Leica M9 vs Epson R-D1

      Leica M9

      Epson R-D1
      46
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      45
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      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Leica M9 and the Epson R-D1, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Leica M9 was introduced in September 2009 and Epson R-D1 was introduced in March 2004. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Leica M9 Highlights

      • 18.0 MP Full Frame CCD Sensor
      • No Optical Low-pass Filter
      • 80 - 2,500 Native ISO
      • 2.5" 230k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (rangefinder) Viewfinder
      • 2.0 fps Continuous Shooting

      Epson R-D1 Highlights

      • 6 MP APS-C CCD Sensor
      • 200 - 1,600 Native ISO
      • 2.0" 235k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (rangefinder) Viewfinder
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Leica M9
      4. Advantage of Epson R-D1
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Screen and Viewfinder
      7. Sensor
      8. Photography Features
      9. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
      10. Other Features
      11. Physical Parameters
      12. For Different Types of Photography
      13. Evaluations
      14. Specifications  

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Leica M9 and Epson R-D1.

      PROS

      Leica M9

      Epson R-D1

      •   Large Sensor
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Leica M9

      Epson R-D1

      •   No Video Capture
      •   2,500 Highest Native ISO
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.0 fps
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 350 shots
      •   No Video Capture
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 6 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Small Screen - 2.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Leica M9

      Epson R-D1

      •   Sensor Resolution - 18.0 Megapixel
      •   Screen Size - 2.5"
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 69
      •   Weight - 585 g (1.29 lb / 20.64 oz)
      •   Weight - 620 g (1.37 lb / 21.87 oz)

      Advantage of Leica M9

      Leica M9
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Leica M9 over Epson R-D1.

      Leica M9 vs Epson R-D1
      Larger Sensor Full Frame vs APS-C
      Higher Sensor Resolution 18.0 Megapixel vs 6 Megapixel
      Lower Native ISO 80 vs 200
      Higher Native ISO 2,500 vs 1,600
      Max Image Resolution 5212 x 3472 vs 3008 x 2000
      Larger Screen 2.5" vs 2.0"
      Lower Min Shutter Speed 4 sec vs 1 sec
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/4000 sec vs 1/2000 sec
      Center Weighted Metering vs
      Lighter 585 g (1.29 lb / 20.64 oz) vs 620 g (1.37 lb / 21.87 oz)
      Orientation Sensor vs

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Leica M9.

      Leica M10
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      Full Frame

      24 MP

      Leica M8
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      APS-H

      10.35 MP

      Leica M11
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      60.3 MP

      Leica M9-P
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      18.0 MP

      Leica M-E Typ 220
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      18.0 MP

      Leica M Typ 240
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      24 MP

      Leica M Edition 60
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      23.7 MP

      Leica M Monochrom
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      19 MP

      Leica M11 Monochrom
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      Full Frame

      60.3 MP

      Leica M8.2
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      APS-H

      10.35 MP

      Panasonic GF2
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      Micro Four Thirds

      12 MP

      Pentax K100D
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      APS-C

      6.1 MP

      Advantage of Epson R-D1

      Epson R-D1
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Epson R-D1 over Leica M9.

      Leica M9 vs Epson R-D1
      Multi Area Autofocus vs
      Selective Autofocus vs
      Single Autofocus vs
      Continuous Autofocus vs
      Higher Resolution Screen 230k dot vs 235k dot

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Epson R-D1.

      Epson R-D1x
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      APS-C

      6 MP

      Canon R6
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      Full Frame

      20.1 MP

      Sigma SD9
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      APS-C

      3 MP

      Sony a7S
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      Full Frame

      12.2 MP

      Leica M11
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      Full Frame

      60.3 MP

      Canon 1D X III
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      Full Frame

      20.1 MP

      Nikon D50
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      APS-C

      6.1 MP

      Canon 5DS
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      Full Frame

      50.6 MP

      Olympus OM-D E-M1 III
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      Micro Four Thirds

      20.4 MP

      Panasonic GM1
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      Micro Four Thirds

      16 MP

      Pentax ist DL2
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      APS-C

      6 MP

      Pentax K-3
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      APS-C

      23.35 MP

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      WEAKNESSES Leica M9 Epson R-D1
        No Video Capture
        Low Native ISO2,5001,600
        Timelapse Recording
        No Face Detection
        No Image Stabilization
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        Low Resolution Screen230k dot235k dot
        No Live View
        No HDMI Output
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        No Environmental Sealing

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Leica M9 has a 2.5" screen with 230k dot resolution and Epson R-D1 has a 2.0" screen with 235k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens.


      Viewfinder

      Cameras have built-in Optical (rangefinder) viewfinders. with 0.68x magnification and magnification.

      Sensor

      Leica M9 features a 18.0 megapixel Full Frame CCD sensor with dimensions of 36 x 24 mm and a total area of 864 mm2. Its native ISO range is 80 - 2,500. Epson R-D1 features a 6 megapixel APS-C CCD sensor with dimensions of 23.7 x 15.6 mm and a total area of 243.4 mm2. Its native ISO range is 200 - 1,600.


      Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how different sensors compare with each other:

      Sensor size chart
      Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
      Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
      Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.6 x 15.6 mm368.2 mm23:21.5x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
      Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
      Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

      Photography Features

      Leica M9 can take pictures up to 5212 x 3472 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3840 x 2592, 2592 x 1728, 1728 x 1152, 1280 x 846 with 3:2 aspect ratios. Epson R-D1 can take pictures up to 3008 x 2000 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 2240 x 1488 with 3:2 aspect ratios.


      Lens Mount

      Cameras have Leica M lens mount. Due to Full Frame sensor in Leica M9 its crop factor is equal to 1x, this means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length. Due to APS-C sensor in Epson R-D1 its crop factor is equal to 1.5x, this means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.5.


      No Low-Pass Filter on Leica M9

      There is no optical low-pass filter (OLPF), also known as an anti-aliasing filter, in front of the sensor on Leica M9. This results in a slightly sharper image but may also introduce moiré patterns and aliasing artifacts when photographing subjects with fine, repetitive patterns or details.


      No Image Stabilization

      The cameras do not have image stabilization. On Leica M9 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Epson R-D1 nothing can be done. On Epson R-D1 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Leica M9 nothing can be done.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs

      Leica M9 has a USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) input for data transfer.


      External Storage Slots

      Leica M9 has a single SD/SDHC card slot. Epson R-D1 has a single SD card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/4000 sec on Leica M9, and up to 1/2000 sec on Epson R-D1. Leica M9 can shoot continuously up to 2.0 fps.


      Flash

      Cameras have no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected to both of them via Hot Shoe to Leica M9. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/180 sec on Leica M9.

      Physical Parameters

      Leica M9 body has dimensions of 139 x 80 x 37 mm (5.47 x 3.15 x 1.46") and Epson R-D1 body has dimensions of 142 x 89 x 40 mm (5.59 x 3.5 x 1.57"). Leica M9 weighs 585 g (1.29 lb / 20.64 oz) and Epson R-D1 weighs 620 g (1.37 lb / 21.87 oz).

      Leica M9

      Epson R-D1

      139 mm

      80 mm

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      142 mm

      89 mm

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      Size comparisons of Leica M9 and Epson R-D1

      Leica M9 and Epson R-D1 for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Leica M9

      Epson R-D1

      GOOD
      70
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      56
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Leica M9

      Epson R-D1

      POOR
      48
      •   2,500 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 350 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      POOR
      53
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot
      •   No Live View

      Wildlife Photography

      Leica M9

      Epson R-D1

      POOR
      47
      •   2,500 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 350 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      POOR
      50
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Portrait Photography

      Leica M9

      Epson R-D1

      GOOD
      75
      •   Large Sensor
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.5"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      66
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Small Screen - 2.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot
      •   No Live View

      Street Photography

      Leica M9

      Epson R-D1

      GOOD
      79
      •   Large Sensor
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 585 g (1.29 lb / 20.64 oz)
      GOOD
      76
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 620 g (1.37 lb / 21.87 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Leica M9

      Epson R-D1

      GOOD
      78
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 585 g (1.29 lb / 20.64 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 350 shots
      GOOD
      78
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 620 g (1.37 lb / 21.87 oz)

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Leica M9 and Epson R-D1 and give them scores of 46 and 45 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Leica M9

      Epson R-D1

      OVERALL
      46
      OVERALL
      45

      Sensor

      Leica M9

      Epson R-D1

      GOOD
      76
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Sensor Resolution - 18.0 Megapixel
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   2,500 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 69
      AVERAGE
      59
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 6 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Leica M9

      Epson R-D1

      AVERAGE
      61
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec
      POOR
      53
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec

      Video

      Leica M9

      Epson R-D1

      BAD
      0
      •   No Image Stabilization
      BAD
      0
      •   No Image Stabilization

      Focusing

      Leica M9

      Epson R-D1

      BAD
      0
      •   No Face Detection
      POOR
      47
      •   No Face Detection

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Leica M9

      Epson R-D1

      AVERAGE
      64
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.5"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      AVERAGE
      60
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Small Screen - 2.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot

      Connectivity

      Leica M9

      Epson R-D1

      POOR
      40
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      BAD
      26
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Leica M9

      Epson R-D1

      BAD
      39
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 585 g (1.29 lb / 20.64 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 350 shots
      POOR
      42
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 620 g (1.37 lb / 21.87 oz)


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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