Epson R-D1 Comparison Review
The Epson R-D1 is a rangefinder-focusing mirrorless camera that was announced in March 2004 and is equipped with an APS-C sensor. It offers a resolution of 6 megapixel.
Is the Epson R-D1 a good camera? The R-D1 has a Camera Elo of 820. This rating puts the R-D1 below average of all rangefinder cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (APS cameras), the R-D1 also ranks below average. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 2.5-star performance rating. – Well, the Epson R-D1 is more than 20 years old, and there have been many other good digital cameras released since 2004.
Epson R-D1 |
---|
Rangefinder camera |
Leica M mount lenses |
6 MP, APS-C Sensor |
no Video |
ISO 200 - 1 600 |
Optical viewfinder |
2.0 LCD, 235k dots |
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) |
1 shutter flaps per second |
142 x 89 x 40 mm, 620 g |
Read on to find out more about the camera's size, sensor, features, reception by expert reviewers, and how it compares to other digital cameras.
Body comparison with a credit card
An illustration of the physical dimensions of the Epson R-D1 vis-à-vis a credit card is provided in the side-by-side display below. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are presented. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.
The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Epson R-D1 alongside a set of similar cameras. If you want to review a particular camera pair side-by-side, just move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible comparisons there.
Camera Model |
Camera Width |
Camera Height |
Camera Depth |
Camera Weight |
Battery Life |
Weather Sealing |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price |
Street Price |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Epson R-D1 | 142 mm | 89 mm | 40 mm | 620 g | .. | n | Mar 2004 | US$ 2 999 | ebay.com | |
2. | Canon Rebel | 142 mm | 99 mm | 72 mm | 649 g | 400 | n | Aug 2003 | US$ 899 | ebay.com | |
3. | Leica CL | 131 mm | 78 mm | 45 mm | 403 g | 220 | n | Nov 2017 | US$ 2 795 | ebay.com | |
4. | Leica M9 | 139 mm | 80 mm | 37 mm | 585 g | 550 | n | Sep 2009 | US$ 7 999 | ebay.com | |
5. | Leica M10 | 139 mm | 80 mm | 39 mm | 660 g | 210 | Y | Jan 2017 | US$ 6 599 | ebay.com | |
6. | Leica X Vario | 133 mm | 73 mm | 95 mm | 680 g | 450 | n | Jun 2013 | US$ 2 849 | ebay.com | |
7. | Leica X-U Typ 113 | 140 mm | 79 mm | 88 mm | 635 g | 450 | Y | Jan 2016 | US$ 2 949 | ebay.com | |
8. | Nikon D40 | 124 mm | 94 mm | 64 mm | 522 g | 470 | n | Nov 2006 | US$ 499 | ebay.com | |
9. | Nikon D50 | 133 mm | 102 mm | 76 mm | 620 g | 400 | n | Apr 2005 | US$ 749 | ebay.com | |
10. | Nikon D70 | 140 mm | 111 mm | 78 mm | 679 g | 400 | n | Jan 2004 | US$ 999 | ebay.com | |
11. | Nikon D70s | 140 mm | 111 mm | 78 mm | 679 g | 500 | n | Apr 2005 | US$ 899 | ebay.com | |
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders. | |||||||||||
The listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Epson R-D1 was launched in the US market at a price of $2,999. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.
Sensor comparison with a 35mm slide
The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.
The Epson R-D1 features an APS-C sensor and has a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 1.5. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the Epson R-D1 among the medium-sized sensor cameras that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability.
Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of alternative cameras.
Camera Model |
Sensor Class |
Resolution (MP) |
Horiz. Pixels |
Vert. Pixels |
Video Format |
DXO Portrait |
DXO Landscape |
DXO Sports |
DXO Overall |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Epson R-D1 | APS-C | 6.0 | 3008 | 2000 | none | 21.1 | 10.4 | 564 | 55 | |
2. | Canon Rebel | APS-C | 6.3 | 3072 | 2048 | none | 21.0 | 10.8 | 544 | 55 | |
3. | Leica CL | APS-C | 24.1 | 6014 | 4014 | 4K/30p | 24.0 | 13.3 | 1788 | 82 | |
4. | Leica M9 | Full Frame | 18.1 | 5212 | 3472 | none | 22.5 | 11.7 | 884 | 69 | |
5. | Leica M10 | Full Frame | 23.8 | 5952 | 3992 | none | 24.4 | 13.2 | 2133 | 86 | |
6. | Leica X Vario | APS-C | 16.1 | 4928 | 3272 | 1080/30p | 23.4 | 12.7 | 1320 | 78 | |
7. | Leica X-U Typ 113 | APS-C | 16.1 | 4928 | 3264 | 1080/30p | 23.8 | 13.0 | 1614 | 80 | |
8. | Nikon D40 | APS-C | 6.0 | 3008 | 2000 | none | 21.0 | 11.0 | 561 | 56 | |
9. | Nikon D50 | APS-C | 6.0 | 3008 | 2000 | none | 20.9 | 10.8 | 560 | 55 | |
10. | Nikon D70 | APS-C | 6.0 | 3008 | 2000 | none | 20.4 | 10.3 | 529 | 50 | |
11. | Nikon D70s | APS-C | 6.0 | 3008 | 2000 | none | 20.4 | 10.3 | 529 | 50 | |
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age. |
It should be noted that unlike many modern cameras, the R-D1 does not provide the possibility to capture videos.
Feature comparison
Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The tables below summarize some of the other core capabilities of the Epson R-D1 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.
Camera Model |
Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots) |
Control Panel (yes/no) |
LCD Specifications (inch/000 dots) |
LCD Attach- ment |
Touch Screen (yes/no) |
Max Shutter Speed * |
Max Shutter Flaps * |
Built-in Flash (yes/no) |
Built-in Image Stab |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Epson R-D1 | optical | n | 2.0 / 235 | fixed | n | 1/2000s | 1.0/s | n | n | |
2. | Canon Rebel | optical | n | 1.8 / 118 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 2.5/s | Y | n | |
3. | Leica CL | 2360 | Y | 3.0 / 1040 | fixed | Y | 1/8000s | 10.0/s | n | n | |
4. | Leica M9 | optical | n | 2.5 / 230 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 2.0/s | n | n | |
5. | Leica M10 | optical | n | 3.0 / 1037 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 5.0/s | n | n | |
6. | Leica X Vario | optional | n | 3.0 / 920 | fixed | n | 1/2000s | 5.0/s | Y | n | |
7. | Leica X-U Typ 113 | optional | n | 3.0 / 920 | fixed | n | 1/2000s | 5.0/s | Y | n | |
8. | Nikon D40 | optical | n | 2.5 / 230 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 2.5/s | Y | n | |
9. | Nikon D50 | optical | n | 2.0 / 130 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 2.5/s | Y | n | |
10. | Nikon D70 | optical | n | 1.8 / 130 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 3.0/s | Y | n | |
11. | Nikon D70s | optical | n | 2.0 / 130 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 3.0/s | Y | n | |
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one. |
Connection comparison
For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Epson R-D1 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.
Camera Model |
Hotshoe Port |
Internal Mic / Speaker |
Microphone Port |
Headphone Port |
HDMI Port |
USB Port |
WiFi Support |
NFC Support |
Bluetooth Support |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Epson R-D1 | Y | - / - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
2. | Canon Rebel | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 1.1 | - | - | - | |
3. | Leica CL | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | - | - | Y | - | - | |
4. | Leica M9 | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
5. | Leica M10 | Y | - / - | - | - | - | - | Y | - | - | |
6. | Leica X Vario | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
7. | Leica X-U Typ 113 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
8. | Nikon D40 | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
9. | Nikon D50 | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
10. | Nikon D70 | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 1.0 | - | - | - | |
11. | Nikon D70s | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - |
Further information on the features and operation of the R-D1 can be found in the free online Epson R-D1 Manual or on the Epson support site.
Expert reviews
While the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it says nothing about, for example, the handling, responsiveness, and overall imaging quality of the R-D1 in practical situations. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate. This is why expert reviews are important. The adjacent table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]).
Camera Model |
AP score |
CL score |
DCW score |
DPR score |
EPZ score |
PB score |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price |
Street Price |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Epson R-D1 | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | Mar 2004 | US$ 2 999 | ebay.com | |
2. | Canon Rebel | .. | .. | .. | + + | .. | .. | Aug 2003 | US$ 899 | ebay.com | |
3. | Leica CL | .. | .. | 4.2/5 | .. | .. | 4/5 | Nov 2017 | US$ 2 795 | ebay.com | |
4. | Leica M9 | .. | .. | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | .. | Sep 2009 | US$ 7 999 | ebay.com | |
5. | Leica M10 | 4.5/5 | .. | .. | .. | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Jan 2017 | US$ 6 599 | ebay.com | |
6. | Leica X Vario | 3/5 | .. | .. | .. | 4/5 | 4/5 | Jun 2013 | US$ 2 849 | ebay.com | |
7. | Leica X-U Typ 113 | 3.5/5 | .. | .. | .. | .. | 3.5/5 | Jan 2016 | US$ 2 949 | ebay.com | |
8. | Nikon D40 | .. | 81/100 | .. | + + | o | 4.5/5 | Nov 2006 | US$ 499 | ebay.com | |
9. | Nikon D50 | .. | 78/100 | .. | + + | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Apr 2005 | US$ 749 | ebay.com | |
10. | Nikon D70 | .. | .. | .. | + + | .. | .. | Jan 2004 | US$ 999 | ebay.com | |
11. | Nikon D70s | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | 5/5 | Apr 2005 | US$ 899 | ebay.com | |
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available. |
The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.
Epson R-D1 FAQ
Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the R-D1.
What type of imaging sensor is used in the Epson R-D1?
The camera features a CCD (Charged Coupled Device) sensor.
What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Epson R-D1?
The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 1600.
What is the life expectancy of the shutter in the Epson R-D1?
Epson does not publish a shutter rating for the R-D1. Yet, shutters in comparable cameras from other manufacturers are said to be good for at least 100 000 actuations. It should be noted, though, that this number represents a Mean Time before Failure. The shutter might fail earlier, or it might last longer. Anyway, in order to exhaust an expected shutter life of 100 000 shots over, say, three years, one would have to take about 100 pictures each and every day.
What is the fastest shutter speed that can be used with the Epson R-D1 for flash photography?
The R-D1's flash sync speed is 1/125 sec.
Which battery does the Epson R-D1 use?
The camera gets its power from the Epson EU-85, which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.
Camera to camera comparisons
If you would like to see a side-by-side review with another camera, just use the search menu below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.
Camera Model | Epson R-D1 | |
---|---|---|
Camera Type | Rangefinder camera | |
Camera Lens | Leica M mount lenses | |
Launch Date | March 2004 | |
Launch Price | USD 2 999 | |
Sensor Specs | ||
Sensor Technology | CCD | |
Sensor Format | APS-C Sensor | |
Sensor Size | 23.7 x 15.6 mm | |
Sensor Area | 370 mm2 | |
Sensor Diagonal | 28.4 mm | |
Crop Factor | 1.5x | |
Sensor Resolution | 6 Megapixels | |
Image Resolution | 3 008 x 2 000 pixels | |
Pixel Pitch | 7.85 μm | |
Pixel Density | 1.63 MP/cm2 | |
Moiré control | Anti-Alias filter | |
Movie Capability | no Video | |
ISO Setting | 200 - 1 600 ISO | |
Screen Specs | ||
Viewfinder Type | Optical viewfinder | |
Viewfinder Field of View | 100% | |
Top-Level Screen | no Top Display | |
LCD Size | 2.0 inch | |
LCD Resolution | 235k dots | |
LCD Attachment | Fixed screen | |
Touch Input | No touchscreen | |
Shooting Specs | ||
Focus System | Manual Focus | |
Manual Focusing Aid | no Peaking Feature | |
Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/2000s | |
Continuous Shooting | 1 shutter flaps/s | |
Shutter Life Expectancy | 100 000 actuations | |
Silent Shooting | no E-Shutter | |
Time Lapse Photography | no Intervalometer | |
Fill Flash | no On-Board Flash | |
Storage Medium | SDHC cards | |
Single or Dual Card Slots | Single card slot | |
UHS card support | no | |
Connectivity Specs | ||
External Flash | Hotshoe | |
Studio Flash | PC Sync socket | |
USB Connector | no USB | |
HDMI Port | no HDMI | |
Wifi Support | no Wifi | |
Body Specs | ||
Battery Type | Epson EU-85 power pack | |
Body Dimensions |
142 x 89 x 40 mm (5.6 x 3.5 x 1.6 in) |
|
Camera Weight | 620 g (21.9 oz) |
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