-
Introduction
-
01.Testing / Performance
-
02.Physical Tour
-
03.Components
-
04.Design / Layout
-
05.Modes
-
06.Control Options
-
07.Image Parameters
-
08.Connectivity / Extras
-
09.Overall Impressions
-
10.Conclusion
-
11.Specs / Ratings
-
12.Comments
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-R1
Previous: Page 9
Overall ImpressionsNext: Page 11
Specs / RatingsLikes
- APS-format sensor
- Excellent color accuracy
- Impressive handling of noise – produces remarkably clean images
- Electronic Viewfinder quality
- AF sensor can be moved with joystick
- Excellent fit and finish
etc.)
- Mediocre LCD (very limited angle of view)
- Poor placement of some controls, illogical design
- Substandard autofocus (accuracy and speed)
- Cheap plastic camera body
- Hot shoe placed far off to right side
- No movie mode
- Buffer holds only 3 images in burst mode
- Control dials don't turn smoothly
Conclusion
The Sony R1 might have been conceived in response to many photographers’ complaints about recent super zoom compact cameras. Perhaps Sony took note of the many users who want more attention paid to the wide angle end of the zoom range and a bigger and better sensor in a compact. Perhaps Sony listened to users who wanted a $1000 camera that performs well straight out of the box, not just after the user dumps the kit lens for more rarified glass.
We don't imagine that anyone has been aching for a camera as slow as the R1 – it takes several seconds for the thing to write a single RAW file to memory. There are shooters that have no problem with this, though. With enough time and storage space for those 20MB RAW files, we expect plenty of users to get great results from the R1.
The Sony R1 will ultimately serve a small portion of consumers quite well: sightseers, realtors, and those looking for a casual high-performance imager without concern for speed. The quality rivals or surpasses many entry-level DSLR kits and will not disappoint those willing to invest $1,000 for it. Unfortunately, the sharp lens and clean images come at a significant expense. Users will have to sacrifice an optical viewfinder, lens interchangeability, autofocus performance, shooting speed (all around) and durability. While the R1 is not likely to appeal to those graduating from an FZ30 or other ultra zoom model, the camera offers a unique combination of exceptional Zeiss-branded glass and APS-C sized CMOS sensor unavailable on any other model.
Shop for the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-R1
Latest News
& Reviews
-
10-Feb-2012
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX70 First Impressions Review
Sony’s WX70 reminds us of last year’s WX9, except for the huge new touchscreen on back. Normally that slows down shooting, but this model’s screen is actually pretty responsive. Could this be the first all-touch camera that doesn’t leave us frustrated? Read More...
-
10-Feb-2012
Canon PowerShot SX260 HS First Impressions Review
Canon’s newest premium travel zoom is a conservative update to last year’s SX230 HS, featuring a longer, 20x zoom range and a new image processor. Read More...
Top Rated Point & Shoots
-
$459.991Panasonic Lumix FZ150
Excellent image quality, speedy performance, and a great design add up to the best superzoom that has ever graced our labs. That distinction seems to change hands every week, but trust us when we say that the FZ150 is a truly great camera. Read full 16-part review
$459.99TypesAny Zoom3,5.13.1x to 5x Zoom5.1,105.1x to 9.9x Zoom10,10x & Larger ZoomAny Megapixels0,8< 8 Megapixels8,108 to 10 Megapixels10,> 10 Megapixels -
$378.892Canon PowerShot SX40 HS
Canon's SX30 got a CMOS makeover that resulted in the SX40 HS, an impressive ultrazoom that captures beautiful shots in almost any scenario. Read full 16-part review
$378.89TypesAny Zoom3,5.13.1x to 5x Zoom5.1,105.1x to 9.9x Zoom10,10x & Larger ZoomAny Megapixels0,8< 8 Megapixels8,108 to 10 Megapixels10,> 10 Megapixels -
$427.953Sony Cyber-shot HX100V
This professionally-geared ultrazoom offers some of the best color accuracy we've ever seen. It's a shame the other scores weren't quite so strong. Read full 16-part review
$427.95TypesUltra-ZoomAny Zoom3,5.13.1x to 5x Zoom5.1,105.1x to 9.9x Zoom10,10x & Larger ZoomAny Megapixels0,8< 8 Megapixels8,108 to 10 Megapixels10,> 10 Megapixels16.8 MP -
$314.954Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47
Panasonic resists the urge to cram more megapixels and more focal length into their latest ultrazoom. The FZ47 instead focuses on image quality and features, resulting in an incredibly strong camera that we loved shooting with. Read full 16-part review
$314.95TypesAny Zoom3,5.13.1x to 5x Zoom5.1,105.1x to 9.9x Zoom10,10x & Larger ZoomAny Megapixels0,8< 8 Megapixels8,108 to 10 Megapixels10,> 10 Megapixels -
$417.005Canon PowerShot S100
Canon's PowerShot S100 improves on the popular S95 and takes its place at the top of the point-and-shoot food chain. Read full 16-part review
$417.00TypesAny Zoom3,5.13.1x to 5x Zoom5.1,105.1x to 9.9x Zoom10,10x & Larger ZoomAny Megapixels0,8< 8 Megapixels8,108 to 10 Megapixels10,> 10 Megapixels
Features
-
DigitalCameraInfo New Year's Giveaway
Check back every day for the rest of 2011 to see what we’re adding to the grand prize package. It all starts with the Sony NEX-5N and ends with over $4000 in prizes! Read More...
-
DigitalCameraInfo.com 2011 Select Awards
After a year of tireless testing and deliberation, we’ve made our selections for the very best cameras of 2011. Read More...
(add your own)