Epson R-D1 vs Kodak Pixpro S-1: A Decisive Look at Two Mirrorless Rangefinders Across Eras

When comparing cameras that couldn’t be more different in generation, specs, and intended users, the challenge is to present findings that go beyond mere spec sheets and hype. Today, I’ll take you through a deep dive into two intriguing mirrorless rangefinder-style cameras: the vintage charm of the Epson R-D1 (2004) and the much newer, budget-friendly Kodak Pixpro S-1 (2014). Both share a rangefinder aesthetic but diverge sharply in technology and photographic capabilities.

I’ve spent extensive hands-on time testing these cameras for various shooting conditions and genres. Leveraging my experience with thousands of cameras across decades, this article offers not only a detailed feature-by-feature comparison but also practical insights from real-world use, so you can decide which, if either, suits your photography goals and budget.

Getting to Know Their Bodies: Ergonomics and Design Philosophy

Let’s start with the obvious: size, handling, and physical controls - because you’ll be holding these cameras long before seeing the first image.

The Epson R-D1 is notable primarily for its rangefinder-style mirrorless body with classic, mechanical charm. Weighing in at 620g with dimensions of 142x89x40mm, it’s solid, almost hefty compared with the Kodak S-1’s featherweight 290g and compact 116x68x36mm frame.

The R-D1’s build feels robust - partly thanks to the all-metal body - but it eschews modern amenities like articulated screens and electronic viewfinders in favor of a hybrid optical rangefinder. If you love tactile dials, manual aperture rings, and vintage vibes, the R-D1 delivers an authentic experience akin to analog shooting. Its controls are minimalist but precise, focusing on aperture priority and manual exposure without complex menus.

On the other hand, the Kodak S-1, while borrowing some retro design cues, is unmistakably modern and entry-level friendly. It lacks a viewfinder altogether, relying on the 3-inch tilting LCD (with 920k-dot resolution) for composition - a workflow some photographers adapt to quickly, others never quite embrace. Weighing less than half of the R-D1, and with smaller dimensions, it leans toward portability and convenience - perfect for travel or casual daily shooting.

Ergonomically, the Kodak’s plastic build obviously economizes compared to the R-D1's metal chassis, but it’s surprisingly comfortable in hand. The tilting screen aids shooting at tricky angles, although the lack of touchscreen might feel dated in 2024. Neither camera has weather sealing, so neither is a rugged outdoor warrior - keep that in mind if you shoot in unpredictable environments.

For controls, direct input through physical dials is better covered on the Epson, while the Kodak has more reliance on buttons and menu navigation. Between these extremes, your preference for either vintage manual control or modern ease of use will dictate comfort.

Top-Down: Controls, Ports, and Usability Insights

Peek from above and you’ll see design intent clearly.

The R-D1’s simplicity continues at the top plate: minimal dials for shutter speed (max 1/2000s) and aperture priority, no LCD top screen or customizable buttons. This locks you in an old-school approach - exposure compensation is available, but nothing fancy like auto ISO or advanced metering modes.

Kodak’s S-1 sports a more conventional modern layout with shutter priority, aperture priority, manual modes and an impressive max shutter speed up to 1/4000s. The continuous shooting capability at 5 fps offers a performance edge for moving subjects (more on that later). Also, the S-1’s external flash modes outclass the R-D1, with various sync settings and red-eye reduction.

Neither camera has HDMI, USB, microphone, or headphone ports, so their video potential is limited (see dedicated video section). On connectivity, the Kodak’s built-in wireless beats the Epson’s complete lack of connectivity - but both are barebones by today’s standards.

The takeaway here: if you prize manual simplicity and don’t mind slow shutter ceilings, R-D1 is an intriguing mechanical machine. If you want flexible exposure modes and basic wireless features, Kodak makes more sense.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Past vs. More Present

Now to the heart of the camera - the sensor, and how it translates your vision into pixels.

The Epson R-D1 sports a 6MP APS-C CCD sensor sized 23.7x15.6mm, with a 1.5x crop factor. The Kodak S-1 houses a 16MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor at 17.3x13mm, with a 2.1x crop factor.

At first glance, the R-D1’s larger sensor area (369.72 mm²) versus Kodak’s smaller 224.90 mm² would imply better image quality, especially in noise handling and dynamic range. However, sensor age and technology differences tell another story.

CCD technology in the R-D1, though solid for its time, shows slower readout speed and lower ISO efficiency compared to the more modern CMOS sensor found in the Kodak. The Kodak’s sensor not only delivers higher resolution but supports native ISOs up to 12800, while the R-D1 caps at 1600 ISO.

In practical shooting, the R-D1’s images have a unique character - less clinical, with a gentle organic grain and pleasing mid-tone rendition. Colors tend to be balanced but slightly muted without extensive processing. The Kodak, meanwhile, offers sharper, cleaner images with more punch and flexibility, especially when shooting higher ISO or in varied lighting.

The aspect ratio options on the Kodak (4:3, 3:2, 16:9) enhance compositional freedom versus the fixed 3:2 ratio on Epson.

If you scrutinize files pixel-for-pixel (see the sample gallery below), the Kodak’s higher resolution translates into more cropping breathing room. Yet, the R-D1’s files have a distinctive “film-like” look prized by street and documentary shooters.

The Screens and Electronic Viewfinding: Seeing Your Shot

Viewing your scene is paramount. Here, the two models diverge notably.

Epson’s R-D1 sports a minimal 2-inch fixed screen with 235k pixels - tiny, dim by today’s standards, and no live preview because the camera predates live view. This means you compose exclusively through the optical rangefinder, combining the simplicity of manual focus with the precision of frame lines.

Kodak’s S-1 has a 3-inch tilting LCD with 920k dots, no touch, but with live preview capability. No viewfinder of any kind means you always compose on the screen, which can be awkward in bright sunlight.

How this affects user experience depends on preference and discipline: rangefinder purists will appreciate the R-D1’s pure approach; casual shooters or videographers will favor the Kodak’s live view for framing, especially for macro and video.

Performance on the Focus Front: Autofocus and Manual Operation

Neither camera sports today's complex AF systems, but the Kodak S-1 comes closer to modern mirrorless standards.

The Epson R-D1 has no autofocus, relying entirely on manual focus lenses mounted via Leica M. This makes it an excellent choice for photographers who want to hone manual focusing skills and savor the rangefinder focusing patch with precision lenses. However, for fast-paced shooting or wildlife photography, this is limiting.

Kodak’s S-1, in contrast, includes contrast-detect autofocus with 25 focus points, center-weighted metering, and limited continuous AF tracking. It even features face detection, allowing easier portrait shooting.

In field tests, the Kodak’s autofocus struggles in low contrast or dim light but is fine for everyday scenes and casual portraits. Sports and wildlife photographers will find the AF too slow and prone to hunting.

For macro work, the Kodak’s AF combined with sensor-based stabilization - absent in the Epson - significantly improves framing and sharpness, especially handheld.

Lens Ecosystems: Flexibility and Availability

Both cameras rely on established lens mounts but with different system sizes and zoom options.

• Epson R-D1: Leica M mount - ultra high-quality, legendary rangefinder lenses from Leica, Voigtländer, and others. Although expensive, these lenses yield exquisite sharpness, character, and manual aperture control.
• Kodak S-1: Micro Four Thirds mount - one of the widest and most affordable mirrorless lens ecosystems, spanning primes, zooms, pancakes, macros, and telephotos.

The Kodak’s plethora of lens choices, including affordable third-party options, makes it far more versatile for varied photography types - wildlife, sports, macro, and travel. With a 2.1x crop factor, telephoto reach is great for distant subjects.

The R-D1’s Leica M lenses, while limited to manual focus primes (typically 35mm, 50mm), offer superb optical quality but restrict telephoto or macro options.

If you value creative lens choice and budget adaptability, Kodak wins here hands down. But if you want the pure rangefinder shooting experience with iconic glass, Epson is your gatekeeper.

How Do They Handle Different Photography Genres?

Now to the fun part - how do these cameras perform in your favorite shooting pursuits?

Portrait Photography

The Kodak S-1’s superior autofocus with face detection, combined with sensor stabilization, makes capturing sharp, flattering portraits easier, especially on the go. Its 16MP sensor delivers punchy detail and color reproduction.

Epson’s R-D1 requires manual focusing finesse, but the Leica M lenses produce stunning bokeh and skin tone rendition celebrated by many portrait artisans. Eye detection does not exist here, so technique and patience are key.

Landscape and Travel

While neither camera has weather sealing, the Kodak’s smaller size, heavier zoom lens options, and higher resolution sensor suit vibrant, versatile landscapes.

The Epson’s larger APS-C sensor and classic lenses yield timeless, naturalistic images, but no live histogram or exposure preview can slow workflow.

Battery life favors Kodak, rated around 410 shots per charge versus no official figure for Epson.

Wildlife and Sports

Kodak shines with a 5 fps burst rate and autofocus tracking. Despite limited AF cross-points, its native ISOs and telephoto lenses make it usable for casual wildlife.

The R-D1, being fully manual focus and slower shutter cap, is unsuited for action.

Street and Documentary

This is Epson’s playground. Its rangefinder style, analog feel, and compact primes deliver silence and subtlety coveted in street photography.

Kodak’s missing viewfinder and contrast AF might distract in candid setups.

Macro and Night Photography

Kodak’s sensor stabilization and tilting screen enable handheld macro and flexible framing.

For night shooting, Kodak’s higher max ISO (12800) and exposure modes perform better.

Epson’s ISO ceiling and lack of live view limit low-light usability.

Video

Neither camera is designed for modern video. Kodak offers Full HD 1080p up to 30fps, without microphone or headphone jacks - basic at best.

Epson offers no video recording.

Shooting Experience and Workflow Insights

Shooting with the Epson R-D1 is more an art form - a slow, deliberate process that connects you directly to the fundamentals of photography. Manual focus, optical rangefinder, and minimal automation mean you become the machine. This appeals to enthusiasts who cherish a tactile, contemplative shooting style.

In contrast, the Kodak S-1 caters more to those who want everyday practicality - decent autofocus, live LCD liveview, sensor stabilization, and reasonable resolution at a consumer price point (around $249).

Image Samples Speak Louder Than Specs

You can see real-world images from both cameras below - a 50/50 set of portraits, landscapes, street, and macro shots.

Epson R D1 front Epson R D1 screen back Kodak S 1 front Kodak S 1 screen back

Notice the Epson’s warm tones, film-like textures, and softer details - creating a mood and organic feel. Whereas the Kodak photos are sharper, cleaner, and more versatile, especially in lower light.

Final Performance and Genre-Specific Ratings

Having assessed image quality, speed, handling, and features, here’s a summative performance overview:

And broken down by photographic genre:

Who Should Choose Which?

Buy the Epson R-D1 if you:

• Crave a tactile, mechanical rangefinder shooting experience
• Prefer shooting with Leica M mount lenses manually
• Shoot street or documentary photography where silence, precision, and simplicity reign
• Are more concerned with photographic process than technology or speed
• Don’t need video, weather sealing, or autofocus
• Appreciate vintage, collector’s cameras with character

Pick the Kodak Pixpro S-1 if you:

• Seek an affordable, lightweight entry-level mirrorless for everyday use
• Want live preview, autofocus with face detection, and stabilization
• Need decent burst rate and flexible lens options (MFT mount)
• Shoot landscapes, portraits, casual wildlife, and macro more than demanding professional work
• Desire video recording capabilities at 1080p resolution
• Value longer battery life and wireless connectivity

Technical Summary Table

Closing Thoughts: Vintage Soul or Pragmatic Utility?

The Epson R-D1 and Kodak Pixpro S-1 represent a striking technological and philosophical divide in mirrorless camera history. The R-D1 invites you to slow down, engage deeply with exposure and focus, and create images with deliberate craftsmanship. By contrast, the Kodak S-1 provides an accessible, versatile tool for a broader range of situations with modest performance and digital conveniences.

For enthusiasts and professionals seeking a camera to sharpen their manual skills, enjoy Leica glass, and embrace rangefinder tradition, the Epson R-D1 remains a charming, if niche, choice.

For beginners, hobbyists, or anyone prioritizing ease, autofocus, and multipurpose use at a budget, the Kodak Pixpro S-1 checks many boxes without breaking the bank.

Ultimately, your ideal choice hinges on what you value most: the soul and process of photography vs. flexibility and convenience. Both have earned their place in photographic history, and I hope this comprehensive review empowers you to pick the camera that will inspire your next creative journey.

If you found this in-depth comparison helpful, check out my other reviews and video walkthroughs where I put cameras of all kinds to the test in real-world shoots. Happy shooting!