Samsung TL 500 / EX1 review

Epimetheus said:
I feel the autofocus speed and shutter lag is about the same. I haven't notice any difference.

Rear dial on Samsung has click stops and is of much better quality than Canon.
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Since I have never tried the Canon S90, can you more specific about shutter lag? I had a Ricoh GX200 and the shutter lag could be very annoying.
 
kshapero said:
Since I have never tried the Canon S90, can you more specific about shutter lag? I had a Ricoh GX200 and the shutter lag could be very annoying.
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I haven't done any measurements but it feels as responsive as any other pocket cam. Now that I have shot more with it, I might think that S90 had a tiny bit faster auto focus and startup time. It's no where near DSLR territory but not bad either. I prefer M9 for street work ;)

If someone doesn't now what shutter lag is here's an explanation: http://www.dpreview.com/learn/?/Glossary/Camera_System/lag_time_01.htm
 
Viewfinders suck? - yeah right; just wait till you turn into a middle aged fart like me - you know, forgetting the reading glasses (+2,5 or more), camera out in arms length - even a 3" screen is small at that distance. Not to mention quite a few shaken (if not stirred) images. THEN viewfinders RULE - even the small crappy ones! :D

Nice pics BTW :)

Happy shooting!
 
Strongly considering this thing. I wish to hell it didn't use a lens cap, though. I want to be able to turn off a point and shoot and shove it directly in my pocket. Indeed, this is also the problem with the LX3 and presumably the forthcoming LX5.

Is there a really, really good digi point and shoot with a self-capping lens? That is as fast as 1.8???
 
Samsung TL500

Samsung TL500

Thanks for the samples/reviews with this camera. I've been searching for a good, compact camera--I have bought/sold Panasonic GF1, LX2, Oly E-P2, E-PL1, Ricoh GRD3, M8 (not so compact), and the new SONY NEX-5 cameras. While I like some aspects of each of these cameras, I was never completely satisfied. I haven't thought to look at Samsung, but based on your review and samples, it looks even better than the APS-C size sensor SONY NEX-5 (with kit lens). I've have some of the samples on Flickr,
http://www.flickr.com/photos/soelin/sets/72157624306458515/
 
it really is a great image maker and i am willing to overlook it's 'shortcomings' as a result.
 

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mabelsound said:
Strongly considering this thing. I wish to hell it didn't use a lens cap, though. I want to be able to turn off a point and shoot and shove it directly in my pocket. Indeed, this is also the problem with the LX3 and presumably the forthcoming LX5.

Is there a really, really good digi point and shoot with a self-capping lens? That is as fast as 1.8???
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Ricoh GRD3! 28mm f/1.9
 
Second the Ricoh GRD3. And on Ricoh's zooms they have an optional flower-petal lens cap that works wonderfully.

I tried the TL500 but not sure about it. I need more time with it to be fair, but my return window is closing soon.
 
The upcoming LX5 looks like an interesting competitor as well.

I ended up returning my TL500 because it didn't suit my style of shooting - I just don't get along well with digital compacts. Also I prefer normal perspectives, and I really disliked having to zoom to a normal focal length every time I turned on the camera.
 
OK. After going through the LX3, DP1, and GRDIII, and auditioning my wife's G12, I bought a TL500 in a kit from Adorama, with crap case, crap mini tripod, and SD card (a very good one, to my surprise) for $319. Initial impressions are shockingly good. Build quality is amazing--by far the most robust compact I've handled. EV comp is quick and simple...ergonomics are very good. Haven't examined the files yet but I'm sure they will be more than adequate. I'm really surprised by the thing overall.

We'll see if it goes the distance...
 
soelin said:
Thanks for the samples/reviews with this camera. I've been searching for a good, compact camera--I have bought/sold Panasonic GF1, LX2, Oly E-P2, E-PL1, Ricoh GRD3, M8 (not so compact), and the new SONY NEX-5 cameras. While I like some aspects of each of these cameras, I was never completely satisfied. I haven't thought to look at Samsung, but based on your review and samples, it looks even better than the APS-C size sensor SONY NEX-5 (with kit lens). I've have some of the samples on Flickr,
http://www.flickr.com/photos/soelin/sets/72157624306458515/
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I looked at the Samsung (and it was very nice, indeed), but concluded that it wasn't all that different than my Ricoh GX200 and certainly not up to par with my recently purchase Sony NEX for image quality.
 
I'm really glad my digital ixus has an optical view finder. I'm not sure I would want a compact without one. I don't use it unless it is so bright outside I can't see the screen but when I need it it sure is handy.
 
konicaman said:
Viewfinders suck? - yeah right; just wait till you turn into a middle aged fart like me - you know, forgetting the reading glasses (+2,5 or more), camera out in arms length - even a 3" screen is small at that distance. Not to mention quite a few shaken (if not stirred) images. THEN viewfinders RULE - even the small crappy ones! :D

Yeah right !.

I like the Canon G11 for a pocket camera, have also the G9 and recently a Panasonic G1, its just a bit big for a pocket tho mainly for hiking and cliff climbing. Started with the IXUS 400 then Nikon e5700.
Note they all have OVF I cannot handle a lcd screen in daylight and yes I agree all of the above PS's have a rotten VF BUT its better than none.
So all you young buggers enjoy the lcd whilst you can.
BTW I just clocked up 78 and mainly use DSLR''s and MF RB67, Mamiya Press, c330f etc.

cheers
ron
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