Samsung TL500 user reviews

Pros - Awesome Schneider-Kreuznach lens
- Great AMOLED rotating display
- Superb construction
- Photo quality is outstanding
- A vatiery of accesories is available
- RAW format support
- Dinamic Range, 9 art filter bracketing, and accurate auto mode.

Cons - Extremely poor video quality
- Short battery life
- Accesories are expensive
- Can't shoot RAW in constinuous mode

Summary After trying the different high-end enthusiast "compacts" from the other companies, I settled for the Samsung TL500/EX1 and I'm sure it was the best desition. The body, contrary to what the reviewer said, is smartly designed, even to my huge hands. The f1.8 Schneider-Kreuznach lens are bright and along with the larger than average CCD sensor produces absolutely beautiful photos. Doesn't offer the same background separation as a DSLR, but it is still really good.

The rotating AMOLED display has the highest quality of the high-end compacts, both in size, construction quality, contrast, and color reproduction. The function dial is pretty convenient too, as well as other features not expected on a non-DSLR. Although there are not as many "fun" features usually found of ultracompacts, this shouldn't be an issue if you're in the market for a camera like this. The menus are zippy, easy to read, understand, and navigate.

The smart range function offers good results but works best when using a tripod. The camera offers on-camera editing after taking the shot and the gallery shows picstures in a timeline format. The shutter speed can be set up to 16 seconds so it is a good choice if you're interested in night photography. In my experience, the noise is in control up to ISO 800, then it starts to be pretty obvios, and ISO 1600 and 3200 are only usable for medium sized prints if taken RAW and compensated heavily with Lightroom.

Now with what's no so good: VGA video capture (really?) that is not even so good for VGA standards, short battery life, and average pop-up flash.
What really hurts is the lack of a OVF, but it can be purchased separately (for a high price) as well as the lens conversion kit.

Pros wonderful build quality, bright AMOLED screen, fast Schneider lens

Cons infared remote control (try to find one)

Summary A review is such a subjective thing....
What is good for one. Might not work for the other.

However, having said that, I chose the EX1 (TL500 in the US) over the LX5, or the Nikon or Canon. Why? First off the EX1 just felt right in my hands. Everything felt right. Secondly, it felt much better put together than the LX5 or Nikon. The LX5 felt flimsy or cheap. (I had originally gone to the shops to confirm my opinion on what I had read ..... I was going to purchase a LX5). I was turned off by the 5s build.

I also really liked the bright AMOLED screen of the EX1. And it can flip or rotate. There has been many a time I wish I could do that. No more contorsions. Yes I would of liked a ELF. However, the one for the LX5 is just plain dull. A n optical viewfinder is better and clearer. I also purchased one for the EX1.

I have been very pleased with the clarity and contrast of the Schneider lens for the EX1. It may have a narrower zoom range than the LX5. However, that doesn't matter to me. About 86% of my shots are a max wide angle. With the Samsung I have a wider wide angle lens. One that is faster. The EX1 is also faster at max tele too!. For the time when I need that.

Yes the video might not be HD. However, I thought that's what a camcorder is for.

The EX1 may not be for everyone. What it has, has to fit. It has a super build, really great FAST lens, and a very bright screen (LX5 is dull by comparison). Try out the EX1. It is a great little camera.

Pros When I started working as a pro-photographer 35 years ago, we understood the 1st rule: lenses take pictures and cameras hold film. Now in the new digital age not much has changed. The lens alone on this camera is worth more than the purchase price.

Cons Bigger than I wanted. Doesn't matter. Video is poor -- so get a video camera.

Summary Bottom line is real easy: This camera takes superb still photos that easily put down the standard fair from the entry level DSLRs that cost three times as much. Any other faults it may have can therefore be forgiven.