8. Shooting, Recording, And Image Viewing

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

Like all current cameras, the R1 has both a shot-by-shot and a continuous mode. Theoretically, that is, since the continuous mode on the R1 is very limited - only three images per second (like many consumer-level cameras) but with a maximum continuous burst of just three! And the continuous mode is only possible when you record images in JPEG format, so it's really very far from what even entry-level SLRs can offer. Sony has used a very limited buffer memory in this camera, which explains the limited possibilities given the size of the images it produces. It is harder to process 10 Mpixel images quickly than smaller images.

Images are recorded either on Compact Flash I or II cards (the professional standard) or on Sony's proprietary Memory Stick format. All types of Memory Stick seem to be usable, but the "Duo" type needs an adapter. FAT32 format is supported, so it's possible to use high-capacity cards (greater than 2 GB).

The R1 can record images in JPEG format with a choice of two compression quality levels and five image sizes: 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 Mpixels. At maximum quality and resolution, the files produced weigh in at around 4.5 MB, which may be a little small for optimum quality, but we found the difference to be practically imperceptible. The R1 can also record images in RAW format, of course, for photographers who want to process their photos to get the most out of them. Unfortunately, Sony (like other manufacturers) has made a minimal effort here, offering no data compression. The result is that each image takes up over 20 MB, plus more for the JPEG file, since there seems to be no way to avoid recording the images in JPEG too. Saving each RAW photo requires quite a while, and it's impossible to shoot until the operation is complete. So not only do you need a huge memory card to shoot in RAW, but you also have to be able to take your time about it. Those are heavy limitations for a demanding user.

For image viewing, everything is pretty much standard, though there is the possibility of displaying a quadruple histogram (RGB + brightness). The ability to zoom in using the rear command wheel and being able to move around in the image with the joystick in the center of the wheel are both very practical.

You can overlay a lot of information when viewing images.

The four-part histogram and the display of overexposed areas with a moving zebra pattern should let you get optimum exposure!

Naturally you can display your shots with no overlay at all to judge the overall result.