Built Digital from the Ground Up:
The Sony 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.

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.

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 Sony R1's sensor offers one of the highest resolutions available in the APS class.

Unlike digital SLRs, the Sony DSC-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 Sony DSC-R1 digital camera can preview electronically, using the image sensor itself in real-time, framing is always 100% accurate.

Get the Shot without the Backache:
The Sony Cybershot DSC-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.

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.

Whats in the Box?:

Sony DSC-R1 Digital Camera, 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.