Sony unveils Cyber-shot HX1 high-zoom camera

New flagship model with 20x zoom

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3 March 2009 2:00 GMT / By Verity Burns

Sony has unveiled the high-zoom Cyber-shot HX1 at PMA 2009, the range's new flagship model which promises to combine high speed shooting with "extraordinary" image quality.

Offering a 20x optical zoom range, the HX1 is a bridge camera that boasts an effective resolution of 9.1 megapixels and debuts the "Exmor" CMOS sensor that was originally developed for Sony's Alpha DSLR.

The Exmor sensor will make for better images with reduced image noise, especially when shooting in high ISO settings. In fact the new sensor actually supports two new shooting modes for these situations, including "Handheld Twilight" mode, which grabs a high speed burst of six frames and combines them into one, crisper image, and "Anti Motion Blur" mode.

Also powered by the Exmor sensor is the "Sweep Panorama" mode that allows you to simply hold down the shutter button and sweep the camera horizontally or vertically to stitch together a number of photos and make one extra-long or wide photo.

Another feature developed for the Sony Alpha DSLR family and found in the HX1 is the G lens. The company says the inclusion of this lens will ensure "minimal" chromatic aberration at all settings from the 28mm wide-angle all the way through to the 560mm super telephoto that its 20x zoom allows.

The Cyber-shot HX1 is a first for Sony in that it is the first compact camera that is able to shoot 1080/30p HD movies. It also features a built-in stereo microphone which helps for clear audio recordings when filming.

Other features you'll find on the HX1 include Sony's "Intelligent Scene Recognition", smile detection, "Clear Photo LCD Plus" technology, and a 3-inch tilt-angle display to watch all your photos and videos on.

The Cyber-shot DSC-HX1 camera will be available from April 2009, with prices to be confirmed.