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Digital Camera Reviews and Ratings By manufacturer:
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The Konica Minolta Dimage Z3 is a digital camera with a 4.0 megapixel CCD sensor and a 12x Optical Zoom lens.
The Z3 measures 108.5 x 80 x 83.5 mm and weighs and 335 grams.
Photo Hobby has a hands on preview of the Z3 and writes:
UK/European Readers buy the Minolta Dimage Z3
'- Overall construction is much improved. Less plasticky fell than Z2 even still made from plastic.
- The new EVF/LCD combo works much better than the switch finder, no more mirror slap feel.
- Handling is ergonomically better. Access to all buttons still the same since layout is similar to Z2
- Swift operation, even faster than Z2. The new silent zoom work much better with smoother and quite whisper than the old Z.'
AnandTech has a detailed comparison between the Minolta Dimage Z3 and the Minolta Dimage Z2.
Megapixel reviews the Konica Minolta Dimage Z3 and writes - 'While it may have design traits from previous Z models, the Konica Minolta Z3 is a completely re-engineered camera that incorporates the anti-shake technology of the A-series cameras, and blends it with a new 12X GT optical zoom.
Two earlier versions of this camera (DiMAGE Z1 and DiMAGE Z2) were equipped with a Switch Finder, a system that uses a single LCD screen that can be tilted back internally and reflected through the viewfinder's eyepiece so as to be like an electronic viewfinder (EVF). The DiMAGE Z3 however, has a separate EVF and a 1.5 inch LCD monitor.'
Digicam Review reviews the Konica Minolta Dimage Z3 and writes - 'his 4mp digital camera has a large 12x Optical zoom lens with Konica Minolta's Anti-Shake technology, VGA recording lets you use the zoom with sound, and it's got an impressive super macro mode. It's features are very impressive, the design, handling and speed on the camera are also impressive. The only problem is that image quality (white balance, saturation, exposure etc) is a bit hit and miss - sometimes you get a great photo, but more often than not you will need to edit the photo in something like Adobe Photoshop to get the best out of it. Purple fringing is very low, which is impressive for a camera with such zoom power. '
DCRP reviews the Konica Minolta Dimage Z3 and writes - 'The Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z3 is a good ultra zoom camera that could be better. Panasonic still has the lead in this market, in my opinion. The Z3 has a 12X optical zoom lens, which is as big as they come. It's not as "fast" as the lenses on Panasonic's cameras but it's competitive with other ultra zooms. Minolta's Anti-shake system works to reduce the effects of "camera shake" in both stills and movies. The camera offers a full suite of manual controls and it has a first-rate movie mode as well. In good light, the Z3's autofocus speeds are stunning -- this is one of the fastest-focusing cameras I've seen. The Z3 has a hot shoe for an external flash (Minolta brand only) and also supports a wide-angle conversion lens. While small and low resolution, the EVF and LCD on the camera "gain up" in low light, so you can see what you're looking at. The Z3's body is easy to hold and everything's in the right place.'
Imaging Resource reivews the Konica Minolta Z3 and writes - 'With its 12x optical zoom lens, full range of exposure control, fairly compact size, and excellent movie- and continuous-capture modes, the DiMAGE Z3 is a full-featured yet surprisingly affordable long-zoom digicam. Though the camera features full manual exposure control, its simplified user interface and available automatic and "scene" modes make it very approachable for less-experienced novices who want to gradually learn more about digital photography.'
Pocket Lint reviews the Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z3 and writes - 'Although the design is akin to a chopped off Tie Fighter from the Star Wars movies, it’s great to hold and the camera is easy to use. Metering, image quality and Anti Shake work well and provide an all-round excellent package from Konica Minolta featuring a long-zoom lens able to get close then closer still. A cracker.'
Byte Sector reviews the Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z3 and writes - 'This camera is not too different from the Z2 model; it does deliver a fair bit of purple fringe but the pink hue distortion that I saw in the Z2 does appear to be corrected. I think it would help if Konica Minolta provided rechargeable batteries and a charger with their camera; all the Olympus cameras I have tested have been packaged with such goodies and since this uses up batteries like there is no tomorrow, it would be a very welcome addition. Image quality is good if you know what settings to use at what time, but for strict automatic point and shoot situations I don't think this is the best performing camera. I believe you need to be an intermediate or slightly experienced photographer to get the best out of this camera.'
eDigitalPhoto reviews the Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z3 and writes - 'At a street price of $499, the Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z3 offers exceptional value, considering its powerful high-grade lens, Anti-Shake function, superb autofocus system, advanced image processor and great versatility. The combination will especially appeal to those who want to shoot sports, wildlife, and stage performances without using a tripod. If you fall into that category, and if you cannot justify the higher price of a digital SLR plus a long zoom lens with image stabilizer, this DiMAGE camera may be a suitable alternative.'
PC Mag reviews the Konica Minolta DiMage Z3 and writes - 'Exposure is good and there is no significant purple fringing or noise at ISO 50 or 100, but there are no sharp, well-defined edges in the picture. Our flash test shot, although evenly illuminated, is dull and muddy, but without the orange color shift seen on the daylight picture. Noise is significant at ISO 100 and above, especially in dark and shadowy areas. And though the image overall is marginally sharper than the daylight picture, edges aren't well defined.'
Konica Minolta Introduces the DiMAGE Z3 High-Performance 4.0 Megapixel Digital Camera
New digital camera with built-in 12x optical "Mega Zoom" lens is the first Z-series camera to feature Konica Minolta’s CCD-Shift Anti-Shake System
Mahwah, NJ (July 7, 2004) - Konica Minolta introduces a new addition to the Z-series of digital cameras - the DiMAGE Z3. With Konica Minolta’s unique CCD-shift Anti-Shake System accompanying the camera’s built-in 12x optical zoom lens, the stylish DiMAGE Z3 provides photographers of all levels with very steady and sharp hand-held telephoto shots. Its speed also enables photographers to get those action shots right away with Rapid Autofocus (AF) – the fastest auto focus in its class*1. The camera’s AF also has a Predictive Focus Control for unmatched high-speed focusing that brings out the very best in the DiMAGE Z3's superior ability to capture fast moving subjects.
"Photographers will never miss a shot with the new DiMAGE Z3," said Jon Sienkiewicz, vice president of marketing, Konica Minolta’s Camera Division. "With combined functions such as the Anti-Shake System, Rapid Autofocus capabilities, and 12x optical zoom lens, this digital camera provides advanced amateur as well as serious photographers with the versatility and reliability they need to get the shot right the first time."
Previously a function found only on the high-end Konica Minolta DiMAGE A-series digital cameras, the Konica Minolta CCD-shift Anti-Shake System is now available for the first time in the Z-series of DiMAGE cameras. This system compensates to minimize the effect of camera shake at 2-3 shutter speeds slower than on cameras without an Anti-Shake function*2 (equivalent to 2-3 exposure increments).
For hand-held dim light photography and telephoto shots, both of which are susceptible to the effects of camera shake because of their slow shutter speeds, photographers can now get steady, blur-free images without the use of a flash or tripod. Unlike an optical system, Konica Minolta’s proprietary Anti-Shake System uses a unique CCD-shift mechanism. This keeps the lens compact and the camera lightweight.
The new DiMAGE Z3 features a 12x optical Mega Zoom lens, which can be combined with the camera’s 4x digital zoom for up to 48x total zoom capability. The DiMAGE Z3’s newly developed GT APO lens offers strikingly clear, high-contrast, high-resolution images thanks to Konica Minolta’s G lens optical technology. The AD (anomalous dispersion) glass and two aspheric lens elements help the DiMAGE Z3 correct spherical aberration and curvilinear distortion, factors that can cause problems at high zoom ranges. The advanced, high-sensitivity 4-megapixel CCD combines with Konica Minolta’s proprietary CxProcess™ II technology to give photographers images as beautiful as those they see with their own eyes.
The DiMAGE Z3 incorporates an AF-dedicated ASIC to video AF system for focusing, enabling its Rapid AF to focus faster than previous models. Focusing time is approximately 0.15 second in wide-angle position and approximately 0.2 second in telephoto position. The DiMAGE Z3 also boasts a fast startup speed, a real motion monitor with 50-frames-per-second capability for smooth video viewing, minimal shutter-release time lag, and continuous shooting at 2.2 frames per second.
The DiMAGE Z3’s movie recording function allows users to take high-resolution movies that are as beautiful as TV programs or footage taken with a video camera. In addition to the VGA-size (640 x 480 Standard) mode that captures movies at 30 frames per second, Konica Minolta has added a new, high-quality-image Fine mode (640 x 480 Fine). The Silent Zoom feature employs a newly developed Silent Zoom mechanism that greatly reduces how much noise from the optical zoom is picked up while shooting movies with sound.
Despite its large 12x zoom, the Z3 sports a light, compact body whose design evokes a modern, cosmopolitan image. The Z3’s ergonomic grip makes it easy and comfortable to carry around and its large, intuitive operation section keeps you in control at all times.
*1 As of May 20, 2004, for digital cameras with built-in lens system and 10X or greater zoom.
*2 Depends on the shooting conditions.
Posted by Darren in our Minolta category on July 07, 2004