A few questions on the TL500/EX1....

Hi Gang:

Well, like typical Samsung fashion, US availability of their cameras takes what seems like an eternity. I've seen nothing in the US yet (from major vendors) showing they've got it in stock. This means that I may order one from Canada (Henry's, etc.) because they seem plentiful up there.

My questions are:

1. I've seen nothing in regards to being able to purchase additional/spare batteries. Any Canadian outlets that show the spare batteries?

2. I noticed that the flash hot shoe appears to be dedicated. What Samsung flash will fit that and enjoy TTL compatibility? Again, in typical Samsung fashion, I've seen nothing anywhere about a flash that meshes with the EX-1.

3. RAW conversion capabilities. Any software manufacturers out there providing RAW conversion for this model in their respective software? Since I shoot RAW only, having a good converter is important - but if the major ones won't support this camera because of its availability, etc., then why bother picking one up? Fuji is a good example of this as some of their otherwise excellent releases (that handle RAW) have never had their ORF files converted by the big ones out there (Adobe, Silkypix, Phase One, etc.).

Thanks...
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Also, is the EX-1 one of those cams where you charge the battery inside of the camera? Gosh, I hate those types and I always wind up getting an additional charger somewhere to handle that scenario.

Are there any OEM or 3rd party battery chargers that will take care of the EX-1 battery?

Thanks...
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Ben Herrmann said:

Hi Gang:

Well, like typical Samsung fashion, US availability of their cameras takes what seems like an eternity. I've seen nothing in the US yet (from major vendors) showing they've got it in stock. This means that I may order one from Canada (Henry's, etc.) because they seem plentiful up there.

My questions are:

1. I've seen nothing in regards to being able to purchase additional/spare batteries. Any Canadian outlets that show the spare batteries?

Click to expand...

The battery is not unique to the EX1/TL500; it's unsed by a number of other Samnsung cameras, and is easily available, sometimes at prices that are too-good-to-believe. I haven't ordered one yet.

Ben Herrmann said:

2. I noticed that the flash hot shoe appears to be dedicated. What Samsung flash will fit that and enjoy TTL compatibility? Again, in typical Samsung fashion, I've seen nothing anywhere about a flash that meshes with the EX-1.

Click to expand...

The hot shoe is dedicated to Samsung flashes. The User Manual says "Your camera is compatible with the following types of flash units: SEF20A, SEF42A." The number in each model name indicates the guide number.

Ben Herrmann said:

3. RAW conversion capabilities. Any software manufacturers out there providing RAW conversion for this model in their respective software? Since I shoot RAW only, having a good converter is important - but if the major ones won't support this camera because of its availability, etc., then why bother picking one up? Fuji is a good example of this as some of their otherwise excellent releases (that handle RAW) have never had their ORF files converted by the big ones out there (Adobe, Silkypix, Phase One, etc.).

Click to expand...

The EX1/TL500 comes with a RAW converter that's a version of the Silkypix. ACR does not support it yet, but I'm sure it will in due course. The Samsung/Silkypix converter is apparently quite good, but complex, and I'm not about to spend the time needed to master it. If you're already a Silkypix user, then no problem. For now, I'm quite satisfied with the jpegs (processed in ACR "As Camera Raw" as the first step).

Ben Herrmann said:

Thanks...
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Click to expand...

You're welcome!

Bob

See, for example, http://www.bestbatt.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=samsung+slb+11a&Extensive_Search=Y

This vendor is by no means the cheapest, but it's reliable.

Bob

Ben Herrmann said:

Also, is the EX-1 one of those cams where you charge the battery inside of the camera? Gosh, I hate those types and I always wind up getting an additional charger somewhere to handle that scenario.

Are there any OEM or 3rd party battery chargers that will take care of the EX-1 battery?

Thanks...
--

Click to expand...

Will order the camera and the optional battery charger...and, of course, a few extra batteries.
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