Sony’s digital imaging products scoop two prestigious TIPA Awards

Sony digital imaging innovation has been recognised by the judges of this year’s TIPA (Technical Image Press Association) Awards.

The editorial panel of Europe’s most prestigious photo industry awards named the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-HX1 ‘Best Superzoom D-Camera in 2009 ’. The judging citation states:

“The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1 can take up to 224 degree panorama shots in one easy press and sweep motion. It is the company's first compact camera to use their 'Exmor' CMOS sensor technology, allowing the camera to achieve burst speeds of 10 frames per second at full 9.1 megapixel resolution and record movies in 1080p HD. The camera also has a fantastic 20x optical zoom 'G' lens technology which has previously only been available in their 'alpha' cameras.”

Meanwhile, the Sony DSLR lens 70-400mm F4-5.6 G SSM was awarded ‘Best Expert Lens in 2009’. The judging citation states:

“With 18 elements into 12 groups including 2 ED glasses, Super Sonic Motorisation (SSM) for a total weight of 1.5 kg, this Sony G zoom lens deserves the 'expert' definition. In a beautiful silver finish and in a solid construction, it features an excellent optical quality at f/4. Circular aperture, Low distortion, invisible vignetting and a negligible chromatic aberration completes the portrait of this high quality telephoto lens.”

Cyber-shot DSC-HX1

The feature-packed Cyber-shot HX1 blends lightning-fast shooting and powerful creative options in a beautifully stylish, easy to use camera.
Inside, there’s a super-sensitive 9.1 megapixel CMOS sensor that cuts image noise in low-light conditions like dusk or dimly-lit interiors. You’ll see the difference with crisp, natural results when you’re shooting handheld without flash. It is the world's first compact digital still camera with 10fps burst shooting at full image resolution*: that’s faster than many professional DSLR cameras. There are also two new low-light shooting modes which automatically superimpose a high-speed burst of six frames to produce one stunning shot. The HX1 is also the world's first digital still camera with Sweep Panorama*. This new shooting mode stitches together a high-speed burst of frames to produce an extra-wide, high resolution image. Just press the shutter button once then sweep the camera to create seamless panoramic shots.

70-400 mm F4-.5.6 G SSM DSLR Lens

The 70-400 mm F4-.5.6 G SSM DSLR lens is a very high quality G Series telephoto zoom lens with wide focal length range. It has smooth and silent AF operation using high-torque SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor). The G Series optics with Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass elements enables for clear, sharp edge-to-edge description and reduced chromatic aberration. Beautiful defocus effects are achieved thanks to the circular aperture. Other features include convenient operation with focus mode switch, focus range limiter and three focus hold buttons.

**As of Mar.09, Sony survey

About the TIPA Awards

TIPA (Technical Image Press Association) was founded in 1991 as an independent, non-profit Association of European photo and imaging magazines. With 27 member magazines from 11 countries, TIPA is the largest and most influential photo and imaging press association in Europe. Each year, editors of member magazines vote for the “Best Photo and Imaging Products in Europe” considering innovation, use of leading-edge technology, design/ergonomics, ease of use and price/performance. For further information, visit www.tipa.org