Design-led compacts have long been a speciality of Sony, and the WX1 is the latest in that tradition. However, the compact also packs in a hefty specification. The model is equipped with a 10.2MP Exmor R CMOS sensor, the latest type from Sony and one that the company claims offers superior noise control when combined with its latest Bionz processor, up to its maximum ISO 3200. The model features Sony’s own ‘G’ build lens, boasting a maximum aperture of f/2.4 at a 24mm wideangle of its 5x optical zoom.

The WX1 also offers HD video recording, but sports only a standard 230k-dot LCD. The model also sports sweep panorama and handheld twilight shooting, two impressive new exposure blending technologies from Sony that were previously only available on more advanced models. The WX1 handles very well, and is a pleasure to use. The new technologies open up new shooting opportunities, while image quality is excellent, even at high-ISO settings. All in all, it’s an impressive compact from Sony.