Shooting far and wide.

Because the APS-class image sensors of typical D-SLRs are smaller than a 35mm film frame, 35mm lenses undergo a focal-length conversion of about 1.5x. This is great for tele lenses, because it converts a 200 mm into a 300 mm. But on the wide end, a wide-angle 24 mm lens suddenly becomes a medium-wide 36 mm lens (35mm equivalent)! Here's where the DSC-R1 has a decided advantage. Its zoom lens starts at an ultra-wide 24 mm with 5x zoom to 120 mm (35mm equivalent). The wide end is perfect for shooting in tight spaces or capturing landscapes, panoramic views and group photos!

What's more, image sensors are notorious dust magnets. Having a built-in lens means there's no opportunity for dust to collect on Sony's CMOS sensor!