Epson R-D1 vs Leica SL2-S

The Epson R-D1 and the Leica SL2-S are two enthusiast cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in March 2004 and December 2020. The R-D1 is a rangefinder-focusing mirrorless, while the Leica SL2-S is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on an APS-C (R-D1) and a full frame (Leica SL2-S) sensor. The Epson has a resolution of 6 megapixels, whereas the Leica provides 24 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		Leica SL2-S
Rangefinder camera		Mirrorless system camera
Leica M mount lenses		Leica L mount lenses
6 MP – APS-C sensor		24 MP – Full Frame sensor
no Video		4K/60p Video
ISO 200-1,600		ISO 100-50,000 (50 - 100,000)
Optical viewfinder		Electronic viewfinder (5760k dots)
2.0" LCD – 235k dots		3.2" LCD – 2100k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)		Fixed touchscreen
1 shutter flaps per second		20 shutter flaps per second
no shake reduction		In-body stabilization
not weather sealed		Weathersealed body
142 x 89 x 40 mm, 620 g		146 x 107 x 83 mm, 931 g

Check R-D1 offers at
ebay.com
Check Leica SL2-S price at
amazon.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Epson R-D1 and the Leica SL2-S? 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.

Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Epson R-D1 and the Leica SL2-S is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Leica SL2-S is notably larger (24 percent) than the Epson R-D1. Moreover, the Leica SL2-S is substantially heavier (50 percent) than the R-D1. It is noteworthy in this context that the Leica SL2-S is splash and dust-proof, while the R-D1 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. Hence, you might want to study and compare the specifications of available lenses in order to get the full picture of the size and weight of the two camera systems.

The power pack in the Leica SL2-S can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

Body Specifications

		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	2,999	ebay.com
2.		Leica SL2-S	146 mm	107 mm	83 mm	931 g	510	Y	Dec 2020	4,895	amazon.com
3.		Canon R3	150 mm	143 mm	87 mm	1015 g	760	Y	Sep 2021	5,999	amazon.com
4.		Canon Rebel	142 mm	99 mm	72 mm	649 g	400	n	Aug 2003	899	ebay.com
5.		Leica CL	131 mm	78 mm	45 mm	403 g	220	n	Nov 2017	2,795	ebay.com
6.		Leica M9	139 mm	80 mm	37 mm	585 g	550	n	Sep 2009	7,999	ebay.com
7.		Leica M10	139 mm	80 mm	39 mm	660 g	210	Y	Jan 2017	6,595	ebay.com
8.		Leica SL	147 mm	104 mm	39 mm	847 g	400	Y	Oct 2015	7,450	ebay.com
9.		Leica SL2	146 mm	107 mm	42 mm	953 g	370	Y	Nov 2019	5,999	amazon.com
10.		Leica X Vario	133 mm	73 mm	95 mm	680 g	450	n	Jun 2013	2,850	ebay.com
11.		Leica X-U Typ 113	140 mm	79 mm	88 mm	635 g	450	Y	Jan 2016	2,950	ebay.com
12.		Nikon D40	124 mm	94 mm	64 mm	522 g	470	n	Nov 2006	499	ebay.com
13.		Nikon D50	133 mm	102 mm	76 mm	620 g	400	n	Apr 2005	749	ebay.com
14.		Nikon D70	140 mm	111 mm	78 mm	679 g	400	n	Jan 2004	999	ebay.com
15.		Nikon D70s	140 mm	111 mm	78 mm	679 g	500	n	Apr 2005	899	ebay.com
16.		Panasonic S1	149 mm	110 mm	97 mm	1017 g	400	Y	Feb 2019	2,499	amazon.com
17.		Panasonic S1H	151 mm	114 mm	110 mm	1052 g	400	Y	May 2019	3,999	amazon.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
Convert to Imperial

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The R-D1 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 39 percent) than the Leica SL2-S, which puts it into a different market segment. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. 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.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants 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. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Epson R-D1 features an APS-C sensor and the Leica SL2-S a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the Leica SL2-S is 134 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.5 and 1.0. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

With 24MP, the Leica SL2-S offers a higher resolution than the R-D1 (6MP), but the Leica SL2-S has smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 6.00μm versus 7.85μm for the R-D1). Yet, the Leica SL2-S is a much more recent model (by 16 years and 9 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. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the Leica SL2-S has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Leica SL2-S implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the Leica SL2-S for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 30 x 20 inches or 76.2 x 50.8 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24 x 16 inches or 61 x 40.6 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20 x 13.3 inches or 50.8 x 33.9 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.

Unlike the R-D1, the Leica SL2-S has the capacity to capture high quality composite images (96MP) by combining multiple shots after shifting its sensor by miniscule distances. This multi-shot, pixel-shift mode is most suitable for photography of stationary objects (landscapes, studio scenes).

The Epson R-D1 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 1600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Leica SL2-S are ISO 100 to ISO 50000, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-100000.

In terms of underlying technology, the R-D1 is build around a CCD sensor, while the Leica SL2-S 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.

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

Sensor Characteristics

		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	2000	none	21.1	10.4	564	55
2.		Leica SL2-S	Full Frame	24.0	6000	4000	4K/60p	25.2	14.1	3504	95
3.		Canon R3	Full Frame	24.0	6000	4000	6K/60p	25.0	14.7	4086	96
4.		Canon Rebel	APS-C	6.3	3072	2048	none	21.0	10.8	544	55
5.		Leica CL	APS-C	24.1	6014	4014	4K/30p	24.0	13.3	1788	82
6.		Leica M9	Full Frame	18.1	5212	3472	none	22.5	11.7	884	69
7.		Leica M10	Full Frame	23.8	5952	3992	none	24.4	13.2	2133	86
8.		Leica SL	Full Frame	24.0	6000	4000	4K/30p	25.0	13.4	1821	88
9.		Leica SL2	Full Frame	46.7	8368	5584	4K/60p	25.3	14.3	2866	95
10.		Leica X Vario	APS-C	16.1	4928	3272	1080/30p	23.4	12.7	1320	78
11.		Leica X-U Typ 113	APS-C	16.1	4928	3264	1080/30p	23.8	13.0	1614	80
12.		Nikon D40	APS-C	6.0	3008	2000	none	21.0	11.0	561	56
13.		Nikon D50	APS-C	6.0	3008	2000	none	20.9	10.8	560	55
14.		Nikon D70	APS-C	6.0	3008	2000	none	20.4	10.3	529	50
15.		Nikon D70s	APS-C	6.0	3008	2000	none	20.4	10.3	529	50
16.		Panasonic S1	Full Frame	24.0	6000	4000	4K/60p	25.2	14.5	3333	95
17.		Panasonic S1H	Full Frame	24.0	6000	4000	6K/30p	25.2	14.2	2805	94
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The Leica SL2-S indeed provides for movie recording, while the R-D1 does not. The highest resolution format that the Leica SL2-S can use is 4K/60p.

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the Leica SL2-S has an electronic viewfinder (5760k 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 adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Epson R-D1 and Leica SL2-S along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

Core Features

		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-D1	optical	n	2.0 / 235	fixed	n	1/2000s	1.0/s	n	n
2.		Leica SL2-S	5760	Y	3.2 / 2100	fixed	Y	1/8000s	20.0/s	n	Y
3.		Canon R3	5760	Y	3.2 / 4150	swivel	Y	1/8000s	12.0/s	n	Y
4.		Canon Rebel	optical	n	1.8 / 118	fixed	n	1/4000s	2.5/s	Y	n
5.		Leica CL	2360	Y	3.0 / 1040	fixed	Y	1/8000s	10.0/s	n	n
6.		Leica M9	optical	n	2.5 / 230	fixed	n	1/4000s	2.0/s	n	n
7.		Leica M10	optical	n	3.0 / 1037	fixed	n	1/4000s	5.0/s	n	n
8.		Leica SL	4400	Y	3.0 / 1040	fixed	Y	1/8000s	11.0/s	n	n
9.		Leica SL2	5760	Y	3.2 / 2100	fixed	Y	1/8000s	10.0/s	n	Y
10.		Leica X Vario	optional	n	3.0 / 920	fixed	n	1/2000s	5.0/s	Y	n
11.		Leica X-U Typ 113	optional	n	3.0 / 920	fixed	n	1/2000s	5.0/s	Y	n
12.		Nikon D40	optical	n	2.5 / 230	fixed	n	1/4000s	2.5/s	Y	n
13.		Nikon D50	optical	n	2.0 / 130	fixed	n	1/4000s	2.5/s	Y	n
14.		Nikon D70	optical	n	1.8 / 130	fixed	n	1/8000s	3.0/s	Y	n
15.		Nikon D70s	optical	n	2.0 / 130	fixed	n	1/8000s	3.0/s	Y	n
16.		Panasonic S1	5760	Y	3.2 / 2100	full-flex	Y	1/8000s	9.0/s	n	Y
17.		Panasonic S1H	5760	Y	3.2 / 2330	swivel	Y	1/8000s	9.0/s	n	Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The Leica SL2-S has a touchscreen, while the R-D1 has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the Leica SL2-S is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Leica SL2-S has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The R-D1 writes its imaging data to SDHC cards, while the Leica SL2-S uses SDXC cards. The Leica SL2-S features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the R-D1 only has one slot. The Leica SL2-S supports UHS-II cards (on both slots), while the R-D1 cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

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 Leica SL2-S and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Input-Output Connections

		Camera Model	Hotshoe Port	Internal Mic / Speaker	Microphone Port	Headphone Port	HDMI Port	USB Port	WiFi Support	NFC Support	Bluetooth Support
1.		Epson R-D1	Y	- / -	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
2.		Leica SL2-S	Y	stereo / mono	Y	Y	full	3.2	Y	-	Y
3.		Canon R3	Y	stereo / mono	Y	Y	micro	3.2	Y	-	Y
4.		Canon Rebel	Y	- / -	-	-	-	1.1	-	-	-
5.		Leica CL	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	-	-	Y	-	-
6.		Leica M9	Y	- / -	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
7.		Leica M10	Y	- / -	-	-	-	-	Y	-	-
8.		Leica SL	Y	stereo / mono	Y	Y	full	3.0	Y	-	-
9.		Leica SL2	Y	stereo / mono	Y	Y	full	3.1	Y	-	Y
10.		Leica X Vario	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
11.		Leica X-U Typ 113	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
12.		Nikon D40	Y	- / -	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
13.		Nikon D50	Y	- / -	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
14.		Nikon D70	Y	- / -	-	-	-	1.0	-	-	-
15.		Nikon D70s	Y	- / -	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
16.		Panasonic S1	Y	stereo / mono	Y	Y	full	3.1	Y	-	Y
17.		Panasonic S1H	Y	stereo / mono	Y	Y	full	3.1	Y	-	Y

It is notable that the Leica SL2-S offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location. In contrast, the R-D1 does not provide wifi capability.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Epson R-D1 (unlike the Leica SL2-S) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

The Leica SL2-S is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Leica. In contrast, the R-D1 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). There has not been a direct replacement model for the R-D1 from Epson. Further information on the features and operation of the R-D1 and Leica SL2-S can be found, respectively, in the Epson R-D1 Manual (free pdf) or the online Leica SL2-S Manual.

Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is the Epson R-D1 better than the Leica SL2-S or vice versa? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

Arguments in favor of the Epson R-D1:

• Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
• Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
• More compact: Is smaller (142x89mm vs 146x107mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
• Less heavy: Is lighter (by 311g or 33 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
• Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (39 percent cheaper at launch).
• More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in March 2004).

Advantages of the Leica SL2-S:

• More detail: Has more megapixels (24 vs 6MP), which boosts linear resolution by 100%.
• Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
• High quality composites: Can combine several shots after pixel-shifting its sensor.
• Better image quality: Is equipped with a larger and more technologically advanced sensor.
• Richer colors: The sensor size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
• More dynamic range: Larger sensor captures a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Larger sensor produces good images even in poorly lit environments.
• Broader imaging potential: Can capture not only stills but also 4K/60p video.
• More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
• Easier setting verification: Features a control panel on top to check shooting parameters.
• Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 2.0") for image review and settings control.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (2100k vs 235k dots).
• Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (20 vs 1 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
• Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
• Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
• Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
• Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
• Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
• Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
• Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
• Faster buffer clearing: Supports Ultra High Speed (UHS-II) SDXC cards on both slots.
• More prestigious: Has the Leica luxury appeal, which ensures a high resale value.
• More modern: Reflects 16 years and 9 months of technical progress since the R-D1 launch.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the Leica SL2-S is the clear winner of the contest (26 : 7 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. 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.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the R-D1 or the Leica SL2-S perform in practice. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera 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.

Expert Camera Reviews

		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	2,999	ebay.com
2.		Leica SL2-S	4/5	..	4/5	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Dec 2020	4,895	amazon.com
3.		Canon R3	5/5	o	4.5/5	..	5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2021	5,999	amazon.com
4.		Canon Rebel	..	..	..	+ +	..	..	Aug 2003	899	ebay.com
5.		Leica CL	..	..	4.2/5	..	..	4/5	Nov 2017	2,795	ebay.com
6.		Leica M9	..	..	..	..	4.5/5	..	Sep 2009	7,999	ebay.com
7.		Leica M10	4.5/5	..	..	..	4/5	4.5/5	Jan 2017	6,595	ebay.com
8.		Leica SL	4/5	..	4/5	84/100	4.5/5	4/5	Oct 2015	7,450	ebay.com
9.		Leica SL2	4/5	..	4.5/5	..	4.5/5	4/5	Nov 2019	5,999	amazon.com
10.		Leica X Vario	3/5	..	..	..	4/5	4/5	Jun 2013	2,850	ebay.com
11.		Leica X-U Typ 113	3.5/5	..	..	..	..	3.5/5	Jan 2016	2,950	ebay.com
12.		Nikon D40	..	81/100	..	+ +	o	4.5/5	Nov 2006	499	ebay.com
13.		Nikon D50	..	78/100	..	+ +	4/5	4.5/5	Apr 2005	749	ebay.com
14.		Nikon D70	..	..	..	+ +	..	..	Jan 2004	999	ebay.com
15.		Nikon D70s	..	..	..	..	..	5/5	Apr 2005	899	ebay.com
16.		Panasonic S1	4.5/5	+ +	4.5/5	88/100	4.5/5	4/5	Feb 2019	2,499	amazon.com
17.		Panasonic S1H	..	..	4/5	90/100	..	..	May 2019	3,999	amazon.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

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.

Check R-D1 offers at
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Check Leica SL2-S price at
amazon.com

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 your choice using the following search menu. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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