New Sony Cyber-shot DSC-R1
Take a look at this camera. Sony has announced a brand new fixed lens digital camera called the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-R1. Two things about this camera that really interest me and maybe interest you. First the camera has no mirror or prism system. The viewfinder is a direct view from the CMOS chip. Second the 10.3 Megapixel CMOS chip is not your average sized consumer chip but a full 2/3” (APS-class) chip often used in digital SLR’s.
Now there are advantages to have a powerful one lens system like the Sony. For one you almost never have to worry about dust on the sensor since the area is completely sealed. And second you carry less gear protecting your back and shoulders.
The Sony does feature a nice 5x optical Carl Zeiss zoom lens and a top mounted 2.0” LCD which flips up and rotates as shown above.
My only problem with the camera is a electronic view finder. The old systems really gave me a headache. I hope the quality of screen and speed are very fast. I will only be able to give you a fair judgment after I see it for myself. I think Sony is about $100 to high for this camera at $1000. I would like to see it around $899. Hey maybe some one at Sony will listen to this little blogger.
Here are more details:
- 10.3 Megapixel CMOS sensor (21.5 x 14.4 mm) produces images at 3888 x 2592
- F2.8-4.8, 5X optical zoom Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar T* lens, equivalent to 24 - 120 mm
- Top-mounted 2.0" LCD flips up and rotates (follow the link for some pictures); screen has 134,000 pixels 0.44" electronic viewfinder (235k pixels)
- Manual zoom and focus rings
- Full manual controls; shutter speed range of 30 - 1/2000 sec plus bulb mode; ISO range is 160 - 3200
- Supports the RAW image format
- User can select between sRGB, Vivid sRGB, and Adobe RGB color spaces
- Advanced Gradation Control System "optimizes image contrast, in order to avoid 'blown out' highlights in high-contrast scenes and 'crushed' blacks in low-contrast ones"
- Hot shoe for external flash
- Dual memory card slots: Memory Stick Pro and CompactFlash Type II
- USB 2.0 High Speed supported
- PictBridge-enabled
- Ships in mid-November for $1000
Cyber-shot DSC-R1