Konica KD-500Z Review

Click to take a QTVR tour of the KD500Z

The KD-500Z satisfies the demands of an increasingly sophisticated digital camera consumer, bringing ultra high-resolution 5-megapixel performance to the market in a compact, lightweight, and easy to use body. The KD-500Z is the world's smallest camera in the 5.23 megapixel, 3X optical zoom class. Its classic dark grey stainless steel alloy exterior with a green LED indicator provides a contemporary appearance. The camera's ultra slim profile enhances portability, while a sliding lens cover protects the lens and enhances the camera's visual appearance.

The high-performance, 3X optical Hexanon zoom lens (equivalent to 39-117mm on 35mm film camera) and true-image zoom viewfinder yield professional performance results. The ultra high 5.23 megapixel CCD resolution ensures crisp, clear picture quality, and enables sharp enlargements even up to 11" x 14". Operational recording modes include single, continuous photo, red-eye reduction, flash on, macro, night-view portrait, flash off, landscape, self-timer, 3X digital zoom, movie, sepia, and black and white. Night Portrait mode uses a slow shutter speed and slow sync flash to capture a picture of someone at close range without losing a dimly lit background.

The KD-500Z also has new key custom modes, such as AE Lock and AF Lock, bringing it even closer to SLR cameras in terms of spontaneity and ease of use. It also offers manual settings for exposure correction and white balance, which are easily engaged at the press of a button. Other added features include monochrome photo and continuous shot functions. The Macro mode allows shots as close as 6cm from the subject. Meanwhile, performance has been further enhanced, with only 2 seconds between shots and a 3x digital zoom.

In addition to recording images, the camera is able to record and playback short AVI video "movies" with sound, as well as voice memos. The camera boasts a full array of functions that can be tailored to specific users, from first-time photographers to professionals. The Digital Revio KD-500Z, KD-400Z and the KD-310Z are the first digital cameras to feature both SD/MMC Memory Card and Memory Stick card slots. Other highlights of the camera include: LCD monitor, flash, USB interface, rechargeable lithium-ion battery with recharging unit, AC adaptor and stylish blue LED indicators.

Konica KD-500Z Features

• 5 Megapixel CCD for images up to 2592 � 1944 pixels.
• 3x (39-117mm) optical zoom lens, 2x digital zoom
• 1.5-inch TFT color LCD, approx. 120,000 pixels
• Very fast 1.4-second startup time
• AVI Motion video w/audio 320x240, max. 30 secs
• Attach 15-sec audio memos to still images
• White balance options: Auto, daylight, cloudy, tungsten, fluorescent
• Shutter speeds from 1 seconds to 1/2000 second
• TTL Evaluative and Spot Metering
• Built in flash with Auto, Red-eye reduction, Fill, Forced off and Night Portrait
• 12x enlarged playback function with scrolling
• Secure Digital or MultiMediaCard and Memory Stick flash media
• USB 1.1 connectivity
• Exif 2.2 compatible
• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery with charger
• Small, lightweight and durable stainless steel case

The KD-500Z is available now for around $649.00 and includes rechargeable battery and charger, 16MB SD card, strap, CD-ROM driver disk, Adobe Photoshop Elements imaging software and instruction manual.

Physical Views

The ultra-compact KD500Z and a standard CD for size comparison.

Digital Revio KD500Z Specifications