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Sony Cyber-shot DSC-R1 Preview
Today Sony released information on its new DSC-R1 camera, the first non-interchangable lens digital camera with an APS-C sized sensor (the same size as used in most digital SLRs). The DSC-R1, which is expect to retail at around $1000, has a 10.3MP sensor, a higher pixel count than any similarly priced DSLR. The fixed lens is a 14.3-71.5/2.8-4.8 (24-120/2.8-4.8 in 35mm equivalent terms) which cover most of the range typically used by many photographers and both telephoto and wideangle conversion lenses will be available. The DSC-R1 has an electronic viefinder (no optical viewfinder) with real time display of the image also available on the 2" LCD. The lack of reflex viewing allows the lens to come close to the sensor, which means that wideangle lens design is somewhat easier, though in this particular camera I'm not sure that's much of an issue as although 24mm is wide, it's not wide enough to make design difficult for reflex cameras. Sony (wisely I think) included the ability to use CF memory cards as well as their own "Memory Stick" storage media. The DSC-R1 is neither small nor light, weighing in at around 1kg (2.2lbs) with a size of 5.5 x 6.6 x 3.8 in (139 x 168 x 97 mm). The Digital Rebel XT with the 18-55 kit lens weighs around 725g (1.6lb) and is 5.0 x 3.7 x 2.5 in (127 x 94 x 64 mm), though the lens has a smaller zoom range and is slower. The DSC-R1 is certainly an alternative to the lower end (<$1000) DSLRs and should provide interesting competition for them. The DSC-R1 is expected to be available in mid-November 2005. Here's the Sony Press Release: SAN DIEGO, Sept. 8, 2005 – Sony intends to create a new benchmark in digital photography with the introduction of its high-end Cyber-shot DSC-R1 camera. The Cyber-shot® R1 camera is the world’s first integrated lens digital still camera to combine a professional-grade, 10.3-megapixel image sensor and the flexibility of live preview while shooting. With its ultra-wide Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* zoom lens (24mm – 120mm) and free-angle, two-inch LCD, the Cyber-shot R1 brings professional level imaging performance to mainstream consumers. “The R1 represents a breakthrough in digital camera technology and construction,” said James Neal, director for digital imaging products at Sony Electronics. “You can grab this camera and go, confident that you will be prepared for a wide range of shooting situations. Its many convenience features and exceptional performance can not easily be matched with a typical consumer-level digital SLR.” A Class of Its Own
Unlike digital SLRs, the Cyber-shot R1 unit’s sensor allows for a “live” preview thanks to Sony Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) technology. Until now, the extraordinary power consumption of these large sensors has limited their operation to image capture only – unable to support the benefit of a live preview. Sony’s distinctive design is employed to reduce power consumption, as well as increase image processing speeds. The camera’s electronic viewfinder or two-inch LCD lets you evaluate scene conditions, such as exposure and how color is rendered before taking a shot. Because the R1 camera can preview electronically, using the image sensor itself in real-time, framing is always 100% accurate. Built Digital from the Ground UpThe R1’s integrated Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar lens was carefully crafted to take full advantage of the resolution, clarity and color performance of its APS-class CMOS image sensor. Because of the sensor’s live preview capability, there is no need for the camera to have a traditional “mirror and prism” construction common to digital SLRs. This allows a lens-to-sensor distance of as little as 2 mm, optimizing image quality and color accuracy. Another benefit of this structure is the ability to incorporate an extraordinary wide field of view and zoom range. The 24 mm wide end of the lens is particularly suited for architectural photography, landscapes and large-group portraits, while the 120 mm telephoto end is perfect for filling the frame with distant subjects. This is a range not easily matched by any other lens for use with cameras using large-scale image sensors. Furthermore, no mirror and prism construction means that the R1 is a quiet camera, perfect for shooting at a tennis match or in nature without disturbing wildlife.
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Photo enthusiasts know that image sensor size is one
of the most important influences on picture quality. Professional-grade image sensors,
sometimes referred to as advanced photo system (APS) or APS-class, are many times the size
of compact sensors used in point-and-shoot cameras; large sensors deliver extraordinary
resolution, high sensitivity to light, and lower image noise or graininess for exceptional
pictures. At 10.3 megapixels, the R1’s sensor offers one of the highest resolutions
available in the APS class. 
Get the Shot without the Backache 
Users will also enjoy the added convenience of
storing images onto Memory Stick PRO™ media, as well as CompactFlash® Type I and
Type II media or Microdrive® media. The camera supports both JPEG and RAW formats, which
can then be manipulated on a PC using the supplied Sony Image Data Converter SR software.