Press Release

LAS VEGAS (PMA #F171), March 2, 2009 – Sony is spotlighting its flagship H-series Cyber-shot camera featuring the new "Exmor" CMOS Sensor that enables high speed shooting with suppressed noise.   Also featuring the BIONZ image processor and Sony G Lens, the DSC-HX1 is the first Cyber-shot camera to include1080p HD movie recording capabilities and sweep panorama technology capturing 224-degree panorama shots in one easy press-and sweep motion.

Exmor™ CMOS Sensor Technology                      

The HX1 is Sony's first Cyber-shot camera to use the exclusive 1/2.4-inch Exmor™ 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.

Setting it apart from most digital still cameras, which use an electronic shutter to achieve high speed, the HX1 has a mechanical shutter that helps reduce distortion when shooting a moving subject.

Compared to images shot with traditional sensors, the HX1 model takes clearer images with about 50 percent less noise when shooting in High ISO setting with the new handheld twilight mode or anti-motion blur mode.

"While traditional CMOS sensor technology provides higher shutter speeds, the camera system of HX1 combines the best image sensor, image processor, and lens." said Mio Ozawa, marketing manager in Sony Canada's Digital Imaging Division. "With the combination of these three technologies, we are able to create solutions beyond fast speed that help consumers get better pictures."

Incorporating on-chip A/D conversion, which minimizes image degradation that can occur during analogue processing, Ozawa said the Exmor CMOS sensor delivers outstanding images, reduces noise and can continuously shoot at a high speeds.

Clear Images in Low Light or for Moving Subjects

Compared to cameras with traditional sensors, the HX1 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.

The 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.

To 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.          

1080p HD Movie Recording

The HX1 camera captures movie clips in 1080p HD resolution, and a built-in stereo microphone records crisp, clear audio. The camera's wide 20x optical zoom is also available while shooting.

When 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.

The camera also has HDMI™ 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.

Sweep Panorama Technology

Capturing wide landscapes, church spires or skyscrapers is as easy as "press and sweep." 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.

Using 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).

"This panorama mode is so seamless that it removes the guess work," Ozawa said.  "The 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."

Sony G Lens

The Sony G lens is optimized to complement the advanced image sensors and image processing technology in Sony's 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.

Containing 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.

Intelligent Auto

Like many of Sony's new cameras this year, the HX1 model has the convenient and powerful intelligent auto mode, which combines Intelligent Scene Recognition (iSCN), Optical SteadyShot™ and face detection technologies. The HX1 recognizes scenes, faces and lighting conditions, and adjusts settings accordingly to take the best picture possible.

Pricing and Availability

The Cyber-shot DSC-HX1 camera will be available in April for about $600. The camera and a range of accessories will be available online at sonystyle.ca, at Sony Style® retail locations and at authorized dealers nationwide.