Sigma SD1 vs Samsung GX-1L

      Sigma SD1

      Samsung GX-1L
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      52
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      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Sigma SD1 and the Samsung GX-1L, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Sigma SD1 was introduced in September 2010 and Samsung GX-1L was introduced in February 2006. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Sigma SD1 Highlights

      • 15 MP APS-C CMOS (Foveon X3) Sensor
      • No Optical Low-pass Filter
      • 11 Focus Points (11 Cross-type)
      • 3.0" 460k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 5.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      • Wheather Sealed Body

      Samsung GX-1L Highlights

      • 6 MP APS-C CCD Sensor
      • 200 - 3,200 Native ISO
      • 5 Focus Points
      • 2.5" 210k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentamirror) Viewfinder
      • 2.8 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Sigma SD1
      4. Advantage of Samsung GX-1L
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Screen and Viewfinder
      7. Sensor
      8. Photography Features
      9. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
      10. Other Features
      11. Physical Parameters
      12. For Different Types of Photography
      13. Evaluations
      14. Specifications  

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Sigma SD1 and Samsung GX-1L.

      PROS

      Sigma SD1

      Samsung GX-1L

      •   Built-in Flash
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Built-in Flash

      CONS

      Sigma SD1

      Samsung GX-1L

      •   No Video Capture
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   2 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Video Capture
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 6 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   5 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.8 fps
      •   Low USB Speed
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Sigma SD1

      Samsung GX-1L

      •   Sensor Resolution - 15 Megapixel
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Weight - 790 g (1.74 lb / 27.87 oz)
      •   Screen Size - 2.5"
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec
      •   Weight - 570 g (1.26 lb / 20.11 oz)

      Advantage of Sigma SD1

      Sigma SD1
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sigma SD1 over Samsung GX-1L.

      Sigma SD1 vs Samsung GX-1L
      Higher Sensor Resolution 15 Megapixel vs 6 Megapixel
      Max Image Resolution 4800 x 3200 vs 3008 x 2008
      More Focus Points 11 vs 5
      Larger Screen 3.0" vs 2.5"
      Higher Resolution Screen 460k dot vs 210k dot
      Higher Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent) 0.63x vs 0.57x
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 5.0 fps vs 2.8 fps
      Multi-Segment Metering vs
      Center Weighted Metering vs
      Average Metering vs
      Higher USB Speed USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) vs USB 1.0 (1.5 Mbit/sec)
      Environmental Sealing vs

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Sigma SD1.

      Sigma SD10
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      3 MP

      Sigma SD1 Merrill
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      15 MP

      Sigma SD14
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      5 MP

      Sigma SD15
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      5 MP

      Sigma SD9
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      3 MP

      Pentax K-01
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      16 MP

      Canon Rebel T5
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      18.0 MP

      Olympus PEN E-P1
      Image cannot be found

      Micro Four Thirds

      12 MP

      Fujifilm X-S20
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      26.1 MP

      Sony ZV-E1
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      12.1 MP

      Samsung NX5
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      15 MP

      Olympus OM-D E-M5 III
      Image cannot be found

      Micro Four Thirds

      20.4 MP

      Advantage of Samsung GX-1L

      Samsung GX-1L
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Samsung GX-1L over Sigma SD1.

      Sigma SD1 vs Samsung GX-1L
      Selective Autofocus vs
      Top LCD Screen vs
      Lower Min Shutter Speed 15 sec vs 30 sec
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/2000 sec vs 1/4000 sec
      Built-in Microphone vs Stereo
      Lighter 790 g (1.74 lb / 27.87 oz) vs 570 g (1.26 lb / 20.11 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Samsung GX-1L.

      Samsung GX-10
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      APS-C

      10.75 MP

      Samsung GX-1S
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      APS-C

      6 MP

      Samsung GX-20
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      APS-C

      15.1 MP

      Leica SL2
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      Full Frame

      47.3 MP

      Nikon Z8
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      Full Frame

      45.7 MP

      Nikon D5000
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      APS-C

      12.3 MP

      Panasonic GH1
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      Micro Four Thirds

      12 MP

      Sony NEX-6
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      APS-C

      16.1 MP

      Canon 5DS
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      Full Frame

      50.6 MP

      Panasonic L10
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      Micro Four Thirds

      10.0 MP

      Leica M10
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      Full Frame

      24 MP

      Epson R-D1x
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      APS-C

      6 MP

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Sigma SD1 Samsung GX-1L
        Built-in Flash
      WEAKNESSES Sigma SD1 Samsung GX-1L
        No Video Capture
        Timelapse Recording
        Few Focus Points115
        No Face Detection
        No Image Stabilization
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        Low Resolution Screen460k dot210k dot
        No Live View
        No HDMI Output
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi
        No Built-In Bluetooth

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Sigma SD1 has a 3.0" screen with 460k dot resolution and Samsung GX-1L has a 2.5" screen with 210k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens.


      Viewfinder

      Sigma SD1 has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinderSamsung GX-1L has a built-in Optical (pentamirror) viewfinder. They both have 96% coverage.

      Sensor

      Sigma SD1 features a 15 megapixel APS-C CMOS (Foveon X3) sensor with dimensions of 24 x 16 mm and a total area of 384 mm2. Its native ISO range is []. Samsung GX-1L features a 6 megapixel APS-C CCD sensor with dimensions of 23.5 x 15.7 mm and a total area of 246.5 mm2. Its native ISO range is 200 - 3,200.


      Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how different sensors compare with each other:

      Sensor size chart
      Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
      Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
      Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.6 x 15.6 mm368.2 mm23:21.5x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
      Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
      Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

      Photography Features

      Sigma SD1 is equipped with Dual TRUE II processor and can take pictures up to 4800 x 3200 resolution. Samsung GX-1L can take pictures up to 3008 x 2008 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 2400 x 1600, 1536 x 1024 with 3:2 aspect ratios.


      Lens Mount

      Sigma SD1 has Sigma SA lens mount and Samsung GX-1L has Pentax KAF lens mount. Due to their APS-C sensor their crop factor (also called lens multiplier) is equal to 1.5x. This means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.5.


      No Low-Pass Filter on Sigma SD1

      There is no optical low-pass filter (OLPF), also known as an anti-aliasing filter, in front of the sensor on Sigma SD1. This results in a slightly sharper image but may also introduce moiré patterns and aliasing artifacts when photographing subjects with fine, repetitive patterns or details.


      No Image Stabilization

      The cameras do not have image stabilization. On Sigma SD1 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Samsung GX-1L nothing can be done. On Samsung GX-1L it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Sigma SD1 nothing can be done.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs

      Both models have USB inputs for data transfer.


      Battery

      Samsung GX-1L comes with 4 x AA battery pack.


      External Storage Slots

      Sigma SD1 has a single Compact Flash (Type I, UDMA compatible) card slot. Samsung GX-1L has a single SD/MMC card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/2000 sec on Sigma SD1, and up to 1/4000 sec on Samsung GX-1L. Sigma SD1 can shoot continuously up to 5.0 fps. Samsung GX-1L can shoot continuously up to 2.8 fps.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 7.50 m on Samsung GX-1L. They also accept external flash which can be connected via Hot Shoe to Sigma SD1. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/180 sec on Samsung GX-1L.

      Physical Parameters

      Sigma SD1 body has dimensions of 146 x 113 x 80 mm (5.75 x 4.45 x 3.15") and Samsung GX-1L body has dimensions of 125 x 93 x 66 mm (4.92 x 3.66 x 2.6"). Sigma SD1 weighs 790 g (1.74 lb / 27.87 oz) and Samsung GX-1L weighs 570 g (1.26 lb / 20.11 oz).

      Sigma SD1

      Samsung GX-1L

      146 mm

      113 mm

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      125 mm

      93 mm

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      113 mm

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      93 mm

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      Size comparisons of Sigma SD1 and Samsung GX-1L

      Sigma SD1 and Samsung GX-1L for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Sigma SD1

      Samsung GX-1L

      GOOD
      74
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      56
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Sigma SD1

      Samsung GX-1L

      POOR
      52
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   2 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      POOR
      47
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   5 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.8 fps

      Wildlife Photography

      Sigma SD1

      Samsung GX-1L

      AVERAGE
      57
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   2 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      POOR
      46
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   5 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.8 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Portrait Photography

      Sigma SD1

      Samsung GX-1L

      AVERAGE
      65
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   2 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Live View
      AVERAGE
      63
      •   5 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.5"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec

      Street Photography

      Sigma SD1

      Samsung GX-1L

      GOOD
      75
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   2 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 790 g (1.74 lb / 27.87 oz)
      GOOD
      75
      •   5 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 570 g (1.26 lb / 20.11 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Sigma SD1

      Samsung GX-1L

      GOOD
      80
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 790 g (1.74 lb / 27.87 oz)
      GOOD
      79
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 570 g (1.26 lb / 20.11 oz)

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Sigma SD1 and Samsung GX-1L and give them scores of 56 and 52 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Sigma SD1

      Samsung GX-1L

      OVERALL
      56
      OVERALL
      52

      Sensor

      Sigma SD1

      Samsung GX-1L

      AVERAGE
      65
      •   Sensor Resolution - 15 Megapixel
      AVERAGE
      59
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 6 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Sigma SD1

      Samsung GX-1L

      POOR
      54
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      POOR
      51
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.8 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec

      Video

      Sigma SD1

      Samsung GX-1L

      BAD
      0
      •   No Image Stabilization
      BAD
      0
      •   No Image Stabilization

      Focusing

      Sigma SD1

      Samsung GX-1L

      AVERAGE
      64
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   2 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   5 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Sigma SD1

      Samsung GX-1L

      GOOD
      71
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      AVERAGE
      64
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.5"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot

      Connectivity

      Sigma SD1

      Samsung GX-1L

      POOR
      40
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      POOR
      47
      •   Low USB Speed
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Sigma SD1

      Samsung GX-1L

      GOOD
      77
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 790 g (1.74 lb / 27.87 oz)
      POOR
      42
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 570 g (1.26 lb / 20.11 oz)


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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