Samsung GX 1S Digital Camera Review

Samsung GX 1S

Digital Camera Review

Apr 20, 2006 - By Patrick Singleton
3 The Samsung GX-1S is a small, lightweight, 6-megapixel DSLR with a Pentax lens mount, 11-point autofocus, and a kit price around $800. It looks very similar to Pentax's DSLRs, which are tough, nicely styled, and easy to use. Predictions point to the sub-$1000 DSLR field as the expanding market for digital cameras, so it makes sense for Samsung, a company with ambitions in the photographic industry, to produce a model for this field.. The question is whether the GX-1S is the right camera to introduce in such a competitive market.
Advertisement
Recently Viewed Products
Fuji
FinePix A920		 $95
Canon
PowerShot A640		 $180
Panasonic
Lumix DMC-FX50		 $200
Top DSLR Cameras
Max Price: $7700
$0 $1925 $3850 $5775 $7700
Filters
All
Canon
Fuji
Nikon
Olympus
Panasonic
Pentax
All
Consumer
Professional
Prosumer
1.Olympus E-P1
Consumer		$800
2.Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Prosumer		$2,680
3.Nikon D5000
Consumer		$719
4.Canon EOS Rebel T1i
Consumer		$795
5.Panasonic DMC-GF1
Consumer		$900
GX 1S Prices
Latest Camera Reviews
DSLR Point & Shoot
Panasonic
DMC-GF1		Samsung
TL225
Pentax
K10D		Canon
PowerShot S90
Olympus
E-P1		Canon
G11
Canon
EOS 5D		Panasonic
DMC-ZS3
Nikon
D3000		Canon
PowerShot A650 IS
External Reviews
Lets Go Digital
Samsung GX 1S
Popular Photography
Samsung GX 1S
 
Likes
– Solid Construction
– Large, high-resolution LCD
– Good Usability
– Mirror lock connected to self-timer
– Excellent user manual
– Compact body
– Nice color reproduction
– Handles noise well at lower ISOs
– Very easy to use    
Dislikes
- Poor resolution performance
- Unreliable meter – often underexposed
- Poor autofocus
- Grip is uncomfortable for some users
- Kit lens has small maximum aperture    

Conclusion
The GX-1S is a puzzling camera. It seems to be a re-branded Pentax rather than a new camera from Samsung. Our hope had been that Samsung would shake up the entry-level DSLR market with its own products, but this camera is either a Pentax or so close that the differences really don't matter.

Nonetheless, at under $800, the 6-megapixel GX-1S does have a lot to offer consumers. With a bright 2.5-inch 210,000 pixel LCD, strong color reproduction, and reasonable noise handling, the GX-1S is poised to compete with entry-level DSLRs and compact ultra zoom models. The camera has some nice design features (mirror lockup connected to the self timer, depth-of-field preview formed around the shutter release, and spot metering linked to movable AF points), but sacrifices speed and autofocus in the process.

While there’s a lot to like about the camera, the few deficiencies in the GX-1S, namely slow autofocus and unreliable metering, are unfortunately more excusable in a compact model than a DSLR. For consumers considering purchasing an ultra zoom, the high sensitivity, expanded functionality, and customization available on the GX-1S might be worth sacrificing the longer fixed lens. However, those interested in buying their first DSLR and investing in an imaging system might be better off saving a little extra money and purchasing a slightly stronger model.

Overall Impressions Page 11 of 12 Specs / Ratings
Samsung GX-1S Digital Camera Review Navigation
Advertisement