Canon Powershot SX1 IS vs Sony Cybershot DSC HX1 Comparison
Canon Powershot SX1 IS
Sony Cybershot DSC HX1
The Canon Powershot SX1 IS and the Sony Cybershot DSC HX1 are two of the most powerful digital cameras around. The both sport CMOS sensors rather than the much more common CCD sensor. One of the main attractions of this type of sensor is the ability to capture bursts of shots very quickly. This makes this type of camera attractive to anyone who shots fast moving subjects such as sports and wildlife.
Basic Specification
Canon Powershot SX1 IS
10 megapixels
20x Optical Zoom
2.8 inch LCD screen
Electronic viewfinder
Macro Focus: 0cm
Wide Angle Lens
RAW mode
Hot Shoe
4 frames per second
Stitch Assist
High Definition Movies
Dimensions: 127.5 x 88.3 x 87.7mm
Weight: 585g
Sony Cybershot DSC HX1
9 megapixels
20x optical zoom
3 inch LCD screen
Electronic viewfinder
Macro Focus 1cm
Wide Angle Lens
No RAW mode
No Hot Shoe
10 frames per second
Sweep Panorama
High Definition Movies
Dimensions: 114.5 x 82.8 x 91.8mm
Weight: 453g
Features
When it comes to features both of these cameras offer a range of more advanced controls.
To start with they both have fully manual exposure. This includes aperture priority and shutter priority. Movie modes are similar. Both can shoot HD quality movies. The Canon model has a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1080, whereas Sony comes in with 1440 x 1080. The Cybershot DSC HX1 is capable of capturing sound in stereo. Both cameras allow you to zoom in and out while recording.
The focal length on the two cameras is more or less identical. They have 20x zoom lenses with wide angle capabilities. You can also add conversion lenses to the Cybershot DSC HX1 to further increase power.
A feature Sony has added that I have yet to see elsewhere is Sweep Panorama. This is to create wide photos. All you need to do is turn on the mode and then sweep the camera round in the area you would like to photograph. The camera does the rest. This appears to be a clear step up on the more common stitch assist mode and I expect to see other brands introducing something similar.
Design
Both of these cameras are built along the lines of an SLR camera when it comes to shape. The Cybershot HX1 is a little smaller and a fair bit lighter too. When it comes to the layout of the controls I have a slight preference for the Powershot SX1. It has a dedicated movie button, plus a button to switch aspect ratios and select the AF frame. These can save you critical seconds when you most need them.
Start Up and Shutter Lag
Turn on times and shutter lag times without flash are very similar for both cameras. Turning flash on slows down the Powershot SX1 giving the Cybershot DSC HX1 a clear edge here.
Power Supply
Sony has equipped their camera with a rechargeable lithium ion battery, while Canon has gone for AA batteries. I am a little bit surprised with the choice made by Canon and I would suggest some powerful rechargeable batteries.
Picture Quality
At this level picture quality becomes less of an issue. Both cameras handle standard photo opportunities well although I felt the Powershot SX1 handled purple fringing a lot better when the zoom lens is at or is nearly at full extension.
Ease of Use
Both cameras will take time to get to know. You can start off in fully automatic mode, but you will want to spend some time with the manual getting to know all the features the two cameras offer.
Verdict
There are strengths and weaknesses on either side, so it is a case of assessing the two cameras and deciding which one is the best fit for you. The Cybershot DSC HX1 has a clear edge when it comes to frames per second. I also think the sweep panorama mode is very good for capturing wide panoramic views and is more than just a gimmick. The fact that it is considerably cheaper than the Powershot SX1 is also a major consideration. Where the Powershot SX1 has a slight edge is with picture quality. You may also like the RAW mode and the ability to add Canon speedlites. The flip out and twist LCD screen also a step up on the Sony tilting model.
Where to Buy - Canon Powershot SX1 IS
Product Shots
Front View
Canon Powershot SX1 IS
Sony Cybershot DSC HX1
Back View
Canon Powershot SX1 IS
Sony Cybershot DSC HX1
Top View
Canon Powershot SX1 IS
Sony Cybershot DSC HX1
