Epson Rangefinder R-D1: 6-megapixel Rangefinder Digital Camera
Such an interesting novelty was presented today by Seiko Epson. Created together with Cosina Corporation lens maker, Epson Rangefinder Digital Camera R-D1 is a DSLR with a built-in rangefinder (as the name suggests).
Comparing to usual AF methods, the rangefinding bases on triangulation that enables to overlay and compare images obtained from two different point of views. The significant advantage of a rangefinder is its speed and independence on the lens type.
The simplest example of a rangefinder is our eyes that provide very high-precision range information. I´ll just add that R-D1 features analog rangefinder.
The novelty can work with Leica M and L M39 lenses (with an adapter), so the user of Epson Rangefinder Digital Camera R-D1 can select from over 200 lenses. Besides, R-D1 also features 1x viewfinder providing natural "eyes" view.
And the specs are:
- Magnesium alloy
- 23.7x15.6mm (APS-C) CCD, RGB filter
- 6.1 million pixels
- 3008x2000, 2240x1488
- 12-bit CCD-RAW, JPEG EXIF 2.21
- Galileo dual 1x viewfinder with parallax correction, 38.2mm, switchable to 28, 35, 50 mm, 85% coverage, LED exposure indication
- EM lens mount (compatible with Leica M)
- 1.53x crop factor
- 38.2mm base distance
- 1-1/2000 s exposures
- Aperture priority, manual modes
- +/- 2.0 EV exposure compensation in 0.3 EV increments
- ISO 200, ISO 400, ISO 800, ISO 1600
- Auto, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Sunny, manual white balance
- 2" low-temperature polycrystalline LCD, 235,000 pixels, 180°-rotating
- Hot shoe
- Secure Digital (SD) media
- Li-Ion Epson EPALB1 battery
- 142x89x40mm size
- 590 g w/o battery
And now the most interesting — the price. No one knows it for sure, as the model will be first showcased only late in March at Photo Expo 2004 in Tokyo, and in retail R-D1 might appear only in Summer. Still some speak of tags about $2800.
Source: PC Watch
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