Sony Cyber-shot DSC-R1Sony "breaks the mold" with a unique SLR/all-in-one hybrid design.<<Timing :(Previous) | (Next): Camera Modes and Menus>> Page 9:User InterfaceReview First Posted: 09/20/2005, Updated: 11/18/2005 |
Operation & User Interface
The DSC-R1's user interface is similar to other members of the Cyber-shot line, although the scattered arrangement of external buttons may be a little confusing on first approach. You can control a lot of the essential camera functions without having to resort to the on-screen LCD menu system, though the LCD menu system is simple to navigate when needed. The Mode dial on the rear panel adjusts the main exposure mode, with a sprinkling of option buttons on the rear and back panels. Though you'll likely be able to snap a quick picture or two with the camera right out of the box, you'll need a little time to get acquainted with the control layout. Though once learned, the DSC-R1's user interface is a snap.
Control Enumeration
Zoom Ring: Surrounding the end of the lens barrel, this rubberized grip adjusts the optical zoom.
Manual Focus Ring: Behind the Zoom ring on the outside of the lens barrel, this narrower rubberized ring adjusts the camera focus in Manual focus mode.
Power Dial: Surrounding the Shutter button on top of the camera, this dial turns the camera on and off.
Shutter Button (see above): Located in the center of the Power dial, this button sets exposure and focus (in autofocus mode) when half-pressed, and trips the shutter when fully pressed.
ISO Button: To the right of the Shutter button, this button adjusts the camera's sensitivity setting when pressed while turning the Main Command dial.
Main Command Dial: This ridged wheel sits at the top of the rear panel, conveniently accessible to your thumb. In Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority exposure modes, this dial controls either the aperture or shutter speed settings. In Manual mode, the dial controls aperture. This dial also makes a range of camera adjustments, when turned while pressing a control button.
Display Button: Directly beneath the Main Command dial, this button controls the information and image displays in the LCD monitor and EVF.
AE Lock / Delete Button: Left of the Display button, this button locks the exposure when pressed in any shooting mode. In Playback mode, this button pulls up the Delete menu, for deleting captured images.
Playback Button: Practically hidden on the right side of the EVF eyepiece, this button puts the camera into Playback mode. A second press returns to normal record mode, as does half-pressing the Shutter button.
Sub Command Dial: This large, notched dial sits about center in the rear panel, and controls a range of camera settings when turned while pressing control buttons. In Manual exposure mode, turning this dial adjusts the shutter speed. In any other exposure mode, this dial adjusts the exposure compensation. In Playback mode, turning the dial controls the amount of digital enlargement, up to 5x.
Multicontroller (see above): This joystick-like controller is in the center of the Sub Command dial, and acts as a four-way navigational tool. Moving the controller in any direction navigates through menu options, while pressing down on the center makes selections. In Playback mode, the left and right directions scroll through captured images, and moving the tool in any direction lets you pan through enlarged images. In capture modes, pressing the controller cycles through available autofocus area options. When in Flexible Spot AF mode, moving the stick left or right, up or down moves the active AF area around the frame.
Menu Button: Just below and to the right of the Sub Command dial, this button displays the settings menu in any camera mode. A second press cancels the menu display.
Memory Card Switch: In the lower right corner of the rear panel, this sliding switch designates the type of memory card in use. Choices are Memory Stick or CompactFlash.
Magnify Button: The rightmost button in a series running right to left under the EVF eyepiece, this button enables the digital zoom in any record mode (if enabled through the Record menu). In Playback mode, this button enlarges the displayed image 2x.
Self-Timer / Index Button: Left of the Magnify button, this button puts the camera into Self-Timer mode in any record mode. In Playback mode, pressing this button enables a nine-image index display.
Drive / Bracket Button: Left of the Self-Timer / Index button, this button accesses the camera's Continuous Shooting and Auto Exposure Bracketing modes, when pressed while turning the Sub Command dial.
Metering Mode Button: The final button in the series beneath the EVF viewfinder, this button accesses the camera's Multi, Center Weighted, and Spot metering modes, when pressed while turning the Sub Command dial.
Exposure Mode Dial: On the far left of the camera's rear panel, this dial selects the camera's exposure mode. Options are Manual, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Program AE, Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Twilight Portrait, and Twilight modes.
Monitor Switch: The leftmost sliding switch beneath the EVF eyepiece, this switch puts the LCD displays into Framing or Preview modes. In Framing mode, the LCD brightens and reduces any flickering from fluorescent light sources. Preview mode is the standard display.
Monitor Display Switch: To the right of the Monitor switch, this switch puts the viewfinder display in Finder or LCD modes, or puts it under Auto control. The Auto setting automatically determines where to locate the display, based on whether or not your eye (or anything else for that matter) is in front of the EVF.
Diopter Control Lever: Hidden under the bottom edge of the viewfinder, this tiny lever adjusts the viewfinder display to accommodate eyeglass wearers.
Flash Button: Located on the left panel of the camera, this button adjusts the flash mode when pressed while turning the Main Command dial. If held down, it pops up the flash compartment. (Assuming that the flash popup option on the setup menu is set to "manual".)
White Balance Button: Just behind the Flash button, this button adjusts the white balance mode when pressed while turning the Main Command dial.
Focus Switch: Below the Flash and White Balance buttons, this rotating switch controls the camera's focus mode. Options here are Auto, Macro, and Manual.
Focus Button (see above): In the center of the Focus switch, this button automatically sets focus in Manual focus mode, so that you can fine tune focus with the manual focus ring.
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