Pentax ist DL2 vs Epson R-D1

      Pentax ist DL2

      Epson R-D1
      55
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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 Pentax ist DL2 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.

      Pentax ist DL2 was introduced in January 2006 and Epson R-D1 was introduced in March 2004. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Pentax ist DL2 Highlights

      • 6 MP APS-C CCD Sensor
      • 200 - 3,200 Native ISO
      • 5 Focus Points
      • 2.5" 210k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentamirror) Viewfinder
      • 2.8 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Built-in Flash

      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 Pentax ist DL2
      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 Pentax ist DL2 and Epson R-D1.

      PROS

      Pentax ist DL2

      Epson R-D1

      •   Built-in Flash

      CONS

      Pentax ist DL2

      Epson R-D1

      •   No Video Capture
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 6 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   5 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.8 fps
      •   Low USB Speed
      •   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
      •   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

      Pentax ist DL2

      Epson R-D1

      •   Screen Size - 2.5"
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 65
      •   Weight - 565 g (1.25 lb / 19.93 oz)
      •   Weight - 620 g (1.37 lb / 21.87 oz)

      Advantage of Pentax ist DL2

      Pentax ist DL2
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pentax ist DL2 over Epson R-D1.

      Pentax ist DL2 vs Epson R-D1
      Higher Native ISO 3,200 vs 1,600
      Max Image Resolution 3008 x 2008 vs 3008 x 2000
      Phase Detection for Autofocus vs
      Larger Screen 2.5" vs 2.0"
      Lower Min Shutter Speed 30 sec vs 1 sec
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/4000 sec vs 1/2000 sec
      Built-in Flash vs
      Shutter Priority vs
      Multi-Segment Metering vs
      Average Metering vs
      Lighter 565 g (1.25 lb / 19.93 oz) vs 620 g (1.37 lb / 21.87 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Pentax ist DL2.

      Sony a7R V
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      Full Frame

      61.0 MP

      Pentax K-01
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      APS-C

      16 MP

      Canon 7D II
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      20.2 MP

      Sony a7
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      24.3 MP

      Canon 5DS
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      50.6 MP

      Canon 70D
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      20.2 MP

      Canon Rebel T5
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      18.0 MP

      Sony DSLR-A580
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      16.2 MP

      Canon 5DS R
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      50.6 MP

      Canon Rebel SL1
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      18.0 MP

      Samsung NX mini
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      1-inch

      20.5 MP

      Sony DSLR-A700
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      APS-C

      10.24 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 Pentax ist DL2.

      Pentax ist DL2 vs Epson R-D1
      Higher Resolution Screen 210k 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

      Canon 1D X III
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      Full Frame

      20.1 MP

      Leica M11
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      Full Frame

      60.3 MP

      Nikon D50
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      APS-C

      6.1 MP

      Canon 5DS
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      Full Frame

      50.6 MP

      Leica M9
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      Full Frame

      18.0 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 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 Pentax ist DL2 Epson R-D1
        No Video Capture
        Low Resolution Sensor6 Megapixel6 Megapixel
        High Native ISO200200
        Low Native ISO3,2001,600
        Timelapse Recording
        No Face Detection
        No Image Stabilization
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        Low Resolution Screen210k 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

      Pentax ist DL2 has a 2.5" screen with 210k dot resolution and Epson R-D1 has a 2.0" screen with 235k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens.


      Viewfinder

      Pentax ist DL2 has a built-in Optical (pentamirror) viewfinderEpson R-D1 has a built-in Optical (rangefinder) viewfinder. Pentax ist DL2 has 95% coverage with 0.85x (0.57x 35mm equivalent) magnification and magnification.

      Sensor

      Pentax ist DL2 features a 6 megapixel APS-C CCD sensor with dimensions of 23.5 x 15.7 mm and a total area of 369 mm2. Its native ISO range is 200 - 3,200. 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

      Pentax ist DL2 can take pictures up to 3008 x 2008 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 2400 x 1600, 1536 x 1024 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

      Pentax ist DL2 has Pentax KAF lens mount and Epson R-D1 has Leica M lens mount. Due to their APS-C sensor their crop factor (also called lens multiplier) 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 Image Stabilization

      The cameras do not have image stabilization. On Pentax ist DL2 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 Pentax ist DL2 nothing can be done.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs

      Pentax ist DL2 has a USB 1.0 (1.5 Mbit/sec) input for data transfer.


      Battery

      Pentax ist DL2 comes with 4 x AA battery pack.


      External Storage Slots

      Pentax ist DL2 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 Pentax ist DL2, and up to 1/2000 sec on Epson R-D1. Pentax ist DL2 can shoot continuously up to 2.8 fps.


      Flash

      Pentax ist DL2 has a built-in flash and also accepts external flash. Epson R-D1 has no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected..

      Physical Parameters

      Pentax ist DL2 body has dimensions of 125 x 93 x 66 mm (4.92 x 3.66 x 2.6") and Epson R-D1 body has dimensions of 142 x 89 x 40 mm (5.59 x 3.5 x 1.57"). Pentax ist DL2 weighs 565 g (1.25 lb / 19.93 oz) and Epson R-D1 weighs 620 g (1.37 lb / 21.87 oz).

      Pentax ist DL2

      Epson R-D1

      125 mm

      93 mm

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      142 mm

      89 mm

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      Size comparisons of Pentax ist DL2 and Epson R-D1

      Pentax ist DL2 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

      Pentax ist DL2

      Epson R-D1

      AVERAGE
      63
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k 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

      Pentax ist DL2

      Epson R-D1

      POOR
      49
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   5 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.8 fps
      POOR
      53
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot
      •   No Live View

      Wildlife Photography

      Pentax ist DL2

      Epson R-D1

      POOR
      48
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   5 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.8 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      POOR
      50
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Portrait Photography

      Pentax ist DL2

      Epson R-D1

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   5 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.5"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Live View
      AVERAGE
      66
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Small Screen - 2.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot
      •   No Live View

      Street Photography

      Pentax ist DL2

      Epson R-D1

      GOOD
      76
      •   5 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 565 g (1.25 lb / 19.93 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

      Pentax ist DL2

      Epson R-D1

      GOOD
      79
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 565 g (1.25 lb / 19.93 oz)
      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 Pentax ist DL2 and Epson R-D1 and give them scores of 55 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.


      Pentax ist DL2

      Epson R-D1

      OVERALL
      55
      OVERALL
      45

      Sensor

      Pentax ist DL2

      Epson R-D1

      AVERAGE
      68
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 6 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 65
      AVERAGE
      59
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 6 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Pentax ist DL2

      Epson R-D1

      POOR
      52
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.8 fps
      POOR
      53
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec

      Video

      Pentax ist DL2

      Epson R-D1

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

      Focusing

      Pentax ist DL2

      Epson R-D1

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   5 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      POOR
      47
      •   No Face Detection

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Pentax ist DL2

      Epson R-D1

      AVERAGE
      64
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.5"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      AVERAGE
      60
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Small Screen - 2.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot

      Connectivity

      Pentax ist DL2

      Epson R-D1

      POOR
      47
      •   Low USB Speed
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   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

      Pentax ist DL2

      Epson R-D1

      POOR
      43
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 565 g (1.25 lb / 19.93 oz)
      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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