Samsung GX 1S

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.

Shooting Menu
Image Tone	“Bright” or Natural. Bright boosts saturation, contrast, and sharpness
Recorded Pixels	Set resolution
Quality Level	Set JPEG compression
Saturation	Brighten or soften color
Sharpness	Set amount of digital sharpening
Contrast	Set image contrast
Instant Review	Set length of time for images to display after they're shot
Auto Bracket	Set exposure variation  for bracketing
AE Metering	Set metering pattern
Swtch dst msr pt	Choose autofocus sensor
AF Mode	Choose single or continuous autofocus
Flash Exp. Comp.	Brighten or darken flash exposure

Playback
Plybk dsply mthd	Set information shown during playback
Bright Portion	Set to have overexposed areas blink during playback
Digital Filter	Change existing images to black and white or sepia, soften focus, or distort images
Slideshow	Show images in sequence on LCD or a television

Setup
Format	Format the SD card
Beep	Turn alert noise on or off
Date adjust	Set date, date format, and time
World Time	Set time zone or travel time zone
Language	Choose language for display
Guide Display	Set to show mode information on rear LCD when the GX-1S is turned on or when the mode is changed
Brightness Level	Set LCD brightness
Video Out	Set compatibility to television type
Transfer Mode	Set to connect GX-1S to computer or PictBridge printer
Auto Power Off	Set interval before camera will automatically shut off
File #	Set numbering system for image files
Sensor Cleaning	Lock up mirror to clean sensor
Reset	Reset all settings except date, time, language, video out, and world time

Setting	Enables or defeats all other custom settings
Noise Reduction	Set noise reduction for long exposures
Expsr Setting Steps	Set exposure increments to ½ or 1/3 EV
ISO Corction in Auto	Set ISO range available in AUTO ISO
ISO Snstvty Wrn Dspl	Set the ISO at which a high-ISO warning displays in viewfinder
Link AF point and AE	Set to have multi-segment metering note the active autofocus point
Meter Operating Time	Set amount of time light meter is active after in has been started
AE-L with AF locked	Set AE-L button to lock both focus and exposure
Recordable Image No.	Set to show number of shots available in a single burst
OK btn when shooting	Set function of OK button in shooting mode. It allows one-time autofocus in manual-focus mode
AE-L btn on M expsr	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.
Superimpose AF Area	Show active AF area in viewfinder
AF in remote control	Set behavior of autofocus when shooting via remote control
FI with S lens used	Set to show focus confirmation with Pentax screw-mount lenses
Using aperture ring	Set to allow shooting with aperture ring not set to A (for older Pentax lenses)
Release when Chrging	Allows shooting while flash is recharging
Instant Review Dsply	Set to show histogram during instant review
Mag to Strt Zm Plybk	Set starting magnification for magnified playback
Man WB Measurement	Set to measure whole image or just spot area when setting manual white balance
Color Space	Set color space
Reset Custom Function	Reset all custom settings to defaults

Drive Mode	Set for burst, single-shot, self-timer, remote control, or auto-bracketing
Flash Mode	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.)
White Balance	Set to auto, preset or manual
Sensitivity	Set ISO

DPOF Settings	Set print orders
Digital Filter	Apply digital effects to captured images
Slideshow	Display images in sequence, on LCD or via video out

Components	Page 5 of 12		Modes
Samsung GX-1S Digital Camera Review Navigation
Intro	Testing / Performance	Physical Tour	Components
Design / Layout	Modes	Control Options	Image Parameters
Connectivity / Extras	Overall Impressions	Conclusion	Specs / Ratings