Epson R-D1s Review

After upgrading the Epson R-D1 model, which was the 1st rangefinder digital camera in the market, comes the Epson R-D1s model. The camera’s dimensions are 5.6 x 3.5 x 1.6 inches and weighs 19.8 oz (560 g). It is equipped with optical viewfinder and LCD viewfinder. Its LCD size is 2.0 inches. Its shutter speed is 1 – 1 / 2000. It also uses a SD memory card type data storage card and a custom Lithium ion battery. This digital camera can provide the user with many shots before its batteries run out.

Both models still have similar features. The models have 6.1 Mp APS-C sized CCD image sensor as well as RAW and JPEG format of files. The digital cameras use SD memory card for file storage and accepts almost all Leica M-mount lenses.

The changes done on this digital camera include RAW + JPEG shooting mode where the user can capture images that are Raw and at the same time in Jpeg format. It also includes the latest Adobe RGB color space option in addition to its existing sRGB. There is also a new function that removes long-exposure noise which is bundled with this digital camera. Last but not the least is its Quick View function that is able to display images that can be captured on the LCD in 3 – 10 seconds.

R-D1s has a playback zoom function that works with Raw files and Jpeg files. It is unlike the previous model R-D1 since it doesn’t have a playback function that only works for Jpeg files. From the original zoom of R-D1, which is 9.4x maximum zoom, the R-D1s is now equipped with an extended zoom of 16x maximum. Its user settings that include group Film1, Film2 and Film3 have been changed to be a default mode that can accommodate three particular situations that include portrait, landscape, and night scenes. The R-D1s has a tiny conversion ring on the back panel that allows the user to determine the equivalent focal lengths along those that is marked on the lens. Although it has no video out, video mode and is not video usable as a viewfinder, this camera is still good in performing its job.

Accessories
The R-D1s kit includes:

• Software Bundle - Epson Photolier that offers 13.54 Mp interpolate resolution when working on Raw files.
• Leather case (optional)
• Li-ion Battery
• SD memory card
• Battery Charger
A Summary of Epson R-D1s Features
• Resolution: 6.00 Megapixels
• Optical View Finder
• LCD View Finder
• LCD size: 2.0 inches
• ISO: 200 – 1600
• Shutter: 1 – 1 / 2000
• Memory Type: SD card
• Battery: Custom Lithium-ion
• Dimensions: 5.6 x 3.5 x 1.6 inches
• Weight: 19.8oz
• MSRP: $3,000

Pros: R-D1s has a very nice design. With its needle gauge on top, it allows the user to know the quality of image, white balance, the remaining data storage space, and the life of its battery. It also includes a tiny conversion ring on the back panel that allows the user to know the equivalent focal lengths along those that is marked on the lens.

Cons: It has no video out. It has no video mode. It is also not video usable as a viewfinder. It has no movie file format. It is not equipped with internal flash. It has no flash modes and no flash guide number. It doesn’t have an auto focus assist light. It is heavy compared to other digital cameras. It is not a compact camera that can easily be placed in the pocket.

Overall: Epson R-D1s is typically an upgrade of a previous model that has been updated when it comes to its functions and features. It has new functions and features that are not available in its previous model. Although it has greater functions and features, it still has a lot of common features when compared to the previous model R-D1. R-D1 can still be classified as a user-friendly camera. Although it is not a portable camera, users may still be able to bring this baby along with them to have greater shot qualities than the usual digital cameras.

Attached Images

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