Sony Cybershot DSC-HX1 9.1MP Digital Camera with 20x Optical Zoom with Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization and 3.0 Inch LCD

This is just a quickie with the camera straight out of the box. I'll update the stars later. (Updated March 11, 2010)

1. It takes a trained monkey to attach the lens cover to the camera so it doesn't fly off into the wilderness. First you get a thin paper clip and make it into a straight wire with a long narrow hook at one end. Insert the hook through the tiny eyelet in the attaching cord, then pull both strands of the cord through the eyelet to make a loop. Run the free end of the loop through the tiny little attaching point on the camera lens and pull the first loop through the loop just threaded to attach the cord to the lens. Next, undo the strap on the left side of the camera and thread the strap through the first big loop between the buckle and the camera body. Reattach the strap through the buckle. Now the lens cap may jump off every time you turn the camera on, but it won't go very far because it is captured.

2. I have had a lot of experience with Sony Cybershots, but the new economy has caught up with me. This is the first one that didn't come with an undersized memory stick. What it came with is a grossly undersized internal memory. Buy a stick if you want to test the camera out of the box (4 GB is supposed hold 800 of the biggest pictures).

Update:
3. Things you aren't supposed to do with this camera: let it get hot (plastic may warp), let it get cold (no snow below 32F), let it get wet (not splash proof), drop the battery (may explode), take it to the beach (no sand). The list is much longer, but you get the idea. Gone are the days when you could drop a camera body into a manure spreader and shake it out and continue photographing.

4. I've made a few pictures with the DSC-HX1 on long telephoto. This is a dull cloudy day, and the lighting is relatively flat, but the detail is nice and sharp when enlarged to 8X10 prints. The DSLRs are potentially better, but I never could accept the responsiblity of keeping up with a 500 mm:f/5.2 lens for the DSLR. I have an 18 mm f/3.5, but it cost as much as the DSLR body and barely equals 28MM effective, whereas the DSC-HX1 has a 28 mm:f/2.8 equivalent built into the 500 mm f/5.2 telephoto. A tradeoff's a tradeoff.

5. Update March 11, 2010. Shot some more long telephotos but in the rain this time (the subject, not the camera). Subject was about 20 ft from camera. Brilliant Red, really three dimensional whites, and true mottled greens. Just like the book said: A rainy day really makes the colors jump out.

We travel a lot and definitely needed to upgrade to a wide angle camera. We looked a lot to find one that included a powerful zoom as well as the wide angle and decided to go for the Sony HX1 since we've always had Sony cameras and once again we weren't disappointed.
We were a little worried that it would be too heavy or big to be carried around during a long trip but this camera is just the right size and weight.
It works wonderfully well. We specially liked the panoramic function which allowed us to take wonderful shots of squares, archeological sites, etc. and in showing the whole area it brings you the sense that you're there.
A great plus is that it includes a compact wall charger, so you don't need to purchase a separate travel charger as with the older cameras.
I definitely recommend this camera.

The DSC-HX1 has been around Sony's Cybershot H series family for awhile now, and it doesn't seem to want to step down from its throne as the king of the Sony superzoom series. Having won the TIPA award for best superzoom digital camera in 2009, this camera is kind of tough to beat, even for Sony. I wonder if the engineers at Sony Japan is cracking their heads trying to come up with the next best superzoom as I'm typing this late review of a camera that has already been out there conquering the world for nearly a year.

The HX1 doesn't have the best image sensor. At 9.1 Megapixels, its sensor's resolution is less than impressive when an entry level Sony Cybershot can easily give you 10.1 Megapixels, or more. In fact compared to most smaller digital cameras out there, its CMOS sensor tends to be a little on the noisy side. The WX1 and TX1 have better output at ISO 800 and above, the HX1 struggles with noise in the dark. The uploaded images showing the noise levels from ISO 125 all the way to ISO 3200 proves it. However, when you're considering buying a camera like the HX1 or any superzoom digital cameras, you're looking for something that can zoom beyond the pathetic 3X, 4X or 5X, and the G-lens of the HX1 does a fantastic job at bringing you an almost distortion free, 20X (from 28mm to 560mm) of optical zoom.

I use my Sony Alpha 550 to shoot stock photos for obvious reasons (low noise, great details), but when I want something that weighs less than a brick that I can lug around with me all the time while I'm out with friends having a good time, a super compact like the S950, TX1 or the WX1 just seems to be missing something. For one, these cameras, as good as they are with noise supression, does not allow manual control of my exposures, which can be a bit of a nightmare when I need to shoot in the dark. I understand that point-and-shoot usually doesn't happen at places completely devoided of light, but from my experience, there are occasions when you just want to use your compact to take in the dark atmosphere as it is, and this is where these super compacts refuse to work with me. Even the so-called long exposure modes like the night mode, fireworks mode will only open the shuttle of these super compacts for 1 to 2 seconds, which I find rediculous.

The HX1, thankfully for its manual and shuttle speed control, let's me control the length of the exposure up to 30 seconds (no bulb mode here, unfortunately). So, along with all the convienience of a super compact (if you can get over the size, it's not exactly big, but not something you can slip into a pocket either), the HX1 gives you just enough manual controls, including manual focusing to let you compose your shots more freely when you want to take over. Super compacts like the S950, TX1 and WX1 simply refuse to let you do anything beyond pressing the shuttle halfway down to focus, and all the way down to capture.

Is the HX1 a perfect camera? No. But does it perform? Yes. As a superzoom with DSLR controls, it does way more than any super compact could. It may not deliver the cleanest pictures (maybe Sony can fix this with a firmware upgrade?), but its superzoom G-lens allows you to pull in objects so far away that no DSLRs can do with just one lens. The most powerful zoom lens from the Sony alpha family can only zoom up to 14x, from 27mm to 375mm, whereas this tiny little (compared to a DLSR) bridge camera zooms from 28mm to 560mm. Oh yeah, and just like any compact cameras, you don't need to switch lenses to shoot in macro. With my alpha system, I have to carry a DT30mm F2.8 macro, a DT18-250mm F3.5-6.3, a 50mm F1.4 and a 70-300G, to make sure I can handle everything that I may come across when I'm shooting out there. These lenses weigh more than 10 pounds combined. The HX1 weighs less than 2 pounds.

So, if you're looking for a bridge camera with a mega zoom lens that does everything a super compact does but want manual control, this camera should be just perfect for you. It may not give you the best quality JPEGs, perhaps in a few more years Sony will fix that but for now, this superzoom is going to see alot of actions along with my DSLR than any of my super compacts.

Pros:

1) Great zoom, 28mm to 560mm
2) Punchy colors, rich, deep, vivid tones
3) Manual controls like DSLRs
4) Compact camera features like smile detection, face detection, color tone controls, multiple scene selections.
5) Large 3" LCD display
6) Supersteady shot works to allow you to shoot at shuttle speed below 1/30 second.
7) Incredibly lightweight for such a powerful zoom camera.

Cons:

1) Pictures tend to be noisy, but there's a noise reduction control (3 levels) to suppress the noise.
2) Slow to start up, takes about 5-7 seconds.
3) Doesn't use AA, if you like the convenience, but the infolithium battery tells you exactly how many minutes you have before you need to recharge.
4) Continuous shooting limited to 10 frames per burst, then stops for like 17 seconds to store the images.
5) Limited DRO-plus usage, up to ISO 800 only.
6) No flash hot-shoe to use external flash.

Brought this camera as a gift for my dad.
He is really impressed. I got my chance to play with it for a couple of weeks and I know why he is so impressed with it.
First of all it is really easy to use.
I used it to capture some nature , abstract objects , night shots , low-light shots , long distance shots. The images were absolutely gorgeous.
It is really amazing that a camera that is packed with so many features / zoom ranges can output such high image quality.

The best feature I found was the sweep panorama mode. Used it to capture bridges , tall buildings , hills , freeways. Nowhere did it disappoint. Works perfectly all the time.

Overall the camera is really easy to use for a point and shoot kinda guy and also has lots to play around tweaks / adjustments built for the more serious photographer.

Would definitely recommend it !

I bought this DSC-HX1 because it is fully automatic but allows manual operation if desired. Having had it for less than a month, I have not yet read the instruction manuel so I have only used it in automatic mode. I am pleased with the ease of operation and the quality of picture it takes automatically. I am anxious to begin to learn and use its many features.

Very good,
I change my DSC H50 for this one.
This one improve sequential shots. Now you have much more frames in one second (10 fps)AND this shots are 9 megapixel in hi resolution . I do animals pictures, and this is very usefull to me. If you will use for children, action and animals, is a VERY GREAT improvement. They improve the optical zoom, too. The zoom is great, but Nikon has a larger one. The colors of the Sony is very near to true colors. If you compare to others like Nikon and Fuji, Sony is very better. The other ones, have colorless pictures that you need to use some software to enrich it. It make 1080p HD video with stereo sound, I Don't know about panoramas... Never tried it!
This one don't have infrared nigthshot, but it was useless for me.

At first I was having doubts about buying this camera because it costs more than other digital camera but I am so happy with what I got. The camera is VERY easy to use, I love all the features it comes with, especially the sweep (panoramic) mode. SO COOL! It's very light, not as heavy as it may look. My only issue is with the battery that came with it. It's only been lasting for 30 minutes or so, then it says it's dead, and this is even after charging it for over 24 hours. However, could just have been a bad battery and I haven't seen any other reviews on issues with the battery length. I'm hoping buying another battery will do the trick.

I would DEFINITELY recommend this camera to anyone! Takes amazing pictures!

I got this camera because I am not a professional photographer and did not need a DSLR camera. I am extremely pleased with this camera because of the clarity of the photos. The battery is great, and the camera is easy to use once you play around with it for a little while. One of my favorite features is the smile feature, because it will take the picture right when it senses a smile from the subject. Another great feature is the break feature, it will let you take several pictures in a row (for sport photos & such). It takes a few seconds to record the pictures once you take them, but it is very neat and you can choose the speed at which you want your pictures to be taken. I have taken lots of amazing photos with this camera and couldn't be happier that I made the purchase!

I gave my daughter the camera for Christmas. She did a lot of research before choosing this model and she loves it. Lightweight, easy to use, common sense features as well as being a great gadget!!!Definitely a good investment for someone who is serious about taking photographs.

Have the camera, and new telephoto and wide angle lens, The tube adapter was for a h9 at 12x. when trying to use for a 20x, will not work at all. Have been trying to get fixed--good luck

I'm still getting used to the cam. I had a Canon A620 before. I'm a little bit worried about the noise in this cam, when using higher ISOs... But I'm glad about my choice till now.

So far it has taken great pictures. After a little time you will learn how to use all the features. I haven't had the camera that long. Took it to Disney World and shot a ton of pictures and movies. Like I said pictures look great when viewed on the camera. I haven't downloaded them to my computer yet.

Like many of you, I spent a significant amount of time researching cameras before coming up with a decision that was best for me. My first digital camera was a Sony (back in 2001) and I quickly returned it for a Canon due to the ridiculously poor picture quality and expense of the memory sticks. Canon has never done me wrong, I have to say, so I was a little hesitant to venture "across the aisle" to the Sony HX-1. Let me just say: Sony has definitely stepped up their game... and then some. Before I begin, here is some background of my search before I spoil the ending (although I think I already did):

1. I landed on the super zoom category given my NEED for more zoom (3-5 X zoom is no longer acceptable) and my self-admitted laziness in terms of the D-SLR family... not wanting the extra weight and not yet smart enough for the full manual world.
2. From all of the reviews, I was most intrigued by three different cameras: Sony HX-1, Canon SX20 IS, and the Panasonic Lumix dmc fz35.
3. All of them, of course, have very strong features that make them quite appealing. To the same effect, all of them (even more "of course") seemed to be lacking in certain areas.
- Canon: Very useful articulating LCD, but only 2.5 inches (and TRUST me, it makes a difference). HD video, but not full HD (720p vs 1080p). Canon name, but no new innovation to speak of.
- Panasonic: Larger LCD, but fixed to the camera body. No HD video, but strong reviews on picture quality. 18 X zoom vs Canon & Sony's 20 X.
- Sony: Won me over for the following: Larger LCD that pulls out and rotates up/down (yeah, not articulating like the Canon). Innovation (i.e., setting an example for other companies to follow) in terms of processing chip (cmos) that allows for Sweep Panorama (FUN), Burst (up to 10 fps... although not usually that many), and anti-blur modes for both low light (twilight) and normal motion. The video is, in effect, full HD (1080p), the buttons feel VERY intuitive, and the overall feel of the camera is solid and easy to hold in most sizes of hands.

I've had the camera for several days, and during that time I can say I've been extremely impressed with the pictures this camera helps create (remember, YOU are the one who is responsible for deciding what to shoot and what settings to use). I can tell that I will have this camera for several years and will get significant use out of it. That being said, it is not perfect. While I have yet to have a camera that impresses me with indoor shots, this camera has something to be desired when looking at indoor pictures I took on my desktop. Not bad at all, just not what I would want ideally. I think it loses touch with color and clarity when taken indoors, although the flash helps with both... it loses the character that you get from non-flash pics.

All in all, I really came to my decision after reading so many USER reviews stating how much they enjoyed the camera as well as the cutting edge direction Sony has taken its product development. And now that I have it, the macro is incredible, the zoom allows me to take crystal clear pictures of the MOON, the colors when outdoors are vivid and true to life, and the overall "like" factor is very strong. I stand by this camera, and recommend it for anyone who, like me, has been craving more zoom power and ingenuity. In the end, remember... the camera can only do so much. It's up to you to learn the features and be the photographer. Best of luck!

It is very easy to use, with it you become a professional photographer with its incredible interface. definitely one of the best purchases I've made, 100% satisfied.

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3KEVYUGI4HFDC I don't know much about photography, but I am so pleased with this camera. I made this video with the Sony DSC-HX1 and was delighted with the results. I started experimenting with still shots and found that quite easy to understand. I wanted to try the video feature, so I made this video of myself playing the piano in my home. When I played it back I could hardly believe the results...the video quality is simply outstanding. I am extremely pleased with this camera and plan on trying many of the other features because it has a lot to offer. Anyone who buys this camera should be very happy with it.

Bought this camera two days before taking a trip to Egypt and with no time to read the manual or "play around" with this camera I still managed to take some amazing photos. As much as I hate to say it, the easy and auto functions did a better job of taking photos then the manual settings did (due more to operator error then anything). I am sure once I get to learn the nuances of the camera that will change. Two real cool settings are the twilight setting as well as the anti-blur setting which are amazing for taking pictures of something moving at a high rate of speed. I found that with a little planning and a little luck I was able to take incredibly clear pictures from a moving automobile at over 120 kph (about 70 mph). It worked much better and much faster then the burst method of taking pictures. The anti-blur and twilight settings take a "burst" of 6 photos and combines them into one amazingly clear photo. Also the zoom is incredible. I could take pictures of things from such great distances and they still come out clear. I also used the zoom for a macro shot of some wildlife and the pictures looked like the shot was taken from inches away instead of from many yards away. This is a great "bridge" camera. Meaning that while it might not be a DSLR it is as close as one can get in the point and shoot category. One last side note, I watched someone take an amazing photo with what would be a similar camera but DSLR, while I was amazed by the quality of his shot, I was more amazed by the fact that it took him nearly 2 minutes to "set the shot up". I handed him my camera and said just push the button. The pictures were identical and he asked me where he can get one like it when he goes back home. In summary this is probably the best all around camera that can be bought for a reasonable amount of money.

I am enjoying the ease of use of this camera. I love hikes and taking the panoramic shots and they are absolutely beautiful images...I've posted them on my Facebook and people comment that I could make my own calendars and posters. The video is very good and easy to use. I am not expert in photography but everything is easy to find that I feel more comfortable to try out the other options. I've wanted a camera with a great zoom and this one sure has it. I've been able to get fantastic shots - the camera fits right in the hand so it is very easy to hold. It is a bigger camera - not anything that can slip in a pocket - but if you want fantastic zoom and quality pictures you have to sacrifice the camera size. I hike with it and it is light and has not been in inconvenience yet especially when I see the quality shots I get. Best I have had yet.

This camera really worths the amount spent.
Its very easy to use, so if you are not an expert, you will still be able to take great pics.

This is the third HX Sony camera I own, I have always like the inclination on the Lents before and the screen now the image quality is superb, and the new features are just great, it is smaller than their predecessors which makes it great for traveling and you don't lose all the features of a big professional camera, I have taken some pretty amazing photos with the panoramic feature and it is really easy to use, the camera is beautiful and ergonomically well design.

Came quickly and in new condition. Good price and i like the camera a lot.

I really have enjoyed learning as many features on this camera as I can, though there is a lot to learn. I was anxious for this camera to be released and compared it very closely with the canon sx1. They were very close on all counts, but the Sony simply had more features that matter a lot to me. The panarama mode is awsome and has worked every time I have used it. The high speed shooting was important and at 10 frames per second there is no competition outside of high end slr's, and I do not like packing lenses. Speaking of the lense, it is better than I thought it would be. Like I said, I compared the canon sx1 and the Sony hx-1 and the photo quality and hd video were pretty much a wash, they are both very good, but I could not be happier that I chose the Sony!

As the owner of a couple of Nikon digital SLRs (D70 and D300), I was looking for something smaller that I could carry with me every day. When traveling with the Nikons, I always feel compelled to bring all my lenses, filters, lighting, etc., and it quickly becomes a chore.

This little camera takes great shots and doesn't need any accessories. The biggest bonus for me is the panorama feature. I've used this in my job to scout locations as well as during a recent trip to Boston.

It's simple to use, fool-proof, and the functionality is easy to manage.

I'm not the biggest fan of the Sony Memory Stick -- it's just another kind of media card to add to the collection and another card reader to buy.

I really do carry this camera with me every day. I have an even smaller camera that just doesn't take shots as great as this Sony.

Of course, for my really big sight-seeing trips, I'll lug the Nikons and all their paraphernalia, but for smaller trips and every day use, this Sony is the one and only.

sony made some large claims about the dsc-hx1 before it was recently released to the marketplace. i am happy to say the camera delivers on all those claims. the panorama function works so easily anyone can use it. the burst function really did take ten shots in one second. the 20x telephoto lens is just plain fun to use. the longer i work with it, the more i discover. i found out that sony stores provide free, one-hour, one-on-one lessons to camera purchasers.i hope to find answers to some of the questions the manual does not answer. i wish sony included a hd cable with the camera so i could view the movies i shot in hd without running out for the cable. the computer software included was nothing special. the camera is a gem

I love this camera. It is probally the most user friendly camera I have ever had. It is definately a point and shoot. I only gave it 4 stars because it does not come with a remote. It takes beautiful pictures. It has the ease of a point and shoot with the quality of a Digital SLR.

I bought the DSC-HX1 to replaced my old Sony. The new technology is wonderful. Great photos, vibrant colors, sharp focus...love it.

You'll be surprised as to the level of improvement that this camera has vs her sister H50. Image Quality is very very good, movies are great in almost HD, menus are much friendlier. Panoramas are something that you will not use much after the initial excitement. I have Canon SLR with costly lenses and this camera is a great deal for what you are getting.
I will surely recommend it to anyone, novice or amateur.