Sony CyberShot DSC WX1

Full Review

Sony’s newest compact digital camera, the DSC WX1 is a feature-rich and powerful snapper. Featuring Sony’s new G lens and "Exmor R" CMOS Sensor, the WX1 lived up to its ultracompact label while offering good build quality. It was also a bit of a looker with its metallic look. Sony has also managed to pack a host of features into the camera’s diminutive frame. On offer was a 24mm wide angle lens with 5x optical zoom, which is the widest angle we saw in this test, and Sony's Optical SteadyShot. Other notable features include HD video (720p) recording at 30 fps, a sweep Panorama setting and burst shot at ten frames per second. There were also a host of shooting modes to choose from.

Most of the controls were easy to use and conveniently placed next to the crisp 2.7-inch LCD viewfinder. Its menu interface is simple and most standard features are easily accessible. The package came with a 4GB memory stick pro duo and a standard data/ TV-out cable.

Performance-wise too, the WX1 managed to deliver the goods. It was quick to focus, with almost unnoticeable shutter lag, even in low light. The overall image quality was exceptionally good. Colors were reproduced well, images had great details, the white balance was very accurate and easily the best in its class. Image stabilization worked well and let us capture sharp images even at slow shutter speeds.

A slight barrel distortion was noticed but this was not a downer and the lens offered good sharpness at the center with slight softness on the edges. Images looked clean capturing good details till ISO 200. It was only beyond ISO 400 that noise become obvious, while the Nikon CoolPix S570 and Casio Z400 already produced unusable images at ISO 400.  The HD (720p) Video we captured had great colors, good frame rates and very good details for its class. In this case, it clearly outclassed the HD-capable Casio Z400. Optical zoom was also available during video recording. We really liked the Sweep panorama which is fun to use and impressively accurate. Overall, the Sony WX1 priced at Rs. 14,990 was clearly the top shot compact point-and-shoot with its outstanding imaging capability and great feature pack.

Bottom Line

A compact camera with impressive low light performance, 24mm wide angle lens that captures very good images along with 720p HD video.