Epson R-D1 vs Panasonic GH1

On this page, we are comparing the Epson R-D1 vs Panasonic GH1, both Advanced Mirrorless cameras by manufacturers Epson and Panasonic. There exists a huge gap among the resolutions of the R-D1 (6MP) and GH1 (12MP) and the R-D1 (APS-C) and GH1 (Four Thirds) have different sensor sizes.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The R-D1 was brought out 6 years prior to the GH1 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Epson R-D1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic GH1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting right into a more detailed comparison, here is a concise summation of how the R-D1 grades against the GH1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Epson R-D1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1. The entire galleries are viewable at Epson R-D1 Gallery and Panasonic GH1 Gallery.

If you are intending to carry your camera regularly, you're going to have to think about its weight and size. The Epson R-D1 offers external measurements of 142mm x 89mm x 40mm (5.6" x 3.5" x 1.6") and a weight of 620 grams (1.37 lbs) while the Panasonic GH1 has specifications of 124mm x 90mm x 45mm (4.9" x 3.5" x 1.8") with a weight of 385 grams (0.85 lbs).

Analyze the Epson R-D1 vs Panasonic GH1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have attached at that moment. The following is a front view physical size comparison of the R-D1 against the GH1.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the R-D1 and GH1 is 75 and 81 respectively.

Quite often, it can be difficult to visualize the contrast in sensor sizing purely by going through technical specs. The photograph below will help provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the R-D1 and GH1.

As you can tell, both the cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The R-D1 due to its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF easier and the Panasonic GH1 will show greater detail having its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop pics a bit more aggressively. The older R-D1 will be behind in sensor technology.