The R1 is the latest addition to the Cyber-shot range with a large 10MP sensor, integrated 24-120mm lens and live viewing.
Described as the ?world?s first large size image sensor DSC not based on SLR architecture?, the R1 features a 10.3MP CMOS sensor five times the size of that found in Sony?s 8MP DSC-F828. It promises 2.5x more dynamic range than the F828, 5x more sensitivity and to consume less power.
The LCD and viewfinder offer live viewing. Sony has taken an unusual approach with the position of the 2in LCD, which is located on top of the camera adopting an ?over head? approach. It swivel design enables photos to be taken from low and high angled positions.
Sony is aiming the camera at two groups: professionals and semi-professionals, and amateurs and enthusiasts, claming it offers an alternative to some digital SLRs with comparable picture quality.
The wideangle f.2.8-4.8 Carl Zeiss lens has a focal length of 24-120mm; it adopts a ?back focus? structure that claims to reduce the effects of chromatic aberration by reducing the distance between the lens and the sensor. A special coating helps to reduce the effects of flare and ghosting and the versatility of the lens can be expanded further with optional wide-angle and telephoto converters.
The R1 incorporates the Clear RAW NR to reduce the effect of noise (even at high sensitivity levels) decrease power consumption and produce a faster signal transfer.
Dual-memory card slots enable the R1 to be used with CompactFlash and Sony Memory Stick cards. Other features include: standard, vivid and Adobe RGB colour modes, USB 2.0 transfer and a ?zebra? pattern display that indicates if highlights are burnt out. Raw images can be processed using the Image Data Raw Converter that is supplied with the camera.
The Sony H1 will be available in September for around £700. Find out more at www.sony.co.uk or by calling 08705 11199.