Contax SL300R T* Review

Click on the SL300R T* camera for a QTVR tour

The 3.2 Megapixel Contax SL300R T* offers a solution for digital camera fans who have been frustrated by "missing the moment" due to the combination of the shutter speed lag time and slow "click to click" speed. Utilizing RTUNE Rapid Tuning Technology, the SL300R T* offers a virtually non-existent lag time of 0.07 second, and it can capture images at an incredible unlimited 3.5 frames per second! The SL300R T* is only limited by the size of the SD memory card in terms of how many images can be consecutively captured.

The swivel lens/flash body of the SL300R T* revolves, enabling easy framing of any scene from high overhead to low angle shots. The rotating lens provides easy movement for perfect framing in every scene such as self- portrait, low and high angle shots and macro mode. Its diminutive size (3.9" wide x 2.5" high x .6" thin) and sleek all-metal body with leather grip accents are sure to make a fashion statement.

Special scene modes provide the perfect solution for any shooting situation. The seven modes include Standard, Sport Action, Night View, Night View Portrait, Portrait, Macro and Landscape. Each of the settings can be easily selected by using the scene button located on the back of the camera body.

The SL300R T* enables the user to easily shoot movies with audio at 30 or 15 frames/second up to the maximum capacity of the memory card. The recorded file is in AVI format and can be played back easily on the LCD Monitor or a personal computer.

The SL300R T* incorporates a 1.5-inch "DayFine" LCD Monitor that is easy to see in the brightest of sunlight conditions. In addition to the conventional back light system, "DayFine" technology includes a special optical film and exclusive light transmission circuitry that harnesses the power of the sun by absorbing incoming light and then reflecting the light back through the LCD, adding to the brilliance and contrast of the display.

The SL300R T* is provided with a USB cable that is perfect for uploading images to a personal computer. The cable complies with the USB mass storage class of accessories and images can be read via the cable as a mass storage devise on a computer.

SL300R T* Features:

• 3-megapixel imager for up to 2048x1536-pixel still images
• Carl Zeiss 3X optical zoom, F/2.8 (38-115mm 35mm equivalent)
• Lens swivels 120° forward and backward
• Unlimited capture at approx. 3.5fps
• RTUNE Technology with 16-bit A/D reduces color noise
• 1.5-inch Day Fine liquid crystal monitor
• Macro focus as close as 3.5" from the lens
• Aperture Priority (F/2.8 or F/9.6)
• Program AE w/automatic shutter (1 - 1/2000 sec.)
• Seven Scene modes: Standard, Sports, Portrait, Night, Night Portrait, Macro, Landscape
• Motion video w/audio 640x480, 320x240 or 160x120 @ 30fps or 15fps, length of clips is only limited to capacity of the SD media
• Long shutter speeds of 2, 4, or 8 sec
• Manual focusing possible (0.6m to infinity)
• Metering modes: Evaluation, Center-weighted or Spot
• Selectable ISO sensitivity; Auto, 100, 200, and 400
• Built-in flash with Auto, Red-eye reduction, Fill-in, Flash Off or Night Backdrop
• Color modes (Color, Sepia or Black & White)
• White Balance (Auto, Daylight, Tungsten, Cloudy, Fluorescent, or Manual Pre-set)
• Exposure compensation (+/- 2EV in 1/3EV steps)
• Ultra compact and durable steel body design
• Rechargeable lithium battery pack and charger included
• Epson PRINT Image Matching compatible

Physical Views

The SL300R T* compared in size to the Casio EX-Z40.

SL300R T* Specifications