A camera that has captivated my attention...the Samsung EX2F

Hey gang...

I realize that the overwhelming majority of postings on this site reflect the NX series of cameras. But I have to say that periodically an enthusiast compact comes along that although initially wasn't accepted by the masses, nevertheless has turned out to be quite an exceptional performer.

I'm referring to the Samsung EX2F. It wasn't a camera that was overwhelming accepted by the masses, but I believe this could easily become a "cult favorite."  I've become completely enamored with this model. Now keep in mind, I had (and still have) the privilege of shooting with a wealth of cameras - over 110 since 1998, so I've had my fill of enthusiast models. And I never comment about cameras I've not used.

A little bit less than a year ago I got a great deal on a new EX2F and when it arrived I was taken aback at the build quality, the ergonomics (how it felt in the hand), and subsequently...the superb IQ.

Now keep in mind, I'm shooting with the likes of the Fuji X-S and HS EXR series, the Canon G and S series, the Nikon P series, the Olympus XZ series, and the Panasonic LX series.  And I've been more than "stoked" with the performance levels of these cameras.  But the EX2F added another element into the mix that's often difficult to put into words.

To begin with, the build quality is fantastic - solid magnesium body.  It has a wealth of options and as far as I'm concerned has enough buttons and whistles to become totally functional.  It has the hot shoe for an external flash unit, and I also invested in the optional 3rd party barrel tube adapter to protect the lens and double as a lens hood (focusing on having as compact a camera as possible was not an issue here for me as I never put a camera in my pocket).

In the end it was in the IQ department (which is my main focus with every camera being used) that just had me smiling.  AF is exceptionally fast for a unit for a camera of this size, the high ISO capabilities are actually quite respectable for a camera with a 1/1.7" sensor, and yes...this baby shoots in RAW mode (my preferred image format).  Images have that rich Samsung color tonality (again, remember, I shoot in RAW only), and IMO, the clarity/definition of these 12 MP images appear to be superior to what I'm getting from "all" of the other brand enthusiast models alluded to above (current, modern 1" sensor models excluded since I don't have any of them at the moment).

OK so are there any areas of concern - of course there are!  But these could be classified as subjective.  For me there are two areas of concern, and they are:

1.  From what I've seen so far, being able to adjust the size of the AF focusing squares is not possible - you are left with a somewhat large imaging AF square (if somebody has figured out a way to do this, please let me know because I would love for it to be smaller), and...

2.  Sometimes - depending on scene - the EX2F has a tendency to overexpose.  As a result, I typically shoot at a -.3 exposure compensation level just to be safe.

Those are my only two issues (at the moment) - others may have more or less - but it's all subjective.  All I can say is that since I received the EX2F, I tend to reach for this baby more often than not when needing a compact enthusiast model and I don't say that lightly.  But for me, the performance level (IQ results) justify me saying that.

All I can say that is that highly recommend this camera - it ticks off most of my requirements for exceptional IQ.  It's an easy camera to use, shoot with, and hold.  It doesn't get in the way of capturing what you want to capture and quite frankly, IMO, I think it should have received many more kudos than it initially did when released.  Cameras come and go, but this one is staying in my collection - I definitely won't part with it, that's for sure.

Several weeks ago I took both the NX300 and the EX2F with me on a winery/vineyards touring trip to the Yadkin Valley region of North Carolina.  I shot many scenes simultaneously both with the NX300 and EX2F.  I've already posted some NX300 scenes, but here are some EX-2F images on the next posting for you to see.  Now again, the originals look superb and there's always some loss when converting to JPG for web purposes.  I typically post at a 1200 x ____ level, so that's what you'll see in these image samples.

All images were shot in RAW mode - taken at ISO 100 - 400, Aperture Priority Mode, AWB.  They were converted with Lightroom, and then converted to JPG at a 95% quality level using Irfanview (my preferred conversion software).  Unfortunately, when using Irfanview (I love it for everything exit EXIF retention), it strips away the EXIF data when converting from TIF to JPG's.

Images in the next posting...

Again - all images shot in RAW mode, Aperture Priority mode, AWB, from ISO 100 - 400.  Images converted with Lightroom and the sharpening settings there were:

Sharpening amount:  25

Radius:  1.0

Detail:  80

Mask:  35

NR:  20

The Jo Lo Vineyards winery building and restaurant with Pilot Mountain in the background.  Located 15 minutes south of Mt. Airy (which was the model for the mythical town of Mayberry in the old Andy Griffith television series show back in the 60's).  This winery is absolutely gorgeous - both for the exquisite taste of the wines, but also for the ambience.  If you're in this area, please check them out.

Driving up to the Jones-von Drehle Vineyards in Thurmond, NC.  This place reminded me of my original home of the Bavarian Alps.  Both the wines and scenery were captivating.

On the patio/verandah area of the Jones-von Drehle vineyards, looking back down into the valley.  Talk about just wanting to sit there with some cheese and a glass of red wine - wow, you could stay here for hours.

The lobby of the Fairfield Inn in Elkin, NC (where we stayed).  This Inn has won lots of awards and they have a proclivity to decorate as much as possible.  When you walk into the lobby, this is what you will see around Christmas time.  And they do a wonderful job of it.  We consistently stay here due to the atmosphere, service, types of rooms, great breakfast offering (free), and the fact it's directly in the center of the wine touring country.  Very convenient.

Another view of the Jo Lo Vineyards in Pilot Mountain.  Imagine sitting here on this Gazebo just enjoying a bottle of Cabernet.....

As is always the case, Mt. Airy (Mayberry) has become a destination spot for us.  The actor Andy Griffith was born here and this is the town they used for the model of Mayberry on the Andy Griffith TV series that ran in the 60's and 70's.  Many of the folks here often refer to themselves as "Mayberry" residents.  Here's a street scene taken of Main street in old downtown Mt. Airy.

Although it was "nippy" outside - around 42 degrees F - these old timers didn't balk at the temperature as they concentrated on their game of chess.

If you're in Mt. Airy, you just have to stop by "Miss Angels Heavenly Pies" located on Main Street.  The pastries and pies they serve here will knock your socks off.  Very rich and served in an ideal setting, this will soon become a destination spot if you visit here.  Their pies are to die for!!!!

Remember "Floyd" from Floyd's barber shop on the Andy Griffith show.  Well, here's the original Floyd's City Barber Shop - the one they used as a model.  And yes, the original Floyd, who is now over 90 years old, still comes here to cut hair.

When in Mt. Airy, you'll see these old period (60's) police cars (as were used on the Andy Griffith show).  They are really tour vehicles.  The drivers are dressed up as police officers from the Andy Griffith show while they drive you around Mt. Airy.

Again, getting back to the wonderful Fairfield Inn in Elkin, NC, here's their breakfast room.  The one thing I've noticed about the EX2F is that it has plenty of DR for an enthusiast camera and I've been able to save many a highlight from blown out areas - which is very impressing.

Driving down the main entrance road to the Jones von-Drehle vineyards in Thurmond, NC.

Again - regarding DR - here's a photo taken of the Breakfast serving room at the Fairfield Inn.  The original image had the window/door area completely blown out.  After all, it was very dark to the right and blown out by the window.  But when you shoot in RAW, there's plenty of information there.  Again, I'm so impressed with this camera.

And finally, if you're visiting the Yadkin Valley region of North Carolina to see the many wineries there (over 70 in this region alone), you must stay here - you'll love it.  The Fairfield Inn in Elkin, NC.

OK - the tour has ended.  Have a great day!

Cracking pics

Still loving my EX1 after nearly 4 years

The EX1 slightly over exposes too , I have ev sey -0.3 or 0.7

An interesting review, and one that concurs in many parts with my experience of the EX1. While I wish Samsung every success, particularly with the NX1, it's nice to see a non-NX1 thread here too.

I view. This site on a retina screen ipad. Viewing the photos as they appear on the Dpreview post is a lackluster result.

however tapping view original provides an entirely different IQ. I would urge anyone viewing photos on DP to view the originals. Makes a world of difference?

I've never been impressed with the latest format in which DPreview displays images.  Previously - a few years back - one would only have to copy and paste the image links into the body of the postings (no special "insert" command menus).  This result (back then) was a direct path (and clearer view) of the image.  It was a simple, yet effective way to display an image.

With this new method, it's ridiculous how images first appear on your screen.  You have to click on the image to see the larger version now-a-days.

Some of the reasons I post (on any forum) is to either contribute information, ask questions, or to post relevant IQ data on a particular camera (hoping that it may help someone else in their decision about a camera).  I know after posting this about the EX2F that there will be a few folks who are now looking online to purchase one.  It's the nature of the game.

But eventually, if the NX series really takes hold, DPReview may have to have both a separate NX forum and a Samsung regular forum (thus allowing compact users to post there if need be).

Greynerd wrote:

Sensor sizes just do not mix in a forum. Full frame and aps-c is creating tensions in E mount already. Also this forum here has suffered in the past from a very aggressive troll who should not be named signing on after bans with multiple names who would attack any compact posters head on over IQ. I remember one guy who proudly posted his first set of pictures from his compact and just never came on the forum again.

This was an extreme example of the pressure constantly on those with what some perceive as lesser equipment. Here we have a rare EX2f thread used to post an irrelevant top line camera image for the helluva it and wondering why the forum is dead. Have no illusions about it photography is very much a competitive sport in DPR.

Good post / good points.  It's definitely the case that this is a much more gear-oriented forum where relevant discussions are about IQ, resolution, speed, technical skill, post-processing skill, etc.  Not so much about just having fun with the equipment you've got.  I'm pro squeezing out the best out of currently owned gear and continued support for it (on that note, I'm a bit sad that the brand new NX1 already got a new iOS app all for itself for batch file transfer and such, and the rest of the cameras just have the original Samsung Smart Camera app, which doesn't really work for me for file transfer--just hangs on transferring and nothing happens).

Come to think of it, for a long time I laughed at Canon when they released the M - thinking, "it's kind of late to the game, isn't it?"  But then a year ago I saw a deal on the M with 18-55 lens for $250 and I pounced on it, thinking, "what the hell...I can always sell it again, if need be."

Well, after the firmware update (speeding up the AF), I was very surprised at the quality of the IQ I was getting.  So yes, being the camera whore that I've been since 1998, it too is staying in my collection as it has surprised me many times with the quality of the images I've attained with it.  Will be curious to see what Canon will now do in the mirrorless market.  Word has it they are going to now focus a huge effort (and they have tremendous R&D and manufacturing capabilities) on the expansion of the M line.  Announcements should begin in January/February of the upcoming year.

I just look at all of this as "good for us" because competition means better prices and more choices.  It forces manufacturers to rethink what they've been doing.

Ben Herrmann wrote:

just look at all of this as "good for us" because competition means better prices and more choices. It forces manufacturers to rethink what they've been doing.

Definitely, competition is good (polite and ethical, of course!)

...why it is so perplexing that both the EX1 and EX2 didn't receive their due upon their release time cycles.  But that's often the case, meaning that if the cameras weren't made by either Canon or Nikon, then why bother.

But that's OK, because as is often the case, some cameras (regardless of brand) - that may not have had their due during their life-cyles - have now become cult favorites.  I recommend again to anyone that may be interested - snap this camera up before they disappear.  You won't be disappointed.

Very nice images,  Ben. Impressive white balance with the interior shots.

I agree that the EX/TL series was underrated. I still use the earlier EX1 when I want to travel light. Its output remains very respectable and the processed raw files print well at least up to 12" by 16".

Two interior shots (taken 2012 regardless if what exif indicates).

http://www.pbase.com/jmelillo/image/144763357.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/jmelillo/image/144763357.jpg

Corrected link: ihttp://www.pbase.com/jmelillo/image/148691912.jpg