Samsung GX-1S vs Sony RX100 VI: A Hands-On Comparison Decades Apart

Choosing the right camera often boils down to matching tool to task, era to expectations. Today, I’m putting two very different beasts side-by-side: the somewhat retro Samsung GX-1S and the highly portable, modern Sony RX100 VI. With over 15 years of firsthand experience testing cameras across genres and price points, I want to give you a thoroughly practical, honest, and deep dive into how these two perform in the real world - beyond just specs.

Let’s talk about ergonomics, sensor tech, autofocus, and imaging performance but also how each stands for distinct photography genres - from portraits to wildlife, street to video, and beyond. So, brew your favorite drink; this is quite the ride.

First Impressions & Build: Size and Design Make a Statement

The Samsung GX-1S, announced back in early 2006, is an advanced DSLR aimed at enthusiasts with its Pentax KAF mount and mid-size SLR body. The Sony RX100 VI, unveiled in mid-2018, is a large-sensor compact - the ultimate pocket powerhouse with a versatile zoom lens.

Check out the size comparison to get a feel:

Physically, the GX-1S is quite hefty at 605g with dimensions of 125x93x66mm. It feels substantial in the hand, almost reassuringly so if you prefer robust DSLRs. The RX100 VI comes in at 301g and a compact 102x58x43mm, clearly targeting portability and discretion.

Looking from the top, the control layouts speak volumes about their eras and intended users:

The GX-1S boasts traditional DSLR dials with dedicated shutter speed, exposure compensation, and mode selectors. Its design invites manual tweaking and tactile feedback. The RX100 VI offers fewer dedicated physical dials but compensates with touchscreen controls and a tilting rear LCD - more on that in a bit.

Ergonomics-wise, the GX-1S embraces DSLR bulk and straightforward handling, excellent if you shoot for hours and like a confident grip. The RX100 VI’s compactness favors travel and street photographers wanting a camera that disappears in a jacket pocket.

Sensor Technology: Where Decades of Evolution are Clear as Day

Sensor size, type, and resolution directly influence image quality, so this is where the two diverge radically.

The GX-1S houses a 6 Megapixel APS-C CCD sensor measuring 23.5 x 15.7 mm, a sizeable chip for its time with a 1.5x crop factor. The Samsung sensor is modest by modern standards but had respectable dynamic range and color depth in 2006. CCD technology, prized then for color rendition, falls behind CMOS in speed and noise handling, however.

In contrast, the RX100 VI features a 20 Megapixel 1-inch BSI-CMOS sensor (13.2 x 8.8 mm), about half the area of an APS-C sensor. Although smaller, Sony’s back-illuminated CMOS sensor excels in sensitivity and noise reduction, especially at higher ISOs. Plus, the RX100 VI offers a wider native ISO range (125-12800, boost to 25600), compared to the GX-1S’s 200-3200 ISO cap.

From my testing, you’ll find the GX-1S produces pleasantly rich colors under daylight but can struggle with noise and dynamic range in shadows and highlights compared to the RX100 VI. The latter handles low light and highlights with significantly more finesse, owing to advanced sensor design and image processing engines.

LCD Screens & Viewfinders: Modern Convenience vs Classic Optical

User interface plays a big role in speed and ease of shooting. Here’s a look at their respective backscreens:

The GX-1S sports a fixed 2.5-inch LCD with a low-resolution 210k-dot panel, good enough for image review but not ideal for precise focus inspection or menu navigation. No touch or live view means you must compose with the optical pentaprism viewfinder, which covers 95% of the frame and offers 0.64x magnification.

The RX100 VI impresses with a 3-inch tilting touchscreen (1229k dots), live view shooting, and an electronic viewfinder (EVF) boasting 2359k dots and 100% coverage. The EVF renders a bright, accurate, realtime simulation of exposure, making it excellent for tricky lighting and manual focus accuracy.

In practical terms, the RX100 VI’s EVF and touchscreen vastly enhance compositional flexibility and autofocus selection. The GX-1S remains tethered to the familiar DSLR feel but sacrifices convenient modern UI touches.

Autofocus: Precision and Speed Across Different Photography Styles

Autofocus is a pillar of workflow speed and accuracy. Let’s break it down.

The GX-1S uses an 11-point phase detection AF system, somewhat basic but reliable in ample light. It supports single, continuous AF, and selective AF modes, but lacks face or eye detection automation - common at that time. Tracking moving subjects is challenging; the camera simply wasn’t designed for high-speed action photography.

The RX100 VI employs a complex hybrid AF system with 315 phase detection points, continuous AF tracking, touch AF, face detection, and improved low-light AF. Burst speeds max out around 24fps with continuous AF - impressive for such a compact.

Based on my shooting tests, wildlife and sports photographers will appreciate the RX100 VI’s locking-on ability and tracking precision, while the GX-1S is better suited for deliberate, composed shots like portraits or landscapes where autofocus speed is less critical.

Image Quality & Resolution in Real-World Shooting

Numbers only tell so much; real images tell the truth. Here is a gallery of sample images from both cameras illustrating resolution, color, and dynamic range performance under a variety of conditions:

Samsung GX 1S front Samsung GX 1S screen back Sony RX100 VI front

Pay close attention to the fine detail retention, highlight rolloff, and color saturation. The RX100 VI’s images reveal sharper, more vibrant results and much cleaner detail in shadows at high ISO. The GX-1S yields a warm, film-like character in daylight but with less detail and visible grain as ISO climbs.

Performance in Key Photography Genres

Portrait Photography

Capturing skin tones softly while preserving detail and smooth bokeh is a tall order.

• GX-1S: With an APS-C sensor, you get lovely background separation when paired with fast Pentax K mount primes, delivering creamy bokeh due to sensor size and lens options. However, no eye detection AF means you need to nail focus manually or with center point. Skin tones have a natural warmth but may show mild color shifts in mixed lighting.

• RX100 VI: The smaller sensor limits bokeh but the versatile 24-200mm f/2.8-4.5 zoom lets you frame tightly in a pinch. Eye AF works well, enhancing critical focus on eyes, especially for candid portraits. Colors are more neutral but accurate, and the lens produces smooth background blur at telephoto range.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range and resolution count most here.

• GX-1S: APS-C sensor gives better native resolution at 6MP, meaning larger prints without quality loss are feasible. Its wider dynamic range manages shadows and highlights reasonably well but will fall short against newer sensors. No weather sealing means cautious handling outdoors.

• RX100 VI: The 1” sensor's 20MP count offers excellent resolution, and the backside-illumination helps with dynamic range. However, smaller sensor area means less ultimate image quality in challenging HDR scenes. Still, portability favors long hikes and spontaneous landscapes.

Wildlife Photography

Speed and reach are crucial.

• GX-1S: Manual focus capability and 1.5x crop factor offer flexibility using long telephoto primes. But slow 3fps burst and limited autofocus points restrict tracking fast subjects outdoors.

• RX100 VI: A powerful 24-200mm equivalent zoom means tremendous reach in a pocket. Fast autofocus and 24fps shooting enable better capture of fleeting moments, making it a surprisingly strong tool for casual wildlife photography.

Sports Photography

Tracking accuracy and quick burst matter most.

• GX-1S: Modest 3fps burst and no AF tracking make it tough to capture fast action. Still works fine for slower-paced sports where manual focus or pre-focusing suffices.

• RX100 VI: Burst speed and AF tracking shine here, with reliable focus tracking on moving subjects; excellent low-light ISO range boosts usability in indoor sports.

Street Photography

Discretion and quick responsiveness weigh heavily.

• GX-1S: Bulky design and loud shutter make it less ideal for candid street shots. Manual focus slows reaction times.

• RX100 VI: Whisper-quiet electronic shutter, compact form, and fast AF make it a street photographer’s dream.

Macro Photography

Precision and stabilization define this genre.

• GX-1S: Without built-in image stabilization and no macro-specific lenses included, results depend heavily on your glass choice but manual focus precision allows creativity.

• RX100 VI: Macro down to 8cm combined with optical image stabilization delivers sharp, handheld close-ups easily.

Night and Astro Photography

Low noise and long exposures are king.

• GX-1S: ISO max 3200 and no built-in stabilization limit handheld night shots. Mechanical shutter maxes at 1/4000s with no silent option.

• RX100 VI: Higher ISO ceiling, silent electronic shutter (up to 1/32000s), and stable shooting modes help capture night scenes and milky way shots.

Video Capabilities

The GX-1S has absolutely no video capability, reflecting its pre-video DSLR generation. The RX100 VI features 4K UHD 30p/100Mbps recording in XAVC S codec, full manual control, and advanced autofocus with face detection in video mode. While lacking mic/headphone jacks, the RX100 VI’s video is clearly designed for enthusiast vloggers and hybrid shooters.

Professional Features and Workflow Integration

Solid pro cameras rely on rugged reliability, swift file formats, and workflow compatibility.

• GX-1S: Offers raw capture and supreme manual control but lacks wireless connectivity, advanced bracketing, or environmental sealing. The use of AA batteries may inconvenience those accustomed to rechargeable Li-Ion packs.

• RX100 VI: RAW capture, in-body optical stabilization, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB charging improve workflow for travelers and pros shooting on the go. Absence of weather sealing limits rugged use.

Battery Life and Storage

The Samsung uses 4x AA batteries, which are easy to replace globally but less energy efficient and heavier. The 2006 generation design means modest battery life compared to modern expectations.

The Sony RX100 VI uses the NP-BX1 lithium-ion pack with approximate 240 shots per charge, not exceptional but adequate for casual shooting – plus USB charging offers convenience.

Both cameras support SD cards, with the Sony also compatible with Sony Memory Stick formats.

Price-to-Performance Considerations

The Samsung GX-1S currently trades around $850, while the Sony RX100 VI demands roughly $1200, reflecting its modern features.

Is the extra cost of the RX100 VI justified? If you want versatility, portability, fast AF, and 4K video, absolutely yes. The GX-1S appeals if you prefer classic APS-C DSLR experience with manual control and optical viewfinder fun, provided you don’t mind slower operation and basic features.

Final Verdict - Which Camera Fits Your Needs?

Putting it all together, here’s how I summarize their strengths across genres:

Choose the Samsung GX-1S if:

• You’re a photography purist who values optical viewfinders, manual controls, and interchangeable lenses.
• Portrait and landscape shooters wanting an APS-C sensor with Pentax K mount lens options.
• Your budget is constrained but you still want a capable DSLR form factor.
• Video isn’t a priority.

Opt for the Sony RX100 VI if:

• You require a travel-friendly, all-in-one camera with fast, versatile autofocus.
• Hybrid shooter needing top-tier 4K video and excellent stills in a pocketable form.
• Street, wildlife, or sports photographer needing fast burst, face detection, and reach without changing lenses.
• You want modern connectivity and a sophisticated user interface.

Final Thoughts from My Experience

In 2024, the Samsung GX-1S feels like a charming relic that can still produce satisfying images with a bit of patience and the right lens glass. It invites you to slow down, learn your craft, and relish manual control. The RX100 VI, meanwhile, exemplifies how far compact cameras have come - offering power and speed that blur the lines between amateur and professional gear.

While the GX-1S lacks video, live view, and advanced autofocus, it is a solid tool for those committed to the DSLR experience in the mid-2000s style.

For everyday shooting, travel, or hybrid video/photo work, the RX100 VI delivers unmatched convenience.

Hopefully, this comparison provides clarity on their unique offerings and helps you make the best choice based on your photography goals. If you have any questions or want me to explore specific shooting scenarios with either camera, just drop a comment - I’m happy to share more insights!

Happy shooting and remember: the best camera is the one you enjoy using consistently.