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Epson R-D1 vs Fujifilm X100

The Epson R-D1 and the Fujifilm FinePix X100 are two enthusiast cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in March 2004 and September 2010. The R-D1 is a rangefinder-focusing mirrorless camera, while the X100 is a fixed lens compact. Both cameras are equipped with an APS-C sensor. The Epson has a resolution of 6 megapixels, whereas the Fujifilm provides 12.2 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Epson R-D1
versus
Fujifilm X100
Epson R-D1   Fujifilm X100
Rangefinder camera Fixed lens compact camera
Leica M mount lenses 35mm f/2.0
6 MP – APS-C sensor 12.2 MP – APS-C sensor
no Video 720/30p Video
ISO 200-1,600 ISO 200-6,400 (100 - 12,800)
Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder (1440k dots)
2.0" LCD – 235k dots 2.8" LCD – 460k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
1 shutter flaps per second 5 shutter flaps per second
142 x 89 x 40 mm, 620 g 126 x 75 x 54 mm, 445 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Epson R-D1 and the Fujifilm FinePix X100? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Epson R-D1 and the Fujifilm X100. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Epson R-D1 vs Fujifilm X100
Compare R-D1 versus X100 top
Comparison R-D1 or X100 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Fujifilm X100 is notably smaller (25 percent) than the Epson R-D1. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the R-D1 nor the X100 are weather-sealed.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the X100 has a lens built in, whereas the R-D1 is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup. You can compare the optics available for the R-D1 and their specifications in the Leica M Lens Catalog.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.

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Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Epson R-D1 142 mm 89 mm 40 mm 620 g .. n Mar 2004 2,999ebay.com
2.
 
Fujifilm X100 126 mm 75 mm 54 mm 445 g 300 n Sep 2010 1,199ebay.com
3.
 
Canon Rebel 142 mm 99 mm 72 mm 649 g 400 n Aug 2003 899ebay.com
4.
 
Fujifilm X100F 127 mm 75 mm 52 mm 469 g 390 n Jan 2017 1,299ebay.com
5.
 
Fujifilm X100S 127 mm 74 mm 54 mm 445 g 330 n Jan 2013 1,299ebay.com
6.
 
Leica CL 131 mm 78 mm 45 mm 403 g 220 n Nov 2017 2,795ebay.com
7.
 
Leica M10 139 mm 80 mm 39 mm 660 g 210 Y Jan 2017 6,595ebay.com
8.
 
Leica X-U Typ 113 140 mm 79 mm 88 mm 635 g 450 Y Jan 2016 2,950ebay.com
9.
 
Leica X Vario 133 mm 73 mm 95 mm 680 g 450 n Jun 2013 2,850ebay.com
10.
 
Leica M9 139 mm 80 mm 37 mm 585 g 550 n Sep 2009 7,999ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D3100 124 mm 96 mm 75 mm 505 g 550 n Aug 2010 599ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D3000 126 mm 97 mm 64 mm 536 g 500 n Jul 2009 599ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon D40 124 mm 94 mm 64 mm 522 g 470 n Nov 2006 499ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon D50 133 mm 102 mm 76 mm 620 g 400 n Apr 2005 749ebay.com
15.
 
Nikon D70s 140 mm 111 mm 78 mm 679 g 500 n Apr 2005 899ebay.com
16.
 
Nikon D70 140 mm 111 mm 78 mm 679 g 400 n Jan 2004 999ebay.com
17.
 
Sony NEX-7 120 mm 67 mm 43 mm 400 g 430 n Aug 2011 1,349ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The X100 was launched at a lower price than the R-D1, despite having a lens built in. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature an APS-C sensor, but their sensors differ slightly in size. The sensor area in the X100 is 1 percent bigger. They nevertheless have the same format factor of 1.5. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Epson R-D1 and Fujifilm X100 sensor measures

With 12.2MP, the X100 offers a higher resolution than the R-D1 (6MP), but the X100 has smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 5.53μm versus 7.85μm for the R-D1). Yet, the X100 is a much more recent model (by 6 years and 6 months) than the R-D1, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units.

The resolution advantage of the Fujifilm X100 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the X100 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 21.4 x 14.2 inches or 54.5 x 36.2 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 17.2 x 11.4 inches or 43.6 x 28.9 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 14.3 x 9.5 inches or 36.3 x 24.1 cm. The corresponding values for the Epson R-D1 are 15 x 10 inches or 38.2 x 25.4 cm for good quality, 12 x 8 inches or 30.6 x 20.3 cm for very good quality, and 10 x 6.7 inches or 25.5 x 16.9 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Epson R-D1 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 1600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Fujifilm FinePix X100 are ISO 200 to ISO 6400, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-12800.

In terms of underlying technology, the R-D1 is build around a CCD sensor, while the X100 uses a CMOS imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

R-D1 versus X100 MP

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Epson R-D1 APS-C 6.0 3008 2000none21.110.456455
2.
 
Fujifilm X100 APS-C 12.2 4288 2848720/30p22.912.4100173
3.
 
Canon Rebel APS-C 6.3 3072 2048none21.010.854455
4.
 
Fujifilm X100F APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.913.2170481
5.
 
Fujifilm X100S APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/60p23.312.5132975
6.
 
Leica CL APS-C 24.1 6014 40144K/30p24.013.3178882
7.
 
Leica M10 Full Frame 23.8 5952 3992none24.413.2213386
8.
 
Leica X-U Typ 113 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.813.0161480
9.
 
Leica X Vario APS-C 16.1 4928 32721080/30p23.412.7132078
10.
 
Leica M9 Full Frame 18.1 5212 3472none22.511.788469
11.
 
Nikon D3100 APS-C 14.2 4608 30721080/24p22.511.391967
12.
 
Nikon D3000 APS-C 10.0 3872 2592none22.311.156362
13.
 
Nikon D40 APS-C 6.0 3008 2000none21.011.056156
14.
 
Nikon D50 APS-C 6.0 3008 2000none20.910.856055
15.
 
Nikon D70s APS-C 6.0 3008 2000none20.410.352950
16.
 
Nikon D70 APS-C 6.0 3008 2000none20.410.352950
17.
 
Sony NEX-7 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60i24.113.4101681
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The X100 indeed provides for movie recording, while the R-D1 does not. The highest resolution format that the X100 can use is 720/30p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the X100 has an electronic viewfinder (1440k dots), while the R-D1 has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Epson R-D1, the Fujifilm X100, and comparable cameras.

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Core Features
# image Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Epson R-D1optical n2.0 / 235 fixed n 1/2000s 1.0/s n n
2.
 
Fujifilm X1001440 n2.8 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
3.
 
Canon Rebeloptical n1.8 / 118 fixed n 1/4000s 2.5/s Y n
4.
 
Fujifilm X100F2360 n3.0 / 1040 fixed n 1/4000s 8.0/s Y n
5.
 
Fujifilm X100S2360 n2.8 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
6.
 
Leica CL2360 Y3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n n
7.
 
Leica M10optical n3.0 / 1037 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s n n
8.
 
Leica X-U Typ 113optional n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/2000s 5.0/s Y n
9.
 
Leica X Variooptional n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/2000s 5.0/s Y n
10.
 
Leica M9optical n2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 2.0/s n n
11.
 
Nikon D3100optical n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
12.
 
Nikon D3000optical n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
13.
 
Nikon D40optical n2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 2.5/s Y n
14.
 
Nikon D50optical n2.0 / 130 fixed n 1/4000s 2.5/s Y n
15.
 
Nikon D70soptical n2.0 / 130 fixed n 1/8000s 3.0/s Y n
16.
 
Nikon D70optical n1.8 / 130 fixed n 1/8000s 3.0/s Y n
17.
 
Sony NEX-72359 n3.0 / 921 tilting n 1/4000s 10.0/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The X100 has one, while the R-D1 does not. While the built-in flash of the X100 is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

The R-D1 writes its imaging data to SDHC cards, while the X100 uses SDXC cards.

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Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Epson R-D1 and Fujifilm FinePix X100 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Epson R-D1Y- / --------
2.
 
Fujifilm X100Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
3.
 
Canon RebelY- / ----1.1---
4.
 
Fujifilm X100FYstereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
5.
 
Fujifilm X100SYstereo / mono--micro2.0---
6.
 
Leica CLYstereo / mono----Y--
7.
 
Leica M10Y- / -----Y--
8.
 
Leica X-U Typ 113Ystereo / mono---2.0---
9.
 
Leica X VarioYstereo / mono--mini2.0---
10.
 
Leica M9Y- / ----2.0---
11.
 
Nikon D3100Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
12.
 
Nikon D3000Y- / ----2.0---
13.
 
Nikon D40Y- / ----2.0---
14.
 
Nikon D50Y- / ----2.0---
15.
 
Nikon D70sY- / ----2.0---
16.
 
Nikon D70Y- / ----1.0---
17.
 
Sony NEX-7Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
padding

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Epson R-D1 (unlike the X100) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Both the R-D1 and the X100 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The X100 was replaced by the Fujifilm X100S, while the R-D1 does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the R-D1 and X100 can be found, respectively, in the Epson R-D1 Manual (free pdf) or the online Fujifilm X100 Manual.

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Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Which of the two cameras – the Epson R-D1 or the Fujifilm X100 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

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Reasons to prefer the Epson R-D1:

  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • More flexible: Accepts interchangeable lenses, so that lens characteristics can be altered.
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in March 2004).

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Arguments in favor of the Fujifilm FinePix X100:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (12.2 vs 6MP), which boosts linear resolution by 43%.
  • Broader imaging potential: Can capture not only stills but also 720/30p video.
  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (2.8" vs 2.0") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (460k vs 235k dots).
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/4000s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (5 vs 1 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Ready to shoot: Has an integrated lens, whereas the R-D1 necessitates an extra lens.
  • More compact: Is smaller (126x75mm vs 142x89mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight even though it has a lens built in (unlike the R-D1).
  • Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
  • More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.
  • More modern: Reflects 6 years and 6 months of technical progress since the R-D1 launch.

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the X100 is the clear winner of the contest (13 : 4 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

R-D1 04:13 X100

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the R-D1 or the X100. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Epson R-D1............ Mar 2004 2,999ebay.com
2.
 
Fujifilm X1003/5....75/1004/55/5 Sep 2010 1,199ebay.com
3.
 
Canon Rebel......+ +.... Aug 2003 899ebay.com
4.
 
Fujifilm X100F5/5+3.9/583/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2017 1,299ebay.com
5.
 
Fujifilm X100S5/5+ +..81/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2013 1,299ebay.com
6.
 
Leica CL....4.2/5....4/5 Nov 2017 2,795ebay.com
7.
 
Leica M104.5/5......4/54.5/5 Jan 2017 6,595ebay.com
8.
 
Leica X-U Typ 1133.5/5........3.5/5 Jan 2016 2,950ebay.com
9.
 
Leica X Vario3/5......4/54/5 Jun 2013 2,850ebay.com
10.
 
Leica M9........4.5/5.. Sep 2009 7,999ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D31005/5+ +..72/1004.5/54.5/5 Aug 2010 599ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D3000..+..72/1004/54.5/5 Jul 2009 599ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon D40..81/100..+ +o4.5/5 Nov 2006 499ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon D50..78/100..+ +4/54.5/5 Apr 2005 749ebay.com
15.
 
Nikon D70s..........5/5 Apr 2005 899ebay.com
16.
 
Nikon D70......+ +.... Jan 2004 999ebay.com
17.
 
Sony NEX-75/5+ +..81/1004.5/55/5 Aug 2011 1,349ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
padding

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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    Specifications: Epson R-D1 vs Fujifilm X100

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Epson R-D1 Fujifilm X100
    Camera Type Rangefinder camera Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens Leica M mount lenses 35mm f/2.0
    Launch Date March 2004 September 2010
    Launch Price USD 2,999 USD 1,199
    Sensor Specs Epson R-D1 Fujifilm X100
    Sensor Technology CCD CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 23.7 x 15.6 mm 23.6 x 15.8 mm
    Sensor Area 369.72 mm2 372.88 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 28.4 mm 28.4 mm
    Crop Factor 1.5x 1.5x
    Sensor Resolution 6 Megapixels 12.2 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 3008 x 2000 pixels 4288 x 2848 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 7.85 μm 5.53 μm
    Pixel Density 1.63 MP/cm2 3.28 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability no Video 720/30p Video
    ISO Setting 200 - 1,600 ISO 200 - 6,400 ISO
    ISO Boost no Enhancement 100 - 12,800 ISO
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) .. 73
    DXO Color Depth (bits) .. 22.9
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) .. 12.4
    DXO Low Light (ISO) .. 1001
    Screen Specs Epson R-D1 Fujifilm X100
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.50x
    Viewfinder Resolution 1440k dots
    LCD Framing Live View
    Rear LCD Size 2.0inch 2.8inch
    LCD Resolution 235k dots 460k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fixed screen
    Shooting Specs Epson R-D1 Fujifilm X100
    Focus System Manual Focus Contrast-detect AF
    Continuous Shooting 1 shutter flaps/s 5 shutter flaps/s
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDHC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    UHS card support no no
    Connectivity Specs Epson R-D1 Fujifilm X100
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket no PC Sync
    USB Connector no USB USB 2.0
    HDMI Port no HDMI mini HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi no Wifi
    Body Specs Epson R-D1 Fujifilm X100
    Battery Type Epson EU-85 Fujifilm NP-95
    Body Dimensions 142 x 89 x 40 mm
    (5.6 x 3.5 x 1.6 in)
    126 x 75 x 54 mm
    (5.0 x 3.0 x 2.1 in)
    Camera Weight 620 g (21.9 oz) 445 g (15.7 oz)
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    Check X100 offers at
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