Sony TX1
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX1 is the first of two Sony cameras to employ the latest "Exmor R" back illuminated CMOS sensor technology that promises better ISO sensitivity and lower image noise / grain. The Sony TX1 has 10.2 MP resolution, 1/2.4" Exmor R CMOS image sensor, 35 - 140mm zoom lens, lens aperture range of F/3.5 (wide-angle) - F/4.6 (telephoto), HD video recording (720p @ 30fps, 9 Mbps, MPEG4), 3.0 inch, touch-panel LCD, optical SteadyShot image stabilization / shake reduction, ISO 125 - 3200, Sweep Panorama capability for wide landscapes.
It would have been preferable if the TX1 had a wide-angle lens that started at 28mm.
The Sweep Panorama mode allows you to snap a panorama photo simply hold the shutter button down, and then pan the across the scene. The TX1 will then automatically stitch the images together to give you a 5.3 MP (4912 x 1080 pixels) final photo. This way, you don't have to separately shoot two or more pictures to get that panorama like what you'd need to do on other cameras.
Latest Sony TX1 price and stock availability information:
Availability in Japan will be sometime in early September 2009.
Dimensions: Approx. 93.8 (Width) × 58.2 (Height) × 16.5 (Depth) mm / 3.69 (Width) × 2.29 (Height) × 0.65 (Depth) inches.
Weight: Body only - Approx. 119g / 4.20 oz. With accessories - Approx. 142g / 5.01 oz.
Storage Media: Built-in Memory (approx. 11MB), Memory Stick.
Power Source: Sony Lithium Type D NP-BD1 Rechargeable Battery. Purchase the optional NP-FD1 battery pack which shows you the remaining battery life in minutes using Sony's InfoLITHIUM technology.
Battery life (stamina) with the supplied NP-BD1: 250 shots, 125min (CIPA standard with LCD screen on).
Official Sony TX1 press release - Announced on Thursday, 6 August 2009 04:00 GMT.
Sony TX1 Reviews and Sample Photos
In CNET Asia's preview of a pre-production Sony TX1, Leonard Goh gives some details on the noise performance of the TX1, and even showed high-ISO comparison crops where the TX1 was pitted against the Fuji F200EXR. It does seem that the TX1 performs as well, if not better, than the F200 EXR as far as image noise is concerned. In fact, when the TX1's crop was downsized to 6MP equivalent, the result beats the Fuji's, as Kim Letkeman demonstrates.
And finally, we have Sony TX1 full resolution test photos at EPrice - there are portraits and high-ISO images to test image noise performance. The images are mixed together with photos taken with the Cybershot DSC-WX1.
