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The Samsung GX-1S has been finally made official today after weeks of speculation.
The GX-1S is a DSLR that has been in the wings from Samsung and Pentax (joint project) for some time now and is basically a rebranded Pentax *ist DS2 - with a 6 megapixel sensor and 2.5inch LCD.
This opens up the Korean market for a Pentax camera and extends Samsung's range of digital cameras with a much needed (and proven)DSLR.
Compare prices on the Samsung Digimax GX-1S DSLR and get the latest price on the SAMSUNG DigiMax GX-1S
Samsung unveils its first digital SLR - the GX-1S
* 6 mega-pixels CCD
* Light weight and portable - only 505g
* Large bright 2.5 inch colour TFT LCD screen
* Pentaprism technology provides clear, bright viewfinder
* 11 point auto focus
* High sensitivity up to ISO 3200
Samsung is announcing its advance into the digital SLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera arena with the launch of the six mega-pixel GX-1S.
Launching in February, the new interchangeable lens GX-1S is Samsung's first digital SLR camera, developed in conjunction with Pentax. Samsung now provides a full offering of digital cameras to cater for the needs of everyone - from point and shooters to advanced enthusiast photographers.
Offering high portability and mobility through its compact design, the GX-1S will weigh just 505 grams and house a 23.5mm x 15.7mm CCD image sensor. The 3200 ISO equivalent allows high sensitivity shooting in indoor environments.
The GX-1S also provides a continuous shooting speed of 2.8 frames per second (up to eight frames in JPEG mode).
Lens
The GX-1S will utilize the new advanced Schneider Kreuznach D-Xenon lens system and Pentax's lens KAF bayonet mount technology - all Pentax DSLR lens will be mountable on the GX-1S.
Viewfinder
The large TFT colour LCD screen (2.5 inch and 210K pixels) and Pentaprism technology ensure a clear and bright view. The field of view is 95% with magnification at 0.95x (50mm F1.4 lens).
Focusing, Shutter & Flash
Modes include AF Single (with focus lock) and manual focus together with continuous AF . Shutter speed is 30 ~ 1/4,000 sec. with Bulb. The flash is a built-in retractable P-TTL auto pop-up offering the following modes: Auto, Manual, Auto/Red-eye reduction, Manual/red-eye reduction. Angle of view coverage is 28mm wide-angle (equivalent to 35mm). Recharge time is 3 seconds.
Samsung announced its vision of becoming a world class digital camera manufacturer in May 2005. Since then, Samsung has seen strong success and rapid sales growth via the launch of innovative slim style cameras such as the Digimax i5 and i50 MP3. Its advanced technology was recognized again in the high-end camera Pro815 for semi-professional photographers.
Digital Camera Info has posted a review of the Samsung GX-1S Digital Camera and writes - 'While there�s a lot to like about the camera, the few deficiencies in the GX-1S, namely slow autofocus and unreliable metering, are unfortunately more excusable in a compact model than a DSLR. For consumers considering purchasing an ultra zoom, the high sensitivity, expanded functionality, and customization available on the GX-1S might be worth sacrificing the longer fixed lens. However, those interested in buying their first DSLR and investing in an imaging system might be better off saving a little extra money and purchasing a slightly stronger model.'
ephotozine reviews the Samsung GX-1S and writes - 'At this budget price point, the Samsung GX-1S packs a lot of features into a compact body. I was impressed by the inclusion of an 11-area autofocus system, which works well, locking onto most subjects quickly and precisely. I was less impressed by the level of noise produced at high ISO settings. It is certainly not class leading performance, although images taken at these settings are still very usable.'
PCWorld reviews the Samsung Digimax GX-1S and writes - 'The Samsung Digimax GX-1S is a little expensive when compared with competitors such as the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT, considering that the Rebel XT offers more controls, better image quality, and a larger selection of lenses. As with any digital SLR, it's best to get your hands on the GX-1S before making a decision. Its small size and thoughtful design may make it your obvious first choice.'
Macworld reviews the Samsung Digimax GX-1S Digital SLR and writes - 'Overall, the GX-1S delivers perfectly acceptable prints for its target market. It has a 6.1-megapixel sensor that delivers up to 3,008-by-2,008-pixel images. The camera is compatible with all Pentax KAF mount lenses as well as Schneider’s D-Xenon series lenses. I tested the camera with its included lens kit—a Schneider f/3.5-5.6 18-55mm with a 28-84mm, 35mm equivalent focal length.'
DCRP has posted their review of the Samsung Digimax GX-1S where they recommend - 'While the GX-1S is the smallest D-SLR on the market, it doesn't feel too small, like the Canon Rebel XT. Build quality is very good, not feeling cheap at all (again, like the Rebel XT). The large right hand grip makes the camera easy to hold, and the important controls are right where you'd expect them. The GX-1S supports Pentax K-AF lenses (Samsung has put their name on a few of them), which isn't surprising, as this camera is the *ist DS2. The camera has a large, high resolution LCD display plus an LCD info display on top of the camera. Unfortunately, this latter LCD lacks a backlight, making it impossible to see in low light. The optical viewfinder is large and bright, and it shows 95% of the frame. Being a digital SLR, all kinds of add-ons are available, and you can use accessories from both Pentax and Samsung. The GX-1S also gets points for being one of the few D-SLRs that uses AA batteries.'
Lets Go Digital reviews the Samsung GX-1S where they give it a rating of 74% and write - 'The Samsung GX-1S will certainly not be the only Samsung we will encounter in the near future. That is, besides the GX-1L of course, a camera that has already been announced, and that is based on the Pentax *ist DL2. The renumbered models of Pentax at least form the first step. In fact, I would not be surprised if Samsung baffle us all with something truly amazing one of these days. After all, it just wouldn't be right for a cutting-edge electronics brand like Samsung to sell something that clearly does not come from Samsung. It seems unlikely to me that the next Samsung will be an exact copy of the Pentax K100D. Samsung will simply have to come with something more convincing. After all, if one is presented with the choice between a relatively unfamiliar DSLR photo brand like Samsung, and the already established and distinguished Pentax, I must admit I cannot think of a reason why to go for the former. Did I not say in the introduction that photographers often turn out to be quite conservative?'
Compare prices on the Samsung Digimax GX-1S DSLR and get the latest price on the SAMSUNG DigiMax GX-1S
Posted by Darren in our Samsung category on January 17, 2006