Last updated: 20.02.2010

Review

This camera is smaller then it seems on photo and light. Usability is very good, firmly lay it in the hand, buttons are found easily without looking.

10x optical zoom is incredible. It brings you birds sitting at distant branches in full format. And do not believe people said that you must use tripod to take shots at maximal zoom without blurring caused by hands shaking, all you need is good lighting (plain daylight is sufficient).

Minimal aperture is f/8, which is typical for this class of camera and is sufficient for almost all situations.

Maximal shutter speed is only 1/1000s which is not good and makes you in sunny day to use less aperture then you intended.

Autofocus is really fast! But only in good light conditions, when it is dark camera focus in and out some time (about 1s) and then very often may unable to find focus. In such cases use manual focus, which is not so handy due to the fact that you focus with buttons not the ring, but automatic digital zoom of the central area is great help in that.

Flash is really powerful, but tends to be too bright on near objects, so I use flash compensation (about -0.7EV). Flash compensation influences exactly flash (time), not the shutter speed (like other cameras, i.e. DiMAGE 5 does).

You can use this camera as good free camcoder. I recommend to use 640x480 30fps mode, in this case you'll get video quality compared to expensive DV-cameras. But there is great disadvantage - video will be short - only 8 minutes on 512M flashcard and this must be hi-speed flashcard (allowing to write at about 2MBytes/sec). Of course you can set lower resolution and 15fps and get hours of stamp-size shaky video. As result you get MOV-file which is photo-jpeg format, which understands QuickTime player, with it you can export your video, then process it with your favorite video edit software and finally save with any codec you have. I recommend VirtualDub and Deshaker.

Differences with DiMAGE Z1

The following information and specifications are copied from the official Minolta web site:

Features:

40X Mega-Zoom APO GT Zoom Lens

The f/2.8 � 3.5, 10X optical zoom is an apochromatic (APO) GT lens employing anomalous dispersion (AD) glass and aspheric elements to ensure maximum color fidelity while suppressing distortion at the outer edges of an image.  With a focal range of 5.8mm to 58mm, this mega-zoom lens is equivalent to a 38 � 380mm lens in the 35mm format.

The DiMAGE Z2 user will notice the benefits of the APO GT lens immediately: every single shot comes out sharper, clearer, and without any color aberration, even when using a large aperture setting.  When combined with the seamless 4X digital zoom function, this mega-zoom lens has an outstanding 40X zoom range, equivalent to 38 � 1520mm.

Fast Startup/Response Time

Every aspect of the DiMAGE Z2�s performance is pushed to the limit.  Startup time is a mere 1.8 seconds and shutdown time is 2.4 seconds.  After focus has been locked, the shutter-release time lag is 0.06 second -- comparable to a 35mm SLR camera.  The Z2 is ready to capture another image in just 1.2 seconds after the previous exposure.

Rapid Autofocus with Predictive Focus Control

Powerful lens optics combined with a high-resolution 4 megapixel 1/2.5 interline primary-color CCD require a powerful autofocus system.  The DiMAGE Z2 features Rapid AF with Predictive Focus Control to ensure sharp images with minimum delay.  The Rapid AF system uses a high-speed drive to focus the lens quickly and smoothly � a 0.3 second focusing time at a focal length of 5.8mm and 0.4 seconds at 58mm -- giving the DiMAGE Z2 the world�s fastest AF among digital cameras with a built-in 10X or greater optical zoom as of January 1, 2004.

Predictive Focus Control

All cameras experience a minute delay from when the shutter-release button is pressed until the image is captured.  Especially at long focal lengths, this slight delay can be significant with fast-moving subjects.  The DiMAGE Z2 uses Predictive Focus Control to compensate for the delay and adjust focus right up until the exposure is made. 

Better than TV Quality Movie Recording

High-quality VGA (640 x 480) movies at 30fps can be recorded, with quality comparable to S-VHS video.  Or try the world�s first 15 fps SVGA (800 x 600) movie option. Viewed on a PC, the SVGA movie delivers approx. 6.3 more pixels than the standard QVGA (320 x 240) format favored by other digital cameras.  You can keep recording until the memory card is full.

Because the DiMAGE Z2 can capture large, high-quality VGA and SVGA movies, image sharpness and brightness is critical.  During recording the Z2 will continue to autofocus to provide the sharpest possible image.  Additionally, a night-movie mode can make color recordings under extreme low-light conditions.

CxProcess II� Image Processing Technology

CxProcess II� is used to bring out the best in the 4 megapixel CCD.  CxProcess II controls the essential image qualities of color, contrast, and sharpness while minimizing noise.  Brilliant, saturated color remains vibrant without becoming unnatural.  Subtle contrast is rendered to retain the richness and depth of the subject while preserving details in the highlights and shadows.  Sharpness is controlled to show fine detail while minimizing hard, unnatural edges. 

Super Macro Mode

Capturing the intricate details in close-up photography has never been easier.  The DiMAGE Z2�s Super Macro mode lets you focus as close as 1.2 in. (3cm) from the front of the lens.  

Switch Finder

The DiMAGE Z2 is equipped with Konica Minolta�s exclusive Switch Finder.  This unique system allows the camera�s LCD monitor to be viewed either directly or through the viewfinder.  Since a single monitor is used, you need not worry about the color, contrast, and resolution difference between separate rear and viewfinder monitors.  With the viewfinder�s large apparent angle-of-view, the monitor image is big and clear.

Real Motion LCD Monitor

The Real Motion LCD monitor uses a 60fps frame rate.  This Real Motion frame rate makes live images look alive -- showing action smoothly compared to the slower 30fps rate of conventional monitors. 

Progressive Capture

Progressive Capture drive mode makes sure you never miss the action.  When the shutter-release button is pressed and held, Progressive Capture begins saving images in the buffer memory.  Simply watch the action on the monitor.  When it�s over, release the shutter button and the images in the buffer memory will be saved to the memory card.  Five frames are saved with standard continuous advance and 12 frames with UHS continuous advance.  

Super-Fast UHS Continuous Shooting

Regardless of how fast the action is, the DiMAGE Z2 can capture it.  Select the UHS (Ultra High Speed) option from the rapid shooting menu.  The enlarged 32MB internal memory allows the Z2 to capture 15 images at 10 frames per second. 

Powerful Built-In Flash

The DiMAGE Z2 packs the most powerful flash ever built into a Minolta digital camera.  With a guide number of 39.37 feet (12m), the flash can illuminate a subject up to approximately 20 feet (6m) away when used at the wide-angle position with autoexposure and auto camera sensitivity.

Easy Movie Editing

Simply select the scene you wish to cut from the footage being played back and save the edited version using the Movie Select Shot Function.  Unwanted movie footage is removed, freeing up valuable memory space.  The saved movie images can also be processed with one of the color modes.

Real-Time Histogram Display

Taking pristine images in brilliant daytime conditions has never been easier than with the DiMAGE Z2�s live viewfinder, equipped with a live histogram.  Because it�s not always easy to determine the brightness levels within your image in direct sunlight, the histogram supplies the information you need to adjust exposure more accurately.  A luminance reading can be displayed on the viewfinder before the picture is taken or during playback.  The histogram displays luminance distribution at a glance, and also adjusts brilliance when viewing pictures and movies from the memory.

Automatic Digital Subject Program Selection

The DiMAGE Z2�s Automatic Digital Subject Program Selection analyzes the shooting conditions and selects the optimum exposure, white-balance, and image-processing program.  Additionally, five subject programs: portrait, sports action, landscape, sunset, and night portrait, cover common and specialized shooting conditions and can be selected manually.

Automatic Monitor Amplification

When working in less than ideal lighting conditions, precisely framing an image on the monitor can be difficult.  The DiMAGE Z2�s automatic monitor amplification brightens the monitor under low light so the live image is always visible. 

Custom Settings

The Z2�s operations can be tailored to meet the photographer�s needs.  For example, the function set using the flash-mode button can be customized to control the flash mode, white balance, drive mode, focusing mode, or color mode.  

Dark Noise Reduction

Dark noise, an ever-present problem in electronic systems, manifests itself by giving a grainy or sandy appearance to images taken with long exposures.  The DiMAGE Z2 combats this with selectable noise-reduction, which automatically activates for exposures of one second or longer.

P/A/S/M Exposure Modes

Like a fine 35mm SLR camera, the Z2 provides four exposure-control modes: programmed AE, aperture priority, shutter priority, and manual.  Additionally, 30-second bulb exposures can be made in manual exposure mode.

Three Metering Modes

Another similarity to a high-quality 35mm SLR is the Z2�s three selectable metering modes: multi-segment, center-weighted, and spot.  Multi-segment metering uses 256 segments to determine exposure. 

Creative Color Modes

As well as natural color and black & white, the DiMAGE Z2 has two color modes for creative control: vivid color and sepia.  Vivid color increases the saturation to produce vibrant color images.  Sepia creates the feel of antique photographs with its warm tone. 

Auto, Preset, or Custom White Balance

White balance controls how the camera interprets the color of the ambient lighting.  Auto white balance compensates for changes in lighting automatically.  Five preset white-balance settings: daylight, cloudy, tungsten, fluorescent, and flash, can be selected for specific light sources.  For critical control over color, the custom setting allows the camera to be calibrated to the lighting conditions at the scene.

Fluid Playback

Part of the excitement of digital photography is being able to immediately see the pictures you have taken.  With the flick of a switch, you can access the recorded images; playback is fluid from frame to frame.

Rotate Function

Don�t worry about turning the DiMAGE Z2 this way and that to view your images.  Pictures can be rotated to orient them correctly so you don�t need to twist your head to the left or right when playing back vertically framed shots.

Compact Design

The DiMAGE Z2 design reflects the sophistication and future of digital technology. Significantly smaller than a compact 35mm SLR camera with a built-in flash and zoom lens, this powerful imaging system can easily slip into a fanny pack or hip bag.  And weighing only 10.75 ounces, it will definitely not be a burden.

Easy Operation

The controls and dials are laid out for clear, intuitive operation.  The large exposure mode dial and zoom lever are located on top of the grip for quick changes to camera settings.  The controller on the back of the camera is a straightforward, five-way array used to control many of the camera�s advanced features and menus.  The large grip gives the DiMAGE Z2 secure, comfortable handling; when handholding the camera in low-light conditions or when using long focal lengths, nothing is more important than a well-balanced grip to keep the camera steady.

Uses AA Batteries

Easy-to-find AA batteries power the DiMAGE Z2.  Alkaline or rechargeable Ni-MH can be used.  No matter where you are in the world, you will never have to worry about finding extra batteries.

Direct Printer Connection

Printouts can be made easily, without going through a computer, by directly connecting the DiMAGE Z2 to a PictBridge-compliant printer.  You can check which image you want to print on the LCD monitor.  PictBridge is an industry standard established by the Camera & Imaging Products Association (CIPA).

ArcSoft VideoImpression� 2

ArcSoft VideoImpression 2, bundled with the DiMAGE Z2, offers a fun way to merge your movie clips and still shots.  Working through a step-by-step guide, you can add text, music, and special effects to your movie.  Then, record the finished movie onto a video CD.

Optional High-Power Flash Units

The DiMAGE Z2 is compatible with Program/Maxxum Flash 3600HS (D), 5600HS (D), and 2500 (D) units.  These powerful accessory flashes can be used directly on the camera.  The 3600HS (D) and 5600HS (D) have a zoom head that automatically adjusts as the camera�s lens is zoomed in and out, and the head can be tilted for bounce illumination.  The 5600HS (D) head also swivels, and the flash output can be controlled with power ratios.  The 2500 (D) is a compact, automatic flash with a tilting head and an affordable price tag.

Optional 0.75X Wide Converter

To extend the versatility of the powerful 10X optical zoom, an optional 0.75X wide-converter is available.  This lens attachment increases the lens� angle-of-view, giving it a maximum coverage approximately equal to a 28mm lens on a 35mm SLR camera.  The adapter ring supplied with the wide-converter allows 52mm filters to be used.

Specifications: