First Impressions
First Impressions are typically the most important ones right? When looking over the Samsung EX1’s specifications, the box itself it ensures that this particular compact digital camera will be fun to play with. Upon taking the camera out of the box you will notice that the metal casing feels strong and well constructed. Granted you will still not want to purposely drop it, but it is a nice change from typical plastic bodied compact digital cameras.
The black metal body doesn’t attract any weird attention and it just fits nicely in ones hand. With dials easily located for your index finger and thumb, navigating between menu options or changing settings is relatively easy too.
Once the included lithium battery was fully charged, it was time to play with the camera itself.
The articulated OLED (AMOLED) rear display is a thing of beauty; bright, clear and colourful. Navigating the menu with such a beautiful display made it more fun to use. When not in use you can swivel it around to face inwards to protect the screen as well.
The articulated display also allows you to take photos from awkward angles with still being able to see what you are shooting. You can place the camera way above your head, point the screen down towards you and get above the crowd type shots. You can easily position the screen and take self-portraits as while facing the lens of the camera, you can easily see the display to ensure you’re lining up your face.
One big feature that I think camera manufactures should look into, and Samsung has, is the usage of larger apertures. In the case of the Samsung EX1 it offers a F1.8-2.4 aperture. This means that at the 24mm (35mm equiv) range you will be able to use the large aperture of F1.8, which is great for low light situations, or to blur out that background from your subject. Too bad when you start to zoom in, the aperture has to change too. Though the ability to be able to shoot at an aperture of F1.8 is just a great feature. Couple that with the ability to shoot at ISO 3200 and you have the potential for great low-light indoor photos (such as at concerts).
The Samsung EX1 being geared towards the enthusiasts of photography who don’t really want to carry around a bulky dSLR offer two easily accessible dials. These two dials (located at the top of the camera) allow you to select the different drive modes or access to different exposures.
Another neat feature for those who are a bit more into photography than the average person is the included hotshoe (protected by a removable cover). The hotshoe allows you to attach and use an external flash, such as the Samsung ED-SEF20A or even remote triggers. Of course those who do not wish to use such an external flash can still utilize the built-in pop-up flash that offers a range of up to 5.1 meters in Auto ISO mode.