Sony Introduces DSC-HX1 with Exmor CMOS sensor

Sony announced a new Cyber-shot camera (model DSC-HX1) with sweep panorama technology. Sweep panorama can capture up to 224-degree horizontal or 154-degree vertical panorama shots in a single press-and-sweep motion.

The HX1 camera is also Sony’s first with the newly-developed 1/2.4-inch Exmor CMOS sensor technology. This sensor enables the camera to capture burst images at up to 10 frames per second at full 9.1 megapixel resolution. This sensor is another key component in the sweep panorama function since it allows the camera to shoot full resolution images at high speed. The camera’s BIONZ imaging processor stitches the pictures together for a panoramic photo with a maximum resolution of 7152 x 1080.

Compared to images shot with traditional sensor technologies, Sony claims the HX1 can take clearer images with about 50% less noise in twilight or anti-blur shooting modes. Using the high-speed shutter Exmor CMOS sensor technology, the NX1 takes six shots within a fraction of a second and then combines them into one picture. When combining the images, the camera calculates the position of objects in the frame and composes the sharpest picture possible.

Finally, the HX1 is also Sony’s first Cyber-shot camera to have a Sony G lens and 1080p HD movie recording capabilities. The HX1’s Sony G lens features a 28-560 millimeter f/2.8-5.2 wide-angle lens with 20x telephoto range. The camera has a built-in stereo microphone for crisp, clear audio. The HX1’s 20x optical zoom is available while recording movies. In HD movie mode, the HX1 records at 30 frames per second (1440 x 1080) and uses the MPEG4 AVC/H.264 format. Standard definition and VGA recording options are also available.

The Cyber-shot DSC-HX1 is scheduled to be available in April for about $500. Pre-sales will begin in March.