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• We find the range of the zoom with 24-120mm (135 equivalent) very useful. Restricting the zoom range allows to build better lenses.
• We expect the R1 to behave much better in terms of image quality because the APS sized sensor (about the same size as used in the Canon 20D and not a lot smaller than used in the Nikon DSLRs). For such a sized sensor 10MP makes sense but the 8MP were overkill for the small digicam sensors.
• Don't expect us to fall in love with the R1 EVF. But in some way it feels better than the one from the F828 and the manual focus is quite well implemented.

Image quality of R1 is extremely high. At low ISO's, R1 is able to capture lots of detail. Sharpness and color are excellent. The default sharpening is not very high, which is good because most buyers would prefer sharpen in post processing. Color balance seems just right, neither too saturated nor too dull.

R1 is the first digital camera to offer an APS-C sized sensor combined with a lens-integral design. It offers an impressive feature set at a competitive price (after you factor in the cost of a decent lens for a DSLR). Impressive not only on paper, but the images it delivers. They are detailed and nicely saturated with very little noise capable of very large enlargements. Combined with easy operation, it becomes the perfect camera for a variety of situations. But R1 is clearly not for everyone. For those seeking more flexibility (like shooting action and sports), you'd be better looking at DSLR's. There are drawbacks for each type of cameras; but for the things R1 is designed for, it does them very well.

Let it be clear that the Sony Cybershot DSC-R1 is an extraordinary camera indeed. This doesn't just limit itself to the design, but also covers the optics. The fact that the Sony R1 is equipped with a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens greatly attributes to the test results. The Cybershot R1 really is a digital camera that awakens one's enthusiasm. Working with the camera in practice is pleasant and will without a doubt raise the heartbeat of the avid photographer!"

It's apt for paraphrasing when it comes to the brand new (Nov, '05) Sony DSC-R1 camera. The R1 is the first fixed lens digital camera (FLD) to feature an almost APS sized imaging chip. Note that I refer to the R1 as a fixed lens camera rather than the somewhat pejorative appellation"digicam", because though styled like one, and functionally similar in many ways, the R1 really is the first of a new breed. I may even coin the acronym FLD – Fixed Lens Digital, to help differentiate from DSLRs.

There are no definitive conclusions to reach at this time but this camera offers a cornucopia of photographic delights. It's in a strange spot since it's the price of a quality D-SLR but doesn't offer the flexibility of interchangeable lenses, a potential deal breaker for many photographers. Your usual rambunctious reviewer will hold his fire for a couple of weeks. That said-unless Sony seriously falls flat on their faces- the DSC-R1 has the potential to be our camera of the year.

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."

This may be the first EVF camera without video and sound capture; those moving up from a digital compact may miss it. Maybe Sony simply wanted to underscore how serious the DSC-R1 is about still photos."