I finally decided to write a comment on your blog. I just wanted to say good job. I really enjoy reading your posts.

Sounds like a great camera. I was challenged in the same way and ended up with the slightly more portable Panasonic SZ3. Great camera but the Sony looks awesome

Right on! I have a slew of friends, family, and coworkers who are planning on making this their next camera. My brother who has a Canon DSLR is amazed at the features and picture quality of my hx1. In comparison, there definitely is more clarity in his pictures, but it's not very obvious if not really looking for it. Thanks for your review as it really captured the essence of what stands out with the camera (and I'm also a mac person and have only used Canon in the past). Peace!
Chris from Cali

Hey Chris. Yes, there are pros and cons when comparing cameras. It really depends on what you will use it for.

The picture quality is definitely better on a DSLR but not by much. If you're pro photographer and you don't mind the size then a DSLR is good.

If you want a great zoom, high quality photo and HD camera in a more compact size, then the HX1 rocks.

But most definitely, you can take great shots on either camera depending on how well you learn to use the camera.

Hey Brian,
I know what you are talking about. I own one too. before that my choice was I a Finepix s2100hd before Xmas. It was a big disappointment. I took it back to the store and this is when saw Sony HX1 and became intersted. I looked at http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=sony+hx1+camera&search_type=&aq=4&oq=sony+hx1' title='Sony camera' rel=”nofollow”>SONY HX1 videos on YT. I can only agree with you – its well worth the price and is a usable camera.

Yes, DSC-HX1 is one step further, between average point&shoot and DSLRs.
It can also be used for so many different occasions- portrait, city skyline at night, theater play, concerts, macros. A very good camera for its price.

Hi Brian,

I just purchased an HX1 and can’t wait to it arrives.

I looked at the Flickr group pool for this camera and that’s what convinced me to get this camera.

Here’s a link to the Flickr goup pool:
http://www.flickr.com/groups/dsc-hx1/

Truly,
Emad

Congrats. I’m still enjoying it very much. I find the “burst” mode to be one of the most useful functions. 1 click = 10 shots to ensure that at least 1 of them has my kids looking at the camera!

Am going to get mine soon your review helped me and convinced me more :)

But i have one question how is with a mac?
i mean when you connect it with your mac does iPhoto works with it? can i import my pictures, videos easily just like any digital camera?

Thank you.

Works fine with a Mac. I bought a memory stick to USB adaptor and I use that to transfer photos and videos to iPhoto. It auto-detects and launches iPhoto just like it did with my Canon previously.

I bought this camera as a step-up from a point and shoot and absolutely LOVE IT! I too use a MAC and it works great. The photos are amazing, night shots are better than I have ever taken before, zoom ROCKS! And it is SO EASY to use! So far, no complaints–just trying to learn all the features! You did a GREAT job of explaining this. Thanks!

how do you use the “A” mode and “S” mode?
when i switch it there, there are three sets of number below the screen for adjustment… like how do i capture a splash of water or something like a portrait shot where the backgrounds are slightly blurred…?

A is for Aperture. The smaller the number the larger the opening giving you better focus on human subjects and creating a blurred background. Use a larger number for landscapes and scenery shots. The S is for shutter speed. Increase the shutter speed to capture fast moving things like sports or water droplets for example. If you don’t know what Aperture and Shutter Speed is, then just use the the green icon for full auto. That works well 90% of the time. Or use the SCN option to choose your shot type. All of this is in your manual.

Hey Brian, it was so inspiring to read you post. I felt that we both are in same shoe, coz i went to buy a DSLR but since it is costly and also they do not have video take for Nikon D300 or SOny alpha, Canon 100D i was confused. I thought of taking Nikon P100 but then there was a strong fight between Sony HX1 and Nikon P100. finally I will go for Sony, yes…great. Thanks for your helpful review. SOny should really pay you…

Please reply, so this camera is mac compatible?
I can film short movies with this and run them on imovie correct?

Yes. Just import it to iPhoto or iMovie directly.

I have a problem with my HX1. I cant see the scene i shooting with LCD and finder hole. Is this the problem wiht my camera or its because of some setting changes???
Reply please

There’s a small “Finder/LCD” button on the top left of the camera. You press that button to choose between Finder view or LCD view but not both.

Wow, after reading and watching your review, I’m almost 100% sure I want to get the HX1. I am no expert in photography or video. I don’t even know how to upload a video on Youtube! D: And so, I really hope this camera is suitable for a person whose photography isn’t their forte. You see, at first I was only searching for a camera that would be greatly suitable in lowlight and zoom, since I am going to be attending a concert soon and I’m sitting quite far away from the stage, but now I want to use the camera for my everyday life! Thank you so much for the review. :)

Ah! And I also have a few questions. The concert that I am attending is within a venue that is quite strict in terms of photography. This is what they said:

Photography -

No commercial or flash photography of any kind is permitted. Camcorders or any other audio/visual equipment is prohibited unless authorized by team/promoter or performer. Specifically, the use of the following equipment is not permitted:

- Lenses greater than three-and-one-half inches in length
- Telephoto or zoom lenses of any kind
- Interchangeable lenses of any kind
- Monopods or tripods
- Flash equipment of any kind

I’m not going to take photos for any commercial use, and utilizing twilight keeps me from using flash right? Nor will I bring any other equipment except the camera; I’m really not technologically intelligent enough to be able to use additional equipment anyways. Now, when it states the specific things prohibited, does the HX1 violate any of it? I really really hope not.

Again, thank you so much for this helpful review. It really enlightened me in terms of how to use the HX1 and also in how wonderful the camera is. I really hope you reply to my comment, because I’m pretty certain your reply shall ultimately determine whether or not I will purchase the HX1. Have a good day! :D

Not sure if it violates the concert rules or not. Personally I think not but that is subject to interpretation. The good thing is that the HX1 looks like a personal camera but has features that are comparable to commercial DSLR (e.g. the zoom) so you will probably be able to get past security. The quality of the photos in low light will not be fantastic but the special options for low light conditions do help a lot. You will need to practice using the different options to find the right mode. In my experience about 3 out of 10 shots will turn out nice is very low light conditions. So I just take a LOT more photos to get the best shots that I want. But I think this applies to almost all cameras including DSLRs unless you have professional lighting equipment.

I have this camera and I Love it!! very good review!!!!!

Ah, so the lens f the camera are less than 3 1/2 inches? Because I thought that it did look a bit long. And when you say ‘different options’, what would you use for a concert that’s indoors? I know that putting it in twilight will help, but I don’t know if there’s more to it. Sorry for all the questions, I just really want to make sure before I buy a $399.99 camera + a carrying case costing $ 49.99.

When the camera is off the lens is like a normal digital camera. When you go to full zoom, it extends out quite a bit and you get a 20x zoom. The different options you need to experiment with – there’s about 3 preset for low light conditions. First, you can just select twilight mode with anti-shake. Second is you can use anti-shake on it’s own. Third you can choose a “scene” that for twilight. Also for the digital movie recording, they have a low light option. Personally, under low light conditions and at longer distances, I find that using the plain anti-shake without flash seems better than the twilight anti-shake mode. The camera will capture 6 images and put them back together to minimize blur. But this is what I mean that you should experiment to see which mode you will actually end up using. I have already taken thousands of photos that I love with this camera so I am very happy with the investment. I will still consider getting a DSLR camera at some point because I think its easier to get portrait shots with an aperture effect with a DSLR portrait lens. But at the moment, I’m more than satisfied with the HX1.

Wow, thank you for all that information! I’ll be sure to experiment in order to see with modes will be suitable for the concert. Thanks again for your great review and helpful advice. I’ll be sure to check back once again when I buy the HX1. :)

Hi Brian, I own an HX1. i bought this camera only because the SX1 was no more available in INDIA (where i am) as Canon some how decided that India is not a good marketplace for superb cameras like the SX1.

I Will newer say that the camera is an underperformer. Its just that the pictures from the SX1 makes it look like one. HX1 can get you great pics with very less amount of effort from your side.. (the camera does the ffort for you :) ). The main problems with the HX is that the sensor’s low light sensitivity is very much less when you compare it with cannon P&S. the anti motion blur mode does help but most of the time, the 6 shots take too much time that the subject moves in between and the resulting image is no more the good one you expected, but a blury, dim one which you might decide to delete than keep. and in the anti motion blur, you don have any control over the light. its fully automatic.

The HD video is better at 720p than the 1080p. and

The 10 fps burst mode is fast enough to get some fantastic shots, but you have to wait another 10 seconds to take another picture after the “SAVING” screen to go away. in effect, if you want to keep on shooting, the average speed will be lesser than 1fps. Not to mention about the continuity you will be loosing in between the “saving gap”.. where the SX have a 4 fps which you can keep on shooting till your card gets filled.

the wheel in the back side top right cornor makes it really easy to change the values and browse through pictures and will give you an “SLR like” experience. the mannual zoom is also better with this one feature.

the manual modes are good enough. they are as good as any competing cameras’.

Another main problem you will face with this camera will be the accessories. The camera takes only pro2duo card which is really costly compared to the “microSD+adapter” combinations we can get for SX. this combination might not be as fast as the pro2duo, but you can have some 5-6 good quality cards for the same cost you will have to give for a pro2duo card.

the battery is also an issue. SX1 can take in AA batteries which you can get from any small country shop if necessary. but for the HX, you have to get a backup batry which is kinda costly.

Lens/filter adapters. The HX is not designed to be really helpful in this field. these is only one ring adapter for this camera, which seems to be out of market. i have been tring to get such a piece for a small price if possible.. no results yet. all we have is a cup shaped adapter which will fit to your camera body rather than the lens. if i go on explaining the disadvantages of this, i won be able to get back to my work :D. this adaper is a 72 mm if i remember it right. the usual 58 mm adapters are out of question for the HX1. and they don even provide a hood for the camera in the box. Canon products are more compatiable for third party accessories.

but if you know how to handle the camera, you WILL be able to capture really great pictures from this camera.. the Automatic mode is inteligent enought for a starter to get good pictures. but for a “semi proffessional”, HELL NO..

I would say “GO GET AN SLR” to any of the fellows like me who needs an advice. But, even i din hear this advice when i was goin to buy a camera. now i do feel that it would’ve been better if i had bought an SLR. you have to spend a bit on lenses. but the image quality you can get with an SLR is somethin you have to pay for..

HX1 is not BAD, But I would have preffered the SX1 instead.. (if i cant afford and SLR)..

Dear Mr. Wong,

I bought recently a HX1 but I´m feeling a bit sad about the image quality, specially for night scenes. If I want to print the photos on A4 size (or even smaller) they look with a lot of noise on.

Maybe I still do not know how to operate, however I´m used to Sony cameras… Did you faced the same problem? Do you know how to make images quality better just with the camera adjustments?

Thank you a lot

Daniel

Under normal daylight, the photo quality is great. Choose 4:3 9M for printing up to A3 size or 4:3 5M for printing up to A4 size in your image recording settings. I normally set it to Aperture mode and zoom in on my subject from further away with the metering set at the center. The image quality comes out great with the subject in focus and background slightly out of focus for portrait shots. If I am lazy, I just leave the unit on auto (the green) and it will select the right mode most of the time e.g. detecting faces if I am taking images of people or increases depth of field of I am taking landscape shots. The other mode that I do use is the Scene mode and I normally choose night time portrait for low light portrait shots, sometimes I use the Food scene to shoot macro shots of food.

In low light conditions, I agree that the camera is lacking here. The flash is not quite powerful enough and the shots come out rather grainy. I have found the best mode is to use the Twilight Steady mode without the flash when there is enough ambient light on the subject. For portrait shots, just use the Twilight Portrait under Scene mode but like I say, sometimes, the flash is too strong or too weak for low light environments which is to be expected of these types of cameras.

Here are some example of some shots taken in various modes on the Sony HX-1:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/brianwong73/sets/72157624838027123/

Thank you a lot for having so much of your attention! I´m pleased to be able to discuss some of my dificulties with someone that, as I read at your website, has almost the same purpose fwith photography!

I´ll try to use your hints but, just for talking, I still have an old sony w7 that makes really good low light pictures. Of course that for this old camera I need a tripod, but even when using a tripod for the hx1, I remain disappointed… but I still hope to learn to use the camera and get more from it (specially due to the money that I invested!).

thank you once again! and sorry for my bad english ;)

Hi Brian,

Do you think the Steup ring size 52mm-58mm will fit to our Sony HX1?

See this ad from ebay.
http://cgi.ebay.com.sg/52mm-58mm-52-58mm-52-58-Step-Up-Ring-Filter-Adapter-/390081933055?pt=Digital_Camera_Accessories&hash=item5ad2b1eeff

Thanks.

Nap

Hi Wong,
Awesome review and splendid information you have shared.
I have a doubt on the Movie Recording with HX1. If I’m using a 4GB stick , how much Full HD video recording time does it give?

Hi Friends,

I must thank for your posts, I too own HX1. For sure this chitti[hx1] receves very good appreciation from everywhere for its quality of pictures and especialy for its clarity. Of course, its a machine with little intelligent built in and it acts the way the camera man operates it.

I definetly enjoy clicking with this camera though I have soft corner for Nikon :)

I have a HX1, and I love it. My only problem Is when I take pictures at night and in low light places. I will be going to a concert soon, and was wanting to know what is the best setting to take great pictures with?