Kyocera Finecam S5R

I've used a Leica Rangefinder for decades. I wanted a compact digital camera that I could use for shots on the fly, similar to the rangefinder. I wanted a camera that was compact, with great optics, high resolution and fast shutter response. I bought the Contax TVS digital, thinking with the Zeiss lens and SD Card it would be superb. I returned it within a week. The camera, while having sharp shots, was painfully slow in both start up and use. The shutter lag was infuriating. Also the viewfinder was woefully off. I mean unbelievably off. What you saw was no where near what you got. Then I saw the S5R on the Kyocera webiste after a report of its existence had been announced on one of the digital photobuff sites. It claimed a technology (rTune they call it)that allowed you to fire off shot after shot until the memory card filled up. Even at the high resolution setting. Well, I figured, "why not?" And bought one. Well I have not regretted this camera. This is one time I can honestly say, "truth in advertising". What's more, the camera starts up blazingly fast. And has superb optics (I figured the Kyocera people had to have learned something from making lenses all those years for Zeiss for their Contax cameras!). And at $429, an optical bargain! It's lightweight, but hefty enough to cut down on the effects of camera shake. And it's got a solid body for a camera its size. Highly highly recommended.

Superb optics. VERY short lag time between shots and it keeps shooting until you fill up the memory card (even at the 'fine' high resolution setting). Very short start up, little waiting. Easy to navigate settings and controls. In particular, the joystick which I found more responsive and giving greater positive response than other cameras. Digital media is terrific. Weight is nice. Not too light, but hefty enough to reduce the effects of camera shake. EXTREMELY accurate viewfinder. Unbeliebably so. A lot of cameras have woefully inaccurate finders this was amazingly accurate for it's size and price. The 5MP sensor is very good. Amazing camera for its price (now around $399 at Adorama). I don't think there's a better camera for the price currently. I haven't used it for video memos. Very accurate color correction. Great battery (nearly 1800 mah) with settings to keep the power usage conservative. VERY sharp, very BRIGHT LCD window for viewing shots. Digital zoom is not bad. Surprisingly low noise even at low light levels. Solid stainless steel clad body. Feels substantial.

The autofocus has zones and is not stepless, which I would prefer. Likewise the zoom lens, not continuous. There are preset positions. Sometimes the buttons were a tad tiny, but for the most part good, with good response. Flash I suppose could be stronger, but I didn't buy the camera for its flash ability. Wish there was a way to power the camera with a largish external battery I could carry for extended shooting.

Contax TVS Digital.

Not familiar. I would imagine quite good.