Sony R1
Announced October 14, 2005
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Sony R1 is a unique all-in-one camera featuring a large APS-C sensor and a sharp 24-120mm equivalent lens that delivers image quality competitive with DSLRs. Although it offers excellent ergonomics and a flexible screen, the camera is hampered by a bulky, off-balance design and lacks modern conveniences like image stabilization and video recording.
Weighted from 11 reviewer scores
Pros
- High-quality lens with a versatile zoom range and wide aperture
- Sturdy build quality and ergonomic control layout
- Large APS-C sensor that produces excellent image quality and low noise
- Flexible, high-quality LCD screen
- Quiet leaf shutter with no mirror vibration
Cons
- Lack of video recording and image stabilization
- Bulky, heavy, and off-balance design
- Limited buffer capacity and slow write speeds
- Poor high ISO performance and autofocus struggles in low light
- Fixed lens system limits flexibility compared to DSLRs
- Launch price $999 (USD)
- Sensor 10MP CMOS
- Burst 3 fps electronic
What the Reviewers Say
All 11 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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I’ll start as I shall no doubt finish this little piece of editorial, the lens is worth the price of the DSC-R1 alone.
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The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-R1 is a unique digital camera which not only redefines the all-in-one category, but questions whether you really need a digital SLR.
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The Cyber-shot DSC-R1 also shares the 35mm-style 2:3 aspect ratio of digital SLRs, as opposed to the less rectangular 3:4 image shape of most digital point-and-shoots.
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I am very ambivalent about the Sony R1. With its large and high resolution sensor, excellent lens, and first rate build quality for under US $1,000 it offers photographers a combination of features and abilities that in a DSLR would cost 2-3X as much to implement.
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[T]he Sony R1 is fantastic. Especially for 2005, I think putting in that new CMOS sensor for the time really made the difference in getting great image quality in this camera.
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The R1 offers some excellent features but it's let down by its viewing system and its bulky and offbeat design.
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Image quality out of the Sony DSC-R1 is comparable or better than its contemporaries and seems to still hold something of a cult following.
- CNET 7.7/10
If you don’t anticipate a need for multiple lenses–which many users won’t, given the crisp 24mm-to-120mm-equivalent lens with a maximum aperture of f/2.8–the Sony Cyber Shot DSC-R1 makes a worthy competitor to the dSLRs in its price range.
- Photo Review 8.5/10
Many keen photographers will welcome the release of Sony’s Cyber-shot DSC-R1, which replaces the aged DSC-F828 at the top of the company’s line-up. [...] However, Sony has fitted a much larger CMOS chip in the R1 and its resolution is significantly higher.
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[T]he DSC-R1 ought to be the first choice for people in the market for this kind of camera.
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So the Sony R1's ability to compete with DSLRs is both its strong suit and it's amazing and also kind of its downfall, but today it remains a fantastic camera to pick up, especially if you can get a good deal.
