amazon Samsung EX1 reviews
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 Quality
Build and Materials: The Samsung EX1 is notable for its robust and well-crafted design. It features a solid, metal construction that gives it a premium feel. The camera’s build quality is impressive, with a weight of approximately 195 grams (6.9 ounces) and dimensions of 114.4 x 60.6 x 33.5 mm (4.5 x 2.4 x 1.3 inches). The compact size makes it portable, while the solid construction ensures durability.
Ergonomics: The EX1 is designed with user comfort in mind. It features a textured grip on the front and a well-placed thumb rest on the back, which enhances handling and stability. The camera’s controls are intuitively laid out, with a mix of physical buttons and dials that provide easy access to essential functions. The lens barrel is slightly protruded, which makes it easy to handle when shooting.
Display: One of the standout features of the Samsung EX1 is its 3.0-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 480 x 360 pixels. The display offers excellent color reproduction, contrast, and brightness, even in direct sunlight. The AMOLED technology ensures vibrant and sharp images, which is particularly useful for composing shots and reviewing photos in various lighting conditions.
Lens: The EX1 features a Schneider-Kreuznach 24-72mm equivalent lens with a maximum aperture of f/1.8 at the wide end and f/2.4 at the telephoto end. This fast lens is one of the key highlights of the camera, offering exceptional low-light performance and creative control over depth of field. The lens is complemented by a 3x optical zoom, providing flexibility for a range of shooting scenarios.
Performance and Functionality
Image Sensor: The Samsung EX1 is equipped with a 1/1.7-inch CCD sensor. While this sensor size is smaller compared to APS-C sensors found in some higher-end cameras, it is still relatively large for a compact camera and contributes to better image quality and low-light performance. The sensor’s size, combined with the fast lens, allows the EX1 to capture sharp and detailed images with minimal noise.
Image Processing: The camera uses Samsung’s proprietary image processor, which ensures fast and efficient processing of images. The EX1 offers various image processing options, including several preset filters and effects that can be applied to photos in-camera. The processing speed is generally fast, with quick autofocus and minimal shutter lag, contributing to a responsive shooting experience.
Autofocus: The EX1 features a contrast-detection autofocus system, which is effective for most shooting scenarios. The autofocus is generally accurate and fast, though it may struggle in very low-light conditions or when tracking moving subjects. The camera offers multiple autofocus modes, including single and continuous autofocus, to suit different shooting needs.
Shooting Modes: The Samsung EX1 provides a range of shooting modes to cater to different photography styles and preferences. These include fully automatic, program, aperture priority, shutter priority, and manual modes. The manual mode allows for precise control over exposure settings, which is ideal for advanced users who want to experiment with creative techniques.
Image Quality: The image quality of the Samsung EX1 is impressive, particularly considering its compact size. The combination of the large sensor, fast lens, and effective image processing results in sharp, vibrant, and detailed images. The camera performs well in various lighting conditions, with good color accuracy and minimal noise at lower ISO settings.
In low-light scenarios, the fast lens and large sensor contribute to better performance, with less noise and improved clarity compared to many other compact cameras. However, at higher ISO settings, some noise may become noticeable, though it is generally well-controlled and does not significantly detract from the overall image quality.
Video Recording: The EX1 is capable of recording high-definition video at 720p resolution. The video quality is generally good, with decent sharpness and color reproduction. However, the camera does not support Full HD (1080p) recording, which may be a limitation for users seeking higher resolution video. The camera’s built-in microphone captures audio adequately, but users looking for more advanced audio options may need an external microphone.
Battery Life: The Samsung EX1 uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which provides a reasonable amount of shooting time on a single charge. The battery life is adequate for a day of casual shooting, but users who plan to use the camera extensively may want to carry an extra battery to ensure they do not run out of power.
Features and Functionality
Manual Controls: One of the key strengths of the Samsung EX1 is its extensive manual controls, which provide users with the ability to fine-tune their settings and achieve creative results. The camera offers manual control over aperture, shutter speed, and ISO settings, allowing for greater creative freedom and customization.
Customizable Buttons: The EX1 includes customizable function buttons that can be assigned to various settings and features. This allows users to tailor the camera to their shooting preferences and access frequently used functions quickly.
Creative Modes: The camera features several creative modes and filters that can be applied to photos and videos. These include options such as fisheye effect, miniature effect, and various color filters. These modes allow users to experiment with different looks and styles directly in-camera, without the need for post-processing.
Panorama Mode: The EX1 includes a panorama mode that allows users to capture wide-angle shots by sweeping the camera across a scene. The camera automatically stitches the images together to create a panoramic view, which is a convenient feature for capturing landscapes or large group photos.
HDR Mode: The camera also offers an HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode, which captures multiple exposures and combines them to create a single image with improved dynamic range. This feature is useful for shooting scenes with high contrast, such as landscapes with bright skies and dark foregrounds.
Built-in Flash: The EX1 features a built-in flash that provides additional illumination in low-light conditions. The flash is effective for close-up shots and can be used to fill in shadows or brighten up subjects in dim environments. The camera also includes various flash settings and modes to suit different shooting scenarios.
Wi-Fi Connectivity: One notable feature of the Samsung EX1 is its built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, which allows for easy transfer of photos and videos to compatible devices. Users can connect the camera to a smartphone or tablet using the Samsung i-Function app, enabling wireless transfer and sharing of images. This feature adds convenience for users who want to quickly share their photos on social media or with friends and family.
Viewfinder: The EX1 does not feature an optical viewfinder, which is common for compact cameras in this category. Instead, users rely on the LCD screen for composing and reviewing shots. While the lack of a viewfinder may be a drawback for some users, the high-quality AMOLED screen provides a clear and accurate view of the scene.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- High-Quality Lens: The Schneider-Kreuznach lens with a fast aperture of f/1.8 provides excellent low-light performance and creative control over depth of field.
- Compact and Durable Design: The solid metal construction and compact size make the camera both portable and durable.
- Excellent Display: The 3.0-inch AMOLED screen offers vibrant colors and sharp details, even in bright sunlight.
- Manual Controls: The camera provides extensive manual controls for users who want to experiment with different settings and techniques.
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: The built-in Wi-Fi feature allows for easy wireless transfer and sharing of photos.
Cons:
- Limited Video Resolution: The camera only supports 720p video recording, which may be a limitation for users seeking Full HD or higher resolutions.
- No Optical Viewfinder: The lack of an optical viewfinder may be a drawback for users who prefer composing shots through a viewfinder.
- Higher ISO Noise: While low-light performance is good, noise can become noticeable at higher ISO settings.
- Battery Life: The battery life is adequate but may require an extra battery for extensive shooting.
Conclusion
The Samsung EX1 is a high-quality compact camera that offers a range of advanced features and excellent performance for its class. Its robust build, fast lens, and comprehensive manual controls make it a versatile option for enthusiasts and professionals who want a portable camera with creative capabilities.
The combination of the Schneider-Kreuznach lens, 1/1.7-inch sensor, and AMOLED display ensures that the EX1 delivers impressive image quality and an enjoyable shooting experience. While it may have some limitations, such as the lack of Full HD video recording and the absence of an optical viewfinder, it remains a strong contender in the compact camera market.
For users who value manual controls, low-light performance, and a durable design in a compact package, the Samsung EX1 is a commendable choice. Its blend of features and performance makes it a reliable companion for capturing high-quality images and creative shots on the go.