Kyocera Finecam S3

With the Finecam S3 Kyocera is marketing the smallest and lightest digital camera in the 3 megapixel class with 2x optical zoom lens. The 1/1.8" CCD image pick-up element with a total of 3,340,000 pixels (3,240,000 effective) produces photos with a maximum resolution of 1,536 x 2,048 pixels. These can be compressed in "Super Fine" or "Fine" mode as a JPEG file. If necessary, loss-free storage in TIFF-RGB format is possible. The economic "normal" mode with 768 x 1,024 pixels is available for less discerning requirements. The focal length range of the 7.8-15.6 mm zoom lens with its three aspherical lens elements is equivalent to 38-76 mm of a 35mm camera with a maximum aperture of f/2.8-3.5. With a minimum center resolution of 200 lines/mm, the optical system of the Finecam S3 achieves an image quality that is comparable to that of a conventional camera. The 3 mega-pixel sensor ensures a more advantageous use of the 2x digital zoom than on cameras with a lower resolution. Automatic focusing is from 0.6 m to infinity. The macro-function allows closeups from 9 to 90 cm. Manual focusing is likewise possible. The optical viewfinder of the Finecam S3 is supplemented by a high-contrast 1.5"/3.8 cm TFT LC colour monitor with 110,000 pixels for image viewing during the shot and playback. The 2x digital zoom makes it easier to assess image details during playback. The Finecam S3 measures only 87 x 55 x 30 mm (w/h/d) and the camera body weighs a mere 160 g, thus making it the smallest camera in its class in terms of volume and weight. The robust yet elegant high-grade steel body reflects the design emphasis on a slim camera exterior that is as tough as it is attractive. In addition to comparative multi-field measurement, center-weighted and spot metering are also available for exposure measurement. Exposure is program-controlled or by aperture priority with aperture preselection of f/2.8 or f/6.2. The shutter speeds are continuously variable between 1/2,000 and 1 s, and time exposures of 2, 4 and 8 s. White balance is automatic or manual in 5 modes. Photos can also be stored in sepia or black-and-white. The different functions of the built-in flash will brighten subjects up to a distance of 2.5 m. The Finecam S3 uses SD memory or MultiMediaCards as a storage medium for photos. They are small, handy and flexible in use, also in other multimedia digital devices such as mobile phones and MP3 players. The Finecam S3 is supplied with a 16 MB MultiMediaCard as standard. The video function can record film sequences of up to 15 s duration at a frequency of 15 images per session and a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels. Menu prompting on the LCD monitor, combined with a cross-shaped selector button, ensure rapid and dependable access to all the important settings. A single charge of the lithium battery is sufficient for up to 120 photos or a maximum of 45 minutes of continuous playback.