When Sony released the Cyber-shot DSC-R1 in 2005, the camera was met with a bit of fanfare. Digital Photography Review -- long time fans of the Cyber-shot prosumer camera line -- hailed the R1 as "unique" and praised Sony's direction. The R1 differs from a digital single lens reflex (DSLR) in a few keys ways. Most notably, it isn't a single-lens reflex camera, it doesn't have a mirror and you can't change the lens.
About the DSC-R1
In many ways, the DSC-R1 is very similar to a DSLR camera: It has a powerful lens and a larger-format sensor. Entry-level DSLRs use APS-format sensors, which are much larger than the sensors found in compact point-and-shoot digital cameras. Sony uses the same APS sensors in its Alpha-series DSLR line, and other manufacturers use APS-sized sensors in entry-level DSLRs. The R1 also has a quality 24-120mm lens with wide aperture values between f/2.8 and f/4.8 (at wide and telephoto zoom).
What Makes a DSLR?
The R1 can't be called a DSLR camera because it doesn't have a mirror that drops into place between the lens and the sensor. DSLR cameras use this mirror to reflect the image seen in the lens through the viewfinder. The R1 has a viewfinder, but an electronic one that shows the same picture as the LCD screen -- much like a compact point-and-shoot camera. DSLR cameras always have a purely optical viewfinder, which shows the scene without electronic processing or white-balance applied. Also, with a DSLR camera, you can remove the lens and swap it for other lenses. The R1 doesn't allow for this.
Skill Level
The R1 is appropriate for photographers looking to get a bit more out of a camera than offered by a compact point-and-shoot. The lens is good for wide-angle photography and has a sufficient zoom for most photographers, and its wide apertures allow for low-light shooting. The ISO (or sensitivity) ranges from ISO 100 to ISO 3200, which is comparable to most entry-level DSLRs. Sony and others described this type of camera as a bridging prosumer camera, meaning it's appropriate for users looking to move from compact to professional cameras (from point-and-shoots to full DSLRs).
The DSLR Advantage
As powerful as the Cyber-shot R1 is, you may find yourself frustrated with its fixed lens. DSLR cameras give you more, but at greater cost -- for every type of lens you wish to add to your collection, from a wide angle or fisheye to a telephoto zoom, you'll pay. The lens in the R1 is more powerful and has a bigger zoom than most DSLR kit lenses (usually 18-55mm), but for super zooms or wide-angle shooting you'll need a DSLR.
Tags: compact point-and-shoot, DSLR camera, DSLR cameras, doesn have, doesn have mirror, entry-level DSLRs