Samsung GX-1S Review

Name: Samsung GX-1S
Brand: Samsung

Select a Camera to Compare

Add a Camera for comparison

Main Features

6MP - APS-C CCD Sensor

ISO 200 - 3200

2.50" Fixed Type Screen

Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder

3.0fps continuous shooting

605g. 125 x 93 x 66 mm

CHECK PRICE

Samsung GX-1S Overview

Launched in January 2006 , Samsung GX-1S is a 6.0MP Advanced DSLR camera with a APS-C (23.5 x 15.7 mm ) sized CCD sensor and Pentax KAF lens mount.

Samsung GX-1S Review - Click for Table of Contents

Overview
Pros and Cons
Lens Mount and Lenses
Sensor and Photography Features
Physical Specs
LCD and Viewfinder
Connectivity, Storage and Battery
Other Features
Photography Type Scores
Alternatives
Popular Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Detailed Specifications

Samsung GX-1S is a member of Samsung's Advanced DSLR class cameras. Below you can see the latest models in this class and how their main specs have changed with each new model.

Samsung Advanced DSLR Series History

Model	Release Date	Sensor	Max FPS	Dimensions	Weight
Samsung GX-20 Compare	2008	15.0MP - APS-C	3.0 fps	142 x 101 x 72mm	800g
Samsung GX-10 Compare	2006	10.0MP - APS-C	3.0 fps	142 x 101 x 70mm	793g
Samsung GX-1L Compare	2006	6.0MP - APS-C	3.0 fps	125 x 93 x 66mm	570g
Samsung GX-1S	2006	6.0MP - APS-C	3.0 fps	125 x 93 x 66mm	605g

Check the link below to compare specs of the latest cameras in this series side-by-side:
Samsung GX-20 vs GX-10 vs GX-1L vs GX-1S

Alternative Model names found for Samsung GX-1S: GX1S, GX 1S and GX 1 S.

**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Samsung GX-1S PROs and CONs Review

Now let's get in to more details of our Samsung GX-1S review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

PROs

Optical Built-in Viewfinder

11 Focus Points

Top LCD Display

Flash Sync Port

Report a correction

Buy Samsung GX-1S from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO

CONs

No Wireless Connection

No Sensor shift Image Stabilization

No Articulating Screen

No Full HD Video

No Touch Screen

No Face Detection Focusing

Low Resolution Sensor: 6.0MP

Max Sensitivity only ISO 3.200

Small LCD Screen ( 2.50")

Low Screen Resolution ( 210kdots )

Slow Continuous Shooting: 3.0fps

No Environmental Sealing

No AF Micro Adjustment

Report a correction

Samsung GX-1S Physical Specs

Samsung GX-1S weighs 605 g (1.33 lb / 21.34 oz) and has external dimensions of 125 x 93 x 66 mm (4.92 x 3.66 x 2.6″). Considering that the average weight of DSLR type cameras is 773g, Samsung GX-1S is a remarkably light camera for its class. With a thickness of 66mm, it has an average thickness for its class.

Weight Comparison

DSLR Cameras

Samsung GX-1S

Min

Average

Max

Thickness Comparison

DSLR Cameras

Samsung GX-1S

Min

Average

Max

In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Samsung GX-1S, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.

Physical size of the Samsung GX-1S Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery

Below you can find the comparison of the weight and thickness of Samsung GX-1S with its main competitors:

Samsung GX-1S Size Compared to Main Competitors

Model	Weight	vs GX-1S	Thickness	vs GX-1S
Samsung GX-1L Compare	570g	35g lighter	66mm	equal thickness
Nikon D5 Compare	1415g	810g heavier	92mm	26mm thicker
Nikon D60 Compare	522g	83g lighter	64mm	2mm thinner
Canon 5D MIV Compare	890g	285g heavier	76mm	10mm thicker
Olympus E-M1 II Compare	574g	31g lighter	67mm	1mm thicker
Fujifilm S1 Pro Compare	820g	215g heavier	80mm	14mm thicker
Samsung GX-10 Compare	793g	188g heavier	70mm	4mm thicker
Canon 77D Compare	540g	65g lighter	76mm	10mm thicker

Weather Sealing

Samsung GX-1S doesn't have any environmental sealings on its body so you got to be extra careful to protect it against water and dust. If you shoot under these conditions very often, consider checking Top DSLR Cameras with Weather Sealing page.

Samsung GX-1S Lens Mount and Lenses

Samsung GX-1S has a Pentax KAF lens mount and currently there are 161 native lenses available for this mount. Samsung DSLRs use the Pentax K mount and Pentax K mount has backward compatibility for all the K mount lenses produced since 1975 so Pentax users has access to a large selection of manual era native lenses in addition to the modern AF lenses.

Samsung GX-1S doesn't have a sensor based image stabilization system but 13 of these lenses already comes with Optical Image Stabilization.

Weather-sealed Lenses for Samsung GX-1S

There are 27 lenses with weather sealing for Samsung GX-1S but bear in mind that GX-1S body doesn't have weather sealings.

Here are some of the most popular Samsung GX-1S Lenses on Camera Decision:

Popular Pentax KAF Mount Lenses for Samsung GX-1S

Model	Focal Length equiv.	Coverage	Weight	Focusing	Street Price
Pentax D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6 ED DC AW	225-675mm	35mm FF	2000gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 150-500mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM	225-750mm	35mm FF	1780gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
HD Pentax DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR	82.5-450mm	APS-C / DX	466gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
Pentax DA 16-50mm F2.8 ED PLM AW	24-75mm	APS-C / DX	712gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
Pentax smc DA 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED WR	75-300mm	APS-C / DX	285gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE	27-75mm	APS-C / DX	158gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE	82.5-450mm	APS-C / DX	471gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
Pentax smc DA 18-270mm F3.5-6.3 ED SDM	27-405mm	APS-C / DX	453gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo

Here you can find the lenses that are compatible with GX-1S classified by suitability to certain photography types:

Check our Samsung GX-1S Lenses page for more detailed lens search.

Samsung GX-1S Sensor and Photography Features

Samsung GX-1S has a 6.0MP APS-C (23.5 x 15.7 mm ) sized CCD sensor . You can shoot at maximum resolution of 3008 x 2008 pixels with aspect ratios of and 3:2. GX-1S has a native ISO range of 200 - 3200 and it can save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

Samsung GX-1S is not the highest resolution APS-C camera. Fujifilm X-T5 with its 40.2MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Samsung GX-1S vs Fujifilm X-T5 or take a look at Highest resolution DSLR cameras list.

Let's look at how the size of the Samsung GX-1S's APS-C sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

Comparison image of Samsung GX-1S Sensor Size with other standard sensors

Samsung GX-1S LCD and Viewfinder

Samsung GX-1S has a Fixed Type 2.50-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 210k dots. At only 2.50", the screen is on the smaller side and 210kdot resolution is lower than most of the recent models in this class.

Unfortunately Samsung GX-1S doesn't have a Selfie friendly screen. If this feature is important for your shooting style, check here the list of Best DSLR Cameras with Selfie Friendly LCD screen.

GX-1S has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder, making it easier to shoot in direct sunlight and in other situations where it might be difficult to view the LCD monitor. The viewfinder has a coverage of 95% and a magnification ratio of 0.64x. 95% coverage means that what you see in your viewfinder while shooting will slightly be different from the actual image.

Samsung GX-1S Connectivity, Storage and Battery

Samsung GX-1S has a USB 1.0 (1.5 Mbit/sec) port to connect your camera to other devices.

Samsung GX-1S Features Compared to Main Competitors

Model	Max Video	Battery Life	Wi-fi	Bluetooth	NFC
Samsung GX-1L Compare	None	shots	No	No	No
Nikon D5 Compare	3840 x 2160	3780shots	No	No	No
Nikon D60 Compare	None	500shots	No	No	No
Canon 5D MIV Compare	4096 x 2160	900shots	Yes	No	Yes
Olympus E-M1 II Compare	4096 x 2160	350shots	Yes	No	No
Fujifilm S1 Pro Compare	None	shots	No	No	No
Samsung GX-10 Compare	None	shots	No	No	No
Canon 77D Compare	1920 x 1080	600shots	Yes	Yes	Yes

Samsung GX-1S Other Features

Max Shutter speed

Samsung GX-1S can shoot continuously at max speed of 3 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/4000 sec.

Flash

GX-1S has a built-in flash, and it also has a flash shoe to mount your external flashes too.

Focusing

Samsung GX-1S features a Phase Detection autofocusing system. The AF system has 11 points to choose from.

What type of Photography is Samsung GX-1S Good for?

In this section, we review and score Samsung GX-1S in 5 different photography areas.

Samsung GX-1S for Portrait Photography

Samsung GX-1S has a score of 42 for Portrait Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Portrait is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top DSLR Cameras for Portrait Photography list.

Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.7 mm) sensor
Optical Built-in Viewfinder

Good Ergonomics&Handling

Read the details of how we scored Samsung GX-1S for Portrait Photography

Samsung GX-1S for Street Photography

Samsung GX-1S has a score of 42 for Street Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Street is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top DSLR Cameras for Street Photography list.

Optical Built-in Viewfinder

Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.7 mm) sensor

Read the details of how we scored Samsung GX-1S for Street Photography

Samsung GX-1S for Sports Photography

Samsung GX-1S has a score of 68 for Sports Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Sports Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 DSLR Cameras for Sports Photography list.

Fast Max shutter speed: 1/4000s
11 Focus Points

Good Ergonomics&Handling
Optical Built-in Viewfinder

Read the details of how we scored Samsung GX-1S for Sports Photography

Samsung GX-1S for Daily Photography

Samsung GX-1S has a score of 49 for Daily Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Daily is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top DSLR Cameras for Daily Photography list.

Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.7 mm) sensor

Read the details of how we scored Samsung GX-1S for Daily Photography

Samsung GX-1S for Landscape Photography

Samsung GX-1S has a score of 27 for Landscape Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape We strongly recommend you to check our Top DSLR Cameras for Landscape Photography list and consider these alternatives over theGX-1S.

Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.7 mm) sensor

Read the details of how we scored Samsung GX-1S for Landscape Photography

Samsung GX-1S Alternatives

In this section, we analyse how Samsung GX-1S compares with other DSLR cameras within a similar price range.

Read a more detailed analysis of Samsung GX-1S alternatives.

Popular Comparisons of Samsung GX-1S

Here are the eight most popular comparisons of the Samsung GX-1S amongst Camera Decision readers.

Compare

Compare

Compare

Compare

Compare

Compare

Compare

Compare

Samsung GX-1S Alternatives in Mirrorless Cameras

It would also be interesting to compare Samsung GX-1S with Mirrorless Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked Mirrorless cameras in Samsung GX-1S's price range.

Compare

Compare

Compare

Compare

Compare

Compare

Compare

Compare

Samsung GX-1S Conclusion and Scores

Currently, Samsung GX-1S has an Overall Score of 38/100 which is based on our evaluation of 69 different technical parameters. Our scores are dynamically updated whenever a new camera is added to our database or when we change our ranking algorithm and the maximum score is always 100. Samsung GX-1S is ranked #195 out of 209 in DSLR cameras (Top 20 DSLR), and ranked #775 out of 1259 in all Cameras (Top 20 Overall).

#775 out of 1259 in Top Ranking Cameras
#195 out of 209 in Top Ranking DSLR Cameras
#83 out of 93 in Top Ranking Advanced DSLR Cameras
#254 out of 270 in Top Ranking APS-C Sensor Cameras
#29 out of 34 in Top Ranking Pentax KAF Lens Mount Cameras
#200 out of 379 in Largest Viewfinder Magnification Cameras (0.64x)
#62 out of 143 in Lightest DSLR Cameras with APS-C sensor(605g)
#450 out of 918 in Top Ranking Cameras with Fixed Type Screen
Geek Score: 0

Main Scores

Imaging

Features

Value for Money

Portability

Overall Score

Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras.

Frequently Asked Questions about Samsung GX-1S

Does the Samsung GX-1S have Image Stabilization?
Does the Samsung GX-1S have RAW support?
Does the Samsung GX-1S have Weather Sealing?
Does the Samsung GX-1S have built-in GPS?
What is the Max ISO of Samsung GX-1S?
What is the Sensor Size of Samsung GX-1S?
is the Samsung GX-1S a Full Frame (FF) camera?
Does the Samsung GX-1S have Touch Screen?
Does the Samsung GX-1S have built-in Wireless?
What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Samsung GX-1S?
What is the Weight of Samsung GX-1S?
What are the Dimensions of Samsung GX-1S?

Samsung GX-1S Detailed Specifications

General
Brand	Samsung
Model	Samsung GX-1S
Announced	2006-01-16
Body Type	Mid-size SLR
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount	Pentax KAF
Number of Lenses	161
Focal Length Multiplier	1.5×
Macro Focus Range	n/a
Screen
Screen Type	Fixed Type
Screen Size	2.50"
Screen Resolution	210k dots
Live View
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder	Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Resolution	no electronic viewfinder
Viewfinder Coverage	95%
Viewfinder Magnification	0.64x
Photography Features
Min Shutter Speed	30s
Max Mechanical Shutter Speed	1/4000s
Max Continuous Shooting	3.0 fps
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Exposure Compensation	Yes
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization
Built-in Flash
Flash Range	n/a
Max Flash Sync	1/180s
Flash Modes	Auto, On, Off, Red-eye reduction
External Flash
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Exposure Modes
Multi-Segment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF-Area
Center Weighted
DxO Sensor Scores
DxO Overall Score	not tested
DxO Color Depth	not tested
DxO Dynamic Range	not tested
DxO Low Light ISO	not tested
	Report a correction

Sensor
Sensor Type	CCD
Sensor Size	APS-C
Sensor Dimensions	23.5 x 15.7 mm
Sensor Area	368.95mm²
Sensor Resolution	6 megapixels
Max Image Resolution	3008 x 2008
Max Native ISO	3,200
Min Native ISO	200
RAW Support
Autofocus
AF Touch
AF Continuous
AF Single
AF Tracking
AF Selective
AF Center
AF Multi Area
AF Live View
AF Face Detection
AF Contrast Detection
AF Phase Detection
Number of Focus Points	11
Number of Cross Focus Points	Unknown
Video Features
Max Video Resolution	None
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity	None
HDMI
USB	USB 1.0 (1.5 Mbit/sec)
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Water Proof
Dust Proof
Shock Proof
Crush Proof
Freeze Proof
Weight	605g
Physical Dimensions	125 x 93 x 66mm
Battery Model	4 x AA
Other Features
Self Timer	Yes (2 or 12 sec)
Timelapse Recording
GPS	None
Storage Type	SD/MMC card
Storage Slots	1