Samsung GX-1S vs Sony A9 II

Choosing between a groundbreaking professional mirrorless system like the Sony A9 II and a classic advanced DSLR such as the Samsung GX-1S is not a straightforward task. These two cameras, separated by over a decade and a quantum leap in technology, cater to very different audiences and photographic philosophies. Having tested thousands of cameras in my career, I’m excited to walk you through a thorough comparison of these two models, shining a light on where each excels, and most importantly, which photographer they best serve.

First Impressions: Does Size Still Matter?

Jumping right in, the Samsung GX-1S is firmly in the mid-size DSLR category, sporting a classic SLR body from the mid-2000s. It weighs 605g and measures 125x93x66mm - relatively compact for a DSLR but still chunky by today's mirrorless standards. The Sony A9 II, on the other hand, is a mirrorless powerhouse, slightly larger and heavier at 678g with dimensions of 129x96x76mm, but with a very different design philosophy. Despite the slight weight difference, the A9 II feels balanced, thanks to its deep handgrip and thoughtful ergonomics.

While the GX-1S evokes nostalgia with its optical pentaprism viewfinder and traditional tactile dials, the A9 II embraces modern camera ergonomics - its body is built for high-speed shooting with comfortable controls that prioritize quick access. The Sony’s build includes comprehensive weather sealing, whereas the Samsung shows its vintage roots with no environmental protection. If you spend a lot of time shooting outdoors or in challenging conditions, this could be a dealbreaker for the GX-1S.

From the top view, notice the GX-1S's simpler control layout. It has the traditional mode dial (shutter, aperture priority, manual, etc.) and a small monochrome top LCD. In contrast, the A9 II’s top plate is busy but logically arranged for pro-speed shooting: dedicated buttons for ISO, exposure compensation, drive mode, a sizeable shutter speed dial, and a top LCD panel displaying critical information. It’s clear Sony designed this with event, sports, and wildlife photographers in mind.

Sensor and Image Quality: A Generational Leap

Here’s where these two diverge most dramatically: their sensor technology and resolution.

The GX-1S employs a 6MP APS-C CCD sensor, which was respectable in 2006 but looks modest by today’s standards. It offers a 1.5x crop factor and a native ISO range of 200-3200. The organic rendition of colors with the CCD sensor often results in pleasing skin tones and overall image character, but at a clear cost in resolution and dynamic range.

The Sony A9 II boasts a 24MP full-frame BSI-CMOS sensor with a crop factor of 1.0 (full frame). Its ISO range begins at 100 and extends natively up to 51200, with boost up to a staggering 204800. The back-side illuminated (BSI) architecture improves light-gathering efficiency, delivering better noise performance, especially at higher ISOs, along with superior dynamic range.

For landscape photographers craving every bit of detail, the 24MP native resolution and larger sensor area of the A9 II translate into richer detail rendition, stronger shadow recovery, and greater overall image fidelity. The GX-1S’s smaller sensor and resolution fit more casual or nostalgic use but will struggle in demanding lighting.

The Viewfinder and Screen: Optical Tradition vs. Digital Innovation

The GX-1S offers a classic fixed 2.5-inch, 210k-dot LCD and a 95% coverage pentaprism optical viewfinder with 0.64x magnification. While charming, the low-resolution LCD means image review isn’t as sharp or detailed as modern screens, and the optical viewfinder, while offering a natural viewing experience, misses some framing.

Sony’s A9 II features a 3-inch tilting touchscreen with 1.44 million dots, vastly improving image review ease and menu navigation. Its viewfinder is a 100% coverage OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 3.68 million dots and 0.78x magnification. Using an EVF has its perks, including real-time exposure previews, focus peaking, and a wealth of customizable displays that make both manual and autofocus shooting more intuitive. Although some purists swear by optical finders, for fast-paced shooting (think sports or wildlife) the EVF provides critical information instantly in your eye.

Autofocus Systems: Manual Beginnings vs. Cutting-Edge Tracking

Autofocus technology makes or breaks many shooting scenarios, and here is where we see a clear generational gulf.

The GX-1S provides a dedicated phase-detection autofocus system featuring 11 focus points with contrast and phase detection hybrid options absent. It supports single, continuous, and selective autofocus modes, but tracking moving subjects effectively was never its strong suit.

Sony's A9 II elevates autofocus to an art form, featuring a staggering 693 phase-detection AF points covering approximately 93% of the frame, complemented by on-sensor phase detection, reliable contrast detection, Eye AF for humans and animals, and real-time tracking. This camera was built for professional sports, wildlife, and event photography - places where precision and speed are non-negotiable.

Continuous autofocus at 20 fps shooting with blackout-free EVF display ensures you’re always connected to your subject. In contrast, the GX-1S’s continuous shooting clocks in at a modest 3 fps - adequate for landscapes and portraits but hardly ideal for capturing decisive moments in fast action.

Performance in Photography Genres: Who Shines Where?

Let's break down how these cameras handle the full spectrum of photographic disciplines.

Portrait Photography

For portraiture, skin tone rendition and bokeh smoothness are critical. The GX-1S’s CCD sensor lends a warmth and pleasant tonality to skin tones, which can render natural and inviting portraits under good lighting. The Pentax KAF mount expands access to vintage lenses with their unique character. However, the lack of face or eye detection AF limits quick focus acquisition, requiring manual focus proficiency.

The A9 II, with its Eye AF for both humans and animals and superior autofocus tracking, ensures tack-sharp eyes even in dynamic sessions. Its full-frame sensor delivers creamy bokeh, making subject isolation straightforward. The wide lens ecosystem of the Sony E mount (over 120 lenses available) includes high-end portrait optics optimized for sharpness and flair control.

Landscape Photography

Landscape shooters prize dynamic range, resolution, and weatherproof reliability.

The A9 II’s larger full-frame sensor and higher 24MP resolution easily extract fine details from shadow and highlight areas, critical when editing highlights and shadows in post. It has robust environmental sealing for harsh conditions - a plus if you shoot in the wild.

The GX-1S, while limited at 6MP, can still produce appealing landscape images in good light but will struggle in low light or high contrast situations.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

If you chase fast-moving subjects, speed and focus accuracy are paramount.

The GX-1S’s 3 fps burst and 11 AF points just can’t keep pace with the rigorous demands of wildlife or sports photography. You’ll find it challenging to track erratically moving animals or athletes.

The Sony A9 II, shooting at 20 fps with uninterrupted live view and elite autofocus tracking, practically redefines action photography performance. The 693 AF points, Eye AF, and silent electronic shutter make it nearly tailor-made for this genre.

Street Photography

Street photographers often demand discretion, responsiveness, and portability.

The GX-1S is relatively bulky compared to mirrorless cameras but sports a silent shutter - a key feature for street shooting. However, no live view or touch focus limits quick reaction to fleeting moments.

The A9 II, though larger than some mirrorless options, provides near-silent shutter options, superb autofocus, and a compact-in-design body relative to professional DSLRs, making it surprisingly capable for street work.

Macro Photography

Precise focusing and stabilization matter most here.

Without in-body stabilization, the GX-1S relies heavily on lens capabilities and tripod use.

The A9 II offers 5-axis in-body image stabilization, helping achieve tack-sharp macro images handheld. Its advanced autofocus system further aids in achieving critical focus on small subjects.

Night and Astrophotography

High ISO performance and long exposure capabilities are essential.

The A9 II’s ISO range extending to 204800 (boosted) and its 6,000 to 1/30,000+ shutter speed range enable creative flexibility in the dark.

The GX-1S with ISO 200-3200 and maximum shutter speed of 1/4000, no electronic shutter, and no live view limits astrophotography - dark performance is compromised by CCD sensor's noise at high ISOs.

Samsung GX 1S front Samsung GX 1S screen back Sony A9 II front Sony A9 II screen back

Video Capabilities: Where Mirrorless Takes the Lead

The GX-1S does not support video recording - a norm in 2006 DSLRs as video was nascent in cameras.

Sony’s A9 II supports 4K UHD video at 30 fps with various codecs (XAVC S, MPEG-4, H.264) and includes features like microphone and headphone ports for professional audio control. The tilting touchscreen enhances framing for video creators. Moreover, the sensor-shift 5-axis stabilization aids smooth handheld footage.

For multimedia professionals or hybrid shooters, the A9 II is clearly the go-to.

Build Quality and Reliability for Pro Use

The A9 II incorporates advanced weather sealing and robust construction. Sony clearly aimed for a camera that could endure professional on-the-job conditions.

The GX-1S, designed in an era when DSLRs were mostly indoor and fair-weather shooters, does not offer sealing or reinforced protection, limiting its professional utility.

Storage, Connectivity, and Battery Life

The GX-1S uses a single SD/MMC slot with USB 1.0 connection - very slow by today’s standards. Its power comes from 4 AA batteries, which are convenient but relatively heavy and offer inconsistent performance under heavy use.

The A9 II sports dual UHS-II compatible SD card slots, critical for fast buffer clearing and reliable data backup in professional workflows. It charges with a Sony NP-FZ100 battery that delivers approximately 690 shots per charge - vastly superior endurance.

Wireless connectivity on the GX-1S is non-existent, while the A9 II offers built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC allowing seamless file transfer and remote control.

Price and Value: Then vs. Now

At launch, the GX-1S was priced at about $850, targeting enthusiasts stepping up from entry-level cameras.

The Sony A9 II carries a $4,498 MSRP, aimed squarely at professional photographers and serious enthusiasts demanding top-tier speed, autofocus, and image quality.

Clearly, the value proposition differs: the GX-1S remains an affordable, reliable tool for traditional photography lovers, whereas the A9 II is an investment in cutting-edge technology and performance.

Who Should Consider Each Camera?

Choose the Samsung GX-1S if:

• You appreciate classic DSLR handling and are comfortable with manual focus or limited autofocus capability
• Your primary photography is portraits or landscapes under controlled lighting
• You want an affordable camera with access to a vast range of Pentax K-mount lenses, including vintage optics with character
• You have a limited budget and don’t require video or high-speed performance
• You don’t shoot frequently in harsh environmental conditions

Opt for the Sony A9 II if:

• You’re a professional or aspiring pro shooting sports, wildlife, events, or studio portraits requiring reliable, blazing-fast autofocus and burst rates
• You demand full-frame image quality and exceptional low-light performance
• Video capability and advanced connectivity features are crucial to your workflow
• Weather sealing and durable build are essential for your shooting environment
• You want a future-proof camera that supports the latest lens technologies and system accessories
• Your budget allows for a high-end investment that will serve years of demanding use

Final Thoughts: Embracing the Evolution of Photography Tools

Comparing the Samsung GX-1S and Sony A9 II is like examining two snapshots of camera evolution – one from the analog heritage of DSLRs, and the other from the forefront of digital mirrorless innovation.

The GX-1S remains a charming, capable camera for those who value simplicity, classic ergonomics, and the joy of photography without an overreliance on technology. It’s a reminder of when photography was measured in patience and craft.

The Sony A9 II represents the modern shooting experience - fast, connected, intelligent, and versatile. It suits the demanding professional whose work depends on flawless autofocus, image quality, and performance in any condition.

If I were to pick one for serious, professional work today, there’s no hesitation: Sony’s A9 II is the camera that truly delivers across the entire photographic spectrum. Yet, if your photography is exploratory, nostalgic, or budget-conscious, and you’re content with manual focus and moderate speed, the GX-1S holds undeniable appeal.

As always, let your photographic goals and style guide your choice - and remember, great images come from vision and creativity, regardless of gear.

If you want a hands-on walkthrough or sample images comparison, see my detailed review and shootout video linked above - it walks through both cameras' capabilities in real shooting scenarios.

Happy shooting!