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Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX1 (sample photos)

Check out an examination of photos taken with the ultracompact Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX1, featuring the company's Exmor R CMOS sensor.

Joshua Goldman
Managing Editor Josh Goldman is a laptop expert and has been writing about and reviewing them since built-in Wi-Fi was an optional feature. He also covers almost anything connected to a PC, including keyboards, mice, USB-C docks and PC gaming accessories. In addition, he writes about cameras, including action cams and drones. And while he doesn't consider himself a gamer, he spends entirely too much time playing them.
Joshua Goldman
Sony_TX1_ISO_comparison.jpg
1 of 7 Matthew Fitzgerald/CNET
Although it's difficult to see in this comparison, photo quality from the TX1 drops off at ISO 200 when viewed at 100 percent. Details get soft and processed looking and there's noise/artifacts visible, especially in darker areas and color fields. That said, I got very nice prints at 8x10 and smaller up to ISO 800. If your subject isn't moving, I suggest using the hand-held Twilight mode for the best results in low-light conditions.
Sony_Cyber-shot_DSC-TX1_macro_4895.jpg
2 of 7 Joshua Goldman/CNET
Proof that this camera can take excellent sharp, detailed photos. However, this is at ISO 125 and higher than that sensitivity, things get more processed and smooth looking when viewed at 100 percent.
Sony_Cyber-shot_DSC-TX1_ISO_200_4789.jpg
3 of 7 Joshua Goldman/CNET
This is at ISO 200. The goose's feathers are lacking in sharpness and detail and, though you can't see them in the 100 percent crop, the bricks in the wall have little to no texture to them. But again, at small sizes or viewed at the appropriate distance on a TV, everything looks good. You probably wouldn't like the results if you did a hard crop on it, though.
Sony_Cyber-shot_DSC-TX1_twilight.jpg
4 of 7 Joshua Goldman/CNET
Here's the hand-held Twilight in action at ISO 1,600. The reduced noise from Sony's processing of the multiple shots results in a soft photo, but it's very usable and impressive for being a hand-held snapshot.
Sony_Cyber-shot_DSC-TX1_sweep_4735.jpg
5 of 7 Joshua Goldman/CNET
The camera's Sweep Panorama works so well I'm sure there are people that would buy this camera for only this feature. The full-size print would be 68x15 inches and I can't say the results would be all that pleasing. When viewed on a large TV or made into small prints on the other hand, they're great.
Sony_Cyber-shot_DSC-TX1_distortion.jpg
6 of 7 Joshua Goldman/CNET
For a 35-140mm-equivalent lens, the TX1 displays a fair amount of distortion, both at its widest position (top) and longest (bottom).
Sony_Cyber-shot_DSC-TX1_color.jpg
7 of 7 Joshua Goldman/CNET
The TX1 produces some excellent, vibrant colors with good exposure. The only hang-up is that highlights blow out. The camera's dynamic range feature boosts shadow detail, but doesn't seem to do anything to help keep the other end in check.

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