DIWA Press Release

The DSC-R1 is a digital camera unlike any other, by design and in terms of performance. Thanks to its unique combination of a powerful 5x Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* zoom lens and a large SLR-type 10.3 Megapixel CMOS image sensor, the R1 delivers outstanding image quality. Furthermore, numerous user-friendly features and fully automatic and manual controls make the R1 a perfect choice for any quality-minded photo enthusiast.

Amsterdam, 17th May, 2006: DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association), a world-wide organisation of collaborating websites, today announces a DIWA Gold Award to the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-R1, based on excellent scores from numerous product tests made by DIWA camera experts.

With the DSC-R1, Sony has proved that professional image quality and camera performance do not necessarily need to have a professional price tag. Two main ingredients are required to achieve first class image quality; an excellent lens and a large, high quality image sensor. For the lens, Sony has hired one of the best known lens manufacturers in the world, Carl Zeiss of Germany. Their powerful 5x zoom of Vario-Sonnar design is a perfect match to Sony’s own 10.3 Megapixel CMOS image sensor, virtually the same size as in most SLR cameras on the market.

Kai Thon, DIWA’s test manager, explains: “All other large zoom cameras on the market have a sensor size similar to the ones found in compact cameras. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-R1 is a rare exception. Together with its matching lens, the difference in terms of image quality is astonishing. Furthermore, the R1 has all the accompanying features required for professional demands”.

Such features are the flexible 2” LCD screen, the high resolution electronic viewfinder, physical rings on the lens barrel for zoom and manual focus, live histogram with zebra striped highlight warning, RAW+JPEG formats, 3 fps burst shooting and a wide range of shutter speeds and apertures. Add to this a large variety of automatic and manual settings for exposure, white balance, image parameters and noise control. In most respects, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-R1 performs on par with many professional D-SLR cameras, but at a much lower price.

Test results from DIWA experts in Europe and America proved that the DSC-R1 is a convincing example of what may be expected from Sony’s coming debut on the D-SLR arena. After considering the camera’s performance and favourable price, the bottom line showed that the Cyber-shot DSC-R1 met most requirements with flying colours, well within our demands for a DIWA Gold Award.

About DIWA

A fast growing independent, authoritative, industry organization
The Digital Imaging Websites Association (DIWA) is a fast growing group of independent Web-based specialist publications dedicated to digital imaging. DIWA harnesses the collective talent and expertise of its members, resulting in industry awards that command unparalleled confidence and value, both for consumers and the industry, alike. DIWA awards come in the form of bronze, silver and gold medals for various product categories.

Unique bullet-proof test scoring procedure
DIWA product test awards are exclusively decided through the analysis of multiple test scores from different DIWA testers, testing different samples of the same product. A very detailed and comprehensive standardized scoring procedure is employed, tailored carefully for each category of product. Multiple testing eliminates the chance of an isolated, unrepresentative product sample or test error, or even hidden bias, from affecting the trustworthiness of the overall result.

Awards throughout the year
DIWA is also unique in its policy in issuing awards for deserving products throughout the year, culminating in an annual best of the year Platinum medal awards in all product categories.

DIWA Awards members
- Canada: www.photoxels.com
- Czech Republic:  www.fotoaparat.cz
- Denmark:  www.digitalmagasinet.dk
- Germany:  www.digitalkamera.de
- Netherlands:  www.letsgodigital.org
- Norway:  www.digit.no
- Poland:  www.fotopolis.pl
- Slovenia:  www.e-fotografija.com
- Spain:  www.nuevafotografia.com
- Turkey:  www.diginorm.com.tr
- United Kingdom:  www.photographyblog.com

The DIWA multi-lingual Web site
At the heart of the DIWA organisation is its multi-lingual Web site, www.diwa-awards.com, where you can find links to the latest reviews published by DIWA member publications. The site also archives DIWA awards and is designed to aid consumers in their choice of imaging products.

For further information about DIWA please visit our Web site - http://www.diwa-awards.com - or email us at [email protected]