Epson's R-D1 digital camera harkens back to the classic rangefinder cameras of old. A rangefinder is a type of camera that has a built-in device for measuring distance based on the principles of triangulation. Built in collaboration with Cosina, known worldwide for its optical technologies, the classically styled R-D1 offers a 6.1 megapixel resolution, support for over 200 vintage and contemporary L/M-mount lenses, 2-inch flip-out LCD monitor, hot shoe for external flash, and a 1.x viewfinder that provides automatic parallax correction.
The R-D1's 6.1-megapixel APS-C sized CCD (23.7mm x 15.6mm) captures images in two sizes: 3008 x 2000 and 2240 x 1488. It records images to either JPEG or 12-bit CCD-RAW. It features aperture priority and manual exposure modes, a shutter speed range of 1 to 1/2000 seconds, and exposure compensation of +/- 2.0 EV in 0.3 EV steps.
The R-D1 uses the world's first 1x viewfinder, enabling you to view scenes--including panoramas--through the camera as if they were looking at scenes using their naked eyes. The camera also has the advantage of improved focus precision compared to low magnification optical finders. The 2-inch flip-out-and-twist LCD has a 235K pixel resolution and features buttons for the camera's digital controls.
Other features include:
- White balance settings: auto, sunlight, clouds, shade, incandescent, and fluorescent
- Histogram display
- Needle display module using four needles (image quality setting, white balance setting, frames remaining, battery level)
- Compatibility with Secure Digital (SD) and MultiMedia (MMC) memory cards
The R-D1 is powered by a proprietary rechargeable Lithium-ion battery. It measures 5.59 x 3.48 x 1.56 inches (W x H x D) and weighs 1.24 pounds without battery and memory card.
The Rangefinder
The rangefinder type camera has been used by many of the world's greatest photographers, from photo journalists to professional portrait photographers. In keeping with that unique heritage, Epson designed the Epson R-D1 to offer all the creative possibilities of digital technology, while maintaining the precision engineering of a traditional rangefinder camera. The camera is focused by superimposing two slightly different views of a scene with the rangefinder. In general, compared to an auto-focus system, performance does not change even if lenses are swapped, and focus can be achieved quickly, accurately and with a light level that is nearly the same as the unaided eye, even in dimly lit locations. In addition, since the field of view is not blocked by the action of a shutter as it is with a single-lens reflex camera, you won't miss an important photographic moment.
What's in the Box
This package contains the Epson R-D1 digital camera, Lithium-ion rechargeable battery and battery charger, body cap, neck strap, printed user's guide, CD-ROM with drivers and software, and a tutorial on DVD-ROM.