Front (6.5)
The Samsung GX-1S has the general features of a conventional-looking DSLR: a hand grip on the left side, a large lens mount in roughly the center of the body, and a viewfinder hump directly above the mount. On the right side of the lens mount is a sliding switch which sets the camera to auto or manual focus, while the lens release button is on the left side. The grip is covered with comfortable leather-textured rubber and, like the edge of the camera, has ridges rather than smooth curves. We found that these ridges made the camera less comfortable to hold, though some users might like them. The grip face has a window for the self-timer light and infrared remote control. Visible badges include the Samsung logo on the viewfinder hump, “GX” on the right shoulder, and a “1S” on a squishy button just below the GX.
Back (7.5)
The back of the GX-1S will look familiar to most DLSR users. It is dominated by a 2.5-inch, 210,000-pixel LCD, above which is an optical viewfinder with a large rubber eyecup. The rubber nearly covers a sliding tab above the cup which controls the diopter adjustment. Left of the eyepiece is the flash pop-up button, and the control dial and exposure lock button are to the right. Four buttons to the left of the LCD activate the menu, image deletion, information, and playback. To the right of the LCD is a 4-way controller with an “OK” button in the center. A function button is below, and below that is a status light which indicates when images are being written to memory. In the far lower right corner of the back, the memory card door latch is set flush. It's great to see a latch on the door: it makes accidentally opening the door far less likely. A ridge rises up along the right side of the back, apparently to form a thumb rest.
Left Side (7.0)
The GX-1S has a wide, sturdy strap lug high on the left side and a long, flimsy door covering its ports. The door is lightweight and spring-loaded, but unfortunately lacks the latch that protects the media card door. It is more likely to break off than the rubber doors common on many cameras, and is not sealed against moisture or dust, which could lead to maintenance problems.
Right Side (7.0)
The right strap lug is high and wide, out of the way when one grips the camera. The SD media card door is flush on the right side of the GX-1S, and doesn't detract from the feel of the grip.
Top (7.5)
The GX-1S's 13-position mode dial, which sets the camera to various scene, manual, and partially manual modes, is to the left of the viewfinder hump. The dial turns a full 360 degrees, so there is no need to rotate it more than half a turn to get to any setting. A pop-up flash springs from the viewfinder hump, and a hot shoe, which accepts standard flashes as well as dedicated units from Samsung or Pentax, sits behind it. The monochrome LCD on top of the camera displays shooting information in large icons and characters for easy readability. It's easy to read, mainly because the icons and characters are large.
An exposure compensation button is conveniently located between the LCD and the shutter release, allowing the user to access exposure compensation without moving their index finger far from the release. The button is used in conjunction with the control dial, which is right under the user's thumb. The power switch, which doubles as a depth-of-field preview, is a ring around the shutter release and the release itself is a relatively small, smooth, chrome button.
Bottom (6.5)
Underneath the grip, the GX-1S’s battery compartment door is closed with a secure latch.
The metal tripod socket is aligned with the lens axis, which makes lining up subjects easier when the camera is on a tripod. A few small bumps at the corners are meant to protect the otherwise smooth bottom from scuffing on a flat surface. We’d rather see a rubberized patch, which would keep the camera from sliding around and protect it from tripod studs.
