The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R Digital Camera is a compact high-performance camera that features a large 24.3 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor to produce high resolution still imagery and full HD 1080p video. Benefitting the performance of the sensor is the omission of the optical low-pass filter, which allows for even higher resolution, detail, and image sharpness than normally possible. Also contributing to high overall image quality is the incorporation of the BIONZ image processor, which enables low noise levels with high sensitivity to ISO 25600. Furthermore, this processor provides quick performance to all aspects of the camera, including a full-resolution continuous shooting rate of 5 fps, a high-speed autofocus system, and intuitive handling throughout the menu system.
The RX1R's compact design incorporates a fixed Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* 35mm f/2 lens, providing a standard wide-angle perspective that is suitable for working in a wide variety of everyday conditions. This lens' bright maximum aperture is suitable for use in dimly-lit conditions and also benefits working with selective focus and shallow depth of field imagery. The Carl Zeiss T* anti-reflective coating also benefits the overall image quality by minimizing surface reflections and lens flare and producing imagery with greater contrast and clarity.
One of the most revered elements of the RX1R is its compact form-factor and as such, its inclusion of such a large sensor. The combination of these two elements helps to realize truly outstanding imaging capabilities in a highly portable and compact device. While small, the physical design of the camera and lens integrates numerous facets that provide efficient and intuitive use and control of exposure adjustments and camera features. There are three distinct control rings on the lens that give way to expedited handling of the focus, aperture control, and macro settings and a range of physical control dials and customizable buttons also allow for quick access to many different camera functions. For composing imagery, playback and review, and navigating the menu system, a large 3.0" 1,229k-dot Xtra Fine LCD monitor is available and employs WhiteMagic technology to increase the screen's brightness to support working in sunny and well-lit conditions. The design of the camera also includes a multi interface accessory shoe, which, aside from enabling the use of an external flash, permits mounting of an array of accessories including optional viewfinders and external microphones.
On the top plate of the camera are knurled control dials, which also lead to expedient changing of exposure modes and exposure compensation settings. Furthermore, a selector dial is located on the backside of the camera to enable switching between a variety camera adjustment settings and a front-located focus mode dial provides fast switching between AF, DMF, and MF focusing modes.
Five of the buttons on the rear side of the camera are customizable and can be reassigned to trigger functions as desired. The Custom, AEL, and Left, Right, and Down buttons can all be set to activate a wide variety of exposure, creative, and focusing settings. Once optimum camera settings have been found for a specific setting or effect, they can be saved using the Memory Recall mode and the same combination will be accessible for later use. Up to three groups of settings can be saved and each can be applied immediately by turning the control dial.
Finally, the design of the RX1R incorporates both a built-in pop-up flash and a mult interface accessory shoe. The pop-up flash has a guide number of 19.7' at ISO 100 and has a unique design that allows for tilting of the flash head for bouncing off of walls, ceilings, or reflectors. The multi interface shoe allows for the use of an external flash and also supports the use of a wide variety of optional accessories, including viewfinders and external microphones.
Using the screen during shooting benefits compositions through the inclusion of an optional gridline overlay to help line up horizontal and vertical lines within the image frame. Three distinct grids are available: Rule of Thirds Grid Line, Square Grid Line, and Diagonal + Square Grid Line. Additionally, a dual-axis digital level gauge can be used to determine camera roll and pitch for ensuring even horizons and plumb verticals. Benefitting focusing with the screen are the MF Assist and Peaking functions. MF Assist enlarges the live view image up to 11.7x to give a larger, more detailed view of the crucial elements. Peaking provides focus confirmation by highlighting the edges within the composition as a more objective means of determining critical sharpness when manually focusing.
In regard to menu navigation, the Quick Navi menu allows checking of current camera settings in a quick and intuitive manner. In this menu, you can easily adjust the most frequently used camera settings with the cross keys and control dial, and easy-to-recognize icons are used in place of text for faster recognition of these controls.
Auto White Balance (AWB) is an intelligent means for compensating for the effects of changing light sources within imagery by maintaining a consistent and neutral color temperature balance. A full range of manual white balance controls are also available, including custom white balance and color filter functions to fine-tuning the appearance of different color temperatures within imagery.