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Epson R-D1xG rangefinder digital camera. Photo provided by Epson Sales Japan Corp. Epson tweaks rangefinder digicam
By
(Thursday, March 5, 2009 - 15:41 EST)

Epson Japan has announced a slight update to its rangefinder digital camera, replacing the previous R-D1s model when it goes on sale from April 9th.

Epson's R-D1 was the world's first digital rangefinder, and after its March 2004 announcement, was sold in markets including North America, Europe and Asia. The follow-up R-D1s from March 2006 was initially available in Japan only, and although it later arrived in Europe as well, it was never officially retailed in North America. Discontinued in Europe from June 2007, the R-D1s continued on sale in Japan for some time thereafter. Today's announcement of the R-D1xG sees the previous version officially replaced - and once again we understand that the new model will not be sold in Europe or North America.

The Epson R-D1xG is very closely related to the previous model, sharing the same 6.1 megapixel APS-C CCD image sensor, Leica M-compatible lens mount, and a largely similar body design. The most obvious change in the R-D1xG is the use of a larger LCD display with a 2.5-inch diagonal, versus the 2.0-inch display of the R-D1 and R-D1s. The Epson R-D1xG also adds support for the newer Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) storage cards, where the previous versions were compatible only with standard SD cards. The feel of the R-D1xG's shutter button is also said to be improved over previous models.

One final difference is in the product bundle, with the Epson R-D1xG now including a removeable hand grip as standard. The grip attaches to the tripod mount and spans just over half the width of the camera's base before projecting upwards to form a slight lip around the right-hand end of the camera's base, and a hand grip at the right front of the camera body. The design means it adds slightly to the overall height of the camera on the right-hand side and leaves it with an uneven base profile when attached. (It presumably also necessitates removal before using the R-D1xG on a tripod).

Epson R-D1xG
General
ManufacturerEpson
Model NumberR-D1xG
Dimensions5.6 x 3.5 x 1.6"
142.0 x 88.5 x 39.5mm
Weight560.0 g
19.6 oz
Planned Availability 2009
Image Capture
Sensor TypeAPS-C
6.10 megapixels (total)
Filter TypeRGBG
Focal Length Multiplier1.53
Aspect Ratio3:2
Image Dimensions3008 x 2000 (6.0 megapixels)
2240 x 1488 (3.3 megapixels)
Image Quality3 levels
Image Preview / Review
ViewfinderYes, Rangefinder (1x field of view)
LCD2.5", 235,000 pixels
Playback Zoom16.0x max
Lens
Lens TypeVaries with lens used, thread size unknown
Lens MountEM mount (Leica M compatible)
Image StabilizationNo
Aperture RangeVaries with lens used
Focusing SystemFixed Focus
Manual Focus possible (0) steps
Exposure
ISO Sensitivity200, 400, 800,1600
Shutter Speed1 - 1/2000 second
Exposure ModesAperture, Manual
Metering ModesCenter Weighted
Exposure Compensation+/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White BalanceImage Sensor - Auto / fine / shady / cloudy / incandescent / fluorescent
Creative
Scene ModesNone
Self TimerYes, None seconds
Time LapseNo
Movie FormatNone without audio
Storage
Recording MediumSD/MMC, None
File SystemFAT16, FAT32, complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File FormatCCD-RAW, RAW (.ERF), JPEG (EXIF v2.21)
Connectivity
VideoNo
OtherNone
Power
Battery TypeLithium Ion Rechargeable
Battery Form FactorProprietary EPALB1
Product Bundle
SoftwareEpson Photolier, Epson RAW plugin
Battery / Charger1 x Proprietary EPALB1 Lithium Ion Rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory0.0MB
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliantYes
Internal MicrophoneNo
Tripod MountYes, Metal
Remote ControlYes, Wired (shutter button)
Operating System CompatibilityWindows, MacOS
 

Epson R-D1xG handgrip. Photo provided by Epson Sales Japan Corp. Click for a bigger picture!

Epson R-D1xG handgrip
Photo provided by Epson Sales Japan Corp.

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