Fifty One East and Sony launch World's first compact camera with 35mm full-frame 24.3 effective megapixel sensor

The DSC-RX1 will be available at all Fifty One East outlets located in Al Maha centre, City Centre Doha and Lagoona Mall in addition to all Virgin Megastores at Villaggio and Landmark malls.

With a resolution of 24.3 effective megapixels, the DSC-RX1's sensor is over twice the size of the APS-C sensor inside much bulkier D-SLR cameras. Capable of resolving the finest image details and subtle textures, the full-frame sensor assures absolute fidelity, rich colours and an impressively broad dynamic range.

The large sensor size also helps boost the camera's sensitivity range to a generous ISO 100 - 25600. Sensitivity can be adjusted as low as ISO 50 in expanded mode. Similarly, ISO settings as high as 102,400 can be achieved using Multi Frame Noise Reduction. This allows the Cyber-shot™ RX1 to capture natural, low noise, handheld images in near-dark conditions without the need of flash.

Complementing the full-frame sensor is a fast, bright Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* lens with a fixed focal length of 35mm - a versatile choice for portraits, street photography and everyday shooting. The premium lens features newly designed optics including an Advanced Aspherical (AA) glass element. This contributes to the camera's extremely compact palm-sized dimensions without sacrificing optical performance.

Data from the Exmor CMOS sensor is handled by the evolved BIONZ engine that also powers full-resolution burst shooting at up to five frames per second. The BIONZ processor can output image data in 14-bit RAW format, giving advanced users immense freedom over developing, post-processing and managing RAW files to match their personal creative vision.

Smaller and lighter than any full-frame DSLR, the Cyber-shot RX1 offers superb imaging quality, which has previously been the domain of high-end professional DSLR cameras. The unified lens/body design assures razor-sharp alignment of the sensor and optical components. This brings out the full potential of the lens to deliver unprecedented image quality, right to the very edges of each frame.

Despite the camera's extraordinarily compact dimensions, photographers are offered a virtually limitless palette of options for creative expression.

The Cyber-shot RX1 offers a full range of manual control modes, just as expected from a no-compromise DSLR camera. Effortlessly intuitive operations complement the full manual control options, making it easy for enthusiasts to realise their creative vision without sacrificing portability or operating comfort.

In addition to flawless stills, the Cyber-shot RX1 can capture high-quality, low-noise Full HD movie footage at a choice of 50p/60p or 25p/24p (progressive) frame rates. 24p recording enables the Cyber-shot RX1 to transform everyday scenes into film-like movies. It is easy to record beautifully atmospheric video in very low lighting such as at dusk. A full complement of PASM exposure modes gives photographers absolute creative flexibility during video shooting.

Capturing possibilities for stills and video are broadened by the camera's Multi Interface Shoe3 that accepts a growing range of accessories.

Options include a powerful flash, electronic viewfinder, optical viewfinder, clip-on LCD monitor. Also available are a high-quality jacket case, lens hood and thumb grip for sure and comfortable handling.