Epson R-D1 vs Nikon D70s
The Epson R-D1 and the Nikon D70s are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in March 2004 and April 2005. The R-D1 is a rangefinder-focusing mirrorless camera, while the D70s is a DSLR. Both cameras are equipped with an APS-C sensor. Both cameras offer a resolution of 6 megapixels.
Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.
Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Epson R-D1 and the Nikon D70s? 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
The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Epson R-D1 and the Nikon D70s. 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 Nikon D70s is notably larger (23 percent) than the Epson R-D1. Moreover, the D70s is markedly heavier (10 percent) than the R-D1. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the R-D1 nor the D70s are weather-sealed.
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. Both cameras have similarly sized sensors, but DSLRs have a larger flange-to-focal plane distance than mirrorless cameras, which imposes contraints on the optical engineering process and generally leads to bigger and heavier lenses. You can compare the optics available for the two cameras in the Leica M Lens Catalog (R-D1) and the Nikon Lens Catalog (D70s).
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.
# | 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. | Nikon D70s | 140 mm | 111 mm | 78 mm | 679 g | 500 | n | Apr 2005 | 899 | ebay.com | |
3. | Canon Rebel | 142 mm | 99 mm | 72 mm | 649 g | 400 | n | Aug 2003 | 899 | ebay.com | |
4. | Leica CL | 131 mm | 78 mm | 45 mm | 403 g | 220 | n | Nov 2017 | 2,795 | ebay.com | |
5. | Leica M10 | 139 mm | 80 mm | 39 mm | 660 g | 210 | Y | Jan 2017 | 6,595 | ebay.com | |
6. | Leica X-U Typ 113 | 140 mm | 79 mm | 88 mm | 635 g | 450 | Y | Jan 2016 | 2,950 | ebay.com | |
7. | Leica X Vario | 133 mm | 73 mm | 95 mm | 680 g | 450 | n | Jun 2013 | 2,850 | ebay.com | |
8. | Leica M9 | 139 mm | 80 mm | 37 mm | 585 g | 550 | n | Sep 2009 | 7,999 | ebay.com | |
9. | Nikon D5300 | 125 mm | 98 mm | 76 mm | 480 g | 600 | n | Oct 2013 | 799 | ebay.com | |
10. | Nikon D40 | 124 mm | 94 mm | 64 mm | 522 g | 470 | n | Nov 2006 | 499 | ebay.com | |
11. | Nikon D80 | 132 mm | 103 mm | 77 mm | 668 g | 600 | n | Aug 2006 | 999 | ebay.com | |
12. | Nikon D50 | 133 mm | 102 mm | 76 mm | 620 g | 400 | n | Apr 2005 | 749 | ebay.com | |
13. | Nikon D70 | 140 mm | 111 mm | 78 mm | 679 g | 400 | n | Jan 2004 | 999 | ebay.com | |
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders. | |||||||||||
The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. 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 D70s was launched at a markedly lower price (by 70 percent) than the R-D1, 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. 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 sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels 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 associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.
Both cameras under consideration feature an APS-C sensor and have a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 1.5. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the review cameras among the medium-sized sensor cameras that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.
The two cameras under review do not only share the same sensor size, but also offer an identical resolution of 6 megapixels. This similarity in sensor specs implies that both the R-D1 and the D70s have the same pixel density, as well as the same pixel size. It should, however, be noted that the D70s is a somewhat more recent model (by 1 year and 1 month) than the R-D1, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time.
The Epson R-D1 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 1600. The Nikon D70s offers exactly the same ISO settings.
Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CCD (Charged Coupled Device) sensors. 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 is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.
# | 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. | Nikon D70s | APS-C | 6.0 | 3008 | 2000 | none | 20.4 | 10.3 | 529 | 50 | |
3. | Canon Rebel | APS-C | 6.3 | 3072 | 2048 | none | 21.0 | 10.8 | 544 | 55 | |
4. | Leica CL | APS-C | 24.1 | 6014 | 4014 | 4K/30p | 24.0 | 13.3 | 1788 | 82 | |
5. | Leica M10 | Full Frame | 23.8 | 5952 | 3992 | none | 24.4 | 13.2 | 2133 | 86 | |
6. | Leica X-U Typ 113 | APS-C | 16.1 | 4928 | 3264 | 1080/30p | 23.8 | 13.0 | 1614 | 80 | |
7. | Leica X Vario | APS-C | 16.1 | 4928 | 3272 | 1080/30p | 23.4 | 12.7 | 1320 | 78 | |
8. | Leica M9 | Full Frame | 18.1 | 5212 | 3472 | none | 22.5 | 11.7 | 884 | 69 | |
9. | Nikon D5300 | APS-C | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 1080/60p | 24.0 | 13.9 | 1338 | 83 | |
10. | Nikon D40 | APS-C | 6.0 | 3008 | 2000 | none | 21.0 | 11.0 | 561 | 56 | |
11. | Nikon D80 | APS-C | 10.0 | 3872 | 2592 | none | 22.1 | 11.2 | 524 | 61 | |
12. | Nikon D50 | APS-C | 6.0 | 3008 | 2000 | none | 20.9 | 10.8 | 560 | 55 | |
13. | Nikon D70 | APS-C | 6.0 | 3008 | 2000 | none | 20.4 | 10.3 | 529 | 50 | |
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age. |
Feature comparison
Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The R-D1 and the D70s are similar in the sense that both have an optical viewfinder. The latter is useful for getting a clear image for framing even in brightly lit environments. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Epson R-D1 and Nikon D70s along with similar information for a selection of comparators.
# | 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. | Nikon D70s | optical | n | 2.0 / 130 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 3.0/s | Y | n | |
3. | Canon Rebel | optical | n | 1.8 / 118 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 2.5/s | Y | n | |
4. | Leica CL | 2360 | Y | 3.0 / 1040 | fixed | Y | 1/8000s | 10.0/s | n | n | |
5. | Leica M10 | optical | n | 3.0 / 1037 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 5.0/s | n | n | |
6. | Leica X-U Typ 113 | optional | n | 3.0 / 920 | fixed | n | 1/2000s | 5.0/s | Y | n | |
7. | Leica X Vario | optional | n | 3.0 / 920 | fixed | n | 1/2000s | 5.0/s | Y | n | |
8. | Leica M9 | optical | n | 2.5 / 230 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 2.0/s | n | n | |
9. | Nikon D5300 | optical | n | 3.2 / 1037 | swivel | n | 1/4000s | 5.0/s | Y | n | |
10. | Nikon D40 | optical | n | 2.5 / 230 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 2.5/s | Y | n | |
11. | Nikon D80 | optical | n | 2.5 / 230 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 3.0/s | Y | n | |
12. | Nikon D50 | optical | n | 2.0 / 130 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 2.5/s | Y | n | |
13. | Nikon D70 | optical | n | 1.8 / 130 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 3.0/s | Y | n | |
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one. |
One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The D70s has one, while the R-D1 does not. While the built-in flash of the D70s 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 D70s uses Compact Flash 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 Nikon D70s and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.
# | 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. | Nikon D70s | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
3. | Canon Rebel | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 1.1 | - | - | - | |
4. | Leica CL | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | - | - | Y | - | - | |
5. | Leica M10 | Y | - / - | - | - | - | - | Y | - | - | |
6. | Leica X-U Typ 113 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
7. | Leica X Vario | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
8. | Leica M9 | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
9. | Nikon D5300 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
10. | Nikon D40 | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
11. | Nikon D80 | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
12. | Nikon D50 | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
13. | Nikon D70 | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 1.0 | - | - | - |
Studio photographers will appreciate that the Epson R-D1 (unlike the D70s) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.
Both the R-D1 and the D70s have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The D70s was replaced by the Nikon D80, while the R-D1 does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the R-D1 and D70s can be found, respectively, in the Epson R-D1 Manual (free pdf) or the online Nikon D70s Manual.
Review summary
So what is the bottom line? Which of the two cameras – the Epson R-D1 or the Nikon D70s – 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.
Arguments in favor of the Epson R-D1:
- More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (235k vs 130k dots).
- More compact: Is smaller (142x89mm vs 140x111mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
- Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
- More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in March 2004).
Advantages of the Nikon D70s:
- Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
- Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (3 vs 1 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
- Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
- More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (70 percent cheaper at launch).
- More modern: Was introduced somewhat (1 year and 1 month) more recently.
If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the D70s comes out slightly ahead of the R-D1 (5 : 4 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 technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the R-D1 and the D70s in practical situations. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.
Expert reviews
This is where reviews by experts come in. 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.
# | 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. | Nikon D70s | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | 5/5 | Apr 2005 | 899 | ebay.com | |
3. | Canon Rebel | .. | .. | .. | + + | .. | .. | Aug 2003 | 899 | ebay.com | |
4. | Leica CL | .. | .. | 4.2/5 | .. | .. | 4/5 | Nov 2017 | 2,795 | ebay.com | |
5. | Leica M10 | 4.5/5 | .. | .. | .. | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Jan 2017 | 6,595 | ebay.com | |
6. | Leica X-U Typ 113 | 3.5/5 | .. | .. | .. | .. | 3.5/5 | Jan 2016 | 2,950 | ebay.com | |
7. | Leica X Vario | 3/5 | .. | .. | .. | 4/5 | 4/5 | Jun 2013 | 2,850 | ebay.com | |
8. | Leica M9 | .. | .. | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | .. | Sep 2009 | 7,999 | ebay.com | |
9. | Nikon D5300 | 4/5 | + + | .. | 79/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Oct 2013 | 799 | ebay.com | |
10. | Nikon D40 | .. | 81/100 | .. | + + | o | 4.5/5 | Nov 2006 | 499 | ebay.com | |
11. | Nikon D80 | .. | + | .. | + + | o | 4.5/5 | Aug 2006 | 999 | ebay.com | |
12. | Nikon D50 | .. | 78/100 | .. | + + | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Apr 2005 | 749 | ebay.com | |
13. | Nikon D70 | .. | .. | .. | + + | .. | .. | Jan 2004 | 999 | ebay.com | |
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available. |
The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.
Other camera comparisons
Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just make your choice using the following search menu. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.
- Canon 550D vs Epson R-D1
- Canon 77D vs Epson R-D1
- Canon G1 X Mark III vs Epson R-D1
- Canon G9 X Mark II vs Nikon D70s
- Canon T6i vs Nikon D70s
- Epson R-D1 vs Fujifilm X-T100
- Epson R-D1 vs Nikon D3200
- Epson R-D1 vs Panasonic GM5
- Leica SL vs Nikon D70s
- Nikon D3200 vs Nikon D70s
- Nikon D70s vs Olympus E-PL9
- Nikon D70s vs Sony RX1R
Specifications: Epson R-D1 vs Nikon D70s
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 Model | Epson R-D1 | Nikon D70s |
---|---|---|
Camera Type | Rangefinder camera | Digital single lens reflex |
Camera Lens | Leica M mount lenses | Nikon F mount lenses |
Launch Date | March 2004 | April 2005 |
Launch Price | USD 2,999 | USD 899 |
Sensor Specs | Epson R-D1 | Nikon D70s |
Sensor Technology | CCD | CCD |
Sensor Format | APS-C Sensor | APS-C Sensor |
Sensor Size | 23.7 x 15.6 mm | 23.7 x 15.6 mm |
Sensor Area | 369.72 mm2 | 369.72 mm2 |
Sensor Diagonal | 28.4 mm | 28.4 mm |
Crop Factor | 1.5x | 1.5x |
Sensor Resolution | 6 Megapixels | 6 Megapixels |
Image Resolution | 3008 x 2000 pixels | 3008 x 2000 pixels |
Pixel Pitch | 7.85 μm | 7.85 μm |
Pixel Density | 1.63 MP/cm2 | 1.63 MP/cm2 |
Moiré control | Anti-Alias filter | Anti-Alias filter |
Movie Capability | no Video | no Video |
ISO Setting | 200 - 1,600 ISO | 200 - 1,600 ISO |
DXO Sensor Quality (score) | .. | 50 |
DXO Color Depth (bits) | .. | 20.4 |
DXO Dynamic Range (EV) | .. | 10.3 |
DXO Low Light (ISO) | .. | 529 |
Screen Specs | Epson R-D1 | Nikon D70s |
Viewfinder Type | Optical viewfinder | Optical viewfinder |
Viewfinder Field of View | 100% | 95% |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.50x | |
Rear LCD Size | 2.0inch | 2.0inch |
LCD Resolution | 235k dots | 130k dots |
LCD Attachment | Fixed screen | Fixed screen |
Shooting Specs | Epson R-D1 | Nikon D70s |
Focus System | Manual Focus | Phase-detect AF |
Continuous Shooting | 1 shutter flaps/s | 3 shutter flaps/s |
Fill Flash | no On-Board Flash | Built-in Flash |
Storage Medium | SDHC cards | CF cards |
Single or Dual Card Slots | Single card slot | Single card slot |
Connectivity Specs | Epson R-D1 | Nikon D70s |
External Flash | Hotshoe | Hotshoe |
Studio Flash | PC Sync socket | no PC Sync |
USB Connector | no USB | USB 2.0 |
HDMI Port | no HDMI | no HDMI |
Wifi Support | no Wifi | no Wifi |
Body Specs | Epson R-D1 | Nikon D70s |
Battery Type | Epson EU-85 | Nikon EN-EL3a |
Body Dimensions |
142 x 89 x 40 mm (5.6 x 3.5 x 1.6 in) |
140 x 111 x 78 mm (5.5 x 4.4 x 3.1 in) |
Camera Weight | 620 g (21.9 oz) | 679 g (24.0 oz) |
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