The Samsung EX2F was a compact digital camera that was known for its advanced features and good image quality, but it's important to note that this camera was released several years ago. Highlights are the fast maximum aperture of F1.4, vari-angle screen, and zoom range of 24-80mm.
Here's a review of the Samsung EX2F
Design and Build:
The Samsung EX2F had a compact and stylish design, with a sturdy metal body. It featured a comfortable grip, making it easy to hold and handle. The camera's build quality was generally good, and it felt durable.
Image Quality:
One of the key strengths of the EX2F was its image quality. It featured a 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor with a 12-megapixel resolution. This larger sensor size, compared to typical compact cameras, allowed for better low-light performance and improved image quality. The camera produced sharp and detailed images with vibrant colors.
Fast Lens:
The EX2F was equipped with a fast and bright f/1.4-2.7 lens, which was a notable feature for a compact camera. This wide aperture allowed for better performance in low-light conditions and gave users the ability to create a shallow depth of field for creative effects.
Rotating AMOLED Display:
One of the standout features of the camera was its 3-inch AMOLED swivel display. This articulating screen could be flipped out and rotated, making it useful for capturing images from various angles, including self-portraits or low-angle shots.
Full Manual Control:
Photography enthusiasts appreciated the camera's full manual control options. It allowed for adjusting settings like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, giving users greater creative control over their shots.
Drawbacks:
- The EX2F had a limited zoom range, which might not be ideal for those who needed extensive zoom capabilities.
- Battery life was decent but not exceptional, so having spare batteries on hand was advisable for extended shooting sessions.
- The camera's autofocus performance wasn't as quick as some other compact cameras, which might be a concern for capturing fast-moving subjects.
Samsung EX2F vs Smartphone
Someone might ask, "Why would I chose an old camera with a small sensor when I can just shoot with my phone?". That is a valid question but here's my personal reasons for choosing the Samsung EX2F advanced compact camera over a smartphone.
Physical Controls
Touch screens are nice and all but as an enthusiast/professional photographer there is nothing better than using buttons and dials to get the control over my image. A limitation that a smartphone has it not being able to change the aperture. They often use fixed lens/aperture combinations even if they have more than one.
Vari-angle screen
Yes, smartphones can do selfies but the front camera is always inferior to the main back camera. When using the Samsung's flip screen you are using the same camera just pointing at you, so there is no compromise in quality. It also helps with challenges angles.
Macro Mode
One of the best features of small sensor cameras is the dedicated macro mode that can be included. You can get very close to your subject and get some fantastic macro shots.
Samsung EX2F Review on Youtube
Samsung EX2F Photo Gallery
What I like:
- Fast maximum aperture of f1.4-f2.7
- Versatile zoom range of 24-80mm
- compact size
- good handling/grip
- vari-angle screen
- full manual control
- front and back dial
What I don't like
- slow operation in RAW
- no automatic lens cover
- no customization
- ok autofocus
- battery life
In summary, the Samsung EX2F was a compact camera with strong image quality, a fast lens, and manual controls. While it may not compete with the latest camera models in 2023, it was a solid choice for photographers seeking a versatile and capable compact camera during its time.
My personal favorite reason to use the Samsung EX2F is for family snapshots and street photography. With such a small sensor depth of field will be hard to achieve, but can be an advantage for street photography where you would like most things in focus.
The f1.4 aperture is really close to an f6.4 in full frame terms. So stopping down any further only increase your DOF.
So you get the benefit of light gathering at deeper depths of field. It counters the small sensor if you're not concerned with bokeh and subject seperation.
My name is Jason Logan. I'm a photographer and content creator from Jersey City, NJ. You can learn more about my work at www.jmtphotographymedia.com