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Interface/Features

After powering on the GX-20, the body vibrated for less than a second. For a while we thought the camera was alive. But no, it was actually the sensor-cleaning function shaking off any particles stuck on the CMOS sensor.

The flat button layout can be confusing as certain features are hidden and not clearly indicated. For example, in order to change the white balance (which took us a good 2 minutes to figure out), we had to press the Fn (Function) button first, which will call up a menu on the rear screen to change the settings for white balance, ISO sensitivity, drive mode and flash.

We presumed the green button on the top of the camera was to activate the backlight for the smaller LCD. But it turned out this is used for activating an array of customizable settings (like ISO) mapped to the front and rear dials while in different shooting modes.

The GX-20 has a built-in image stabilizer which shifts the sensor in accordance to the movements from shaky hands. It can be activated via a small switch besides the Fn button.

We thought the ridged wheel could be turned 360 degrees (similar to Canon's EOS line), but it can be adjusted to only three different angles for selecting focus points. It's quite a shame to have designated this function to the wheel as it would have been more intuitive for adjusting other settings such as aperture controls.

The shutter button is very responsive, and with the slightest pressure, the autofocus would kick in. This is a matter of preference because some photographers like a more tactile feel.

While we shoot in JPEG format most of the time, there are occasions when we would like to capture a shot in RAW. Instead of having to sift through the menu, Samsung has placed a RAW button on the front of the camera. By pressing it, the next shot captured will be recorded in RAW (or designated formats via the menu).

One thing to note about the GX-20 is that while images are being copied to the card, you should not open the cover because it will transfer only the current image and delete the remaining pictures from the buffer. Unfortunately, these lost images cannot be retrieved.

« Design | Software/image Quality »

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