Performance and Verdict
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX9 review – Performance
The sweep panorama modes are effective for wide vistas and 3D sweep mode adds another dimension
Images are recorded on the 12.2-million-effective-pixel Exmor CMOS back-illuminated sensor and are crisp at lower sensitivities, although there are signs of smudging at ISO 400. This becomes more noticeable at ISO 800 and higher. However, the Cyber-shot DSC-TX9 has various settings to choose from to ensure less noise, including superior auto mode, which combines six images.
As I have come to expect from Sony Cyber-shot cameras, images have bright colour rendition and auto white balance is accurate in most situations. Focusing is responsive even in low light, and can be achieved by touching the desired part of the image on screen. Using the touchscreen is a breeze, and makes operation intuitive. The TX9 does not quite match other compact cameras in the same price range for image quality, but it does offer a vast array of features in a very slim body.
Despite the high asking price, this is a camera offering auto settings only. For the best part it quite simply does the job. Intelligent Auto is quick to adjust and selects scenes accurately. There are plenty of shooting modes to sink your teeth into, and the 3D modes are particularly good for wide vistas. I suspect that most users will hone in on a few preferred settings and generally stick to them for familiarity and speed, and they will not be perturbed by the iAuto function. The 1080i video mode is likely to please video users with crisp images, silent 4x optical zoom and stereo speakers.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX9 review – Our Verdict
Such a high asking price is generally reserved for a serious camera with manual controls, not a point-and-shoot model like the TX9. However, it combines simple and intuitive operation with a host of genuinely useful features and shooting modes for all types of situation.
