The Tvs III incorporates sophisticated automatic features with manual override capabilities which give the photographer the versatility of a Single Le
The Tvs III incorporates sophisticated automatic features with manual override capabilities which give the photographer the versatility of a Single Lens Reflex type camera in a very small portable package. Available exposure modes are Program AE and Aperture Priority AE plus exposure compensation for added creative control. The Tvs III utilizes a highly accurate passive auto focus system for sharp, crystal clear images. Manual focus and Spot AF are standard.
The Contax TVS III is the most expensive paperweight money can buy. My sister bought this camera for her use upon my recommendation. I`ve read a lot of good reviews from magazines extolling the features of this great camera. the lens is sharp and the colors are downright perfect. But after a year of enjoying this camera, i heard strange clicking noises inside and the lens started to move uncontrollably. I have to take off the battery to stop the camera. Now, it is sitting on my desktop and I am wondering who would buy this piece of junk. It is totally useless and dead. My Nikon PS is better because I still use it even though it was bought 9 years ago. I withold my desire to sell my Nikons and buy a G2 because of this disappointment.
Strengths:
built like a tank. superb lens
Weaknesses:
very expensive to just conk out after a year of use.
Similar Products Used:
Nikon FM2, Nikon F100, Nikon D70, Nikon zoom 310 AF, Pentax PS, sold my Canon Elan IIe and Digital Rebel
Customer Service:
With a grand as its price tag who would think it should need any servicing.
It is my good partner when travelling coz I use medium format camera all the time and such camera set already occupy my bag lots of space, cannot spare more space for other backup camera. Thus, Tvs III is a good choice to solve about problem which provide common zoom range, all round functions and flash. Also, its image is very colourful (I use Provia)
I bought it from secondhand market at HK$3700, so it is acceptable for its performance. I would give higher value rating. Of course, if I pay more for a brand new body, it is quite expensive.
Strengths:
Compact size after switched off. Good colour reproduction, sharp images. The automatic lens cap opening and closing is very nice and interesting. Focusing is accurate too. Flare control is good.
Weaknesses:
In my opinion, distortion at 30mm is significant. Vignetting at 30mm is acceptable. Built in flash is not powerful enough especially at 30mm.
Like you I surfed this review to find some user insights into the TVSIII. If you''re considering this camera you''re also probably looking at the Leica Minilux Zoom. Having tired of the endless purchase the dispose cycle fo the mainstream P&S products, I purchased both the Minilux Zoom and a TVSIII to test for myself-both were as new, used camera''s. Without a doubt these two camera''s are the crown jewels of the class! The sad part is the "Leica Legion" is far more vocal than the proponents of the Contax products (P&S or otherwise) and excuse the short comings of the Leica. So if you want the short version: Minilux Zoom is a very good camera only because of the lense. The TVSIII is a great camera because of the lens, the technology and the user interface.
Strengths:
The TVSIII and Leica are, if nothing else comparable in lens quality. Both offer images better than what you''ll get with most SLR''s. Shooting side by side and comparing images under a 10X viewer, I couldn''t determine a clear winner. Each has fantastic color, contrast, resolution. On this size camera handshake plays almost as much a role as lens quality (see shutter speed comment below). In reading various reviews it''s maddening to hear people lament the speed of the lens or the bokeh doesn''t compare to some prime lens or the results aren''t as satisfying as what they get with their Hasselblad. Give me a break! No these aren''t inexpensive camera''s but they are nonetheless P&S and subject to the limitations of that size camera. In the Leica, for your $700 you get programmed auto exposure-only, top shutter speed of 250, center weighted only meter,a plastic lens cap (be sure to order extras at $20 a pop, you''ll need''m), 2EV of compensation, no viewfinder info and a wrist strap. That''s it folks - I don''t count the vaunted hot shoe as a benefit. If I wanted to lug around all that stuff I would strap on my F100. Forget depth of field control because you can''t. For similar mone
Weaknesses:
Wish the lens were 28-80. Oh, also, f1.4 with image stablization, focus tracking, depth of field preview and a 5 frame motor drive.
It''s a joke - really!
Rating Reviewed by: Alex Ng(Unregistered User)
(Intermediate)
Review Date March 30, 2001
Overall Rating 3 of 5
Value Rating 2 of 5
Visitors rate this review 4.00 of 5,
2 votes
Review 4 of 13
Summary:
TVS III is quite a disappointment. Certainly not an upgrade from the TVSII. Contrast slightly improved but now the lens distorts and vignettes like hell. Zooming mechanism I prefer manual instead of motorised, fansy but clumsy to use. Good thing is size is smaller than the TVS or TVSII. Flash output is weak and when combined with the level of vignetting from the lens and the inablility to use optional flash, simply appaling. Too many flaws too be the king of point and shoot. Just tried the new T3, shutter lag problem improved and much better viewfinder. Too early to judge the optical quality though.
Strengths:
Good looks, very contrasty lens, two types of straps supplied, diopter, custom functions
Weaknesses:
Lens vignettes like hell at 30mm even at F8. Distorion not bearable at 30 and 60mm (consider the cost). Lens flap very clumsy to operate. Zooming mechanism not fine enough. Built in flash too weak, and recharges very slowly. Viwefinder too small. Too much shutter lag.
Rating Reviewed by: Hugo Krantz(Unregistered User)
(Intermediate)
Review Date January 15, 2001
Overall Rating 2 of 5
Value Rating 2 of 5
Visitors rate this review 3.00 of 5,
2 votes
Review 5 of 13
Price Paid:
$830.00
Summary:
After shooting casual travel pictures with this Contax for 6 months, I came to the conclusion that this camera would have been a truly great travel P&S if only it had been bestowed with a sharper and faster zoom. In direct comparison with the Elmar on the Leica Minilux, the Zeiss optics (made in Japan) deliver slightly less contrasty image with less saturated color. For this reason alone, the Leica Minilux deserves to be the crown jewel in the high-end 35 mm P&S market.
Strengths:
Has an attractive and sturdy body. Zoom is reasonably sharp. Delightful handling.
Weaknesses:
Zoom is pretty slow. Price is too high. There are much better alternatives.
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