Kyocera Finecam S4 review

Thanks to the higher-resolution CCD, the S4's maximum image size is a hefty 2,272 x 1,704 pixels, with all images saved as a JPEG files - it's disappointing that there's no option to save as TIFF, though. Additional features include the ability to shoot black-and-white or sepia images instead of colour. You can choose to view thumbnails on the rear LCD, either up to six shots at a time or images at twice the size.

As well as stills, the S4 allows you to record short video clips, and you can store about three minutes of video on the supplied 16Mb SD card. The flash options are good too, offering the usual suspects such as auto, off, fill-in and on. The only issue was that because of the S4's size, it's quite easy to obscure the flash with your fingers.

Under test conditions, the S4 performed well and produced some good results and nice enlargements. However, there was some pixellation in darker areas, even in daylight conditions, which has a negative effect on image quality. In addition, there was a small amount of distortion at the edges of the frame, which is probably due to the lens. Other than that, the lens is sharp and the camera delivers generally good-looking, if not top-quality, prints.

The Kyocera S4 won't appeal to advanced camera users who are looking for maximum image quality, but is instead aimed at the travelling businessperson, who needs high-resolution pictures from an easily portable device. Minolta's DiMAGE X (see Reviews, issue 92, p133) is a strong contender here too, but the S4's higher resolution may sway you in its direction.

Author: John Clements