Why now just the EX 1? Panasonic LX series I have tried, as the Sigma DP1 models without and with S, and the DP2. The Leica models are too expensive, plus they can do nothing better than an LX. Canon G 11 would also be a feasible alternative, but I do not like the "altbachene" Brick optics so.
Actually, the sigmoid colon are my secret favorite, since the built Foveon sensor the DP models provides unbeatable good pictures. The sigmoid colon has only one catch. They are not very fast, to put it nicely. The LX 3 can do better, but fast is different. Priced plays the EX in the same league as the Canon G11. For much cost price there are already viable from the DSLR sector. Whether the Samsung may be its claim?
Now it's finally here, the new South Korean. When unpacking it shows the Samsung to the slightly higher weight. Just over 330g are nothing to sneeze at in the class of compact. The LX version 3 is satisfied with 270g. Only Canon G11 sets with a few grams to 400g.
The first impression of samsung'schen processing is top notch. A metal housing with good grip, a massive lens mount, and made very noble and embedded switches, rotary rings and snaps. Stable flaps, and ultimately the folding and rotating display make the EX 1 for eye and pleasing to the eye of the beholder. Saturated and stable also acts the pop-up flash, including its mechanics. To the friends of the amplified light Samsung has thought. Standard is a flash shoe for the worst-case scenario on board. The missing print edition of the Handbook is annoyed. Shown as an environmentally-promoting action, which is quite simply a bad habit of manufacturers to reduce costs. Just go a book is so handy to be read fast times.
The attachment of the buttons and turning wheels facilitates fast flying through the menu. Housed in the grip additional wheel, as well as the rotation / cross combination on the back, I find it very successful. The display is quite simply the finest. Is the LX 3 already not bad, it is easy gouged by the brilliance of the South Korean component.
The built-in features of Samsung are outstanding. RAW processing, the possibility of double stabilization, a class macro mode, etc. are just some of the notable features.
The images of Samsung are very sharp, color fidelity but neutral. In the "calibration" of the camera some contagious potential. The AF is really fast. The macro of the EX 1 can be seen. The manufactured by Schneider Kreuznach lens with a maximum aperture of 1.8-2.4 recorded barely visible.
Especially when shooting at wide angle is very pleasant. Of these, the Samsung also has achieved a lot. Like the LX 3 starts the zoom range even at 24mm and ends at 72mm. Unlike the LX in at 60mm is already closing. What the Pana can not be construed adversely however.
Auto white balance, I find, however, did not succeed. But Samsung has not exclusive. Here, however, some manufacturers have made significant steps forward. In my paintings appears when using the AWB significant fringing that disappear after the manual adjustment to daylight or Fade Out.
The white balance is also as with the full-blown DSLR models, finely adjustable. The color fringes have the light just stronger optics are mentioned rather tend to produce these.
I am disappointed by the noise performance of the EX 1. It is located at about 3 LX level. . As I had expected better from 1.7 "CCD sensor and two years of development difference for Panasonic Translated this means: At ISO 400, noise is visible above it is unsightly I had not expected so unfortunately this can be through a.. not correct other settings. The EX 1 playful here the advantage of its powerful optical. To be honest, however, must be said here that this "whining at a high level" is. Even a LX3 brings very considerable on the monitor.
Although the operating concept and the processing convinced the EX 1 leaves to myself a mixed impression.
short and sweet
Positive:
+ Processing and haptics
Ergonomics +
+ Operating Concept
+ Powerful and almost distortion-free optics
+ Zoom range
+ Equipment (RAW, white balance fine tuning, etc)
+ Display
+ Delivery with belt, strap, cover, etc.
+ AF
Negatives:
- Noise performance
- Starting price is relatively high
- No manual in Print version
My conclusion: The Samsung is no snapshot clippers. She wants to be learned. She wants to show what they can. This is only possible when one deals with it. Good equipment to it has. I found the Samsung EX 1 but not completely convinced. Samsung is known for rework and firmware default. I'm curious.
A star at the expense of price and image quality.
