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Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1 photo samples

A discussion of the photo quality of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1, with image samples.

Lori Grunin
I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology and handed out buying advice for what seems like forever; I'm currently absorbed by computers and gaming hardware, but previously spent many years concentrating on cameras. I've also volunteered with a cat rescue for over 15 years doing adoptions, designing marketing materials, managing volunteers and, of course, photographing cats.
Lori Grunin
335434582440SIC1.jpg
1 of 9 Matthew Fitzgerald/CNET

Noise

The HX1's photos rarely start out terribly sharp, so the detail doesn't become overtly blurred until around ISO 800 (and, oddly, noise measures lower at ISO 200 than at ISO 125).
335434582440SIC10.jpg
2 of 9 Lori Grunin/CNET

Hand-held Twilight mode

Sony's new Hand-held Twilight mode bursts three shots at a high ISO and combines them into a single, brighter, lower noise photo: it seems to work pretty well, both in comparison to full auto and manually selecting the same settings. (Top: HHT, ISO 3,200, 1/6 sec, f3.5; bottom: intelligent auto, ISO 800, 1/6 sec, f3.5)
335434582440SIC2.jpg
3 of 9 Lori Grunin/CNET

Sharpness

This is one of the few instances where I was able to produce a truly sharp result with the HX1. Like most fixed-lens cameras, it performs best in macro mode.
335434582440SIC8.jpg
4 of 9 Lori Grunin/CNET

Sharpness

When the HX1's photos have some sharp details, they tend to look a bit oversharpened or "crunchy" when viewed at actual size.
335434582440SIC3.jpg
5 of 9 Lori Grunin/CNET

Dynamic range

These aren't yellow and white tulips; they're yellow tulips with completely blown out highlights. The day was bright, but not this bright, and the exposure is otherwise correct (1/200 sec, ISO 125, f8, spot metering).
335434582440SIC4.jpg
6 of 9 Lori Grunin/CNET

General quality

This is the general quality of nonmacro shots; they look fine scaled down, but up close have the smeary, painted look associated with cheaper point and shoots. (ISO 125, 1/200 sec, f7.1)
335434582440SIC6.jpg
7 of 9 Lori Grunin/CNET

Color

The HX1 does produce nice, bright, appropriately saturated colors that are relatively accurate.
335434582440SIC7.jpg
8 of 9 Lori Grunin/CNET

Distortion

Though it's not perfect, the HX1's lens delivers impressively little distortion at its widest 28mm-equivalent, and results in practically no color fringing under normal circumstances.
335434582440SIC9.jpg
9 of 9 Lori Grunin/CNET

Sweep Panorama mode

The HX1's Sweep Panorama, which shoots continuously while you pan and then automatically combines the images into a panorama, is novel and fun. But the photos don't look very good, with lots of fringing and resolution artifacts.

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