The HX1 is the first Cyber-shot to use a G lens, borrowing technology from Sony's DSLR optics. The lens delivers the 35mm viewing angle equivalent of a 28-560mm zoom and includes six aperture blades. The camera is designed to record a traditional panorama at 224 degrees or one captured in vertical format at 154 degrees. The 9.1MP shooter makes use of an Exmor CMOS sensor – which helps with speedy picture taking – 20x optical zoom and the ability to record Full HD video clips. The camera also houses a tilt-angle 3.0-inch LCD. The HX1 is also the first in the range to house an Exmor imaging sensor. Also on board is a handheld 'twilight' mode and 'anti-motion blur' technology which both use the camera's high speed shutter to ensure the 'sharpest image possible' from six shots captured in less than one second. A Sony spokesman added: 'Combined with the power of the Bionz imaging processor, it immediately superimposes them into one picture. The camera calculates the position of objects in each frame and composes the sharpest picture possible, resulting in clearer images.

The Sony Cybershot DSC-HX1 camera will go on sale in the US for $500 when it is launched next month.

[Dpreview]