The Sony Cybershot DSC-R1 is a 10.3 megapixel digital camera released in 2005. Featuring a 5x optical zoom, a 2-inch movable LCD screen and a fast processor that allows for one picture per second shooting speeds, the DSC-R1 is a high-quality camera for photographers of any ability. The nontraditional design of the DSC-R1 gives the impression it is a single-lens reflex (SLR) camera. SLR cameras are most often used by professional photographers and photography enthusiasts and have interchangeable lenses for different photo types. Though the DSC-R1 does not accommodate interchangeable lenses, the camera takes professional quality photographs.
Adjusting the Exposure
The DSC-R1 features an "Auto" mode that adjusts the shutter speed and exposure according to the conditions when the photograph is taken. Though the adjustments made by the camera are good for most shooting conditions, there are instances when the subject of the shot will be too dark or light. When there is a high contrast between the background and the subject and the "Auto" settings do not adjust correctly, set the exposure manually. To set the exposure on the DSC-R1, turn the mode dial to "M" and turn the sub command dial left to decrease the exposure and right to increase the exposure. If the background is bright, increase the exposure so the subject of the photograph isn't dark. If the background is dark, decrease the exposure so the subject of the photograph isn't too bright. If this is your first time compensating for the exposure, it may take some trial and error to get the proper results. After some experience adjusting the exposure, you will have a good idea of what exposure setting works best for the specific lighting conditions of your shots.
Manual Focus
Though it looks like a digital SLR camera, the DSC-R1 does not have detachable lenses. Despite this, the DSC-R1 allows for manual focus when the auto focus does not properly focus on the subject. The most common situation where the auto focus does not work is in a low light environment.
To use manual focus, press the "Focus" switch located on the left side of the camera to "Manual." You will see the expanded focus frame appear on the LCD screen. Move the focus frame over the portion of the subject you want to focus on by using the arrow buttons. When the focus frame is in place, turn the manual focus ring located on the camera. The manual focus ring is the ring nearest the body of the camera. When the subject is in focus, take the picture as normal.
White Balance
As with the exposure and the focus, the DSC-R1 automatically adjusts the white balance according to the shot. White balance is an adjustment made based on the type of light in the shot so colors in the photograph appear normal. There are times when manually adjusting the white balance will achieve better quality shots. There are seven additional white balance settings besides the auto white balance function, with names that are self-explanatory such as "Daylight" and "Fluorescent." To manually adjust the white balance, press and hold the "WB" button on the left side of the camera and turn the main command dial on the right of the camera. The white balance mode will appear on the LCD screen. After the white balance mode is set, take a photograph as normal.
Tags: white balance, focus frame, manual focus, appear screen, auto focus