Canon SX500 IS vs Epson R-D1
80 Imaging
39 Features
40 Overall
39


75 Imaging
43 Features
20 Overall
33
Canon SX500 IS vs Epson R-D1 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 80 - 1600
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 24-720mm (F3.4-5.8) lens
- 341g - 104 x 70 x 80mm
- Introduced August 2012
- Refreshed by Canon SX510 HS
(Full Review)
- 6MP - APS-C Sensor
- 2" Fixed Display
- ISO 200 - 1600
- No Video
- Leica M Mount
- 620g - 142 x 89 x 40mm
- Announced March 2004
- Updated by Epson R-D1x

Canon SX500 IS vs Epson R-D1 Overview
Its time to look more closely at the Canon SX500 IS versus Epson R-D1, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Advanced Mirrorless by rivals Canon and Epson. There is a significant difference between the resolutions of the SX500 IS (16MP) and R-D1 (6MP) and the SX500 IS (1/2.3") and R-D1 (APS-C) have totally different sensor sizing.

The SX500 IS was launched 8 years after the R-D1 which is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Canon SX500 IS being a Compact camera and the Epson R-D1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.
Before delving right into a detailed comparison, here is a quick view of how the SX500 IS scores versus the R-D1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Canon SX500 IS vs Epson R-D1 Gallery
Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot SX500 IS and Epson R-D1. The complete galleries are viewable at Canon SX500 IS Gallery and Epson R-D1 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Canon SX500 IS over the Epson R-D1
SX500 IS | R-D1 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Announced | August 2012 | ![]() | March 2004 | More modern by 103 months |
Display size | 3" | ![]() | 2" | Larger display (+1") |
Display resolution | 461k | ![]() | 235k | Clearer display (+226k dot) |
Reasons to pick Epson R-D1 over the Canon SX500 IS
R-D1 | SX500 IS |
---|
Common features in the Canon SX500 IS and Epson R-D1
SX500 IS | R-D1 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Focus manually | ![]() | Very accurate focusing | ||
Display type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed display |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither features selfie screen | ||
Touch display | ![]() | Neither features Touch display |
Canon SX500 IS vs Epson R-D1 Physical Comparison
When you are intending to carry around your camera often, you will want to think about its weight and measurements. The Canon SX500 IS enjoys physical dimensions of 104mm x 70mm x 80mm (4.1" x 2.8" x 3.1") having a weight of 341 grams (0.75 lbs) while the Epson R-D1 has proportions of 142mm x 89mm x 40mm (5.6" x 3.5" x 1.6") with a weight of 620 grams (1.37 lbs).
Take a look at the Canon SX500 IS versus Epson R-D1 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have attached during that time. Here is a front view sizing comparison of the SX500 IS and the R-D1.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the SX500 IS and R-D1 is 80 and 75 respectively.

Canon SX500 IS vs Epson R-D1 Sensor Comparison
Usually, it can be difficult to see the contrast between sensor sizes simply by checking technical specs. The pic here may give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SX500 IS and R-D1.
As you have seen, both the cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The SX500 IS featuring a tinier sensor will make shooting shallower DOF trickier and the Canon SX500 IS will give greater detail utilizing its extra 10MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop pics way more aggressively. The fresher SX500 IS will have a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.

Canon SX500 IS vs Epson R-D1 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Canon SX500 IS vs Epson R-D1 Specifications
Canon PowerShot SX500 IS | Epson R-D1 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand Name | Canon | Epson |
Model type | Canon PowerShot SX500 IS | Epson R-D1 |
Class | Small Sensor Superzoom | Advanced Mirrorless |
Introduced | 2012-08-21 | 2004-03-11 |
Body design | Compact | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
Sensor Information | ||
Chip | Digic 4 | - |
Sensor type | CCD | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | APS-C |
Sensor dimensions | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 23.7 x 15.6mm |
Sensor surface area | 28.1mm² | 369.7mm² |
Sensor resolution | 16 megapixel | 6 megapixel |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | 3:2 |
Full resolution | 4608 x 3456 | 3008 x 2000 |
Max native ISO | 1600 | 1600 |
Lowest native ISO | 80 | 200 |
RAW photos | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focusing | ||
Touch to focus | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Autofocus single | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Autofocus selectice | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Live view autofocus | ||
Face detection autofocus | ||
Contract detection autofocus | ||
Phase detection autofocus | ||
Total focus points | 1 | - |
Lens | ||
Lens support | fixed lens | Leica M |
Lens zoom range | 24-720mm (30.0x) | - |
Maximum aperture | f/3.4-5.8 | - |
Macro focusing range | 1cm | - |
Amount of lenses | - | 59 |
Crop factor | 5.8 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Range of screen | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen size | 3 inch | 2 inch |
Screen resolution | 461k dot | 235k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch function | ||
Screen technology | TFT Color LCD | - |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | None | Optical (rangefinder) |
Features | ||
Slowest shutter speed | 15 seconds | 1 seconds |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/1600 seconds | 1/2000 seconds |
Continuous shooting speed | 1.0 frames/s | - |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Custom white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash distance | 5.00 m | no built-in flash |
Flash modes | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync | - |
External flash | ||
AEB | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Maximum flash sync | 1/1600 seconds | - |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1280 x 720 (25 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) | - |
Max video resolution | 1280x720 | None |
Video format | H.264 | - |
Mic jack | ||
Headphone jack | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Eye-Fi Connected | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | none |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environment seal | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 341 grams (0.75 lbs) | 620 grams (1.37 lbs) |
Physical dimensions | 104 x 70 x 80mm (4.1" x 2.8" x 3.1") | 142 x 89 x 40mm (5.6" x 3.5" x 1.6") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light rating | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | 195 pictures | - |
Form of battery | Battery Pack | - |
Battery ID | NB-6L | - |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec, Custom) | No |
Time lapse feature | ||
Storage media | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD card |
Storage slots | 1 | 1 |
Cost at launch | $299 | $1,709 |