The Digimax GX-1S ($650) along with its twin, the GX-1L ($540), marks Korean electronics giant Samsung’s entry into the digital SLR world. The GX-1S wasn’t actually created by Samsung — it’s the now-discontinued Pentax *ist DS2 with a Samsung label on it. Same goes for the GX-1L, which is the same as the *ist DL.
The GX-1S reviewed here features a 6.1 Megapixel CCD, Pentax K-AF lens mount, a large 2.5″ LCD display, and the kind of performance, control, and expandability that you’d expect from a digital SLR. The GX-1L is very similar, with the only differences being the type of viewfinder and the number of focus points. Here’s the conclusion:
“While it doesn’t break any new ground, the Samsung Digimax GX-1S (and by extension, the Pentax *ist DS2) is a solid, inexpensive digital SLR that gets the job done. It’s well built, easy to use, and a faster performer (in most respects). With a street price of $650 with an 18 - 55 mm lens, the GX-1S is a pretty good deal. If you want to save some dough, the very similar GX-1L (with only the viewfinder and number of focusing points being different) sells for just $540.
Camera performance was good in most areas. The GX-1S starts up in under a second, there’s no noticeable shutter lag, and you can shoot as fast as you can compose. The only (slight) disappointment in this department was in terms of autofocus performance: the GX-1S is slower than most of the competition, especially in low light. While the continuous shooting mode is fine for most purposes, it’s worth pointing out that other similarly priced cameras can take longer bursts of photos. On a brighter note, the GX-1S supports the USB 2.0 High Speed standard for fast data transfer to your PC.
Photo quality was very good, which is what you’d expect from a digital SLR. The GX-1S took well exposed photos with VERY saturated colors (changing the Image Tone option or shooting in RAW mode reduces this), low noise, and minimal purple fringing. As the ISO sensitivity goes up, so does the “grain” in your photos. While not quite as clean as Canon’s D-SLRs at high ISOs, the GX-1S compares well with other entry-level D-SLRs. I did notice some vignetting with the kit lens, which was disappointing.
If you’re looking for your first digital SLR then the Samsung Digimax GX-1S is worth a look. It’s inexpensive, well built, and it performs well in most respects. It’s also a good choice if you have some Pentax lenses already, since they’ll most likely work just fine on the GX-1S. Naturally, if you’ve got a lot of Canon or Nikon lenses already then I can’t see jumping ship for the GX-1S, but if you’re new to D-SLRs, check this one out.
What I liked:
- Very good photo quality (though see issues below)
- Solid construction; doesn’t feel “cheap” despite the low price
- Compatible with nearly all modern Pentax lenses
- Large 2.5″ LCD display
- Snappy performance in most areas
- Full manual controls, as you’d expect
- Redeye not a problem
- Uses AA batteries
- USB 2.0 High Speed support
What I didn’t care for:
- Focusing not as fast as competition, especially in low light
- Some vignetting with kit lens
- Photos a bit oversaturated in JPEG mode at default settings (in my opinion)
- Can’t take as many shots in a row as competition in burst mode
- Limited white balance options (no fine-tuning or color temperature setting)
- No backlight for LCD info display
- No Mac software or rechargeable batteries included”
Website : Samsung GX-1S Review at DCRP
