RD-1: Tool or novelty item?

[Sean Reid]

George,

I address a lot of questions about the R-D1 long term, what percentage have had problems (according to my survey sample of about 50 owners), how many people would buy the camera again, etc. in my long-term review of the R-D1. My site is http://www.reidreviews.com and it is a pay subscription site that many people on this forum subscribe to. It may answer many of your questions.

Cheers,

Sean

 

[RML]

What Josh said.

Copake, yes, to me it's worth it. Besides, I ;paid only 2500 euro inlcuding shipping from HK and customs fees/import tax. Yes, I'll stick with the R-D1 after the digital M gets released (if ever). I might even go for a second body. The R-D1s is tempting.

 

[jake77]

So has anyone seen comparisons of images taken with the R-D1 vs. a 20D, a 1Ds or a 1D Mk II? I have seen comparisons of images taken with the R-D1 vs. a film scan, but that is NOT of any practical value in evalueating this for me.

I would like to buy one if the camera is capable of sharp images, but sharp to some is not to others. I was never pleased with the image quality of the Rebel 300D when I owned one as a back-up. How would the R-D1 rate in comparison to that 6Mp camera?

 

[jaapv]

Hi, welcome.
1. The web is teeming with these images. Try Google or the search functon of this site.
2. Sharpness is not the issue. Even some cellphones are capable of taking sharp pictures. Other quality issues are relevant
3. The Rebel 300D is capable of razor-sharp, high-quality images. Your problems were probably in post-processing. Any digital camera needs skills in that respect to get the best results.
4.Most RD-1 users prefer the pictorial "look" of that camera over that of the Canon 10D-30D and 300/350D series.

 

[RML]

3. The Rebel 300D is capable of razor-sharp, high-quality images. Your problems were probably in post-processing. Any digital camera needs skills in that respect to get the best results.
4.Most RD-1 users prefer the pictorial "look" of that camera over that of the Canon 10D-30D and 300/350D series.

I have to agree with this. I don't particularly like my 300D photos and they do need quite some RAW and post-processing while the photos from the R-D1 only need minor tweaking in the RAW developer with hardly any post-processing in PSP.

 

[tkluck]

Sigh......
I'll keep my imaginary R-D1 right between to the Imaginary Leica and Nikon I can't aford eather.
Wonder if the Russians will ever make a digi RF?

 

[jake77]

Hi, welcome.
1. The web is teeming with these images. Try Google or the search functon of this site.

I've tried that and still can't find side-by-side comparisons.

2. Sharpness is not the issue. Even some cellphones are capable of taking sharp pictures. Other quality issues are relevant

And what would they be? I've never used the camera.

3. The Rebel 300D is capable of razor-sharp, high-quality images. Your problems were probably in post-processing. Any digital camera needs skills in that respect to get the best results.

The images taken with the 300D were IMO less then stellar compared to images from 1Ds, 1Ds Mk II and 1D Mk II that I have owned. (I often print large) How will the R-D1 stand up to enlargement?