) - it’s a very nice system.
Next page: Sample Shots
COMMENTS
@Stacy
You bought a bridge camera for the wrong reason. These and the better compact cameras are for people who do have real cameras but also like to have a second camera to carry with them 24/7.
And before spouting forth about the quality of something you bought a few years back take a look at this site. You can make direct comparisons of a wide range of cameras.
http://www.imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM
Yes there are differences but nothing that would justify carrying a full backpack of gear on the off chance of finding a not to be missed shot, nor in most cases such a great difference that it would jump out at you if you weren't looking for it.
Stacy
Have you ever used the HX1? Well I have and the image quality is brilliant for its price range.
Sweep panorama is brilliantly simple to use and produce ready to use panaromic images without the need of clunky stitching programs. Twilight is even more brilliant as it produces blur-less, flash-free and almost noise-free images in low-light situation comparable to my £700 DSLR.
Read the review by Steve Huff and you will see what the fuss is all about.
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