Sigma SD9 vs Epson R-D1

      Sigma SD9

      Epson R-D1
      51
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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 Sigma SD9 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.

      Sigma SD9 was introduced in November 2002 and Epson R-D1 was introduced in March 2004. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Sigma SD9 Highlights

      • 3 MP APS-C CMOS (Foveon X3) Sensor
      • No Optical Low-pass Filter
      • 100 - 400 Native ISO
      • 1.8" 130k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder

      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 Sigma SD9
      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 Sigma SD9 and Epson R-D1.

      PROS

      Sigma SD9

      Epson R-D1

      •   Live View Autofocus

      CONS

      Sigma SD9

      Epson R-D1

      •   No Video Capture
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 3 Megapixel
      •   400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Small Screen - 1.8"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 130k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low USB Speed
      •   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
      •   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

      Sigma SD9

      Epson R-D1

      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/6000 sec
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec
      •   Weight - 950 g (2.09 lb / 33.51 oz)
      •   Weight - 620 g (1.37 lb / 21.87 oz)

      Advantage of Sigma SD9

      Sigma SD9
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sigma SD9 over Epson R-D1.

      Sigma SD9 vs Epson R-D1
      Lower Native ISO 100 vs 200
      Live View Autofocus vs
      Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
      Lower Min Shutter Speed 30 sec vs 1 sec
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/6000 sec vs 1/2000 sec
      Shutter Priority vs

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Sigma SD9.

      Sigma SD14
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      APS-C

      5 MP

      Sigma SD1 Merrill
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      APS-C

      15 MP

      Sigma SD15
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      5 MP

      Sigma SD1
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      15 MP

      Sigma SD10
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      3 MP

      Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)
      Image cannot be found

      Micro Four Thirds

      12.8 MP

      Konica Minolta Maxxum 5D
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      6 MP

      Fujifilm S4500
      Image cannot be found

      1/2.3-inch

      14.0 MP

      Nikon D100
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      6.1 MP

      Casio EX-ZR100
      Image cannot be found

      1/2.3-inch

      12.1 MP

      Nikon Z30
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      APS-C

      20.9 MP

      Panasonic LF1
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      1/1.7-inch

      12.1 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 Sigma SD9.

      Sigma SD9 vs Epson R-D1
      Higher Sensor Resolution 3 Megapixel vs 6 Megapixel
      Higher Native ISO 400 vs 1,600
      Max Image Resolution 2268 x 1512 vs 3008 x 2000
      Larger Screen 1.8" vs 2.0"
      Higher Resolution Screen 130k dot vs 235k dot
      Lighter 950 g (2.09 lb / 33.51 oz) vs 620 g (1.37 lb / 21.87 oz)

      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

      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

      Leica M9
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      Full Frame

      18.0 MP

      Panasonic GM1
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      Micro Four Thirds

      16 MP

      Olympus OM-D E-M1 III
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      Micro Four Thirds

      20.4 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 Sigma SD9 Epson R-D1
        No Video Capture
        Low Resolution Sensor3 Megapixel6 Megapixel
        Low Native ISO4001,600
        Timelapse Recording
        No Face Detection
        No Image Stabilization
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        Small Screen1.8"2.0"
        Low Resolution Screen130k 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

      Sigma SD9 has a 1.8" screen with 130k dot resolution and Epson R-D1 has a 2.0" screen with 235k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens.


      Viewfinder

      Sigma SD9 has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinderEpson R-D1 has a built-in Optical (rangefinder) viewfinder. Sigma SD9 has 98% coverage with 0.77x magnification and magnification.

      Sensor

      Sigma SD9 features a 3 megapixel APS-C CMOS (Foveon X3) sensor with dimensions of 20.7 x 13.8 mm and a total area of 285.7 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 400. 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

      Sigma SD9 can take pictures up to 2268 x 1512 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 1134 x 756, 756 x 504 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

      Sigma SD9 has Sigma SA lens mount and Epson R-D1 has Leica M lens mount. They both have APS-C sensor but because of a small size difference their crop factors (also called lens multiplier) differ from each other. Sigma SD9 has the crop factor of 1.7x which means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.7. Epson R-D1 has the crop factor of 1.5x which 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 Sigma SD9

      There is no optical low-pass filter (OLPF), also known as an anti-aliasing filter, in front of the sensor on Sigma SD9. 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 Sigma SD9 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 Sigma SD9 nothing can be done.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs

      Sigma SD9 has a USB 1.0 (1.5 Mbit/sec) input for data transfer.


      External Storage Slots

      Sigma SD9 has a single CompactFlash (Type I/II, UDMA compatible) card slot. Epson R-D1 has a single SD card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/6000 sec on Sigma SD9, and up to 1/2000 sec on Epson R-D1.


      Flash

      Cameras have no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected to both of them. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/180 sec on Sigma SD9.

      Physical Parameters

      Sigma SD9 body has dimensions of 152 x 120 x 79 mm (5.98 x 4.72 x 3.11") and Epson R-D1 body has dimensions of 142 x 89 x 40 mm (5.59 x 3.5 x 1.57"). Sigma SD9 weighs 950 g (2.09 lb / 33.51 oz) and Epson R-D1 weighs 620 g (1.37 lb / 21.87 oz).

      Sigma SD9

      Epson R-D1

      152 mm

      120 mm

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      142 mm

      89 mm

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      Size comparisons of Sigma SD9 and Epson R-D1

      Sigma SD9 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

      Sigma SD9

      Epson R-D1

      AVERAGE
      55
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 130k 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

      Sigma SD9

      Epson R-D1

      POOR
      52
      •   400 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 130k dot
      •   No Live View
      POOR
      53
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot
      •   No Live View

      Wildlife Photography

      Sigma SD9

      Epson R-D1

      POOR
      50
      •   400 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 130k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   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

      Sigma SD9

      Epson R-D1

      AVERAGE
      64
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Small Screen - 1.8"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 130k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec
      AVERAGE
      66
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Small Screen - 2.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot
      •   No Live View

      Street Photography

      Sigma SD9

      Epson R-D1

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 130k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 950 g (2.09 lb / 33.51 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

      Sigma SD9

      Epson R-D1

      AVERAGE
      68
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 130k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 950 g (2.09 lb / 33.51 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 Sigma SD9 and Epson R-D1 and give them scores of 51 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.


      Sigma SD9

      Epson R-D1

      OVERALL
      51
      OVERALL
      45

      Sensor

      Sigma SD9

      Epson R-D1

      AVERAGE
      61
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 3 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   400 Highest Native ISO
      AVERAGE
      59
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 6 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Sigma SD9

      Epson R-D1

      AVERAGE
      56
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/6000 sec
      •   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

      Sigma SD9

      Epson R-D1

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

      Focusing

      Sigma SD9

      Epson R-D1

      AVERAGE
      67
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      POOR
      47
      •   No Face Detection

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Sigma SD9

      Epson R-D1

      AVERAGE
      65
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Small Screen - 1.8"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 130k dot
      AVERAGE
      60
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Small Screen - 2.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot

      Connectivity

      Sigma SD9

      Epson R-D1

      BAD
      33
      •   Low USB Speed
      •   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

      Sigma SD9

      Epson R-D1

      BAD
      36
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 950 g (2.09 lb / 33.51 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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