Contax U4R

Contax is renowned for developing stylish cameras and the new 4megapixel U4R, with its Carl Zeiss lens, is no different. Sporting a brushed magnesium and aluminium casing along with a tanned leather pad on the front, which is available in either black, indigo or 'camel', the U4R has a retro feel that might not suit all tastes.

The camera's swivel design makes it easy to shoot photos at just about any angle. The lack of an optical viewfinder isn't a huge blow, but it does mean that the LCD screen needs to be used more often, resulting in quicker discharge of the battery. The menu system features a number of pre-set shooting modes and takes a while to get used to, as do the ridiculously small four-way joypad and buttons.

Chromatic aberrations hampered some shots during our tests and, in low light conditions, image noise was a little too apparent but, on the whole, picture quality was good and what we'd expect from a 4megapixel compact. The U4R's burst mode is also impressive and will take up to three shots per second at all quality settings; as expected, the flash doesn't fire in burst mode.

Accessories in the box include a USB docking station, which also charges the camera, and a small adapter for the lens that allows for the use of 28mm filters. It's a little disappointing that Contax couldn't stretch to including a Secure Digital (SD) memory card to get you started, especially considering the price.

Cameras such as this always carry a style premium and, at just under £400, the U4R is a little overpriced. If you like the design it's worth considering, but you can get similar quality for much less with the Pentax Optio S40 (£150) and Canon Powershot A85 (£170).

Contact:
Contax 01189 337 000
www.contaxcameras.co.uk

Specifications:

• 4-megapixel
• 2,272 x 1,704 max resolution
• 3x optical zoom
• 38-115mm focal length (35mm equivalent)
• 20cm macro
• ISO 50-400
• 2in LCD monitor
• SD/MMC cards (not included)
• Lithium-ion battery
• 102 x 63.5 x 19mm (w x h x d)
• 140g