Sony Cybershot HX1 takes aim at compact rivals

Now Samsung has handed over plans for their new NX series, it's the turn of Sony to try and impress us with their photographic wares. And make no mistake, the new Cybershot HX1 looks like an immense effort.The new flagship compact from the Big S, the HX1 crams in features taken directly from their Alpha range of DSLRs, plus plenty of neat extras to sate feature hounds everywhere.The 'Exmor' CMOS sensor supports 9.1MP, snapping ten frames per second thanks to a mechanical shutter. Sony says this out does plenty of DSLRs, handy seeing as it comes directly from the Alpha line up. It means you'll be able to capture tons of quick quality shots whether you're on the beers or at the footie.On top of that, you'll find a 20x optical zoom, 28mm wide angle lens, which uses the same G Lens found in the Alphas (you can see where Sony's going with this one). There's also a killer new 'sweep panorama' mode for letting you take swift panoramic shots with one push of the button.As if that wasn't enough to get amateur David Bailey's slobbering with excitement, the HX1 also shoots in full 1080p, making it a proper camcorder to boot. You'll be able to watch your masterpieces back on a 3in tilting LCD, before firing them over to your TV or PC.Sony's keeping schtum on price, but it'll be yours to nab from April. For more on compact cameras, take a look at our top 10 now.p>EssentialsSony Cybershot HX1 Price: £TBA On sale: April Contact: Sony