Blog Samsung TL500: A Comprehensive Review of the Ultimate Camera for Photography Enthusiasts

In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the Samsung TL500 camera, a popular point-and-shoot device preferred by photography enthusiasts. We'll discuss its amazing features, including its fast lens, 10-megapixel sensor, full manual controls, and RAW image support. We'll also examine its design, usability, and performance compared to its competitors. If you're a photography enthusiast, this review will help you determine whether the Samsung TL500 is the right camera for you.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Samsung TL500 article cover photo

Key Features

Jul 09 2010

Announced

10 megapixels

Resolution

BrandSamsung
Sensor Type1/1.7-inch
SensorCCD
Weight386g
MSRP$449USD

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Overview of the TL500

Capturing important moments in life can be a challenge, especially if you don't have the right camera. The Samsung TL500, also known as the EX1 in some countries, is a point-and-shoot camera designed to meet the needs of skilled photographers who want to take their craft to the next level. Its cutting-edge features and sleek design make it an attractive option for those looking for a capable, compact camera. In this review, we will take a deep dive into the Samsung TL500, exploring its incredible features and performance, and help you decide if this is the right camera for you. So let's get started!

Samsung TL500 Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Samsung TL500 camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

High-quality images
Large aperture lens
Image stabilization
Raw format support
HD video recording
Manual controls
Retro design
Swiveling LCD screen
Optical viewfinder
Fast autofocus

Cons

Slow shutter speed
Limited zoom range
No Wi-Fi connectivity
Small sensor size
Pricey
Short battery life
No external flash
Bulky size
No touchscreen capability
Limited ISO range

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Samsung TL500

Weather sealed
Dimensions114 x 63 x 29mm
Weight386g
Thickness29mm
Weight
Min
Avg
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Max
Thickness
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Max

Weather Sealing

The Samsung TL500 is not sealed against water and dust, so it's important to be careful when using it in such conditions. If you often shoot in environments with water or dust, it's recommended to check out another camera with weather sealing.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderNone
Screen TypeFully Articulated
Screen Resolution614k dots
Body typeCompact

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fully articulated 3.00" screen, with a display resolution of 614k dots. This makes the Samsung TL500 very suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you can view yourself while shooting selfies. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.

Viewfinder

Samsung TL500 does not include a viewfinder. The lack of a viewfinder on the TL500 camera may make it less suitable for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Samsung TL500 has a 10MP sized CCD sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 10 pixels. Samsung TL500 has a native ISO range of 80 - 3200 which can be boosted to null - null. It can also save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

Key Features

Jul 09 2010

Announced

80 - 3200

ISO Range

Sensor1/1.7-inch
Extended ISOnull - null
Max resolution3648 x 2736 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

40 / 102

Color Depth

19.2 / 26.5

Dynamic Range

11.1 / 14.8

Low Light ISO

129 / 4505

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Samsung TL500 camera has average color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also average, allowing it to retain low amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is poor, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the TL500 is poor

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: 1/1.7-inch

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageSD/SDHC, internal
Battery Life
Battery ModelSLB-07A
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Samsung TL500 supports SD/SDHC, internal with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Samsung TL500 uses the SLB-07A model of undefined. This is rated for undefined shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Samsung TL500 has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. It also offers a flash shoe that allows you to attach external flashes. This provides more versatility in your lighting choices.

Shutter

The Samsung TL500 boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/1500s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Samsung TL500 includes contrast detection autofocus (AF), with null number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Samsung TL500?

The Samsung TL500 features a CCD sensor

Is the Samsung TL500 weather sealed?

No the TL500 does not have weather sealing.

When was the Samsung TL500 announced?

The Samsung TL500 was announced on Jul 09 2010

Does the Samsung TL500 have in-body image stabilization?

Yes the TL500 does have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Samsung TL500?

The TL500 has a native ISO range of 80-3200, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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