Digital Camera Review
Mar 08, 2006
- By Patrick Singleton
Samsung has hit the DSLR market with the entry level GX-1L. It's a 6.1 megapixel camera that's compatible with the Pentax KAF lens mount, and it’s a dead ringer for the Pentax *ist DL2. The GX-1L kit is tentatively priced at $699, while the *ist DL2 will not be available in the North American or European markets.
| Likes |
|
- Solid construction
- Small size
- ISO 3200 setting
- Picture effects preserve the original image
|
| Dislikes |
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- Autofocus is slow
- No white balance fine-tuning or Kelvin setting
- Burst rate is slow, and number of burst shots is limited
- Handgrip is uncomfortable for some people and positions
|
Conclusion
We think the GX-1L is a respectable entry level option. We say that mainly because it seems to be a Pentax, which is a good thing for a few reasons. First, it shares Pentax's durable construction, simple interface and other positive qualities. Second, it shares the Pentax lens mount, so it's compatible with a large selection of Pentax system lenses and accessories. Third, Pentax has sent other emphatic signals that they are in the digital camera business for the long haul—and whether or not Samsung produces more DSLRs won’t really matter to the GX-1L owner, because Pentax will prove an upgrade path of fully compatible equipment.