4. Viewing & Focusing: A Question Of Philosophy?

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

While the R1 may look like an SLR, it isn't one. Though the format - especially as implemented by Sony - has undeniable advantages, in certain circumstances it can't compete with an SLR. The differences can be seen not only from the point of view of performance or suitability to a given situation, but from a philosophical point of view, as two different approaches to photographic viewfinding. SLRs can be thought of as using the concept of continuity of natural vision, with no modification of its characteristics other than those introduced by the optical system. In contrast, electronic viewfinding, as used on the R1, is necessarily an interpretation of reality - an interpretation that may attempt to represent what the final photo will look like, but doesn't allow the photographer to see reality directly.

As the technology currently stands, electronic viewfinders using a 235,200-pixel TFT display, can't compare in resolution to what an SLR offers. Furthermore, while they're quite adequate when there's plenty of light, problems arise in low-light situations. Shooting a moving scene becomes difficult, because there's a lag between the scene and the display in the viewfinder. On the other hand, the large eyepiece is adjustable to suit the user's vision, and always enjoyable to use. The information displayed in the viewfinder is very complete, with several choices that you control by simply pressing the button under your right thumb. Another positive point is the possibility of displaying a grid to facilitate composition.

The other big advantage of the R1 in terms of the viewfinder, is the presence of a display that can serve as a viewfinder as well as for checking the photos you've taken. Located on the top of the camera, it can be oriented for shooting under special conditions, such as above the heads of a crowd, to the side, or at ground level. It also folds against the camera body for reliable protection. The choice between the viewfinder and the screen is made either manually or automatically via detection of the presence of an obstacle in front of the eyepiece. Of course, if that object is your chest instead of your eye, the R1 will still select the viewfinder. You need to switch to manual selection when the situation calls for it!