Q: I own a Cyber-shot DSC-R1 camera, which is no longer sold by Sony. This model has a fixed lens, even though it's in the nature of a DSLR. I would like to give the fixed lens more telephoto and wide angle capabilities. Is there any way to do this? ---A.S.
A: The inability to use interchangeable lenses sets apart fixed lens cameras from DSLRs. (Fixed lens cameras aren't technically DSLR cameras because the lenses are not interchangeable, but, because of the look of these cameras and their high-end feature set, some often refer to them as fixed-lens DSLRs or beginner DSLRs. Such cameras are intermediate-to-advanced models.)
With some fixed lens cameras, you can add conversion lenses, which are pieces of lens hardware that fit over the fixed lens, giving it some additional capabilities, including wide angle, telephoto, or macro.
Very few digital cameras can accept conversion lenses. The DSC-R1 has both telephoto and wide angle conversion lenses available. For other cameras, you'll have to check with the manufacturer or look in the user guide.
If you have an older camera, such as the DSC-R1, the manufacturer might not directly sell a conversion lens for it any longer. If so, you may have to look in other areas, such as eBay or camera stores.
Find more answers to common camera questions on the camera FAQ page.
