Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z3 Digital Camera

6.36 million pixels, 2816x2112, Zoom 12x, aperture F2.8 - F4.5, 320 ISO, manual exposure / aperture settings, macro, manual white balance, video recording, audio recording, support for SD-card, 2 " LCD Details about the model: KONICA MINOLTA DIMAGE Z6 Black KONICA MINOLTA DIMAGE Z6 Silver In order to leave a review, you must to register .

fotoprovodnik Date: 25.01.2009 21:45:37

• Purchase time:  July 2006
• Strengths:  - very convenient for shooting with one hand.
  - omnivorous. AA batteries take any, up to Lenmar, GP and noune.
  - up to 700 frames (!) from one set of batteries

  well, the classic advantages:
  - light
  - full featured
  - the antislip is not so good, but it is !!! and it's worth it.

• Weak sides:  - stylish design. invisible on the street you will not stay.
  - dimensions. Although not a SLR, you will not put it in your pocket.
  - I did not find an external flash to it. as well as other accessories.
  - mode "auto" does not always cope. and constantly turn the wheel ... see next:
  - unfortunately, the buttons were loose in a year. everything.
  try to find a service where they will be replaced.
  - in the extreme position of the telezoom (420mm) loses the ability to focus. that is, quite. you have to slightly increase the angle of view, so that the focus has worked.
  - wide angle is not enough (but then no one else had it).
  - obviously overheated price. twice.

  Well, the classic nagging:
  - chromatite is thorough.
  - it turns on for a long time, it focuses for a long time in the dark, an unbearable lag is impossible to shoot on a pre-sensing frame.
  - It is inconvenient to switch from autofocus to handbrake and back.
  - burns the sky.
  - ISO 50 only.

• Used analogues:  Pentax Optio A10, Pentax K100D Super
• Comment:  Honestly, surprised by the availability of reviews in 2007, and even more so in 2008 (!). Add a voice from 2009: -D In my humble opinion, the device remained firmly in 2006. Now I will give him a place in the commission under the poster "I will give or give a gift." Yes, yes, you grow it somewhere in half a year. That is, first a continuous delight (as compared to the 2004-05-05 nyuymy of the innovations), and then it begins: something is wrong, this is not that, or not at all. But I won't give my commission for 2-3 pieces - let him stand on the shelf and inspire with his ultimate design ;-)

User46 (Novice photographer with the experience of 0-3 years) Date: 02.11.2008 08:31:59

• Purchase time: 06.2006
• Strengths:  It is quite acceptable for shooting outdoors, if not very dark.
• Weak sides:  The dimensions of the matrix probably determined my problems.
• Used analogues:  SAMSUNG Digimax D70 - very briefly.
• Comment:  My first digital device. Certainly he satisfied the interest in the "fast color photo", but in the room a good result is rarely obtained, the reasons are fully described by other authors. From accessories using a tripod. In my opinion, it is useful.

nikolay1 (Novice photographer with the experience of 0-3 years) Date: 20.07.2007 03:42:25

• Purchase time:  December 2005
• Comment:  I am writing the third review, and I came to the conclusion that I couldn’t think of a better step to go to the DSLR. With him, I said goodbye to the idea of ​​“brought-took”. I had to twist. , from sport to priority exposure, and so on ... Now the percentage of successful photos is high. I shot them a solar eclipse and dark rooms. In general, this is a good experience for me and science to control the camera myself. one condition: do not use the device in filming time, with large footage. As a result, I give him a top five.

nikolay1 (A beginner photographer with experience of 0-3 years) Date: 18.07.2007 03:43:46

• Purchase time:  December 2005
• Strengths:  I took from the design and the objective.
• Weak sides:  ISO can not be put more than 50, clumsy in dynamic situations. Bad cars.
• Used analogues:  Samsung digimax 420
• Comment:  I am writing the third review, and I came to the conclusion that I couldn’t think up any better steps for switching to a DSLR. With him, I said goodbye to the idea of ​​“brought-took”. I tried to twist. sport, from sport to priority exposure, and so on ... Now the percentage of successful photos is high. I shot them a solar eclipse and dark rooms. In general, this is a good experience for me and the science to control the camera myself. only one condition: do not shake the device in filming time, with large showings. In the end, I give him a top five.

• Purchase time:  2006
• Strengths:  erganomics and design, 12x optical zoom, AS optical stabilizer, flash correction, manual settings, the ability to use external flash, a very convenient menu.
• Weak sides:  lack of RAW format, a lot of noise in images from ISO 100 and above, noise is present even at ISO 50 true within tolerable limits, incompletely accurate color rendition in rooms is a bit too yellow, problems with auto focus in low light.
• Used analogues:  not used, my first digit! Before filmcircuits.
• Comment: In general, not a bad machine, but ..... Along with a very good optics, a very mediocre matrix, thanks to which the Z6 loses to many of the sober "soap boxes." The situation with the quality of the photo in the rooms radically changes the use of external flashes, I used Minolta 3600HD. Street shots are very decent, although sometimes there is not enough sharpness ..... although the autofocus shows O'CELL OK. In early June 2007, acquired the Sony A100Kit, SKY and LAND

FOUND IN KLADOVKA ANTIQUITY:

More and more technologies developed for professional cameras and lenses are finding their place in the amateur-class technique. In this sense - one of the flagships of the line Dimage Z. In the cameraused a huge number of solutions previously found only in professional or more expensive equipment.

First of all, it is the Anti-Shake system, which extends the range of exposures for shooting in low light conditions or when taking telephoto and macro shots. Mention should also be made of the G-Series lens - effectively eliminating aberrations and thus enhancing image sharpness and color purity. The model has the best-in-class performance on time to enter the operating mode, the shutter release delay after pressing the shutter button, as well as the focus speed. Amateur models acquire more and more professional traits, which allows amateurs not to miss interesting shots, which as a result can argue with the work of professionals.

Optics

For the first time in a series of Z in the applied system Anti-Shake. The image stabilization system, which was a small revolution, uses as a moving element a CCD array located in the camera body, rather than an objective lens. This system gives the photographer the opportunity to get sharp, “non-smeared” photos without using a tripod in low light conditions or when shooting with long-focus and macro lenses without increasing the sensitivity and aperture. This is especially important in the model. Z3, since the lens has the possibility of 12x magnification, which, when translated into plain language, means 420 mm (equivalent to 35mm film) at the long end of the zoom.

As mentioned, minolta DiMAGE Z3 digital camera It has 12x optical (35-420 mm for 35 mm film) and 4x digital zoom, which in combination makes an increase equal to 48x. In the optical system with such multiplicity inevitable distortion, and therefore requires high-tech technical solutions that can correct the resulting aberrations. Designed specifically for z3 models  The lens of the G series consists of 13 glass elements in 10 groups, which include 2 aspherical elements and 2 elements with anomalous dispersion (AD). This design effectively suppresses spherical aberration and curvilinear distortion, which are unavoidable in a lens with such a range of focal lengths. To combat glare and unwanted reflections, all 12 optical surfaces of the system are coated with multi-coated, which as a result increases the sharpness and contrast of the image.

An essential part of such an optical system with such an increase is sensitive autofocus with a powerful drive. The speed and accuracy of focusing here is provided by the video autofocus system. Focusing is realized through five points located in a wide area. The focus point can be selected either automatically or manually. For moving subjects, predictive focusing is provided, for objects with low contrast or other problematic cases of autofocusing, manual focusing can be selected. Autofocus lock is used for objects located outside the wide autofocus area.

Control

Shooting with dimage Z3 camera  equally comfortable for a well-trained amateur, and for the person who first took the camera in his hands. The controls are clear, conveniently located and immediately fall under the fingers of the right hand.

Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z3 is available in a variety of colors.


Modes of operation

For the novice amateur in  There are automatic shooting modes (portrait, sport, landscape, sunset, standard program, night portrait), which can even be selected automatically. Photographers who are accustomed to keeping everything under their control will like the standard set of exposure adjustment modes (software automaton, shutter priority, aperture priority, manual mode). Basically, spot metering will be useful for them, which will help out in case of high contrast of the subject; well, in other cases center-weighted and multi-segment modes should be used.
Besides,   has support for interchangeable nozzles.


Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z3 has support for interchangeable nozzles.


Functions

Another noticeable partcamera Minolta DiMAGE Z3  is a video shooting, which has very good characteristics for the camera. Shooting frequency 30 frames / sec. or 15 frames / sec., image size 640x480 or 320x240, monaural sound. The duration of the video is not limited to a specific time, the shooting can be carried out until the memory card is full.

Like other digital camerasDiMAGE Z3  It has the function of correcting sharpness, contrast and color tone. White balance can be set automatically, preset, or adjusted manually. The flash is hidden in the case, but if necessary it can be raised. External, more powerful, flash KONICAMINOLTA can work with the camera. Secure Digital memory cards are used as storage media, and standard and well-known AA batteries are used as batteries.



Options KONICA MINOLTA DIMAGE Z3

Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z3 Digital Camera, 4 alkaline AA batteries, shoulder strap NS-DG5000,sd memory card  16 MB, lens cap, AV cable, USB cable, software, instruction manual

As the theater begins with a hanger, so the goods from the packaging. Our camera, despite its miniature, comes in a very voluminous box, on which, in addition to everything, the inscription Hugo Boss - exclusive leather bag (exclusive handbag made of genuine leather).

Thus, even the world famous company (Hugo Boss) under the leadership of the legendary Werner Baldessarini, took part in creating the image of the new device.

Under the lid, we find two boxes. In one there is an exclusive accessory from the aforementioned fashion house. The appearance of the cover can be seen in the picture.

It is made of soft genuine leather with suede inside. With the help of a special loop, it can be attached to a belt, but it is more convenient to wear on your hand, especially since there is also a Hugo Boss strap with a metal keychain.

The Konica Minolta X1 camera itself fits in the other box. Before speaking directly about the camera, we must pay tribute to the quality of the packaging, in general, and the accompanying printing, in particular. Superbly illustrated, russified manual deserves only positive feedback. This is one of those cases where the manual is not only necessary to read, but also interesting. Suspicions may creep in that behind this accompanying gloss they are trying to hide some flaws of the camera itself. Do we find out in the testing process.

Appearance and ergonomics
Immediately, good news for lovers of extreme operating conditions of the equipment is metal, the battery compartment / slot of the memory card is metal, and the tripod mount also. In addition, the camera has a nice appearance and original design.

The camera looks something like a mini-cigarette case. True, I want it to be a little thinner and a little easier. Its current parameters are 95x68x20 mm with 135 g of weight. Apparently, according to Konica Minolta engineers, this is the optimal balance of weight and reliability. For comparison, the weight and dimensions of its main competitor, the Canon PowerShot SD450, are 155 g and 86x54x22 mm (it must be remembered that there is no image stabilizer on the Canon product).

Thanks to the curved profile, the camera is comfortable to hold in your hand. The shutter button has a smooth ride and fits well under the index finger. It should be noted, and adjacent with it the power on / off button. Although it is located almost at the same level with the upper edge of the camera, spontaneous switching on during the test was not observed even once.

The shooting mode selector, located on the top of the camera, cannot be switched with one hand. Apparently, this function was not planned initially, since The selector is located closer to the left edge. In practice, it is rarely used, so this disadvantage is insignificant.

Most of the rear panel is occupied by a display protected by a special plastic, which is kept by elegant rivets located at the corners.

It is wonderful that the screen is behind the glass, because it facilitates the care of it and protects it from external influence both in the form of fingerprints and in the form of mechanical damage. Plastic coated with a mirror coating, which gives a peculiar charm to the product. When the stabilization system is turned on or when the memory card is accessed, the green stabilization indicator lights up or the red recording light starts to flash, hidden behind a mirror surface. It looks spectacular.

On a small island located controls the camera. The main group of keys is at the bottom, the “rocker” for zoom control is at the top. No complaints: comfortable, "iron" and stylish.

The camera menu is concise and clear. It is easy to navigate even a beginner. If desired, some functions can be transferred to assign to the joystick. A very handy feature that saves a lot of time. The cover mentioned at the beginning of the article will help protect the camera from aggressive environmental influences, therefore there is every reason to assert that the camera will be able to preserve its original appearance for a long time. The DiMage X1 camera comes in three color options: silver, black and red and has a Russified menu.

Electronics and components
   It must be said that the DiMAGE X1 comes with another device - a cradle, a special dock into which the camera is installed.

It is used to connect the device with a computer and devices equipped with a video input (TV, etc.), as well as to charge the battery. You can charge the battery directly in the camera, and separately, by inserting it into a special cradle compartment.

Apparently, this is a peculiar trick of manufacturers, designed to transfer the communication system with external devices to a hotel module (video-out, USB 2.0). This lightens the weight and reduces the size of the camera itself, but this solution is not very convenient if you often have to transfer photos to a computer outside the home. Carrying two devices (cradle + camera) instead of one is not very convenient. Alternatively, you can use a separate card reader, and leave the cradle at home.

The camera itself is equipped with a 8.3 megapixel CCD (CCD) sensor measuring 1 / 1.8 inches. The largest physical size of the matrix in the segment of image cameras (!).

Given the small (compared to more expensive cameras) area of ​​the above-mentioned photodetector, containing a large number of pixels, we should expect the presence of a significant level of thermal noise in the images. Whether this concern is justified, we will find out in the "shooting" section. A more than modest (50, 100, 200) range of available ISO values ​​also leads to certain suspicions. Perhaps the manufacturer believes that the lack of a higher ISO value is offset by the presence of an image stabilization system.

Lens. A very interesting system with an internal zoom mechanism. Fully placed in the camera body. The lens window is in the upper left corner of the camera, in the off state it is closed with a metal curtain. Focal length of 37-111 mm (equivalent to 35 mm cameras), relative aperture F3.5 - F3.8. For 3x zoom indicators are quite ordinary. It can be said, strong middling. Anti-shake is placed between the flash and the lens window. This means that the camera is equipped with an image stabilizer, which is useful when shooting at long exposures. According to the manufacturer, this stabilization system is different from the one used in the cameras of the A and Z series. All the details of the operation of the new Konica Minolta system are not revealed, but we managed to find out the details. If in the aforementioned older series image stabilization is achieved by shifting one sensor, then in X1 this is done by shifting the interconnected both optical module and photomatrix.

SD / MMC memory cards are used as removable media (a 32 MB card comes in the box).

The 2.5-inch display has a resolution of 118,000 pixels (for comparison, the Canon SD450 is only 115,000) and is the only viewfinder. The optical viewfinder in the X1 model is missing. The display brightness is sufficient for shooting on a sunny day with a direct hit of the rays on the screen. The only inconvenience is backlighting. An optical viewfinder would be useful because backlight blinding your eyes and difficult to see the image on the screen.

The driving number is 6.5 m. Next to the flash is the autofocus light.

The camera has a third-generation image processing process, CxProcess III. How effective it is to learn from the section "Shooting and quality of images."

The camera is powered by a lithium battery, one charge of which lasts approximately 60-70 shots with active use of the image stabilization system in 99% of cases and flash in 35% of cases.

Compared to Canon, the SD450 is small, but compared to other fashion models from various manufacturers, this is an average figure. It should be remembered that when the image stabilizer is disabled, the battery life increases.

Functionality
   The image concept of the camera imposes its limitations on functionality. The slider to switch shooting modes has three positions: shooting in automatic mode, subject programs, video / voice recorder

In automatic mode, the exposure is set automatically without the participation of the photographer, however, it is possible to manually select the operating mode of various systems: exposure metering, white balance, ISO, mode of operation of the image stabilization system, compression ratio, and others. The available options for processing the resulting images (color, sharpness, contrast).

Of the interesting features you can note the increase in screen brightness. This can be done either from the menu or with a predefined button, holding it for a few seconds.

Increasingly, speed cameras are encountered in cameras. In our case, this is 10 frames / sec with a resolution of 640x480. This mode is useful for shooting dynamic scenes. Both frame-by-frame recording and recording as a single snapshot of 2048x1536 consisting of 9 fragments is possible.

Macro shooting is possible from a minimum distance of 10 cm, in the mode of subject programs there is a function “super macro”, which reduces the minimum focusing distance to 5 cm.

Subject programs only seven, they meet most of the needs of the user. The only drawback is the lack of a sport mode.

In the mode of shooting video with sound, the maximum quality is 640x480 pixels at 20 frames / sec. Shooting options are not impressive. However, there is the possibility of using the image stabilizer, working optical zoom and setting the white balance in manual mode.

In the voice recorder mode, the sound is recorded in the wave format. A useful feature if you consider that the recording length is also limited by the capacity of the memory card.

Shooting and image quality.
   This is the most important section of our review, based on which we will be able to accurately determine the professional suitability of this camera. Let me remind you that before us Konica Minolta DiMAGE X1.

Let's start with an assessment of the optical system. The lens of the camera, frankly, is not fast (F3.5 - F3.8), and this directly affects the speed of the focusing system (TTL in contrast to the image). Contrary to expectations, it turned out that due to the image stabilization system (!), In most cases, the camera accurately found the object and focused on it, but each time it took a considerable amount of time, which is bad. This mode of operation is not suitable for shooting fast-moving objects. The only solution is to use the continuous shooting mode, in which only the last three frames are saved. The action algorithm is as follows: start taking action in advance and stop shooting when the necessary moments are captured. The last three frames will be saved in memory.