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Contax N Digital Rangefinder Camera

The Contax N Digital is a 6.29 MP full-frame DSLR camera — known for its 6.29MP Full-Frame Sensor and Contax N Lens Mount. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Contax N Digital Rangefinder Camera

Contax N Digital Rangefinder Camera

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Overview — Contax N Digital

The Contax N Digital is a historically significant full-frame digital SLR built around a 6.29 MP full-frame (35mm) sensor processed by a High-Speed DSP chip developed by Kyocera. Shooting at ISO 25 through ISO 1600, it offers a notably wide native ISO floor that gives photographers flexibility in well-lit conditions. The camera uses the Contax N lens mount, making it compatible with lenses designed for that system.

Autofocus is handled via a Phase Detection system with 5 focus points. Continuous shooting is supported with a maximum burst frame rate of 3 fps. Images are stored to CompactFlash media, and the camera connects to a computer via USB.

The 2.0-inch low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD on the rear provides 200,000 dots of resolution for image review. The optical pentaprism viewfinder delivers 95% coverage at 0.73x magnification. Color output options include sRGB, Adobe RGB, and Custom White Balance.

The body is constructed from magnesium alloy and polycarbonate, measures 152 x 138.5 x 79.5 mm, and weighs 1,000 g. Flash connectivity uses a standard ISO hot shoe with TTL direct flash control compatible with Contax N system flashes. Power comes from an NP-400 7.4V 2200mAh Li-ion battery.

Key Features — Contax N Digital

6.29MP Full-Frame Sensor: A 35mm full-frame CCD sensor captures images at 3040 x 2008 pixels, one of the earliest full-frame digital sensors in a consumer SLR.

Contax N Lens Mount: Compatible with the full range of Contax N system lenses, including high-quality Zeiss optics designed for the N system.

ISO 25–1600 Range: A native ISO floor of 25 allows for longer exposures and wider apertures in bright conditions without risk of overexposure.

5-Point Phase Detection AF: 5-point phase detection system provides reliable subject acquisition for a camera of its era.

Optical Pentaprism Viewfinder: Delivers 95% frame coverage at 0.73x magnification for accurate, real-optical-view composition.

Magnesium Alloy Body: Magnesium alloy and polycarbonate construction gives the body rigidity and durability at a 1,000g build weight.

Specifications — Contax N Digital

Contax N Digital full specifications
SpecDetail
TypeDSLR
SensorFull Frame (35mm)
Resolution6.29 MP
ProcessorHigh-Speed DSP (Kyocera)
ISO Range25 – 1600
AF SystemPhase Detection
AF Points5 points
Max Photo Resolution3040 x 2008 pixels
Burst Rate3 fps
Image StabilizationNone
Display2.0 inches 2.0-inch low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD
Display Resolution200,000 dots

Description — Contax N Digital

The Contax N Digital is built around a 6.29 MP full-frame (35mm) sensor processed by a High-Speed DSP (Kyocera) image processor, capturing stills at a maximum resolution of 3040 x 2008 pixels. The native ISO range runs from ISO 25 to ISO 1600, and the camera supports a burst mode at up to 3 fps. Autofocus relies on a Phase Detection system with 5 focus points.

The optical pentaprism viewfinder provides 95% coverage at 0.73x magnification. On the rear, a 2.0-inch low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD with 200,000 dots serves for image review and menu navigation. Color output is configurable via sRGB, Adobe RGB, or Custom White Balance profiles.

Images are written to CompactFlash (CF) cards, and the camera connects via USB for data transfer. The Contax N lens mount is the sole native mount. Flash support uses a standard ISO hot shoe with TTL direct flash control for Contax N system flashes.

The body is made of magnesium alloy and polycarbonate, measures 152 x 138.5 x 79.5 mm, and weighs 1,000 g. Power is supplied by an NP-400 7.4V 2200mAh Li-ion battery.

Pros — Contax N Digital

  • ✓Full-frame (35mm) sensor with 6.29 MP resolution delivers large image files from a native full-frame platform
  • ✓Wide ISO range starting at ISO 25 provides a low native floor useful for bright-light shooting
  • ✓Optical pentaprism viewfinder offers 95% coverage at 0.73x magnification for accurate framing

Cons — Contax N Digital

  • ✗No weather sealing, limiting use in challenging environmental conditions
  • ✗No image stabilization of any kind — neither in-body nor digital
  • ✗No video capability — all video specification fields are absent

Videos — Contax N Digital

The Best Contax Lens - Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 35-70mm f/3.4 — Kyle McDougall

Resources & Downloads — Contax N Digital

Frequently Asked Questions — Contax N Digital

What lens mount does the Contax N Digital use?+
The Contax N Digital uses the Contax N lens mount. Only lenses designed for this specific mount are natively compatible with the camera.
What is the maximum photo resolution the camera can produce?+
The camera produces images at a maximum resolution of 3040 x 2008 pixels from its 6.29 MP full-frame sensor.
What memory card does the Contax N Digital use?+
The camera stores images on CompactFlash (CF) cards. This is the only supported storage media format.
Does the Contax N Digital have weather sealing?+
No. The bodyDesign specifications explicitly list weather sealing as 'None,' so the camera should not be used in rain or dusty environments without additional protection.
What is the ISO range of the Contax N Digital?+
The camera supports a native ISO range from ISO 25 to ISO 1600. The low minimum of ISO 25 can be useful in very bright shooting conditions.
Can the Contax N Digital record video?+
No. All video specification fields for this camera — including max resolution, frame rates, and bit depth — are absent from the specifications, indicating no video recording capability.

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