Features & Controls

Sony has equipped the Cyber-Shot DSC-TX1 with a internal "folded" Carl Zeiss 4x optical zoom lens. it covers an equivalent range of 35 - 140mm when shooting still images, 38 - 152mm for 16:9 movies or 46 - 184mm for 4:3 movies. The lens operates completely inside of the body, helping keep the TX1 super slim. This high quality, all-glass lens is comprised of 12 elements in 10 groups with 4 aspheric elements and 1 prism. The sliding lens cover protects the lens from harm, and also acts as an On/Off power switch.

To help aid in capturing steady, blur free hand-held photos, Sony has included their Optical SteadyShot image stabilization system, which is a len-shift device that uses two gyro-sensors that detect hand movement, and then the camera automatically calculates the compensation needed to provide a clear, crisp image.

The TX1 features the same 9-point area AF system we've seen on past models, like the Cyber-Shot DSC-T90. This autofocus system offers Multi, Spot, and Center-weighted options, and is aided in low-light with a low-light focus assist Illuminator.  Sony does not specify the focus range, however they do show the macro capabilities as being able to focus from 0.39" (1cm) to Infinity. 

The built-in flash has modes for Auto flash, Forced On, Forced Off, Slow Synchro, with Red-Eye Reduction On or Off. The flash has a working range using ISO Auto: Approx. 0.26' - 9.84' (0.08- 3.0m) Wide / Approx. 1.64' - 7.87' (0.5 - 2.4m) Telephoto. Using ISO 3200 will extend the range to 19.7 ft. (6.0m) at Wide angle or 15.7 ft (4.8m) at Telephoto.

On the back of the camera you won't find much, just the large 3.0-inch Touchpanel "Clear Photo LCD Plus" TFT monitor. This unit offers 230,400 pixels of resolution, and is the only viewfinder. That means the LCD is used review files, sharing and accessing the menu system, changing camera settings, etc. This is a transmissive / reflective display that's visible even in the direct sunlight. Sony's "Clear Photo LCD" technology provides higher resolution, contrast ratio and brightness. All of the controls are onscreen, and you make menu selections by touching the desired value on the screen with your finger tips or you can use the included stylus "Paint" pen.

The only control located on the back is the playback button for switching the TX1 into review mode. 

The I/O port is on the bottom next to the battery/memory card door and the metal tripod mount. The included cable has outputs for USB 2.0 high-speed transfer to the computer or connection to a PictBridge printer, and Audio-Video for display on a TV (video signal can be set for NTSC or PAL standard).

Like past models, the TX1 can be connected to a HDTV set by using the optional component (RGB) video cables (VMC-MHC1); sold separately). Unfortunately, the TX1 does not offer an HDMI output.

Located on the bottom with the battery is the Memory Stick Duo card slot. The DSC-TX1 has ~11MB of internal memory and supports any capacity Memory Stick Duo or Memory Stick Pro Duo card up to 16GB. Data can be easily copied back and forth between the internal memory and flash cards.

Approx. Storage Capacities

The TX1 is powered by a tiny Sony NP-BD1 3.6v 680 mAh InfoLITHIUM rechargeable battery pack that is charged in the included AC charger. The charger has fold-away prongs, making it handy to keep along with charge your battery on the go. A second pack would be a wise choice for those going on vacation. They quote that a fully charged pack can power the TX1 for up to approx. 250 images using CIPA standard testing.

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