Epson RD-1 vs. other high-end digital camera

[deepwhite]

If we take the "lenses" into consideration, I think we CAN compare an R-D1 (with a Leica prime lens) to a high-end DSLR (with a kit zoom lens). Of course it's not fair, but I'm only saying that we CAN compare.

The R-D1(s) is a good "supporting companion" to a good Leica M lens. Great color, stable performance, good high iso result, nice handling. It doesn't have to better a DSLR body to prove itself worthy.

 

[Tuolumne]

If we take the "lenses" into consideration, I think we CAN compare an R-D1 (with a Leica prime lens) to a high-end DSLR (with a kit zoom lens). Of course it's not fair, but I'm only saying that we CAN compare.

The R-D1(s) is a good "supporting companion" to a good Leica M lens. Great color, stable performance, good high iso result, nice handling. It doesn't have to better a DSLR body to prove itself worthy.

Well, I think we do have to take the lenses into consideration. You aren't going to use a Nikon zoom on an R-D1, are you? 😀

/T

 

[yanidel]

Well, I think we do have to take the lenses into consideration. You aren't going to use a Nikon zoom on an R-D1, are you? 😀

/T

Maybe as a tripod ... ? 😀

 

[Tuolumne]

Maybe as a tripod ... ? 😀

I think that qualifies as being used "under" the camera, not "on" the camera. 😀

/T

 

[tomasis]

If we take the "lenses" into consideration, I think we CAN compare an R-D1 (with a Leica prime lens) to a high-end DSLR (with a kit zoom lens). Of course it's not fair, but I'm only saying that we CAN compare.

The R-D1(s) is a good "supporting companion" to a good Leica M lens. Great color, stable performance, good high iso result, nice handling. It doesn't have to better a DSLR body to prove itself worthy.

Exactly what Im saying. If one has superb lenses as 35cron ASPH and 50cron, it is easy to reason at such way. I had D70 with 17-70mm DX lens. My god it was so heavy carriage that I even needed a horse 🙂 I had also chance to compare Summicron against modern AF Nikkor 50mm 1.8. IT was really fast K.O. there. it happened so fast I didnt had time to pay a bet.



KevinM, sorry I dont understand. It looks like you dont know what you are talking about 😉 have nice time with your sonnar 🙂

 

[morgan]

I like the R-D1 because it's a close approximation of what I get from my film rangefinders. I still shoot film, but less so these days, mostly because of cost and nowhere to develop my own film right now. But I still think film output looks better. I like how the R-D1 handles, changeable ISO, I can share lenses, and it's relatively small. RF's are better for low light, although frankly I prefer my 30D's 1600 to the R-D1, with any lens.

Comparing glass is tougher, there are great and less than great lenses for all mounts. My favorite lens that i have right now is the Canon 85/1.8. It just flat out delivers every time. But I don't view my 30D as a walkaround kit, it's just too big (especially with my 17-55 2.8 IS, which is another awesome lens). But the 30D does take great pictures, and in the right situation works just as well as an RF for people shots. But still, my R-D1 and R2A see way more use than the canon. It's just an emotional attachment I guess.

 

[jmkelly]

I don't own a high-end DSLR and wonder if I ever will feel the urge - the R-D1 does 99% of what I want. My wife has taken over the E-300 and more-or-less permanently attached the 50mm macro, but the E-300 (only 8MP 🙁!) is big compared to the R-D1. I also carry around a Panasonic LX-2, which is maybe the best digital p&s I have ever handled - and with 10MP it makes me feel, so, I don't know... big 😀. But seriously, even with 10MP pics at high ISO on the Pana are not even in the same league as those on the R-D1.

IMO the R-D1 occupies a singular niche - it is not an adequate substitute for an M8, high-end DSLR or spendy p&s, nor do I regard it as one. It is simply good tool in its own right that mounts the interesting glass I happen to have too much of. And it looks and feels great in black lizard.

 

[35mmdelux]

methinks you need to dump that D200 and get an inconspicuous R-D1 😀

Methinks you are right.

Thank you all helping get a fix (no pun intended) on the situation.

Regards, Paul

 

[cam]

Methinks you are right.

Thank you all helping get a fix (no pun intended) on the situation.

glad you took that in the vein it was meant... (i left the hyperboles for the men 😀 )

the only thing i will warn you about is this: whilst near silent compared to DSLR's, it's amazingly LOUD when you're trying to be inconspicuous in a quiet place and/or up close and personal. it is seriously my biggest bugbear about the R-D1.

if only it had the quiet stealth of Leica film cameras, i would be over the moon... still, one cock of the shutter and all is right in the world again. it is a joy to use!

 

[nugat]

All:

I seek to understand why would one prefer a RD-1(s) with under 6MP over a different digital camera with 10-12MP? Wouldn't a camera with greater MP be better? Is pricing the only issue over the M8 and other digitals such as Canon FF?

Thanks -- Paul

Megapixel count is the marketing equivalent of Megaherz race.
Well executed 6MP is good for majority of applications for years to come. All this sillyness will end with the Sony 24MP processor this year. Or maybe it already ended with Nikon FF 12Mp in D3/D700.For those doing billboards Hasselblad 39MP is barely enough. For the rest of us A3 or HD display (2Mp) will do.

 

[squirrel$$$bandit]

After a month with mine, the only complaint I have is that my wides aren't wide anymore and my 50/2 Heliar is a portrait lens. Other than that, this is my favorite camera.