Samsung EX-1/TL-500 - Compact Alternative

[ricardovaste]

<p>Well a quick search around finds <a href="../sony-minolta-slr-system-forum/00TJC5">this thread</a> from well over a year ago. Thought I would update those that might have been interested.</p>

<p>I was given compact digital camera for my birthday and had a chance to test it out this week. It's something I've "desired" to have for atleast 2-3 years, yet most of the options out there seemed to be too compromised for my style of shooting. There were a couple of nice options (as mentioned back in that old thread), but I either never seemed to have the available money or thought 'the next version' of that camera will be much improved... well, the offer of a "gift" meant that I could stop waiting finally. Enter the Samsung EX1 - quite a few points about it that I still find annoying, far from "perfect", but atleast it was something I could hold and use... importantly, carry with me anywhere and everything if I wish - something where my SLR's don't feature. I've never owned a compact camera before, not even film, so the spontaneity & freedom is very welcome for casual photography.</p>

<p>Essentially, you get lots of direct input like most SLR users would want. There are a few draw backs, but non that can't be worked around like you need to with any tool. I would recommend it to any a-mount user that likes camera from 7 series upwards and is looking for a good quality digital compact. Either this or the LX-5, I don't think you'd be displeased with either. The EX-1 is a touch larger, but you get the articulating AMOLED screen and perhaps the slightly better lens. The LX-5 has the option of an electronic viewfinder, but that then makes it larger. It has a slightly greater reach 72mm vs 90mm?) but beyond that there really isn't much between them (other than the slight difference in price). What I'm saying is I think both are a great choice for those that want something pocketable and with a standard zoom reaching from wide angle to semi-tele. I was surprised with the IQ of this tiny sensor, about the size of a the nail on your little finger (excluding giants).</p>

<p>It's only had one outing, but I've been happy enough with the initial results to share some, which can be found <a href="http://rharris-images.com/Projects/Point-and-Shoot/14491051_mA2HV#1075996201_TQhTc">here</a><br>

"Palette"<br>

Samsung EX-1 (RAW+ACR)<br /> <a href="http://rharris-images.com/Projects/Point-and-Shoot/14491051_mA2HV#1095870433_UzzHZ-A-LB"><img src="http://rharris-images.com/Projects/Point-and-Shoot/SAM037271Web/1095870433_UzzHZ-M.jpg" alt="" /></a><br>

"Reflection"<br>

Samsung EX-1 (JPEG+CS4)<br /> <a href="http://rharris-images.com/Projects/Point-and-Shoot/14491051_mA2HV#1095838296_tKp3m-A-LB"><img src="http://rharris-images.com/Projects/Point-and-Shoot/SAM0353Web/1095838296_tKp3m-M.jpg" alt="" /></a><br>

For those who might go search for a "real" review now, I found these useful:<br>

<a href="http://enticingthelight.com/2010/11/09/review-samsung-tl500ex1/"></a>http://enticingthelight.com/2010/11/09/review-samsung-tl500ex1/<br>

<a href="http://www.segadget.com/entry/573">http://www.segadget.com/entry/573</a><br>

<a href="http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/samsungtl500/"></a>http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/samsungtl500/</p>

[robert_paul1]

<p>Wow!!! I didn't know that Samsung was now part of Sony, and that a compact camera is now considered as a DSLR. Amazing!!!</p>

[ricardovaste]

<p>Typically miserable I see.</p>

[leicaglow]

<p>Samsung is making some amazing cameras. Not only is the IQ generally very good (helped with Schneider lenses no doubt), but the software bundle is rich with great applications. I have worked with lesser models, and been eying the TL500 for some time. It is good to see there is a lot of control with this camera.</p>

[paul_de_ley]

<p>I think Robert just volunteered to moderate a brand new PN forum for every topic that fits less than perfectly in any of the existing forums :)</p>

[robert_paul1]

<p>Richard, at least I know what Sony is, and what a SLR is. Some posters don't know that Samsung is not part of Sony, and that the EX-1 is not a SLR. Must be that some posters think that if the name starts with a squiggly line, it must be a Sony.</p>

[robert_paul1]

<p>Paul, Richard's post is not merely a less than perfect fit on the Sony/Minolta SLR System Forum, it doesn't fit at all. And, Richard doesn't even have the courtesy of labeling his post as 'Off Topic', and he doesn't even apologize for it, when he's called out. He doesn't respect the owner's of Photo.net rule that this forum is for discussion of items that relate to Sony/Minolta SLRs, acting like he owns the forum, posting whatever he wants, rather than posting in an appropriate forum.</p>

<p>He should act as a guest of this forum, rather than the owner. If this were his website, he can do as he wishes, but he's not. He should respect the rules set-up by the owners, plain and simple.</p>

[paul_de_ley]

<p>To get back on topic: interesting surprise move Rich! Between the EX1 and LX5 my personal preference would probably have inclined more to the LX5, at least based on specs - I haven't had a chance to play with either yet in stores. I did try to hold the oddly designed Samsung NX100 but that is really a slippery affair, if ever a compact really needed a back and front antislip pad then that must be the one.</p>

<p>What's the continuous shooting speed and resolution like on the EX1, and how well does it do in dynamic range when tweaking raw files?</p>

[neil_vanderwolf1]

<p>I have been enjoying my EX1 a great deal. The images it produces are natural and warm, I realize that is a weird way to describe them but it fits. (Just use one and you will understand). I sold my LX3 shortly after buying this...the LX3 (Panasonic) colour just didn't ever appeal to me.<br>

To Paul - There is a little headroom in the Raw files but not a lot, maybe a tad bit better than your typical advanced P&S. I think the last photo presented here displays the DR that the EX1 is capable of. It was shot at -1/3, most of my photos from the EX1 are...<br>

These were all taken with the EX1. Larger versions and EXIF can be seen here: <br /><a href="http://thewarmland.com/recent_additions/e286d8e5a">http://thewarmland.com/recent_additions/e286d8e5a</a><br>

<img src="http://thewarmland.com/img/s10/v17/p363775717-4.jpg" alt="" /><br>

<img src="http://thewarmland.com/img/s10/v17/p136211707-4.jpg" alt="" /> <br>

<img src="http://thewarmland.com/img/s8/v9/p678268506-4.jpg" alt="" /> </p>

<p> </p>