Model Design / Appearance (7.0)
The GX-1S is the second Samsung DSLR we've examined that appears to be a Pentax, and greatly resembles the Pentax *ist DS2. Certainly, its appearance isn't different enough to suggest that they came from different designers. For the GX-1S, this is a strength, as the *ist cameras are compact, sturdy and attractive. Though we don't find the ridges on the grips comfortable, we're sure that they'll fit some user's hands nicely. The GX-1S's look is pared-down, simple, and pleasantly utilitarian.
Size / Portability (8.0)
The GX-1S is about as small as DSLRs should get, smaller than some all-in-one cameras.. In part, that's because of the lenses: the largest all-in-one models have long zoom lenses, and the GX-1S does not. Still, carrying the GX-1S with the kit lens and a f/ 1.8 50mm lens wouldn't be very different from carrying a super zoom compact. Trading low-light capability for zoom range is a good idea for many users, and this would be a cheap way to do it.
Handling Ability (6.5)
The grip on the GX-1S doesn't fit our hands well. Some users of the identically-shaped Pentax *ist cameras love the grip, but we don't get it – the ridges just hit our fingers in the wrong places.
On the other hand, we like the clean, uncluttered interface. Everything is easy to find, in part because there aren't a bunch of extra decorations or controls. The shooting displays aren't physically big, but, because good design choices were made, the text on them is large and easy 
to read.
Control Button / Dial Positioning / Size (6.5)
The controls are in the right places and big enough to be easily usable. They feel sturdy, but not stiff. As is standard on DSLRs this small and inexpensive, the GX-1S has only one control dial. This is unfortunate, as having one dial for aperture and another for shutter speed makes cameras much easier to operate.
The GX-1S's oversized mode dial and depth of field preview on the power switch are advantages in their own right and indicate general attention to the controls. Even the diopter adjustment, which is difficult to use, is well-executed. Because it's hard to move, it's unlikely to be shifted accidentally.
Menu (7.0)
The GX-1S allows a range of user control, most of which is accessed through menus which are subdivided into categories. The menu display is easy to read, and the controls are straightforward.
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Shooting Menu
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Image Tone
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“Bright” or Natural. Bright boosts saturation, contrast, and sharpness
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Recorded Pixels
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Set resolution
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Quality Level
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Set JPEG compression
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Saturation
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Brighten or soften color
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Sharpness
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Set amount of digital sharpening
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Contrast
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Set image contrast
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Instant Review
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Set length of time for images to display after they're shot
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Auto Bracket
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Set exposure variation for bracketing
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AE Metering
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Set metering pattern
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Swtch dst msr pt
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Choose autofocus sensor
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AF Mode
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Choose single or continuous autofocus
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Flash Exp. Comp.
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Brighten or darken flash exposure
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The Playback menu offers controls over the display and editing of existing images.
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Playback
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Plybk dsply mthd
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Set information shown during playback
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Bright Portion
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Set to have overexposed areas blink during playback
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Digital Filter
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Change existing images to black and white or sepia, soften focus, or distort images
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Slideshow
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Show images in sequence on LCD or a television
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Setup
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Format
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Format the SD card
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Beep
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Turn alert noise on or off
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Date adjust
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Set date, date format, and time
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World Time
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Set time zone or travel time zone
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Language
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Choose language for display
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Guide Display
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Set to show mode information on rear LCD when the GX-1S is turned on or when the mode is changed
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Brightness Level
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Set LCD brightness
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Video Out
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Set compatibility to television type
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Transfer Mode
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Set to connect GX-1S to computer or PictBridge printer
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Auto Power Off
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Set interval before camera will automatically shut off
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File #
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Set numbering system for image files
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Sensor Cleaning
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Lock up mirror to clean sensor
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Reset
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Reset all settings except date, time, language, video out, and world time
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The Custom Settings menu allows the user to modify many controls and camera behaviors.
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Setting
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Enables or defeats all other custom settings
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Noise Reduction
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Set noise reduction for long exposures
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Expsr Setting Steps
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Set exposure increments to ½ or 1/3 EV
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ISO Corction in Auto
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Set ISO range available in AUTO ISO
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ISO Snstvty Wrn Dspl
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Set the ISO at which a high-ISO warning displays in viewfinder
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Link AF point and AE
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Set to have multi-segment metering note the active autofocus point
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Meter Operating Time
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Set amount of time light meter is active after in has been started
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AE-L with AF locked
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Set AE-L button to lock both focus and exposure
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Recordable Image No.
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Set to show number of shots available in a single burst
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OK btn when shooting
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Set function of OK button in shooting mode. It allows one-time autofocus in manual-focus mode
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AE-L btn on M expsr
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Set to have AE-L button set GX-1S to metered exposure in manual mode. Choose from the Program meter value, or the Aperture- or Shutter-priority value.
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Superimpose AF Area
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Show active AF area in viewfinder
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AF in remote control
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Set behavior of autofocus when shooting via remote control
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FI with S lens used
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Set to show focus confirmation with Pentax screw-mount lenses
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Using aperture ring
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Set to allow shooting with aperture ring not set to A (for older Pentax lenses)
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Release when Chrging
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Allows shooting while flash is recharging
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Instant Review Dsply
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Set to show histogram during instant review
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Mag to Strt Zm Plybk
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Set starting magnification for magnified playback
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Man WB Measurement
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Set to measure whole image or just spot area when setting manual white balance
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Color Space
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Set color space
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Reset Custom Function
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Reset all custom settings to defaults
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The “Fn” button accesses shooting controls that are menu-based but changed more frequently than the other menu items.
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Drive Mode
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Set for burst, single-shot, self-timer, remote control, or auto-bracketing
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Flash Mode
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Set to force flash, allow the GX-1S to flash automatically, set red-eye reduction. (In some modes, flash can be shut off simply by closing the pop-up flash.)
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White Balance
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Set to auto, preset or manual
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Sensitivity
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Set ISO
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Fn brings up other controls in Playback mode.
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DPOF Settings
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Set print orders
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Digital Filter
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Apply digital effects to captured images
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Slideshow
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Display images in sequence, on LCD or via video out
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Ease of Use (7.0)
The GX-1S is easy to use. Its auto modes are straightforward and easy to set with the mode dial. Manual controls are also straightforward. While they'd be quicker with a second control dial, there isn't anything confusing about them. In all, we found the GX-1S to be about as intuitive as any DSLR we've tested.
Samsung bucks the trend by providing a clearly-written, well-organized, well-designed, and well-indexed instruction manual. If there's anything a little odd about the interface, it's the abbreviations in the menus. “ISO Snstvty Wrn Dsply” is a bit shaggy, but we can't imagine that will prevent anyone from getting full use from the camera.
