The
Kyocera Finecam S3 uses a 1/1.8", 3.3 megapixel CCD,
rated at 100 ISO. Two still image formats are available: the maximum image
size of 2048 x 1536 pixels and 1024 x 768, along with a movie mode format
with a frame size of 320 x 240 pixels.
The autofocus 2X zoom lens, 7.8mm to 15.6mm is the equivalent
of a 38 to 76mm lens. The lens has 2 aperturesf2.8 becoming f3.5
in telephoto, and f6.2, or f8 at the maximum telephoto. Shutter
speeds are fully automatic and range from 1 second to 1/2000 seconds.
A long exposure mode is provided offering a choice of 3 speeds: 2, 4,
and 8 seconds. The zoom is somewhat noisy.
An
uncompressed TIFF format is available at the largest image size in addition
to 2 JPEG compression levels: Super Fine and Fine. The alternate resolution
of 1024 x 768 is only offered in one "Normal" compression setting.
In addition to the Programmed AE (Auto Exposure) mode, a Programmed Aperture
Priority mode allows, via the menu, the user to select one of the 2 apertures
of the lens.
The Finecam S3 menu
button overlays four icons on the lower portion of the screen. By default
the menu opens with the exposure compensation selected:
Exposure
Compensation: ±2EV in 0.3 EV increments;
Resolution/Image
Quality: TIFF, Super Fine, Fine, Normal, Movie;
Self
Timer: 10 or 2 seconds;
Manual
Mode.
The Manual mode presents
2 screens from which options are selected:
Colour
Mode:
colour, black and white and sepia;
White
Balance: Preset, Auto, Sun, Incandescent, Cloudy, Fluorescent;
Aperture
Priority Mode: f2.8 or f6.2;
Focusing:
Manual (in 7 steps) or auto;
Long
Exposure: 2, 4 or 8 seconds;
Sensitivity:
2X or 4X (200 or 400 ISO);
Metering:
Evaluative, Centre-weighted or Spot.
In
the Movie Mode the Finecam S3 can record up to 15 seconds, without sound,
and stores the movie in AVI format. During recording, the zoom remains
operational and the camera adjusts focus and exposure automatically.
The
Finecam S3 is one of the rare cameras to use MultiMedia cards. The cards
are half the size of SmartMedia cards, the format to which they have the
greatest resemblance. MultiMedia cards measure 2.4 x 3.2 cm (0.93 x 1.25
inches), are currently the smallest format available, and can be purchased
at this time with capacities up to 64MB.
The Finecam S3 is retailed with a 16MB card, allowing it to capture 1
TIFF image, 8 Super Fine, 16 Fine and 63 Normal (1024 x 768) images. In
the movie mode, the 16MB card will store 3 15 seconds clips.
As the Finecam S3
itself is not equipped with a USB connection, the camera is supplied
with a key-size USB card reader for use with the MultiMedia card with
an extension cable — a thoughtful touch.
Using the reader is very easy. With the card inserted in the slot, the
reader is simply plugged into a USB port on the computer which recognize
it as a USB storage device.
The
right side of the camera also provides 2 ports, both covered by a flexible
rubber cap.
Video Out supports both NTSC and PAL. The output is selected in the Setup
menu which is accessed by the Mode Switch. The second port is for connecting
the Finecam S3 to its adapter/charger.
The
charger serves to recharge the Lithium Ion battery that is housed across
the length of the base of the Finecam S3. The battery is a proprietary
design and the charger takes about 5 hours to give it a full charge.
In comparison to similar Lithium Ion batteries used with other cameras,
this one exhibits a fairly short autonomy, and even more so when the LCD
screen of the Finecam S3 is used.
