The first time I wrote about the Contax TVS Digital was over a year ago. Discovering this little digital camera was a surprising experience. The technology from 20 years ago seemed absurdly outdated and, above all, useless. When I picked it up, it was with an almost archaeological spirit, as if to reconstruct the functioning of a now-forgotten object. Over time, I realized it was much more: it works and takes beautiful photos!
The author, holding a modern digital camera.
This year, as the market exploded, I shelved my 35mm point & shoot. Not that they aren’t beautiful—quite the contrary. However, with camera and film prices skyrocketing, I asked myself: is it still worth it? For me, 35mm is now too small and limiting, especially for works I consider “serious.” A more playful dimension remains, where inserting the film and shooting retain their charm. Nonetheless, I wondered if this little Contax could completely replace an analog point & shoot, and the answer was a little test.
The funniest disposable camera experience I had was during a day trip to Paris in 2019 to see an exhibition. So, I wanted to test the Contax in similar conditions: a day trip. This time, the location was Venice, specifically Burano and Torcello, two unique islands in the Venetian lagoon. The rules were the same: shoot only one roll. I admit I cheated—the Contax is digital and could theoretically take unlimited photos. However, the only memory card is also 20 years old, with a capacity of just 110 JPEG photos. My camera is in excellent condition but not perfect, with a couple of dead pixels due to age.
The dynamic range is somewhat limited, so what?
Despite this, I decided to put it to the test, and the results were thrilling. Note, I say thrilling, not perfect. The photos you see here are not perfect. Most likely, a latest-generation iPhone can generate infinitely better files, especially in terms of dynamic range. However, the TVS, with its CCD sensor, can capture that magic that only film sometimes brings out. You know all that frenzied post-production retouching on the phone to make the photo look “artistic”? Well, the Contax already does this at the moment of the shot.
A minimum of retouching is still necessary, as intense colors tend to lose some contrast in full sun. Even if you want, it’s difficult to distort the photos, as it’s not possible to shoot in RAW. The user experience is a worthy middle ground between digital and analog: there is a live view, but also a couple of seconds to turn on the camera. It’s not the tool I would use for car circuit photos. Knowing its limits, however, can enhance the potential that has been smoldering under the ashes for 20 years.
Resolution is 5MP, more than your Instagram can handle anyhow.
As you can see from the gallery below, I find the TVS the perfect compact camera for short trips. The first reason is simple: you will not find a more beautiful compact camera than this one. Its sinuous titanium body is still at the forefront today. The rendering of the photos will be unique, though often imperfect. If you are looking for surgical precision, I recommend a smartphone. If, on the other hand, you seek the unpredictability of film with an eye on your wallet and the environment, after a whole year, I can confidently tell you that this camera is for you!
