Last update 19 November’09 – Review and Sample Photos @ GoodGearGuide
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX1 announced on August 5, 2009 is a 10.2 megapixel compact digital camera and it one of the first to use back illuminated CMOS sensors. It features 10 fps high speed shooting, 4x optical zoom, image stabilization, HD movie capture, dynamic range optimization, 3 inch LCD, sweep panorama mode, camera dimensions W x H x D: 93.8mm x 58.2mm x 16.5mm (3 3/4″ x 2 3/8″ x 21/32″) and it weighs (Approx.) : Approx. 119g (4.2oz.) body only; Approx. 142g (5.0oz.) body with battery and MSDuo.
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Review Index – (updated 19 November’09)
GoodGearGuide
If you are looking for a camera that is small enough it can be comfortably packed around in your pocket or purse. Performance wise this camera is not what they would call a good all-round performer, however, for normal candids and party photography it would probably be a good choice.
Rating: 
Cameras.uk
“The TX1 is quite an impressive camera and when you take into account its better than normal capabilities such as sweep panorama, 10 frames per second shooting and multi-photo twilight mode are at the very least clever. Downside is it does have some quirks, it’s awkward to hold and the menu system is confusing to navigate and the lens is nothing to write home about.”
Rating: 
Cameras.uk (As compared to the Sony Cybershot DSC WX1)
“Looks as though it’s a draw between these two when it comes to photo quality and features. So the deciding factor is going to come down to which camera looks best to you or if you like a touch screen or not. But in this case whichever you choose our test result show you will probably be happy with either.”
Cameras.uk (As compared to the Canon Powershot SD980 IS/IXUS 200 IS)
“If you look at features I prefer the Sony Cybershot DSC TX1. Beyond that our speed tests puts the nail in the coffin so to speak because the TX1 wins hands down. Both cameras weigh in at about the same price but the Sony gives more bang for the buck.”
PhotographyBlog
“For its hefty price we would expect a lot more photographer friendly features which puts in an awkward position where the beginner will not be interested because of price and more experienced shooters will be turned off by the lack of features. However, the TX1 produces outstanding image results, it’s too bad it could not strike a fair balance between style, price, and features. All that aside this camera is worth taking a second look at if you’re after the best point-and-shoot.”
Rating: 
CNET.au
“The TX1 is a great advancement in the compact camera sector, better low-light ability and photo quality instead of more megapixels. It still has some ground to make up relative to photo processing and a better lens, but still, this camera is one of the most slender, most well defined bodies we have seen in a long time.”
Rating: 
Imaging Resource
“Oh, the Sony TX1 is a Dave’s Pick all right, let’s get that out of the way right now. It has the technical wonders required to earn one, starting with the new Exmor R sensor’s increased light sensitivity, the responsive widescreen, touch-sensitive LCD, and some innovative shooting modes.”
Wired
“Good: Thin and light with an impressive touchscreen and amazing low-light capabilities. A fast 10-fps shutter is perfect for sports, kids, animals and the occasional fleeing celebrity. Cool new features like Hand-Held Twilight and Sweep Panorama modes work like a charm.
Not so Good: You pay big bucks for such a small cam: Price tag skates close to 4 Benjamins. Confusing menus can make it frustrating to change settings on the fly.”
Rating: 
Cameras.uk
“This pocket camera is very different to most of its competitors. It has a number of exciting features such as a 10 frames per second burst mode, High Definition movies, sweep panorama and a handheld twilight mode that aims to reduce noise once lighting levels fall. It you are on the lookout for a digital camera packed with the latest features then take a look at the Sony Cybershot DSC TX1.”
Rating:
Digital Trends
“We have to look at this camera as a version-0.9 offering. Although it’s almost fully developed, it’s not all the way there. Sweep Panorama and Handheld Twilight are really good features, as is the 10-frames-per-second shooting. Yet colors were uneven, and focusing isn’t as good or accurate as we’d like. Given these issues, this one is hard to recommend. Hopefully, the implementation of Exmor R technology in the WX1 or future models will resolve these issues.”
Rating: 
]Sample Photos
[Image Quality Sample @ CNET.uk]
[Image Quality Samples @ PhotographyBlog]
[Sample Photos @ Imaging Resource]
[Sample Photos @ Cameras.uk]
Press Release
SAN DIEGO, Aug. 5, 2009 – Sony today announced two new Cyber-shot® cameras (DSC-TX1 and DSC-WX1 models) that provide unprecedented advances in low-light performance with approximately twice the sensitivity of cameras with traditional image sensors.
These Cyber-shot cameras are the first to employ Sony’s new “Exmor R” back illuminated CMOS sensor technology to improve shooting in low-light scenarios, enhancing image clarity and drastically reducing grain.
“With these new “Exmor R” CMOS sensor cameras, Sony has vastly improved the customer experience for taking pictures with digital still cameras in low-light scenarios,” said Phil Lubell, director of the digital imaging business at Sony Electronics. “We’ve all taken pictures in dimly lit areas, where the results were grainy and unclear. By redesigning the way these cameras capture light, Sony is leading the industry by creating this easy way to take amazingly clear, vibrant photos in low lighting scenarios.”
“Exmor R” Sensor Optimizes Low-Light Performance
Conventional image sensor architecture has required wires and other circuit elements to be positioned above the light sensitive photo-diodes, limiting the imager’s light gathering capability. Positioning these elements behind the photo-diodes, Sony’s “Exmor R” image sensors can gather more light, resulting in approximately twice the sensitivity compared to conventional sensors.
To further extend low-light shooting performance, the TX1 and WX1 cameras incorporate the hand-held twilight and anti-motion blur multi-shot modes introduced in Sony’s breakthrough Cyber-shot DSC-HX1. Using “Exmor R” CMOS sensor’s high speed, these modes capture six separate images in less than a second and utilize Sony’s BIONZ™ processor to combine the shots into a single image of extraordinary detail and low noise.
Combining the “Exmor R” technology with hand-held twilight and anti-motion blur modes delivers a breakthrough in low-light photography. Users can now capture images of stunning detail and low noise in scenes with no more than candlelight—without flash or the need of a tripod.
Innovative Sweep Panorama™ and High-Speed Shooting
In addition to their breakthrough low light performance, these new cameras also include Sony’s Sweep Panorama and 10 frames per second burst shooting features, which were introduced with the Sony® DSC-HX1 camera. The TX1 and WX1 cameras offer these features in smaller, more compact bodies that match nearly any unique style.
Capturing wide landscapes is as easy as “press and sweep.” Sweep Panorama mode lets you reach beyond the traditional wide-angle lens and capture breathtaking shots. Using the high-speed “Exmor R” CMOS sensor, the cameras shoot continuously while you sweep across the scene. Using the BIONZ imaging processor, they automatically stitch the pictures together to create one stunning panoramic photo.
The TX1 and WX1 Cyber-shot models can take up to 185 and 256-degree panorama shots respectively in one easy press-and-sweep motion with an image size of 7152 x 1080 (ultra wide horizontal).
Advanced Technology and Compact Design
While the HX1 camera is a well-rounded solution for customers who are looking for high-zoom and speed in a smaller size than a DSLR, the TX1 and WX1 cameras are made for an audience that wants advanced technology in an even more compact design.
With its slim profile of just 16.5mm, the 10.2 mega-pixel TX1 offers streamlined, distinguished curves for a sophisticated look appealing to the fashion-oriented who are also looking for great performance.
This model features a new operation on the touch panel that lets you scroll through images with an effortless “flick” of your finger and directly access menus on the 3-inch Clear Photo LCD Plus™ display.
With a Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar® lens, the TX1 camera lets you focus as little as 0.4 inches from your subject for extraordinary close-up shots. The 4x telescopic zoom is perfect for capturing far-away subjects, and Sony’s Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization helps overcome camera shake.
The 10.2 mega-pixel WX1 camera has a 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD Plus display and is just over three quarters of an inch thin—an ideal choice for DSLR owners who also want to carry a compact, high performance digital still camera.
The WX1 camera features a Sony G lens with an extraordinary wide angle 24-120mm 5x optical zoom. This lens’ f/2.4 maximum aperture offers nearly twice the light gathering capability of conventional lenses, and works together with the “Exmor R” imager and low-light shooting modes to provide low-light photography beyond the abilities of other compact cameras.
Tech Savvy Cameras
These cameras include the most recent Sony technology, including, Intelligent Auto (iAuto) mode which, recognizes scenes, lighting conditions and faces, and adjusts settings resulting in clearer images, faces with more natural skin tone and less blur; Face Detection that detects up to eight faces and optimizes focus, flash, exposure and white balance and intelligent Scene (iSCN) that delivers nine Scene Selection modes to quickly adjust for specific shooting conditions.
Pet mode is a new Sony feature that minimizes blur when shooting moving pets. This new mode also reduces glowing pet red-eye.
Additionally, the cameras have technologies Sony Cyber-shot customers have come to expect. These include Smile Shutter™ technology that automatically captures a smile, dynamic range optimization (DRO) that improves exposure and contrast, intelligent Auto Focus that captures fleeting moments and HD video capability that records HD movies in 720p high definition MPEG4 format.
With HD video capability, these cameras record HD movies in 720p high definition MPEG4 format for stunning large-screen home movie playback. You can record up to 29 minutes (or up to 2GB file size) in 720p format.
Pricing and Availability
The TX1 camera will be available in silver, gray, pink and blue this September for about $380. The WX1 camera will be available in black this October for about $350. Pre-sales will start in August. The cameras and a range of accessories will be available online
