Overview
The Sony Cybershot DSC WX1 has a lot more to it than just 10 megapixels and a 5x extra wide angle lens. Sony has used a different type of sensor for the Cybershot DSC WX1. This has lead to a number of advances such as a burst mode that can shoot at up to 10 frames per second.
This high speed capability has also been used to add a feature called a sweep panorama. This is a great feature for shooting sweeping landscapes and cityscapes. All you need to do is place the Cybershot DSC WX1 in the correct mode and pan the camera round. The camera does the difficult bit of stitching the scene together for you. I found the results to be impressive.
Another advantage of the speed at which images can be captured has allowed Sony to introduce a handheld twilight mode. In this mode a series of photos is taken and then overlaid one on top of the other. This can help to produce better quality photos when light starts to dip.
Other features of note include a High Definition movie mode, a 2.7 inch LCD screen and image stabilisation.
Main Features
Megapixels:
Zoom:
LCD Screen:
Dimensions:
Weight:
10
5x
2.7 inches
90 x 51.8 x 19.8mm
120g
Macro:
HD Movies:
Manual Controls:
Batteries:
Memory Cards:
5cm
Yes
No
Lithium-ion Rechargeable
MS PRO Duo™/ MS PRO-HG Duo High Speed™/ MS PRO-HG Duo™
Why Buy The Sony DSC WX1
This is a pocket digital camera that offers something very different to cameras produced by other brands.
Image Quality - See Sample Images Below
Outdoor Scenic Shots in Good Light
Outdoor 1 (Medium Zoom):
There are a number of positive points about this picture. Any glare from the sun is handled well. On top of this there is a good balance to the colours. The colours also remain true. Shady areas pose a bit of a problem with the edge being taken off the definition in these areas.
Outdoor 2 (No Zoom):
For a camera with such a wide angle lens this is a tough test. Looking at the result I think the Cybershot DSC WX1 matches up well against similar cameras I have tested recently with wide angle lenses. There will be compromises when it comes to sharpness, but this camera is as good as any of the current crop of small, pocket cameras I have tested recently when the lens is zoomed out.
Outdoor 3 (Maximum Zoom):
With the lens fully zoomed in you do not get quite the same crispness you would from some larger digital cameras with physically bigger lens units. My test shot still produces a good quality print though.
Outdoor 4 (Building):
I like the brightness in this shot. The contrasting colours work well again and with the lens not zoomed in or out to one of its extremes, sharpness is very good too.
Portraits
Outdoor Portrait:
In my opinion the colours are more or less spot on. This is quite a straightforward test for a digital camera and the Cybershot DSC WX1 comes through well. You should be able to take plenty of pleasing portrait shots.
Indoor Portrait with Flash:
This is a good effort. There is plenty of brightness. This helps to create quite a vivid looking portrait. There is a crispness about the shot and it works well.
Indoor Portrait without Flash:
I am impressed by this shot. Noise levels are lower than I am used to seeing. This helps to increase the level of detail in the shot.
Macro, Colours and Noise
Macro:
Sony digital cameras have a habit of reacting to the artificial lighting used in my macro test by producing a slight purple tinge. This can be seen with my test shot for the Cybershot DSC WX1 as well. This issue should disappear when shooting outdoors in natural light. Aside from that point I am happy with the shot.
Colours:
The colours produced are roughly average in terms of strength. They are well balanced and do not overpower.
Noise:
The innovations Sony has added help with noise levels, although you still need to temper any really high expectations. There will still be plenty of times when the best results come from using flash. In my tests a tripod is still a big help when the light starts to fall.
Summary
My overall impression is that the Cybershot DSC WX1 handles most of the challenges it faces well. It solved most of the problems it faced and picture quality is in line with a good quality pocket camera.
Style
There is not too much about this camera that really makes it stand out from the crowd. It looks pleasant enough and is available in silver, gold and black.
Shutter Lag Times
Single Shot
Five Shots
Single Shot With Flash
Five Shots With Flash
Turn on Time
0.18 seconds
7.54 seconds
0.35 seconds
9.91 seconds
2.59 seconds
Ease of Use
The extra features will take a little bit of digging out and getting used to. Aside from that this is a straightforward, point and shoot camera.
Points I Like
Ease of use - features - minimal shutter delay - pictuire quality
Where it Could Improve
Very small internal memory
Verdict
I really like the Sony Cybershot DSC WX1. The newer features are fun to use and picture quality is very good in most instances. Recommended.
Product Shots
Front View
Back View
Top View
Sample Menus
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Related Pages
Sony DSC WX1 Review Sony DSC WX1 Specification Sony DSC WX1 Sample Images Sony DSC WX1 Features Sony Cybershot DSC WX1 vs Sony Cybershot DSC TX1
Review Date
October 2009
