Home > Consumer Reviews > Kyocera Finecam S4 4MP Digital Camera w 3x Optical Zoom

I got the Kyocera S4 back in January 2003. Great "unkown" digital camera. For anyone who is doubtful of the quality, you should know that Kyocera makes digital cameras for Toshiba, and they are the parent company of Yashica and Contax, two of the most respected names in photography.

The design of this camera is simply beautiful. Gorgeous gun-metal aluminum body, solid zoom lens with built-in cap, simple button and menu layout, and overall, a very durable camera.

As this was my first ditial camera, I quickly learned the limitations of the unit. Some of the limitations can be corrected through simple upgrades, namely, the 16MB SD card included with the unit is not adequate for most users. You should get a 64MB or 128MB card so you can save more than 80 shots at a time. In fact, with a 128MB SD card, you can shoot over 170 photos at high resolution. It might be all the storage you're going to need with a simple camera like this. Also, I recommend getting the deluxe leather case with belt-clip (available from Kyocera or other camera shops), as the pouch included with this camera will not provide enough protection - even for such a durable device.

This camera competes with the Canon Elph and other "credit card" sized cameras (the front of this camera is precisely the size of a credit or ATM card). And it competes with them very well. The resolution is incredible, and the optical zoom is rock-solid. However, using the digital zoom does result in a loss of resolution (which may not be known to first-time digital users). And this camera has useful manual exposure and CCD sensitivity seetings, but no true ISO or "traditional" shutter speed adjustment. Also, this camera does not perform well in low-light or in taking shots of fast-moving objects. As much as I have experimented with its settings, it is obvious that this camera cannot do what the high-end digital cameras can do in twilight settings outdoor and dim settings indoor. Even shots of hockey players on a brightly lit ice surface required precise manual adjustment (and a lot of patience). This is a camera for daytime landscapes and close-ups of people and objects. It cannot compete with digital SLR's or rangefinders costing twice as much (or more). But having said that, I believe it is better than the Cannon Elph, and most other digital cameras of the same size.

Battery life is not spectacular. If you use the flash for most shots, expect to re-charge the unit every 20-30 shots or so. I even got a spare battery, just to be sure I was never caught without a charge for the flash.

The Kyocera S4 fills an interesting gap between the anonymous entry-level devices and the high-end units. It's best feature might be that it packs 4 megapixels of resoultion into a form factor the size of a deck of playing cards. That alone is a huge advantage. Even worn on a belt, it is no more obtrusive than a cell phone. If you need a camera that can fit in your bag and always be available without getting in the way, or if you need a camera for building a web site, selling items online, or just getting into digital photography, this is the only camera you'll need.

Now that I am happy with the Kyocera S4, I am ready to take ditial photography to the next level, and I think that will be the Leica 1 Digital. It has many of the same features as the Kyocera S4, except that it has a larger LCD, a bigger lens (to let in more light), an ISO dial, and longer battery life. But I expect to get thousands of quality shots with the Kyocera S4 regardless. It is not just another point & shoot camera. It is a great value.

The Kyocera Finecam S4 is a truly remarkable little point-and- shoot. I am a serious photographer, owner of high-end Canon film cameras and "L" lenses (not used since buying the Kyocera S4).

It is a point and shoot, rather than a professional camera, but the resolution is incredible, even at the lowest (normal) setting.

I have had no problems with battery life, although that is a common complaint (I use the onboard flash and LCD screen nearly all the time). It is packed with features (i.e. exposure compensation, manual override on just about everything, self-timer, red-eye reduction, etc.)

The color has been just phenomenal. I have had it for about three months and am extremely satisfied and am thinking about buying the S5 when it appears. I recommend getting at least a 64-meg. card, rather than the skimpy 16-meg card provided.

The LCD screen is hard to see during bright sun, but you have the option of using the viewfinder. In low light, there is a delay while device meters and focuses, but this is true of all cameras. It could mean missing the shot--but you don't have to wait for your film to come back to know you missed it. I am addicted to the instant feedback. It has made me a better photographer.

The video function is low-end, but basic. No audio, but if you want a video camera, buy one, rather than compromise a good digital still camera like this one. It is tiny and fits on a belt not unlike a beeper. I am never without my little companion and feel naked when it is not on my belt. For the convenience, the size and the features it is packed with, you can not do better in my opinion.

Ron Gollobin--Oct. 2002

This Kyocera S4 is a really compact little camera, with the great 4 MB resolution. The controls are pretty easy to use, but of course sometimes a little tough due to the small size. But in a high quality dig cam like this, i really wanted the ability to take good little video clips. The video clips on this cam 1) have NO AUDIO and 2) are very low resolution. For my money, I think I'll consider the Sony P9, Minolta F100, or Olympus D40. If all you need is stills, this is a great little cam.