• 1/1.72 inch 41.5mm2
  • 13.6 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 102.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1.5 inch 261.8mm2
  • 14.3 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 112.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Samsung SL310 advantages over Canon G1X

  • Less expensive
    $230 vs $800 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Thinner
    22 mm vs 64 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    138g vs 543g
    Lighter weight

Canon G1X advantages over Samsung SL310

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Larger sensor
    1.5 inch vs 1/1.72 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.30 vs 1.75 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Integrated ND filter
    Yes vs No
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 8 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/1500 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Review Excerpt

  • Large-sensor image quality. Sharp lens with useful zoom range. Tilt/swivel LCD. Twin dials. Smaller than competing interchangeable-lens cameras with a similar lens. Lots of photographer-friendly features.

  • Not as small as you might hope. Mediocre burst shooting and autofocus speed. Far too easy to accidentally change exposure compensation. Viewfinder is of surprisingly little use. Battery life could be better.

The Competition

Compared to Pentax A40

Samsung SL310
Pentax A40
  • $230
  • 1/1.72 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Wider angle lens
  • $300
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Manual focus
Canon G1X
Pentax A40
  • $576
  • 1.5 inch
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor
  • $300
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner

Compared to Pentax S12

Samsung SL310
Pentax S12
  • $230
  • 1/1.72 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $280
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Manual focus
Canon G1X
Pentax S12
  • $576
  • 1.5 inch
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor
  • $280
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner

Compared to Samsung TL34HD

Samsung SL310
Samsung TL34HD
  • $230
  • 1/1.72 inch
  • Less expensive
  • $330
  • 1/1.72 inch
  • HDMI out
  • More dots on screen
Canon G1X
Samsung TL34HD
  • $576
  • 1.5 inch
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor
  • $330
  • 1/1.72 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner

Compared to Sigma DP1 Merrill

Samsung SL310
Sigma DP1 Merrill
  • $230
  • 1/1.72 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
Canon G1X
Sigma DP1 Merrill
  • $576
  • 1.5 inch
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Canon G1X Mark III

Samsung SL310
Canon G1X Mark III
  • $230
  • 1/1.72 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Thinner
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
Canon G1X
Canon G1X Mark III
  • $576
  • 1.5 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
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