10. Connectivity And Software, Continued

• Cyber-shot DSC-R1...
• • Usa-Camera-Outlet
  • $975.00

The Picture Package editing module is very simplistic. You'd do better to use a real image processing application.

Image Data Converter for processing RAW files is a much more elaborate program, with functions that put it in a class with the big names in the field. Yet certain functions seemed rather complex, without producing better results than programs with more ergonomic interfaces. Still, this software is very powerful, and may suit amateurs who love working with RAW files.

Image Data Converter lets you browse RAW files and choose the ones you want to process.

Image Data Converter has a host of possibilities for processing, and floating toolbars you can arrange on your screen. It's well worth looking into.

In Practice

The R1 proved to be very reactive and quick to start up; the speed varied with the type of memory card, however. It was slowest with a MicroDrive - unlike some SLRs, the R1 doesn't seem to "pre-load" and has to wait for the memory card to respond. In general, that isn't a problem, though current SLRs are much faster. As for operating speed during actual shooting, here again the R1 generally performed very well, and was enjoyable to use once we got used to the location of the different controls and understood how it reacts to typical situations. Naturally, that will require some effort if your knowledge of photographic technology is limited. The R1 is clearly a model aimed at experienced amateurs or those who want to learn - it's a long way from being a "Point & Shoot" camera.

To get an idea of the R1's capabilities under difficult conditions, we took it along on a professional reporting job, in parallel with a digital SLR. We did find quite a performance gap. In low light, the electronic viewfinder doesn't react instantaneously, and you get the impression of shooting with a delay and being out of synch with what's happening. Focusing also took a lot more time than with an SLR. Under very difficult conditions, it even refused to work at all, whereas the SLR kept working with no problems and with no hesitation or waiting. This gives you a sense of insecurity - you wonder if you're going to be able to make certain shots, if they'll be shot at the right instant, or with too much of a delay, and finally whether the shot will be in focus. This, along with the inability to shoot in series in RAW mode, are the R1's main limitations. More surprisingly, the R1 has no orientation sensor, unlike most SLRs and even other current bridge cameras. This means you have to rotate your shots yourself if you didn't frame them horizontally, which is a serious omission for many amateur users!