After 2 years of the announcement of  F828, Sony finally releases a new prosumer camera that changes the digital camera market direction once again - DSC-R1. This is very exciting new for me as I am a F828 user and I am eager to find out what new stuffs Sony has implemented on this model. Indeed, DSC-R1 commands several firsts in the prosumer camera market, such as: first large format (APS-C like) sensor implemented on a non-DSLR camera; first CMOS sensor at 10 megapixel; first implementation of live image preview on large format CMOS sensor

For those who prefer to delve into the details provided by professional review sites, you can head on to DPreview or Image-Resource. For the rest, here's the gist of the features and how it compares to F828.

Here are some of the features that may already be found in other digital cameras (and some not) that I'm glad Sony includes them:

• mechanical zoom (same as F828)

• auto-switching finder between LCD and  EVF monitor

• framing and preview modes. With Framing mode, the viewfinder will present a bright image for ease of framing, while in Preview mode, the viewfinder displays actual depth of field (albeit dimmer). Preview works like depth-of-field preview button in SLRs.

• higher ISO capability with comparatively lower noise than other prosumer cameras

• more dedicated camera control buttons, like ISO

• better focusing control design, incorporating auto, macro and manual in one button - including a single auto focus.

• shooting priority feature, meaning while in playback mode, you can immediately continue shooting by pressing the shutter button.

• bulb mode of up to 3 minutes

• macro focus of up to 2cm

• wider lens angle at 24mm

• 3fps continuous shooting mode

• smaller minimum aperture f/16

• LCD information layout is more DSLR-like, with permanent information at the bottom of the screen, and also includes gridline feature for architectural shots.

• sub-command dial surrounding the joystick for fast selection of values.

• takes shorter time than F828 to save RAW images (but still not as fast compared to competitive prosumer cameras)

• the flash hotshoe is positioned at the right side of the camera, which ergonomically makes sense as it will balance the overall weight of the camera as well as reducing the possibility of red-eye.

Unfortunately, these are some of the features that failed to impress me:

• no Night Shot, which I believe Sony has given up totally. None of its latest digicams have this feature.

• no video recording, which is totally uncharacteristic of a non-DSLR

• separate lens adaptor attachment VAD-RA (which weighs 250g!) in order to use the tele/wide conversion lens. Mind you, the VCL-DEH17R 1.7x Tele Conversion lens weight as much as the DSC-R1 itself!

• shorter zoom range: 24 - 120mm (but usable in most situations)

• larger lens thread 67mm means more expensive filters.

• maximum 3 frames per burst shooting

• flip-and-twist LCD monitor mounted on top of the camera is in my opinion not an elegant solution to the F828 twist design. It may not be as user friendly during playback review and probably looks awkward

• with the flash hotshoe is positioned at the right side of the camera and the ACC terminal is located to the extreme left, I'm not sure if third-party flashes like Metz 54 MZ-4's hotshoe adaptor SCA 3602 with ACC connector is long enough.

I reckon that with DSC-R1, Sony has stopped the development of the F505/7x7/828 tilt-body product line. Sony also abandoned the 4-colour CCD design and introduced a new technology called Advanced Gradation Control System - AGCS, which supposedly optimises tonal range. I'm probably still in favour of F828 because of it's 'slimmer' form factor, larger aperture, lower ISO, ability to shoot video, NightShot support (very important for handheld infrared photography). However, with such a large sensor, DSC-R1 probably produces image quality closer to DSLR. In fact, I'll be looking forward to reviews to compare DSC-R1 with DSLRs. If this Sony camera proves to be better, it will certainly boost Sony's market position.

Sony is probably very close to achieving the perfect DSLR-alternative with a large DSLR-like image sensor, low-noise high ISO and a good zoom range, but there's one crucial element they lack. As I have mentioned in my other post, I believe that a good DSLR needs to have outstanding continuous shooting. capability. In addition, the lack of video mode is one minus point for consumers to go for this instead of the usual DSLRs. Finally, DSC-R1 may be priced above low-end DSLRs like Nikon D50 which is currently sold at S$1488 inclusive of a 18-55mm (equivalent to 28-82mm) kit lens.