Samsung EX1 / TL500

480 reviews

Jun, 2025

Positive
performance (182)
usability (102)
portability (97)
lens (87)
screen (86)

Negative
battery (22)
flash (9)
shutter (6)
viewfinder (6)
connectivity (1)

General overview
Price comparison

alaTest has collected and analyzed 480 reviews of Samsung EX1 / TL500. The average rating for this product is 4.3/5, compared to an average rating of 4.3/5 for other Digital Compact Cameras for all reviews. People really like the screen and lens. The usability and portability are also appreciated. Many are negative about the connectivity and shutter, and the contrast and focus get mixed opinions.

performance, portability, usability, lens, screen

battery, flash, shutter, connectivity

We analyzed user and expert ratings, product age and more factors. Compared to other Digital Compact Cameras the Samsung EX1 / TL500 is awarded an overall alaScore™ of 91/100 = Excellent quality.

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Review analysis

(Based on 480 reviews)

Expert Reviews

User Reviews

Review Ratings

(46% of reviews)
Show all 5 star reviews (41% of reviews)
Show all 4 star reviews (10% of reviews)
Show all 3 star reviews (1% of reviews)
Show all 2 star reviews (3% of reviews)
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Features

performance
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portability
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usability
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lens
Show positive (76%)Show negative (24%)(Show all)

screen
Show positive (96%)Show negative (4%)(Show all)

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Showing 176 review(s)

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Showing 1 - 84 of 176 Show Reviews: in English | in other languages (303)

Consumer review (amazon.co.uk)

Amazon.co.uk review summary for Samsung EX1 / TL500

alaTest has collected and analyzed 22 user reviews of Samsung EX1 / TL500 from Amazon.co.uk. The average user rating for this product is 4.6/5, compared to an average user rating of 4.3/5 for other Digital Compact Cameras on Amazon.co.uk. Comments about the screen and image quality are generally positive. The performance and usability also get good feedback. Many are critical about the durability.

portability, usability, performance, image quality, screen

durability

95% of the reviews on Amazon.co.uk give this product a positive rating.

Jun, 2025

Consumer review (amazon.com)

Amazon.com review summary for Samsung EX1 / TL500

alaTest has collected and analyzed 52 user reviews of Samsung EX1 / TL500 from Amazon.com. The average user rating for this product is 3.6/5, compared to an average user rating of 4.2/5 for other Digital Compact Cameras on Amazon.com.

75% of the reviews on Amazon.com give this product a positive rating.

Jun, 2025

Expert review by : Cliff Smith (trustedreviews.com)

Samsung EX1

Samsung's impressive semi-pro compact takes on the G12 and LX5.

Very fast lens ; Easy to use ; Very good image quality

Limited resolution ; Annoying shutter control ; Disappointing noise control

The Samsung EX1 is an outstanding camera by any standard, offering superior performance, build quality and handling, a high level of creative control and a good range of useful features. Under most circumstances its image quality is also superb,...

Dec, 2010

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Expert review by : Gary Wolstenholme (techradar.com)

Samsung EX1 review

A compact camera geared up for low light shooting

3-inch rotating AMOLED screen ; Manual exposure control ; Raw image recording ; Bright f/1.8 lens ; Good build quality

Red channel noise in shadow areas above ISO 800 ; Slow continuous shooting speed ; Fiddly rear control dial

Whereas it used to be the number of pixels by which digital cameras were judged, the emphasis has shifted to how well cameras cope in low light conditions. The Samsung EX1 - known as the TL500 in the US - costs around £300 or US $430 and includes a...

Dec, 2011

Partner Source

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Expert review by : Gavin Stoker (t3.com)

Samsung EX1 review

High-performance compact at great price

Nov, 2011

Partner Source

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Expert review by : PC Advisor (techadvisor.co.uk)

Samsung EX1 review

The Samsung EX1 is a compact digital camera that caters to the needs of professionals and enthusiast photographers, yet it's not expensive.

Apr, 2011

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Expert review by : Tim Moynihan, pcworld.com (techadvisor.co.uk)

Samsung TL500 review

Like the Canon PowerShot G12, the Samsung TL500 comes equipped with a flip-and-rotate screen to help with odd-angle shots. Like the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX5, it offers an ultra-wide-angle 24mm lens (and a separate lens cap). And like the Nikon Coolpix...

The Samsung TL500 is an excellent camera, and its F1.8 maximum aperture and OLED screen are excellent in a camer of this type. But usability issues make it less than ideal for both novices and expert users.

Feb, 2011

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Expert review by : Amateur Photographer (amateurphotographer.co.uk)

Samsung EX1 review

If Samsung's aim in producing this less-than-mass-market model is to boost the value of its brand within the ‘serious' photographic sector, I'd say the company has taken a massive step in the direction of success.The camera is really very good, and the...

Apr, 2014

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Expert review by : James Cumpsty (reghardware.co.uk)

Samsung EX1 compact camera

Review While Samsung's NX100 APS-C sensor camera is making life difficult for those deciding on compact EVIL shooter, the company's considerably cheaper EX1 is beginning to look like a bargain these days. Shop around and you can pick it up for under...

Built like you remember the most expensive rangefinder cameras of old, the EX1 is a heavy, armoured beauty in gun metal grey and is the most rugged camera I have picked up. What must have started out as an enthusiast's retro styled project, must...

Jan, 2011

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Expert review by : Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla (canadianreviewer.com)

Review: Samsung EX1 10 Megapixel camera

The digital era of photography has done a fine job of re-creating the SLR (Single Lens Reflex) camera, but what about the equally awesome, yet inexpensive rangefinder? Samsung's EX1 looks like very good place to start. Check our review after the break.

Dec, 2010

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Expert review by : Gavin Stoker (best4reviews.com)

Samsung EX1 digital camera review

Is Samsung's high performance EX1 its best non interchangeable lens camera ever? Read our Best4Reviews.com test to find out...

Vivid AMOLED back screen that also tilts and swivels, bright f/1.8 lens, tank-like strength via solid-feel metal construction, Raw capture, ISO3200 at full (10MP) resolution

Pricey compared to most digital compacts, modest (3x) optical zoom range, standard definition video capture only

Though we’re writing this before taking a look at its new NX100 model, the EX1 has got to be the most impressive digital camera Samsung has produced to date, whether true compact or DSLR-styled mirror-less hybrid model. OK, so it’s not set itself as...

Dec, 2010

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Expert review by : Michael Joubert (techsmart.co.za)

Samsung EX1

Samsung is taking on some tough competition with their EX1, a top of the range compact with an excellent f1.8 lens.

The Samsung EX1’s f1.8 lens kicks other cameras’ back-ends and is especially welcome for portrait photography, while it is also sufficiently wide at a very decent 24 mm. With good low-light abilities, strong build quality and a gorgeous 3” AMOLED...

Nov, 2010

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