The ultimate Mega Zoom showdown has hit the infoSync World Coliseum! Check out our exclusive image samples from the Canon PowerShot SX1 IS and Sony DSC-HX1 here.
Today we had the luxury of playing with two recently announced performance Mega Zooms here at PMA, and we also managed to snag some image samples from both cameras. Keep in mind that these are preproduction models, so the image samples you're about to see are not finalized, but we can attain a fairly accurate grasp on what direction each company is headed in terms of image quality. So, if you're in the market for a high-end point-and-shoot, take a seat at the craps table because Canon and Sony have set their stakes high.
Canon PowerShot SX1 IS
 Canon pumped up the jam with the introduction of the Canon PowerShot SX1 IS, but from the outside it's difficult to see any improvements. We're huge fans of the PowerShot SX1 IS's all-black chassis and matte finish. Like the Canon PowerShot SX10 IS, this is one comfortable compact, but for some reason, the PowerShot SX1 IS felt more rugged than its predecessor. The SX1 IS also features a 2.8-inch 16:9 swivel LCD in order to appease the 1080P HD video function. We stealthily shot a 1080P video clip with the PowerShot SX1 IS and played it back on our monitor. We found the low light capability to look promising, but the video stuttered every two seconds or so, and we hope this is merely a PowerShot SX1 IS preproduction hiccup. The menu system and nearly all features were identical to the Canon PowerShot SX10 IS, so there were no major surprises regarding the interface. However, the Canon PowerShot SX1 IS harbors a 10-megapixel 1/2.3-inch CMOS chip rather than a CDD. So, let's see what that CMOS can do. Both images were captured in Program AE mode at the lowest ISO setting with the flash diasabled.
Vegas, Baby
Vegas, Baby Macro
Given the inconsistent and murky lighting certain booths tend to emit, the Canon PowerShot SX1 IS handles the first image quite well. The exposure is a bit low, but detail within the martini glass is superb. We struggled in Macro mode, as you can see only the top of the red die and right corner of the Vegas sign are in focus. Both images are a little noisy as well, but colors look beautiful, as to be expected from nearly any Canon imaging device. We had had to pull out early because the Canon reps began to give us the eye of death, but based on all of our cumulative samples, even the ones that were not posted, it looks as though the PowerShot SX1 IS is certainly an improvement, but we will make the final call when we get our hands on one.
Sony DSC-HX1
 The Sony DSC-HX1 is clearly the arch nemesis of the Canon PowerShot SX1 IS, for the DSC-HX1 can shoot 1080P video, has a 20x optical zoom, and rocks its own carnation of a pivoting LCD. The Sony DSC-HX1 also has a 28mm wide-angle lens and an all-black chassis that rivals the PowerShot SX1 IS's. We were highly impressed with the construction of the Sony DSC-HX1, though its menus took a little adjusting. The Control dial put the PowerShot SX1 IS's Set wheel to shame, and the tilting LCD extended to provide a wider viewing range. We also took the Sony DSC-HX1's 1080P video feature for a little test drive and found the video quality to be highly impressive once played back on our monitor. Colors looked beautiful, motion was smooth and detail was spot on. Based on what we viewed, we'd take the Sony DSC-HX1's 1080P over the Canon PowerShot SX1 IS's, but to be fair we're still in the preseason. But then the image quality knocked our socks off as well. We got lucky with the DSC-HX1 because Sony provided many shooting environments. It seemed as though every display table was accompanied by a Sony DSC-HX1 or four. The following images are courtesy of the Sony DSC-HX1's 9-megapixel 1/2.4-inch EXMOR CMOS chip.
Vegas, Baby Program AE Base ISO
Vegas, Baby Macro
PMA Panorama
PMA Ceiling
Think You Got Game? Auto Mode
Boston Zoom, Auto Mode
First off, we were fortunate enough that Sony opened the floodgates when it came to illumination, and look at the awesome detail in the first image. Colors appear as though they are handpicked from a Crayola box and noise is nearly invisible. However, we discover a little color gradation along the edge of the red die in the macro shot. Still, we were able to bury the lens deep into our subject matter while the Canon PowerShot SX1 IS required us to keep our distance.
We took a crack at Sony's new Sweep Panaorama function, which allowed us to press the shutter button and simply pan from left to right in order to capture a full panorama shot. The result was nearly flawless, but there are visible creases in two spots. We'll play around with this feature when we get our hands on an official test unit.
In dim light, the Sony DSC-HX1 held a decent exposure, but noise levels jumped and color gradation flared up, as evidenced in the ceiling image. We shot the final two images in Auto mode, and the high ISO levels seem to be the only detriments to both images. The detail in the Boston Jersey is exceptional, considering we zoomed in from about 15 feet away with a slightly shaky hand.
The Verdict
After playing with both models extensively today, we'd have to give the edge to the Sony DSC-HX1. The Canon PowerShot SX1 IS is a monumental upgrade to the PowerShot SX10 IS, but we had our reservations regarding image and 1080P video quality. Sony barreled out of the blue with a stellar image and video performance. However, things could change when the real season begins, so stay tuned for in-depth reviews on both models.
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