The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-R1 has an impressive 10.3 megapixal CMOS sensor, coupled with 5x digital zoom, as well as a 2" swiveling LCD screen.
Digital Camera Resource Page recently reviewed the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-R1. Here' s what they had to say - 'Recommending the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-R1 is a no-brainer: it's a great camera. Recommending it over a digital SLR is more difficult, and it's a decision that ultimately comes down to what trade-offs you're willing to make. When comparing the R1 to other fixed-lens cameras, you're gaining excellent photo quality and a super lens and only (really) giving up a movie mode. When compared to digital SLRs you're giving up the optical viewfinder and continuous shooting performance and expandability of an SLR, but gaining a live LCD preview (on a rotating LCD no less). Photo quality is very similar between the R1 and D-SLRs, so in the end you must decide which features you want to gain and which features you're willing to give up. You should also try the various cameras so you can see how they fit in your hands, as the R1's unusual design is not for everyone. The DSC-R1 is a revolutionary fixed-lens camera, and we can only hope that more large sensor cameras appear soon.'
Steve's Digicams reviewed the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-R1. They said - 'Top-class image quality is guaranteed through the inclusion of an APS-class sized Sony CMOS image sensor (21.5mm x 14.4mm physically), uniquely designed to significantly improve dynamic range, sensitivity, and signal-to-noise ratio. The large Sony CMOS sensor is able to capture more light, reducing noise levels, allowing higher shutter speeds, and therefore reducing the effects of handshake for beautifully clear, true to life pictures.'
CNET reviewed the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-R1. They said - 'Sony's Cyber Shot DSC-R1 represents an intriguing bridge between the world of user-friendly all-in-one prosumer cameras and the more complicated world of high-quality digital SLRs. It has an easily rotated LCD screen, plenty of manual bells and whistles, a sharp and versatile Carl Zeiss lens, and a 10-megapixel CMOS sensor nearly as large as those found in typical dSLRs.'
Digital Photography Review wrote a review of the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-R1. They said - 'I'll start as I shall no doubt finish this little piece of editorial, the lens is worth the price of the DSC-R1 alone. That fact is not to be underestimated, it's a great lens which provides you with a very useful 24 - 120 mm zoom range (which will be sufficient for the majority of users). Doing the math it's pretty clear that you have to spend a fairly considerable sum on lenses for a D-SLR to get close to this range and the quality of the DSC-R1's lens.'
Imaging Resource wrote a review of the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-R1. They said - 'If you can live within its 24-120mm effective focal length range though, the combination of lens and camera can't be equalled for less than three or four times its selling price of $999. Easily a Dave's Pick, we'd like to see a quicker shutter response, faster shot to shot speed, and especially a larger buffer memory, but there's literally nothing on the market that can touch it for optical quality for less than $3,000 or so. (For camera and lenses combined.)'
