Samurai 2100DG

The Kyocera (Yashica) Samurai 2100DG features a 2.14-Megapixel CCD that generates 1632 x 1232 (SuperFine or Fine mode) or 800 x 600 (Normal mode) pixel images, 1.8" color LCD and is the first 2Mpixel digicam with a 4x optical zoom lens.

As you can see, with its vertical profile it more resembles a camcorder than a still camera. Kyocera says this form factor makes for a more stable picture-taking platform necessary for a high-power zoom. It's about the same overall dimensions as the Nikon Coolpix 950.

Note only does it resemble a camcorder but it also has a camcorder-styled hand grip. It was obviously designed for small-handed Japanese folks as I had a difficult time being able to press the shutter button once my hand was in the grip strap.

Front and rear views of the very narrow 2100DG. The battery door is located below the Monitor and Menu buttons on the rear end. Note that the optical viewfinder has a diopter adjustment control wheel.

The heart of the user controls are located on the left side along with a monochrome LCD data display. The flash, macro and infinity focus modes are all on the same button which means that you cannot use the flash with the macro function. The "Drive" button can be customized via the Setup menu to toggle the image quality, picture mode, white balance or EV override. The Drive button also toggles the self timer and it *can* be used with the macro function. The slide switch toggles the camera between Record, Connect to PC or Playback modes.

On the right side is the shutter button and the zoom switch which also doubles as the menu selection device. You push the switch up or down to zoom in and out or you can press it in to access menu features and then go up or down and select items by pressing it inward again. (If you look closely at the shiny shutter button you can see Yours Truly shooting the pic - extra brownie points if you can identify the camera I am using.)

The single CompactFlash card slot is on the left side behind a flip-open door. The CF card is ejected using the same type of fold-away push button like the one on the Nikon 950.

Behind the CF slot is the Video Out and Digital I/O (serial) ports.

Kyocera has included a 3.6v (1600mAh) lithium rechargeable battery pack with the 2100DG. The battery is charged in-camera using the AC power adapter, I don't know if they have an optional external rapid charger or not.

This is a typical Record mode menu screen showing (clockwise from top left) the EV override, picture quality (SuperFine/Fine/Normal), auto white balance, battery condition and shooting mode (filled rectangle means single shot).

This is the main Setup menu scren. Everything should be obvious other than the Custom entry, see the next menu screen below.

These are the options for the Custom menu selection. You can set the "Drive" button to toggle the shooting mode, picture quality, EV override or the white balance.

The usual 9-thumbnail playback screen to let you quickly jump to and display any image in memory. It has a slideshow function in playback mode as well as an erase and format option.