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Introduction
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01.Product Tour
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02.Color
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03.Noise
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04.Resolution
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05.Video
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06.Sample Photos
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07.Playback
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08.Hardware
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09.Controls
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10.Design & Handling
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11.Nikon P90 Comparison
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12.Olympus SP-590UZ Comparison
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13.Sony HX1 Comparison
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14.Conclusion
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15.Photo Gallery
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16.Comments
Canon PowerShot SX1 IS
Previous: Page 12
Olympus SP-590UZ ComparisonNext: Page 14
ConclusionSony HX1 Comparison
The Sony HX1 and the Canon SX1 are the two cameras in our roundup that deliver full 1080p high-definition video, complete with stereo sound. Each offers a 20x zoom range. And while the Canon enjoys a slight edge in number of megapixels (10 versus 9.1) in our actual resolution testing the Sony delivered better results for sharpness, along with extraordinarily low lens distortion.
The lab-tested results are a mixed bag when comparing these two cameras, with superior resolution and image stabilization for the Sony, lower image noise and more accurate color for the Canon. Both cameras produced impressive high-def video, though the Sony was marginally better both for sharpness and color accuracy.
The Canon body is a bit easier to handle, with some real estate on the left hand side that’s missing on the Sony. The Sony has a slightly larger screen (3 inches versus 2.8 for the Canon) with a tilt mechanism that helps when holding the camera down low or overhead. This isn’t as useful as the full articulated screen on the Canon, though, which not only supports a wider variety of shooting angles, but also allows a steadier grip when unfolded (useful for video shooting) and the ability to flip the LCD backwards to protect the screen while traveling. One key point for those interested in heavy-duty image editing: the Canon offers RAW mode shooting, the Sony doesn’t.
What draws us to the Sony, though, are some innovative features not found on the Canon. We’re not ordinarily big fans of stitching together panoramas, but the SX1 has a sweep panorama mode that’s just shy of magical: you pan up or down and the camera automatically captures a series of images and stitches them together for you with amazingly good results. The burst mode is fairly spectacular too, at a true 10 frames per second (the Canon only manages 3 fps). Add the fact that the Sony is priced $100 lower, and that seals the deal.
| Canon PowerShot SX1 IS vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1 | ||
|---|---|---|
 |
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| Canon PowerShot SX1 IS | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1 | |
| Price | $599.99 | $499.99 |
| Colors | black | black |
| Dimensions | 127.5mm x 88.3mm x 87.7mm | 116.84mm x 86.36mm x 91.44mm |
| Optical Zoom | 20x | 20x |
| Sensor | 1/2.3"-type, CMOS, 11.8 megapixels | 1/2.4"-type, CMOS |
| Display | articulated LCD, 2.8 in., 230000 pixels | articulated LCD, 3.0 in., 230400 pixels |
| Viewfinder | electronic, 148000 pixels, 100.0 % coverage | electronic, 201000 pixels |
| Manual Controls | manual focus, aperture priority mode, shutter priority mode, full manual exposure, custom white balance, ISO control | manual focus, aperture priority mode, shutter priority mode, custom white balance, ISO control |
| Connectivity | A/V, USB, miniHDMI, hot accessory shoe | USB, A/V, miniHDMI |
| Battery | AA | removable lithium-ion, InfoLITHIUM H type 6.8V |
Shop for the Canon SX1 IS
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