A-DIGITAL-EYE
A-DIGITAL-EYE
Camera Review
SONY DCS-R1 DIGITAL CAMERA REVIEW
Sony Cyber-shot® DSC-R1
by Duo Li, November 2005
Introduction
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
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.
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 Up
The 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.
10.3 million pixels APS-C sized (21.5 x 14.4 mm) CMOS sensor
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.
Get the Shot without the Backache
The Cyber-shot R1 sports a two-inch, LCD screen that folds flat and swivels so you can shoot from nearly any position. This flexibility allows you to get the shots that other cameras miss. For example, you can hold the camera low - down to the ground - for eye-level view shots of kids and pets without having to bend yourself into a pretzel or crawling on the ground.
The Power of Optimal Image Processing
A 10.3-megapixel camera needs a fast processor. Sony harnessed the power of it Real Imaging Processor™ LSI to achieve fast response times, low power consumption and clear images.
The new camera features a one-second shot-to-shot time, three frame-per-second burst shooting, and a shutter release time of only 7.5 milliseconds. Because it consumes 70 percent less power than Sony's previous processing circuitry, the camera has a battery life of up to 500 shots per charge, which can vary according to use and camera settings.
For enhanced versatility, Cyber-shot R1 offers three different modes of color reproduction: Adobe RGB used for professional graphics and offset color printing, Standard sRGB for most computer-based uses, and Vivid sRGB for more intense primary colors.
The camera's user selectable Advanced Gradation Control System (AGCS) optimizes image contrast, in order to avoid "blown out" highlights in high-contrast scenes and "crushed" blacks in low-contrast ones. AGCS evaluates the distribution of brightness and then automatically applies the appropriate gamma curve to achieve better pictures.
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.
Accessories
The new camera is supplied with a NP-FM50 InfoLithium battery, an AC-L15 adaptor, a USB and video cables, shoulder strap, and CD-ROM software with PicturePackage and Image Data Converter SR for RAW. There are a variety of optional accessories (sold separately), including wide angle and telephoto conversion lenses, adaptors, filters, tripods, flashes, carry cases, a neck strap and a battery.
The Cyber-shot R1 camera will be available in mid-November for about $1,000.
Highlights
• 10.3 million pixels APS-C sized (21.5 x 14.4 mm) CMOS sensor
• Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 24-120mm (35mm equivalent) f2.8-f4.8 zoom lens
• live preview while shooting
• wide ISO range: ISO 160 - ISO 3200
• no mirror design results in quiet operation
• Advanced Gradation Control System (AGCS) optimizes image contrast in high or low contrast conditions
• compatible with Memory Stick and CompactFlash Type I and Type II
• top mounted 2-inch vari-angle LCD monitor
• Adobe RGB and 2 types of sRGB mode (standard and vivid) available
• one-second shot-to-shot time, three frame-per-second burst shooting, and a shutter release time of only 7.5 milliseconds, up to 500 shots per chargeSize and weight
The R1 is by no means a compact camera. Its dimensions are closer to a compact DSLR than a prosumer Point and Shoot. At 2 lbs. 5 oz. including battery, it’s heavier than most entry level DSLR’s with their kit lenses. Since most weight is contributed by the lens, the camera feels a little left heavy if you don’t support the lens with your left hand.Ergonomics
Build quality of R1 is good, but it could be better. Its exterior is constructed using plastics. Grip is wrapped by thin rubber-like material and does not provide much softness. Dials and buttons do not have the same high-quality feel as they do on some other cameras in its price range.
Camera’s handling is also good. The handgrip is overall comfortable to hold, but people with small hands may feel it’s too thick. A more contoured and softer grip would enhance camera’s handling. There’s lots of space between grip and the lens to relax your fingers. R1 is designed for two handed operation. It feels nicely balanced when you place your left hand under the lens. Controls are logically laid out. Most often used settings are easily accessible without going through the menu, like ISO, drive mode, metering mode and AF point selection.Due to its top mounted LCD, the camera’s top is almost as wide as the lens, which makes the camera looks a little weird. That said, waist level shooting becomes easy. The electronic viewfinder is nicely extended from the camera body so that your nose is not touching the back of the camera when looking through the viewfinder.
In addition to the main dial on top of camera, R1 features a useful Sub Command Dial on the back of the camera (similar to Canon’s Quick Command Dial on their DSLR’s). You can use back dial to adjust exposure compensation.
Lens
R1 features a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 24-120mm (35mm equivalent) f2.8-f4.8 zoom lens. Aperture range is fairly good considering its sensor size. Zoom range is very good for nature and landscape shooting, and just about perfect for travel needs. As you would expect, it’s a mechanically linked zoom, meaning zoom is mechanically controlled by turning the zoom ring. R1 also features a manual focus ring. Both zoom and manual focus ring turn very smoothly and feel high quality. Being a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens means the lens is specially coated with T* coating to further reduce reflection and yield more vibrant images.Viewfinder/LCD
A 2-inch 134k-pixel LCD monitor sits on top of the camera. It can be flipped out and rotated (Upward 85°, Downward 20°, Right/Left 90°). LCD is generally lag-free and easy to see, even in bright sunlight. However it has very poor viewing angle. It becomes very hard to see if you are not directly facing the LCD.Electronic viewfinder is the typical 0.44-inch 235k-pixel unit. It becomes difficult to see when under high contrast and very low light conditions.
Both LCD and electronic viewfinder offer 100% coverage. They can display abundance of shooting information, including ISO and real-time histogram.
Sony has implemented eye sensor to enable auto switch between viewfinder and LCD (similar to Konica Minolta A2).
Two monitor modes are available: “framing” and “preview”. Under “framing” mode the monitor automatically adjusts to the scene so that it’s always bright enough to compose. Under “preview” mode the monitor displays the actual representation of the scene.
Camera views
Front
AF assist lamp / self timer countdown lamp is located above the lens on the left side of pop up flash.
Popup flash
Back
Most controls are located on the back of the camera.The electronic viewfinder extends almost an inch from the camera body. On the left side of the viewfinder is the charge lamp. It lights up when the flash is charging or when camera’s battery is being charged. On the opposite side of viewfinder is the playback button. Dioptric adjustment sits right below the viewfinder.
The mode dial can be selected to one of nine modes: Automatic, Program, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, Manual, Night, Night Portrait, Landscape, and Portrait.
Monitor mode can be set to either “framing” or “preview”. For descriptions of each see viewfinder/LCD section. You can manually select where the image is displayed, viewfinder or LCD, or leave it to automatic- the camera will automatically switch between viewfinder and LCD.
The bottom row consists of four buttons for selections of (from left to right) metering mode, burst mode, self timer/index view, and digital zoom/magnify. Press digital zoom button under shooting mode digitally zooms in the image 2X (center crop).
AE Lock/Delete button is located above the Sub Command Dial. Sub Command Dial is used to adjust exposure compensation. Joystick is used to select AF point. Press it enables selections of different AF point selection modes. Move the joystick to select a specific spot anywhere in frame under Spot AF mode. Menu button is located below the Sub Command Dial.
Near the top of the grip is the Main Command Dial and display mode selection button. Press display mode selection button toggles though three available display modes: display with minimal overlays, display with some overlays, and display with real-time histogram.
Near the bottom of the grip is the selection switch for storage media (CompactFlash Type I/II, or Memory Stick) and access lamp.
Top
Power switch, shutter release button, ISO button and flash hot shoe are located on top of the grip. It’s an odd place to place the hot shoe. For a DSLR, you’ll usually find it on top of the viewfinder. But now that place is occupied by the LCD monitor.
Bottom
A metal tripod mount is located inline with the axis of the lens.
Left
Flash, white balance, and focus controls are conveniently located on the left side of the camera. You can select from autofocus, macro autofocus and manual focus. In manual focus mode, AF can also be enabled by pressing the central focus button. During manual focus, central area of scene automatically magnifies when you turn manual focus ring.
You’ll also find ACC, USB, video out, and DC in ports here.
Right
CompactFlash and Memory Stick compartments are here.
