How Sony did it?

The extra-large image sensors of D-SLRs simply draw so much power that they can only be active at the moment of exposure, the same as film. This means the cameras incorporate a bulky mirror box and pentaprism, the same as film SLRs. Sony broke new ground in APS-class image sensors.Sony's latest Complementary Metal Oxide Semico nductor (CMOS) technology is so power-efficient that the DSC-R1 image sensor can operate continuously, whenever the camera is on!

That's how the Sony DSC-R1 can do what other APS-class cameras can't. Only the R1 delivers Live Preview that lets you evaluate your exposure, white balance and histogram BEFORE you take the shot! And you'll appreciate the far and wide zoom coverage, versatile composition and compact size!