Samsung GX 10 is the camera I bought couple of months ago and it is my first digital SLR camera. After taking photos using hybrid one (Minolta A1 DiMage) I finally came back to SLR one, that time digital one. I decided to buy new camera very quickly, when CCD sensor in my Minolta A1 died in effect of structural defect. I was thinking about a few models, from Sony Alpha 100, Nikion D 40 and similar models. Finally I have decided to buy Samsung GX 10 or Pentax K10. There was couple of reasons. First of all both Samsung Gx10 and Pentax K10 (actually it is almost the same model, let me say twin cameras) have fully manual body with knobs for thumb and for forefinger, actually all of the functions and adjustments have dedicated button or knob, or at least are quickly accessible. I am taking photos only in full manual mode and I need to have quick access to all adjustments (cheap Nikon D40 has no forefinger knob). The second reason was very good quality of the photos and very good marks in the reviews of the camera. Actually the only problem is the low marks of the test of the darkness together with long times and high ISO modes. That test is conducted on very long time or B time whit the lens cap on. Despite that the night shots taken with the camera are marvellous. Other very important reasons why I bought Samsung GX 10 are: CCD cleaning system, magnesium body with silicone waterproof and dustproof seals, anti shake system and - one of the most important - wide range of lenses for Pentax SLR and dSLR cameras.
Samsung GX 10 is equipped with lens Schneider-Kreuznach D-XENON 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6. The kit lens is ok and suits me fine mostly.
Samsung GX 10 is an excellent camera with lot of features and modes that make that camera more prof than amateur, and it is not only my opinion. Here is a short quote of Samsung GX 10 review taken from E Photo Zine (http://www.ephotozine.com/article/Samsung-GX10): The GX10, being the same as Pentax’s K10D, proves that the SLR market is no longer safely ruled by Canon and Nikon. As you see from the specifications above, the Samsung GX10 offers a product that will not only satisfy enthusiasts, but also many pros. It sits in a price point that includes Canon’s EOS30D and Nikon’s D80, yet it has features, such as waterproof seals, that bring it closer to the pro-spec Canon EOS5D or Nikon D200.
Technical specification after (E Photo Zine:
http://www.ephotozine.com/article/Samsung-GX10):
- Effective Pixels: 10.2Mp
- Lens Mount: Pentax K-AF2
- Image Sensor: CCD, 23.5 x 15.7 mm
- Image Sizes: 3872×2592, 3008×2000, 1824×1216
- ISO Sensitivity: 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600 in steps of 1EV
- Storage Media: SD, SDHC compliant
- Storage System: DNG (RAW), 12-bit compression
- File System: Exif 2.21, Compliant DCF 2.0 and DPOF
- White Balance: Auto (TTL white-balance with 420-pixel RGB sensor), six manual modes with fine-tuning and preset white balance
- LCD Monitor: 2.5-in TFT LCD with brightness adjustment and wide angle view
- Focus Area: 11 point TTL autofocus
- AF Modes: Single Area AF, Continuous AF and manual
- Exposure Metering: 16-segment (coupled with lens and AF information) Multi, Center-weighted, Spot.
- Exposure Modes: AUTO SCN, Normal, Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Moving Object, Night scene Portrait, Flash off, Manual, Bulb Programmed Auto (P) with flexible program; Shutter-Priority Auto (S); Aperture Priority Auto (A); Manual (M)
- Exposure Compensation: ±3 EV in increments of 1/3 EV
- Shooting Modes: Single frame, Continuous (approx. 3fps), Self-timer, Delayed remote mode: 2sec delay.
- Shutter speed: 30sec to 1/4000sec in steps of 1/3 EV, bulb
- Hotshoe: flash synchronisation at up to 1/180sec.
- Flash Control: Auto, Manual, Auto/Red-eye reduction, Manual/Red-eye reduction. Wireless sync with optional SEF-54PZF, SEF-36PZF flash guns
- Built in flash: Guide No. 11 (ISO100/m)
- Weight: 710g (body)
- Other feature: Dust free (image sensor vibration system) Shake Reduction
