Samsung GX-20
14.6MP
$1,400, street, body only; $1,500 with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Schneider D-Xenon lens
The Buzz
This high-megapixel (thanks to Samsung's first DSLR chip), weather-resistant beast is a near-clone of the Pentax K20D.
The Lineup Now
The 10.2MP GX-10 ($650 street with kit lens) stays in the line. The 6.1MP GX-1S is gone.
New & Noteworthy
• Beefy weathersealed body.
• Live view with AF and manual focusing.
• Goes to ISO 6400.
• Self-cleaning sensor and dust mapping on the LCD for stubborn dirt. | |
• Shifting sensor can stabilize shots with any lens on the camera.
• Accurate, high-magnification viewfinder.
• Interchangeable focusing screens. |
Not So Hot
• Initial price set somewhat high.
• Records RAW only in Adobe DNG format.
• Live view must be first enabled in custom functions.
Our Take
Given past experience, the GX-20 should put up test results nearly identical to the Pentax K20D -- which would make it one very good camera.
Vital Stats
Autofocus: 3x3 grid of cross sensors plus linear sensor to either side.
LCD: 2.7-inch, 230,000-dot.
Burst: Up to 38 JPEGs at 3 fps; up to 16 RAW.
Storage: SD card.
Battery: Samsung Li-ion.
Sony Alpha 350
14.2MP
$800, estimated street, body only; $900 with 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Sony DT lens
The Buzz
Big megapixel number and best live view
in a DSLR to date.
The Lineup Now
Alpha 300, same camera but with a 10.2MP CCD, will sell for an estimated $700, body only, or $800 with kit lens. The 10.2MP Alpha 200 ($700 with same lens), a replacement for the Alpha 100, is the new base model.
New & Noteworthy
• Live view via a separate sensor provides autofocusing and lagless firing.
• Articulating LCD screen tilts up and down.
• Anti-dust cleaning system.
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• Dynamic Range Optimizer with selectable control levels.
• Eye-Start AF triggers focusing when you raise the camera to your eye.
• Sensor-shift stabilization has improved performance from previous models.
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Not So Hot
• 0.75X finder magnification is a little tunnel-visioned and on the dim side.
• Burst rate slows from 3 to 2.5 fps because of file size.
• LCD can't be turned to face inward.
Our take
Sony's live view without tears, tilt-a-screen, big fat resolution, and skinny little price make it the leader of this new pack.
Vital stats
Autofocus: 9-point AF, diamond pattern, center cross-type sensor, claimed 70% faster than previous version.
LCD: 2.7-inch, 690,000-dot.
Burst: 2.5 fps, to capacity of card for JPEGs, up to 6 RAW.
Storage: CF card, Memory Stick with adapter.
Battery: Sony InfoLITHIUM.
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