ith one easy press-and-sweep motion. Under the hood are more interesting technologies, including a new, larger-than-average 1\/2.4-inch CMOS sensor for 10fps recording and up to 9.1MP resolution. The camera records 1080 HD movie clips, boasts a 3-inch LCD monitor, an ISO range of 80-3200, and has a mechanical shutter, which is unusual for EVF cameras. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1 will be available in April for approx. $500.
\n
\nFor details, read the Sony press release:<\/i>
\n
\nSONY PRESENTS FIRST CYBER-SHOT CAMERA
\nWITH SWEEP PANORAMA TECHNOLOGY<\/i>
\n
\nLAS VEGAS \u2013 Sony is spotlighting its first digital still camera to feature sweep panorama technology here at the Photo Marketing Association confab. The new HX1 Cyber-shot model can take 224-degree panorama shots in one easy press-and-sweep motion.
\n
\nIt is also the company\u2019s first Cyber-shot camera to use the exclusive 1\/2.4-inch Exmor\u2122 CMOS sensor technology. This technology allows it to achieve burst speeds of 10 frames per second at full 9.1 megapixel resolution in continuous burst mode.
\n
\nSetting it apart from most digital still cameras, which use an electronic shutter to achieve high speed, the HX1 unit has a mechanical shutter that helps reduce distortion when shooting a moving subject.
\n
\nCompared to images shot with traditional sensors, the HX1 model takes clearer images with about 50 percent less noise when in handheld twilight or anti-blur modes. It is also the first Cyber-shot camera include a Sony G lens and 1080p HD movie clip recording capabilities.
\n
\n\u201cTraditional CMOS sensor technology provides higher shutter speeds, but we are using what we call an Image3 system that combines the best image, sensor and processor,\u201d said Karim Noblecilla, senior product marketing manager in Sony Electronics\u2019 Digital Imaging Division. \u201cBy combining this sensor with a high-quality Sony G lens and powerful BIONZ\u2122 processor, we are able to create solutions beyond fast speed that helps consumers get better pictures.\u201d
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\nIncorporating on-chip A\/D conversion, which minimizes image degradation that can occur during analogue processing, Noblecilla said the Exmor CMOS sensor delivers outstanding images, reduces noise and can continuously shoot at a high speeds.
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\nClear Images in Low Light or for Moving Subjects
\nCompared to cameras with traditional sensors, the HX1 model has two scene modes that significantly reduce noise. Using the high-speed shutter Exmor CMOS sensor technology, the new model takes six shots within a fraction of a second. Combined with the power of the BIONZ imaging processor, it immediately superimposes them into one picture. The camera calculates the position of objects in each frame and composes the sharpest picture possible, resulting in clearer, sharper images.
\n
\nThe two modes that use this functionality include hand-held twilight and anti-motion blur. For difficult shots in low light, the hand-held twilight mode results in clearer and sharper pictures without the need of a tripod. Anti-motion blur uses High ISO to reduce blur especially in dimly lit environments.
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\nTo reduce blur, the camera detects if a person or object is moving, or if the camera is shaking, which is likely when taking a telephoto shot. When it superimposes the images, the camera captures the moving subject or object from one of the six shots. It takes, combines and composes the rest of the image using the six shots. This reduces blur on the main subject and results in a sharp, clear background.
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\nSweep Panorama Technology
\nCapturing wide landscapes, church spires or skyscrapers is as easy as \u201cpress and sweep.\u201d Sweep panorama mode lets you reach beyond the traditional wide-angle lens and capture breathtaking shots. With wide and ultra-wide settings and horizontal or vertical directions, sweep panorama mode can take up to 224-degree horizontal or 154-degree vertical shots.
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\nUsing the fast-speed Exmor CMOS sensor, the camera continuously shoots full-resolution images at a high speed. Using the BIONZ imaging processor, it automatically stitches the pictures together to create one stunning panoramic photo. The maximum resolution is 7152 x 1080 (ultra wide horizontal).
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\n\u201cThis panorama mode is so seamless that it removes the guess work,\u201d Noblecilla said. \u201cThe camera indicates where you are in the degree range, so you know how wide you can shoot and stitches the photos automatically. It calculates and aligns pictures for you without using additional software.\u201d
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\n1080p HD Movie Recording
\nThe HX1 camera captures movie clips in 1080p HD resolution, and a built-in stereo microphone records crisp, clear audio. The camera\u2019s wide 20x optical zoom is also available while shooting.
\nWhen set to HD movie, it records at 30 frames per second (1440 x 1080). The camera uses the high-quality, high-compression MPEG4 AVC\/H.264 format. Other recording options include standard-definition video and VGA.
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\nThe camera also has HDMI\u2122 connectivity via supplied HDMI accessory (cable not included) so images can be shared in high definition on an HD television set. MPEG4 AVC video recording allows you to view footage on a PC and upload it to the Web.
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\nSony G Lens
\nThe Sony G lens is optimized to complement the advanced image sensors and image processing technology in Sony\u2019s cameras. The HX1 camera features a 28-560 millimeter f\/2.8-5.2 wide-angle lens with 20x telephoto range. With the combination of this G lens and sweep panorama mode, the camera can cover almost any telephoto and wide angle need.
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\nContaining a six-blade aperture, the G lens produces beautifully defocused backgrounds with a soft, natural feel. A-spherical lens elements and elements made from extra-low dispersion glass combine to minimize chromatic aberration common to high-magnification lenses.
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\nIntelligent Auto
\nLike many of Sony\u2019s new cameras this year, the HX1 model has the convenient and powerful intelligent auto mode, which combines Intelligent Scene Recognition (iSCN), Optical SteadyShot\u2122 and face detection technologies. It recognizes scenes and lighting conditions within one-thirtieth of a second, and then changes settings. This produces clearer images with more natural skin tones, reduced red-eye, fewer closed-eye shots and less overall blur without compromising image quality.
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\nThe iSCN feature detects up to eight scenes and automatically changes settings that will apply to the scene or lighting conditions. With the iSCN Advance feature, the camera takes a second shot when low or backlight is detected, letting users choose the best picture.
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\nWith face detection technology, the camera will adjust the flash, focus, exposure and white balance producing more natural skin tones and reducing red-eye. Face motion detection identifies a moving subject and adjusts the ISO to minimize blur. In conjunction with iSCN, the camera takes two pictures simultaneously and saves the one in which the eyes are the least closed.
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\nA new selected-face memory function registers one face (selected by the user) as the main face and adjusts focus, exposure, flash and white balance accordingly. The camera remembers the face every time that face shows in the frame.
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\nAdditionally, the camera comes with Smile Shutter technology that helps capture a smile the moment it happens and dynamic range optimizer (DRO) technology that adjusts for contrast.
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\nPricing and Availability
\nThe Cyber-shot DSC-HX1 camera will be available in April for about $500 and pre-sales will start in March. The camera and a range of accessories will be available online at sonystyle.com.
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\nSony DSC-HX1 specifications
\n
\nSensor
\n\u2022 1\/2.4″ Exmor CMOS Sensor
\n\u2022 9.1 million effective pixel
\n\u2022 10.3 million effective pixel
\n
\nImage sizes\t
\n\u2022 3456 x 2592
\n\u2022 3456 x 2304
\n\u2022 3456 x 1944
\n\u2022 3648 x 2056
\n\u2022 2048 x 1536
\n\u2022 1920 x 1080
\n\u2022 640 X 480
\n
\nImage sizes
\n(Panorama)\t
\n\u2022 7152 x 1080
\n\u2022 4912 x 1080
\n\u2022 4912 x 1920
\n\u2022 3424 x 1920
\nMovie clips\t
\n\u2022 1280 x 720 (30fps)
\n\u2022 640×480 (30fps)
\nFile formats
\n\u2022 Still Image : JPEG (EXIF 2.2), DPOF v1.1, DCF v2.0, MPF baseline
\n\u2022 Movie Clip : mp4, MPEG4
\n
\nLens\t
\n\u2022 Sony G lens
\n\u2022 28-560mm equiv.
\n\u2022 20x Optical zoom
\n\u2022 f = 5.0-100.0mm
\n\u2022 F2.8(W)-5.2(T)
\n
\nConversion lenses:\tYes, Tele:VCL-HD1757 (Optional)
\nDigital zoom:\tApprox. 40x
\nImage Stabilization:\tOptical SteadyShot
\nFocus\t
\nAuto focus, Semi-Manual, Manual
\n
\nAF area modes\t
\nIntelligent Focus Mode\t
\n\u2022 Multi
\n\u2022 Centre
\n\u2022 Flexible Spot
\nFocus distance\t
\n\u2022 Normal :W:Approx.1cm(0.03′) to Infinity, T:Approx.150cm(4.92′) to Infinity
\n\u2022 Macro: W: Approx.1cm(0.03′) to Infinity, T:Approx.150cm(4.92′) to Infinity
\n
\nISO sensitivity\t
\n\u2022 Auto
\n\u2022 ISO 80
\n\u2022 ISO 100
\n\u2022 ISO 200
\n\u2022 ISO 400
\n\u2022 ISO 800
\n\u2022 ISO 1600
\n\u2022 ISO 3200
\n
\nMetering modes
\n\u2022 Multi
\n\u2022 Centre
\n\u2022 Spot
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\nShuttter speed\t
\n\u2022 Auto(2 sec- 1\/4,000)
\n\u2022 Program Auto(1 sec- 1\/4,000)
\n\u2022 Manual(30″ – 1\/4,000)
\n
\nAperture\t
\n\u2022 Auto (F2.8.\/F8.0(W),
\n\u2022 Program auto (F2.8\/F8.0(W)
\n\u2022 Manual( F2.8\/F8.0(W)
\n
\nShooting modes\t
\n\u2022 Mode dial: Intelligent Auto, P Auto, easy, SCN, movie, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, Manual
\n\u2022 Scene: High Sensitivity, Twilight, Twilight portrait, Landscape, Snow, Beach, Fire works, Sports, gourmet, ASports, handheld Twilight, Anti-Motion Blur, Sweep Panorama
\n
\nWhite balance\t
\n\u2022 Auto
\n\u2022 Daylight
\n\u2022 Cloudy
\n\u2022 Fluorescent
\n\u2022 Fluorescent 2
\n\u2022 Fluorescent 3
\n\u2022 Incandescent
\n\u2022 Flash
\n\u2022 Custom
\n
\nSelf timer\t
\n\u2022 Off
\n\u2022 10sec
\n\u2022 2sec
\n
\nContinous Shooting:\tApprox. 10.0 fps(10 shots)
\n
\nFlash
\n\u2022 Modes :Auto, Flash On, Slow Syncro, Flash Off
\n\u2022 Red Eye Reduction : Auto, On, Off
\n\u2022 Range : ISO Auto: Approx.0.3-Approx.9.2m(W) Approx.1.5-Approx.5.1m (T)
\n
\nLCD monitor\t
\n\u2022 3.0 inch TFT LCD
\n\u2022 approx. 230,400 pixels
\n
\nDigital input\/output\t
\n\u2022 USB 2.0 High Speed
\n\u2022 Multi-use terminal Type2d
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\nVideo output
\n\u2022 HD(1080i)
\n\u2022 Composite
\n\u2022 NTSC\/ PAL
\n
\nStorage\t
\n\u2022 Internal memory (Approx. 11 MB)
\n\u2022 Memory Stick Duo\/Pro Duo\/ Pro HG Duo
\n
\nPowerL\tInfoLITHIUM H type 6.8V
\nWeight (no batt):\tApprox. 453g (16oz.)
\nDimensions:\t115mm x 83mm x 92mm
\n(4 5\/8″ x 3 3\/8″ x 3 5\/8″)
\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ith one easy press-and-sweep motion. Under the hood are more interesting technologies, including a new, larger-than-average 1\/2.4-inch CMOS sensor for 10fps recording and up to 9.1MP resolution. The camera records 1080 HD movie clips, boasts a 3-inch LCD monitor, an ISO range of 80-3200, and has a mechanical shutter, which is unusual for EVF cameras. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":141,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4221","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-trending"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n