pstevenin
Established
I just read this morning an article in a French Photo magazine (a quite serious one : 'Réponse photo') about an upgrade of the current RD-1 called RD-1S:
Same chip,
Same crop factor
housed software enhancement : Image interpolation and GUI
Better noise reduction at high ISO
Better printer dialogue management for a better rendition for B&W with Epson printers
And last but not least target price : 2000€ instead of 3000€ here in France.
Same chip,
Same crop factor
housed software enhancement : Image interpolation and GUI
Better noise reduction at high ISO
Better printer dialogue management for a better rendition for B&W with Epson printers
And last but not least target price : 2000€ instead of 3000€ here in France.
pvdhaar
Peter
None of these upgrades would require a modification to the hardware, so it could be that the remainder batch of RD-1 cameras gets new firmware, some extra decals and a new box to be packed in..
It doesn't necessarily mean that more units are produced. Which of course would be a shame, because the fastest way to get more affordable digi-M's on the market is to have high production volumes that allow recoup of investments better at lower retail prices.
It doesn't necessarily mean that more units are produced. Which of course would be a shame, because the fastest way to get more affordable digi-M's on the market is to have high production volumes that allow recoup of investments better at lower retail prices.
R
RML
Guest
Sounds like my second body is coming up. 
R
RML
Guest
BTW, what do those image interpolation and GUI enhancements mean?
Better noise reduction is nice but I'm already very pleased with what I have.
The printer dialogue thingy I can do without, I gues, as I never print straight from the card.
I'd like a few more options in the RAW convertor, like mapping of hot pixels, though.
Better noise reduction is nice but I'm already very pleased with what I have.
The printer dialogue thingy I can do without, I gues, as I never print straight from the card.
I'd like a few more options in the RAW convertor, like mapping of hot pixels, though.
pstevenin
Established
The article is quite straightforward. No idea about interpolation and GUI sounds like a more natural workflow during shooting procedure? (never had a chance to try the RD-1...)
taffer
void
Sounds verosimile (is that a word?). Apparently low cost 'easy' modifications and a drop in price which was something many people were asking for.
If they also check and fix the known bugs to the date, it sounds quite good.
If they also check and fix the known bugs to the date, it sounds quite good.
saxshooter
Well-known
If it is indeed no hardware update, this is a slap in the face to us existing owners. "Let's fix the bugs (which many were software related) and rebadge it and sell it as a new camera!" Epson is thinking.
The above description of the improvements seems to be merely a firmware update. So rather than supporting current owners they must think we are well-heeled enough to buy another camera from them!
We should all demand a firmware update!
The above description of the improvements seems to be merely a firmware update. So rather than supporting current owners they must think we are well-heeled enough to buy another camera from them!
We should all demand a firmware update!
R
RML
Guest
saxshooter said:
Who knows. Maybe the firmware update will be available to us.
But if I can get a second body for 2000 euro retail without the QC issues of the current R-D1, I might be quite tempted to get one. I still have some stock options that are worth a small fortune; enough to pay for a R-D1S (like my stocks were enough to pay for the R-D1).
saxshooter
Well-known
I hope the firmware update will be available to us. The thing is Epson has to be reminded that we users out here WANT it.
Sorry, maybe I got up on the wrong side of the bed this morning, but I think it takes a lot of gall to fix the software bugs on a camera, not change the existing hardware (the Sony 6 megapixel CCD is a dinosaur in digital years now!) and calling it a "new" camera...
I think Rangefinderforum RD-1 users collectively approaching Epson with our desire for a firmware update is a start...
Sorry, maybe I got up on the wrong side of the bed this morning, but I think it takes a lot of gall to fix the software bugs on a camera, not change the existing hardware (the Sony 6 megapixel CCD is a dinosaur in digital years now!) and calling it a "new" camera...
I think Rangefinderforum RD-1 users collectively approaching Epson with our desire for a firmware update is a start...
R
RML
Guest
Dinosaur? It might not be the latest sensor but I like the results from it very much. Rather a dinosaur that performs than a young buck that doesn't.
It might not be the latest sensor but I like the results from it very much. Rather a dinosaur that performs than a young buck that doesn't. saxshooter
Well-known
We like the results of the old chip because of the good glass we put in front of it. Imagine the results with a newer chip (but we aren't discussing that here).
I'm just afraid that Epson just isn't set up to receive 5000 previously sold cameras and updating the software (if a software update involves shipping the camera back for a small modification) and will just offer what in effect sounds like a software upgrade in a repackaged camera with a lower price.
Maybe if the current camera does need a modification by Epson, maybe current users would be willing to pay a small fee for the work. I forget if Contax's updating the ROM of the G1 to take G2 lenses was free.
Given how they have been dealing with warranty repairs or QC issues, their past action seems to be just shipping out a new camera and not dealing with actually servicing the unit. Ugh.
I'm just afraid that Epson just isn't set up to receive 5000 previously sold cameras and updating the software (if a software update involves shipping the camera back for a small modification) and will just offer what in effect sounds like a software upgrade in a repackaged camera with a lower price.
Maybe if the current camera does need a modification by Epson, maybe current users would be willing to pay a small fee for the work. I forget if Contax's updating the ROM of the G1 to take G2 lenses was free.
Given how they have been dealing with warranty repairs or QC issues, their past action seems to be just shipping out a new camera and not dealing with actually servicing the unit. Ugh.
RichC
Well-known
Absolutely. If they do, I'll be very hacked off!!saxshooter said:
I knew the camera would suit me to a tee, and thought long and hard for a year before buying it. I had to sell all my camera gear (including my beloved Canon 10D) to afford the body, then load up the credit card to buy lenses!
saxshooter
Well-known
The last thing we want is for Epson to think that current owners of the RD-1 100% satisfied as to the current state of this great camera and have deep pockets to run out and buy this "updated camera".
Remember, we all spent 3k on this baby not too long ago and have received NO support from them. Heck, I haven't even received my bag, software, or certificate (not that I really need them) but that should be the minimum acknowledgement on their part.
It seems to be the sad trend in digital photography that only the big makers, Canon and Nikon (Canon much more so than Nikon) that provide firmware updates to their cameras. I know it takes a lot of R&D for this type of support, and many makers probably feel that they will get more return on putting efforts on developing the next thing.
If the rumours of Epson's next thing was clearly a new product (with newer hardware), I wouldn't be ranting here. I guess I'm done with the rant.
Regards, Charlie
Remember, we all spent 3k on this baby not too long ago and have received NO support from them. Heck, I haven't even received my bag, software, or certificate (not that I really need them) but that should be the minimum acknowledgement on their part.
It seems to be the sad trend in digital photography that only the big makers, Canon and Nikon (Canon much more so than Nikon) that provide firmware updates to their cameras. I know it takes a lot of R&D for this type of support, and many makers probably feel that they will get more return on putting efforts on developing the next thing.
If the rumours of Epson's next thing was clearly a new product (with newer hardware), I wouldn't be ranting here. I guess I'm done with the rant.
Regards, Charlie
J. Borger
Well-known
There is not a single "upgrade"mentioned even worth the hassle ... so what is all the fuss about???
If this are software issues ... it can be done off-camera.
There are enough (probably better) stand-alone or PS-plugin options for noise reduction, interpolation etc.
For the options mentioned i would not sent my camera in even if Epson paid me $100 to do so.
Just my 2 cents.
If this are software issues ... it can be done off-camera.
There are enough (probably better) stand-alone or PS-plugin options for noise reduction, interpolation etc.
For the options mentioned i would not sent my camera in even if Epson paid me $100 to do so.
Just my 2 cents.
SteveM(PA)
Poser
pstevenin said:
Wow, this is great news! And with the periodic 15% off sales at the Epson store, I could be out the door for $1700 brand new with a warranty. I think even a schlubb like me could swing that. Sean ought to have the lowdown on this(?).
nottageek
Member
J. Borger said:
Agree completely. Neat Image has profiles specifically for the R-D1 which work beautifully.
OT, but I'd also point out that they have profiles for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX1 (a.k.a. the Leica D-Lux 2, but $300 cheaper...). Fixes the only issue with this gem - the noise. It's my "always in the pocket" cam.
PaulN
Monkey
saxshooter said:
This reminds me of when I bought my Canon D60. It was backordered for *months*. I finally get mine and two weeks later the product was end-of-lifed and replaced by the Canon 10D. It was essentially the same as the D60, with only minor revisions to the body. Same CMOS sensor, but they improved on all of the D60 bugs (poor low light focus, noise, etc). It was at that moment that I lost the urge to upgrade to the latest DSLR.
If this indeed the case, then all of us current R-D1 users were nothing more then beta testers who paid $3k for the privilege of shooting a quirky, but lovable, camera.
Epson should, at the very least, provide us with the same firmware upgrade. At least let us use 2gb SD cards..
RichC
Well-known
Principles.J. Borger said:
If Epson massively reduce the price, by a third, that's a poor way to show respect to their customers. I practically had to sell my soul to afford this camera, which I bought only very recently, at Xmas.
Gid
Well-known
I've had my RD-1 for just about a year now. I bought in full knowledge of all its shortcomings, QC problems, lack of support. I bought it because it was and still is unique. It's a niche product so it was always going to cost more than mass produced stuff.
There is nothing wrong with my RD-1 except for the occasional vertical alignment issue which I have fixed myself easily. This camera has allowed me to change the way I approach photography and has even been responsible, in part, for pushing me back into film.
I've thoroughly enjoyed my time with the RD-1. I consider myself very lucky to have been able to be part of a small band of users.
Every camera gets some kind of upgrade sooner or later if there's market for it. Sometimes previous model users get the benefit of upgrades for free, but often not. It would be nice to get a firmware upgrade if it makes a huge difference, but there really isn't anything aside from QC that I am concerned about.
As far as a price drop is concerned, that is the way of the world. If you were a digital pioneer paying $20,000 for a low res machine that wasn't any better than the average P&S of today you could be pretty mad, but what is the point? We know the way the market works. I'll be glad if they do reduce the price. It might just encourage more users and that might persuade Epson that its worth setting up a support network or even to introduce a larger higher res chip in an RD-2
Chill out and be grateful we've been lucky enough to have had the opportunity of a unique experience
Regards
Gid
There is nothing wrong with my RD-1 except for the occasional vertical alignment issue which I have fixed myself easily. This camera has allowed me to change the way I approach photography and has even been responsible, in part, for pushing me back into film.
I've thoroughly enjoyed my time with the RD-1. I consider myself very lucky to have been able to be part of a small band of users.
Every camera gets some kind of upgrade sooner or later if there's market for it. Sometimes previous model users get the benefit of upgrades for free, but often not. It would be nice to get a firmware upgrade if it makes a huge difference, but there really isn't anything aside from QC that I am concerned about.
As far as a price drop is concerned, that is the way of the world. If you were a digital pioneer paying $20,000 for a low res machine that wasn't any better than the average P&S of today you could be pretty mad, but what is the point? We know the way the market works. I'll be glad if they do reduce the price. It might just encourage more users and that might persuade Epson that its worth setting up a support network or even to introduce a larger higher res chip in an RD-2
Chill out and be grateful we've been lucky enough to have had the opportunity of a unique experience
Regards
Gid
Chaser
Well-known
RichC said:Principles.
If Epson massively reduce the price, by a third, that's a poor way to show respect to their customers. I practically had to sell my soul to afford this camera, which I bought only very recently, at Xmas.
True but it is not abnormal. New Canon 20ds are selling for about $1000 now.