Sony DSC-R1

I used to be a Sony cybershot hybrid-SLR digital camera fan, and I have owned all last 3 models until the last model I owned was disappointingly unsatisfied. The last model DSC-F828 half-SLR pretending digital camera was a dud. Despite the 8 megapixel (in reality, you only get 7.2 megapix) feature on the camera was a good catch back then, but the noise on the pictures taken were unbearable. So I didn't own it long, and quickly got rid of it and switched to Canon 10D and I couldn't be happier.

Today I just read about Sony is going to have another model of those hybrid SLR-pretend digital camera coming out this November. This time they don't called it like they used to anymore (eg. F717, F727 or F828), the model now is called DSC-R1. And so far it claims to be the first non-SLR digital camera with 10.3 megapixel. But it's fucking ugly in my humble opinion!!! What's with that flip up LCD screen and swivel back and front??? It just not user-friendly. So basically, if you don't want to flip it up, you will have to take your shot from the waistline, looking the LCD from the top. And why would you want to flip to the front anyway?! As if the shooting object can see what u trying to do?! Unless u really love yourself so much and have to keep flipping backward to keep taking photos of one self. By putting the LCD on top, which means leave a wide space at the back, and it just look weird. All they trying to boost is about how good the LCD is, with a larger format sensor, but it doesn't affect the quality of the image taken. It might look good on the LCD, but the truth is when blow up on PC screen it will be just as same. In my opinion, all the extra features are just gimmicks, unless they sort out the noise reduction issue when shooting at ISO 400 or in low night. But at the price at only US$1000, I guess is worth to give it a try when you can't afford a big gun like M16.