With the looks of the D-SLR camera and the powerful functions of the point-and-shoot camera, the Samsung EX1 promises to be exciting.
A glance, you easily mistakenly think this is a mid-range SLR camera, but the Samsung EX1 lens is attached to the camera body.
The front of the camera is very simple, with a lens from the German nameplate Schneider, a maximum aperture of F1.8 and anti-shake function.
Samsung designed two circle control close to each other so it looks more convenient for right-handed users. The machine also has its own lamp stand.
The back of the unit looks quite traditional with menus and controls located along the right side, while the fold-out LCD screen makes it easy to view multiple shots.
The machine is quite small, neat in the hand and has a sturdy design with metal cover.
You can fold the LCD back up neatly.
The built-in flash of the machine is designed on the left side, the lid is quite attractive, occupy the place of the control circle commonly seen on other popular cameras.
HDMI output and the connection to the computer on the right side of the machine.
The coupling between the LCD screen and the body is quite solid.
Rubber pads help keep the user from slipping, helping to hold the machine more firmly.
Samsung EX1 Accessories included: adapter, PC connection cable, Samsung RAW image conversion software and instruction manual, strap for machine.
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Design and Build
Pick up the EX1 and you feel the difference immediately — metal body, more heft than a typical compact (about 195g, 114.4 x 60.6 x 33.5mm), none of that hollow plastic feel. It still fits in a jacket pocket, but there’s real weight in your hand.
Textured grip up front, thumb rest on the back, buttons and dials where you’d expect. The lens barrel juts out a bit, which turns out to help you hold the camera steady.
The 3-inch AMOLED screen is only 480 x 360 — low by current standards — but colors stay punchy and it holds contrast even in harsh sun.
The lens is really the point of this camera: Schneider-Kreuznach 24-72mm equivalent, f/1.8 wide, f/2.4 tele. That aperture is why the EX1 gets talked about at all — better low-light shots and shallower depth of field than most compacts of its time. 3x optical zoom.
Performance
A 1/1.7-inch CCD sensor, smaller than APS-C but bigger than what most point-and-shoots carry. Paired with the fast lens, shots come out sharper and cleaner than the size would suggest.
Processing is quick, autofocus is fast, shutter lag is minimal. A few filters and effects come baked in.
Autofocus is contrast-detection — solid in normal light, slower once it gets dark or something starts moving. Single and continuous AF are both on offer.
Every shooting mode you’d want is here, auto through full manual, so you can take over exposure whenever you feel like it.
Images are sharp, colors accurate, noise stays low at lower ISOs. Crank the ISO and noise shows up more, though not badly enough to ruin a shot.
Video caps at 720p, no Full HD — that’s a real limit if you shoot much video. The built-in mic is fine; want better audio, bring your own mic.
Battery gets you through a normal day. Shoot heavy and you’ll want a spare in your bag.
Other Features
Full manual over aperture, shutter, ISO. Function buttons you can set to whatever you actually reach for.
Fisheye, miniature mode, a stack of color filters — you can play with looks right in the camera instead of editing after.
Panorama sweeps and stitches on its own. HDR blends exposures, good for scenes like a bright sky over a dark foreground.
Built-in flash handles close-ups and shadow fill without much fuss.
Wi-Fi runs through the Samsung i-Function app — quick way to get shots onto a phone or tablet if you want to post something right away.
No optical viewfinder, just the LCD. If you’re used to shooting through one, you’ll notice its absence, though the AMOLED screen softens the blow.
Bottom Line
The lens is the reason to care about this camera — f/1.8 is rare at this size, and it shows in low light. Add a solid metal body, a good screen, and full manual control, and you’ve got something worth carrying.
The gaps are real though: 720p video, no viewfinder, noise that creeps in past a certain ISO, and a battery that won’t survive a full day of heavy shooting. None of that kills the camera. If stills matter more to you than video, the EX1 is still a compact worth having.
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Tech Reviewer & Product Analyst
Định Bia has spent over 10 years testing consumer electronics with a focus on smart technology. He work as a product advisor at Biareview where he helped customers find the right devices for their needs. He personally tests every product featured on this site using a consistent evaluation framework covering quality, durability, and value. All reviews are based on experience, not influenced by the manufacturer.