Overview of the SL300R

[admin]

Dear Contaxinfo.com members,

Contax has a new digital P&S model called "CONTAX SL300R T*". It seems to be the sister model of the SL300R of Kyocera. But the Contax model has a Zeiss lens on it (Vario-Tessar T* 5.8-17.4mm F2.8-4.7,which is 38-115mm on a 35-mm camera). It is a 3x optical zoom lens.

3.17 million effective pixel, "RTUNE" image processing system. A filter can be attached by using the special hood and adapter on the front of the lens. Titanium body.

Prices not yet available, delivery date this month (December 2003).

More details here:

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And here is a picture:

 

[writing4me]

I originally posted this in another thread, but it seems more appropriate here. Sorry for any confusion. Some weeks or months ago I sent an email to NuCore about the rumor that they were working on a camera for an OEM - which did turn out to be Kyocera. Jim Chapman from NuCore sent me this email over the weekend as a follow up, which I'm forwarding to the group. -Lynn

(quoting Jim Chapman from NuCore below)

> Subject: Re: NuCORE based Kyocera camera > > To Regarding your inquiry > Fr: Jim Chapman > Re: Kyocera Camera / US Market Links > > Here's the latest on NuCORE > > The new Kyocera SL300R is one of the coolest cameras out of Japan and it has > NuCORE image processors inside. > > Attached are a link to the PC magazine review. > >

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> > and a Bizrate link to internet sites where the cameras can be purchased. > >

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> yword--kyocera%20SL300R.html > > I especially like the quote in the review " there is no denying that the > image processor in the SL300R advances the state of the art" > > Please forward to your friends. It makes a sexy Christmas gift. > > Jim

 

[irakly]

I am really disappointed in a direction that Kyocera assumed. Now it seems that they are going to focus on posh consumer cameras for non-professional use. Surely this camera is cute, but it is more like a fashion statement, rather than a picture taking tool. What I always liked about Contax of the past was a fine blend of luxurious amenities and true high-performance professional features. Now the latter seems to be going away

 

[nickser]

It looks nice and sleek but I won't be getting rid of my HP715 in favour of it! It's definately not in the right direction for a Contax as far as I'm concerned.
When I look at the Leica/Panasonic colaberation I wonder what the 'gobbins' @ Kyocera are up to. It's almost as though they don't mind suffering the dishonour of being a second/third class outfit as far as 'real' cameras go. Or have they just decided to shove real camera production into a shameful part of their history?

 

[rbudding]

I don't mind Contax offering consumer cameras, as long as they continue to invest in "pro" cameras, too. After all, I need a small digital camera, in addition to a seriuos tool. It's absolutely fantastic if I can get any camera I need with a Zeiss lense!

 

[writing4me]

Hi Paul, Nice to see you on the list again. I think I understand what you mean about the Leica-Panasonic efforts, having seen the pics of the new Leica Digilux 2 just this morning. From the outside, the Leica LOOKS so much nicer than any other digital I've ever seen on the market. It looks like what I want a camera to be, the controls look intuitive. Of course I don't have any idea of what it can do performance-wise. I've never wanted a Leica before, other than the IIIf my friend has and now doesn't use :0 The Kyocera or Contax new digital isn't my cup-of-tea regarding its non-classic exterior looks, but I guess it would really appeal to many who like that new-age sort of departure from the norm. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder as they say. -Lynn

 

[nickser]

Hi Lynn, I feel that with a lot of these digitals it is a case of 'let's see how small we can make these' My kids have lost too many mobile/cell phones because of their small size, but you can't ring your camera to find out where it is!! ;-)

 

[rico]

Digital photography has adopted the worst habits of my industry (computers). Products are feature-driven, churn through the market, and break a month out of warranty. I can understand the 100% depreciation of my ancient Nikon Coolpix CP900 (a cool $1000), but there is another kind of cost: ergonomic comfort. By that, I mean the instinctive rapport you develop with a tool after years of intimate handling - rather like a good women! With no attention needed to operate the apparatus, you can concentrate on capturing the moment.

Here is my progression equipment-wise in the last two years: Canon D30 DSLR system, Contax C/Y system, and (as of today) Leica M4. Before I move into a cave and eat raw meat, I may have time to get a Contax IIa from Henry Scherer, and pour some glass-plate negatives.

Not that I'm a complete Luddite: the D30 is quite handy at times. The SL300R, however, will be gone in the blink of an eye. Seems like just yesterday that the TVSD was hot stuff. I only hope the Dimage X20 remains on the shelf until Christmas (present for teenage niece).

 

[jsmisc]

I agree with Lynn about the look of the Digilux 2.
It is a very appealing looking camera and looks very nice to use and I think that I would love one but of course the proof of the pudding is in the eating or of the camera in the picture taking. Digital cameras do seem to vary so much, unlike a traditional camera where you put a particular film in and you pretty well know what sort of results you will get from it and without any post taking computer manipulation.
I wonder how the new Leica will compare with the new Sony DSC F828 for ex&le which although it has non traditional looks, does look as though it will be a very capable and desirable camera and will probably be a fair bit cheaper than the Leica although I don't yet know how much the Leica will be. Only time will tell but I have seen mixed reports about the Digilux 1.
Regards,
John

 

[irakly]

John, I am really interested in how Leica is going to price this new camera. With it's resolution of almost two times less than Sony F828, it is going to have a very hard time convincing people to opt for Leica just based on the brand recognition.
On the other hand I am really puzzled why no other manufacturer of non-interchangeable lens digicams, Contax included, produced a camera with traditional exposure controls before. I am ready to kiss Leica engineers just for that aperture ring on the lens.

 

[jsmisc]

I'm with you there Irakly.
Why camera manufacturers in general seemingly can no longer provide the traditional controls is beyond me. I think that they must think that menus and button pressing are simpler but they are not. OK you have to learn how to use a camera with traditional controls but once that has been done IMHO they are much simpler.
Cheers,
John

 

[gjames52]

<Digital photography has adopted the worst habits of my industry (computers). Products are feature-driven, churn through the market, and break a month out of warranty.>

<I feel that with a lot of these digitals it is a case of 'let's see how small we can make these'>


Another morning spent reading about endless numbers, digits, pixels, programs, functions, auto-focus, multi-metering systems, batteries, features fit for one with lots of time, and looking a fuzzy representations of photographs, I am tired. Now, despite size, weight, the current trend in technology, I would be so very happy to open a box containing a brand new Zeiss Ikon Contaflex S. The thought is almost soothing.

Regards

Gilbert

 

[writing4me]

Seems we're all thinking nearly along the same lines about these new releases. Wouldn't it be nice to be a part of a focus group that the manufacturer's use (if they do that!) in determining what we really want? -Lynn

PS: Gilbert, I agree completely! Did I mention my gorgeous little Contaflex Super is on its way back to me? It turns out something had been left loose in the film transport area. Can't wait!

 

[jsmisc]

Here, here, Lynn and why don't they use us? It must be much cheaper than market research and we really use cameras and are enthusiasts. Maybe the mass market is where the money is!
John

 

[bobbl46]

Oh! How we seem so quick to criticise. I sometimes wonder if the people in this forum are Contax lovers or trolls from another Forum! There! Now I'm being critical too (but not about Contax)!

We moan when Contax doesn't appear to give us choice, then moan when they do!

I remember people moaning when they brought out T and TVS series and said they were Yashica rip-offs with bells and whistles stuck on them. But, how they love their little T's now! Nostalgia?

I think Robert has it very well in perspective. If Joe, the happy snapper, wants to buy a million and keeps the funds going for what “we want†... I’ll go along with that. If we wanted a lifetime tool, then we would all still be using the RTS and Contax would long ago have gone bust!

Choice ... it’s all about choice! You can buy a 645, or RTS III, or RXII, or Aria, or, N1, or NX or ND (Whoa! Let’s not open that debate up again), or a G, or one of the T series, or a T digital. It’s up to you and your needs.

Let’s not forget that no one forces you to buy a camera just because Contax brings out a new one. If you like the simplicity of a 139Q or 137MA, there’s plenty of good ones out there at good prices! Etc ... etc.

If you are budget conscious and don’t like the rapid depreciation (I don’t!) of Digital cameras (ALL makes!) – don’t buy one!

(From Lynn’s post) ...

" there is no denying that the image processor in the SL300R advances the state of the art. Please forward to your friends. It makes a sexy Christmas gift. Jimâ€

Hey Lynn, do you think Jim thinks it vibrates quietly and that the batteries are included

Cheers, but with a sigh, Bob.

 

[bobbl46]

Hmm! The strange characters don't appear in the forum, but do in the email version! Best to view my last message in the forum.

Bob.

 

[writing4me]

Hi Bob, Sure, sometimes we do get weighed down in trivialities, but the discussion of this newest digital seems fair game. It sure is a surprise, considering many felt that another N-series digital was coming. The new one has a place somewhere among the photographic community - but maybe not the place many hoped.

As for why that new camera might be a "sexy christmas gift" I admit I puzzled over that suggestion myself. I didn't feel inclined to ask for more info

John, about where the money is, yes, I think you've hit it. I wonder though , if they could do what some of the auto makers did. Remember when Toyota (an d others) first came into the international marketplace many years ago? They built loads and loads of economy cars that almost any buyer could afford. B y selling in high volumes they financed their future and now make some first-class models. I can't help wondering if maybe Kyocera is looking at the amateur market as the source of a cash infusion to allow further work for the professional product segment? I don't know. Just thinking. -Lynn

 

[rbudding]

Lynn,

The mass market is where the $$'s are. And what the masses want is different from what the contributors to this forum want - maybe. I love my N1, and I havea Canon S45, which has terrible shutter lag and is too big to fit in a shirt pocket. I would like a small digital cam of high quality for impromptu shots. Other times,I want a full system.

By the way, the new Leica is beautiful! I, too, would love to see Contax design such a camera. Maybe based on the look and feel of the G2? But there are still times when I'll want something much smaller.

 

[jsmisc]

Yes, could be Lynn but I wonder why they ditched the Yashica brand when we used to have the everyday and affordable Yashica brand and the quality Contax brand with parts interchangeable with Yashica, running side by side. Now we have Kyocera. I suppose that they felt that they should raise the profile of Kyocera. But it must be to the detriment of the established brand names (except to those in the know) meaning a struggle to re-establish themselves.
Cheers,
John

 

[bobbl46]

Hi John

Maybe Kyocera saw the sense of not running the FR series against the RTS series, or the FX-D against the 139Q!

Where are Nikkormat or Nikkorex now? Is a Rollei still Rollei? Voigtlander.... do I need to spell it out?

Who offered AF first (ignoring prototypes not taken into production) Contax or Yashica(Kyocera)? Yashica 230AF(1986), while Contax where still experimenting with a 159MM and 167MT(derivitive of many that went before!)

Who put the first Digital camera onto the market? Contax or Yashica (Kyocera)? KC600?

For all you Kyocera bashers, I ask one simple question .... where is the money coming from for future cameras .... Contax or Kyocera? Think hard before answering!

(Robert .... I see we think alike!)

Cheers, Bob.