Overview
The Samsung EX1 is one of the most advanced compact digital cameras on the market. It is packed with features that will attract the hobby photographer. These include full manual controls and a 3x wide angle lens with a fast f/1.8 aperture lens. There is also a flip out and twist LCD screen.
The EX1 passed my photo tests with flying colours. To my mind Samsung have produced an exceptional digital camera.
Why Buy The Samsung EX1
It has a great mix of photo quality and features. On top of this I really like the quality of the LCD screen.
Main Features
Megapixels:
Zoom:
LCD Screen:
Dimensions:
Weight:
10
3x
3 inches
114.4 x 64.6 x 30mm
356g
Macro:
HD Movies:
Manual Controls:
Batteries:
Memory Cards:
5cm
No
Yes
Lithium-ion Rechargeable
SD/SDHC
Features
Manual exposure modes include aperture priority and shutter priority. There is also a RAW mode. This gives you greater flexibility if you are planning to work on your photos with an image manipulation software package. Other advanced features include bracketing.
The f/1.8 aperture is important as it allows you to work in lowlight conditions. The 3x wide angle lens has a focal length equivalent to 24 - 72mm. This gives it extreme wide angle capabilities, but it should be noted that the telephoto capabilities are limited. Bracketing is also available to help out in tricky exposure conditions.
The EX1 can be used as a voice recorder (up to 10 hours) and 10 second voice memos can be added to still photos. Stereo sound can be recorded.
The flash unit pops up on top of the camera. The intensity of flash can be adjusted to suit the situation. A hot shoe is available too.
Fine tuning can be made to sharpness, contrast and saturation. Filters are available giving you access to effects for miniature, vignetting and fish-eye.
When it comes to shooting movies standard definition, rather than High Definition, is available.
Handling
Samsung have clearly put a lot of effort into how the EX1 handles. To start with there is the 3 inch LCD screen. This flips out and twists away from the body. This helps you to find the most comfortable shooting position. The quality of the screen is excellent. I found it easy to see even in bright conditions. The ability to adjust the position of the screen can be a big help here too.
There are two mode dials on the top of the camera. The first allows you to select the main shooting mode such as manual mode or program auto. The second allows you to select features such as the self timer or bracketing.
A wheel on the front of the camera allows you to quickly change settings. On the back of the camera there is another selection wheel. There is also a dedicated button for shooting movies.
A switch on the top of the camera is used to pop up the built in flash unit.
Image Quality - See Sample Images Below
Outdoor 1 (Medium Zoom)
Looking at this picture the first thing to catch my eye is the clarity of the shot. Sharpness is retained extremely well as you move out towards the edges of the shot. Detail in areas of light shade is also impressive. The one negative point about this shot is there is some detail lost in the brightest areas of the boats.
Outdoor 2 (No Zoom)
Taking into account the extreme wide angle lens used by Samsung this is a very good effort. As with my first shot sharpness is well above average. The sharpness is maintained very well as you move out towards the edges of the shot.
Outdoor 3 (Maximum Zoom)
Zooming in is handled without any problems. Once again the sharpness and clarity of the shot is of a very high standard. If you check my test shot and compare it against other cameras you will see the amount of zoom available is limited.
Outdoor 4 (Building)
Finishing off my outdoor scenic shots this one confirms my earlier observations. If you blow up the size of the print the brickwork really stands out.
Outdoor Portrait
This is the most straightforward of my test shots. The EX1 is equally at home working up close. There is a pleasant warmth to the colours.
Indoor Portrait with Flash
Once more the crispness of the shot is above average. I also like the colours produced by the EX1. Despite the use of the flash the camera still manages to retain plenty of colour. The light is evenly spread and has quite a natural look.
Indoor Portrait without Flash
In terms of clarity this is one of the best indoor portraits without flash. The large aperture plays a big role in this, ensuring plenty of light is available. The larger sensor size is also likely to help keep noise levels to a minimum.
Macro
As with other test photos the definition and level of detail produced in macro mode compares well with the best cameras on the market.
Colours
The colours are vivid, but not overpowering. Like most things about this camera they are just about right. I also like the brightness levels in my test pictures.
Noise
My tests were free of noise. In fact the EX1 is capable of producing extremely clean and clear photos.
Summary
Samsung have produced an excellent camera. Picture quality is excellent.
Style
The EX1 has a solid feel in the hand. The build quality appears to be good. The design reminds me a little of a rangefinder camera with the lens protruding on the front. Black and grey versions are available.
Shutter Lag Times
Single Shot
Five Shots
Single Shot With Flash
Five Shots With Flash
Turn on Time
0.32 seconds
10.09 seconds
0.43 seconds
13.08 seconds
4.15 seconds
Ease of Use
Difficult. There is plenty to get to know. There is a fully automatic mode to get you started.
Points I Like
Picture quality - manual exposure mode - features - LCD screen - build quality
Where it Could Improve
Turn on time
Verdict
The Samsung EX1 is a true competitor to cameras like the Canon Powershot G11. It is very well thought out and does an excellent all round job. I would be happy to own this camera.
Product Shots
Front View
Back View
Top View
Sample Menus
The camera used in this review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ45
was kindly provided by UK Digital Cameras
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Related Pages
Samsung EX1 Review Samsung EX1 Specification Samsung EX1 Sample Images Samsung EX1 Features
Review Date
August 2010
