Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z2 Review

Click on the DiMAGE Z2 to take a QuickTime VR tour

The new 4.0 megapixel DiMAGE Z2 is the second in a series of easy-to-use, powerful SLR-like digital cameras. It features Minolta's GT 10x optical zoom lens and the world's fastest auto focusing system (among digital cameras with a built-in 10x or greater optical zoom.) In addition to high quality still images, the DiMAGE Z2 can record ultra-smooth 30 frame per second full motion video with sound at 640x480, 320x240 or 160x120 resolutions. And the Z2 is the first camera to record screen-filling SVGA size (800 x 600) movies too. The length of these movies are limited only by the capacity of the SD memory card being used.

The Z2 features a f2.8 - f3.7 lens that enables fast shutter speeds for sport or natural-light photography. It has an equivalent focal length range of 38 to 380mm on a 35mm camera. When combined with the seamless 4x digital zoom, it delivers up to 40x zoom, equivalent to a 38 to 1520mm lens. To extend the versatility of the Z2's lens, an optional 0.75x wide-converter is available. And close-up photography to 3.9 inches is possible in Macro mode, with Super Macro mode you can get as close as 1.2 inches from the lens.

The Z2 uses complex AF technology but focusing the camera couldn't be easier. Simply place the subject anywhere within the focus frames and the camera will do the rest; an AF target is briefly displayed so the subject can be confirmed. In addition, a Predictive Focus Control function increases the speed of the camera's AF system, making it ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects. Minolta's drive mode, Progressive Capture, makes sure you never miss a shot. When the shutter button is pressed and held down, Progressive Capture begins saving images in the buffer and the last five are saved when you release the shutter.

The Z2 is equipped with Minolta's unique Switch Finder. This system allows the color LCD monitor to be viewed directly or through the magnified eyelevel viewfinder. The 1.5-inch color LCD monitor uses a 60 frames per second refresh rate to show action smoothly. The Z2 is powered by four standard AA type batteries and features USB connectivity for image downloading and direct printing with today's PictBridge-enabled photo printers.

DiMAGE Z2 Features:

• 10x Mega-zoom (38-380mm coverage) with high-speed autofocus and Super Macro
• 4.0 megapixel imager for images up to 2272 x 1704 pixels
• 1.5-inch color LCD with 113,000 pixels
• Color eyelevel viewfinder with 98% coverage
• Ultra High Speed 1280x960 capture at 10fps
• Program AE with Shift, Aperture priority, Shutter priority and Manual exposure modes
• Shutter speeds from 15 seconds to 1/1000 in Shutter priority and Manual exposures modes
• Digital Program modes: portrait, sports, night portrait and sunset
• Multi-segment, center-weighted and spot metering modes
• 640x480 and 320x240 motion video at 30fps with audio, length limited only by SD card capacity
• World's first 800x600 SVGA motion video at 15fps with audio
• Automatic noise-reduction for one second or longer exposures
• 5 white-balance settings including custom settings
• Digital Effects Control for contrast and sharpness
• Color modes: Natural, Vivid, B&W, Sepia
• ISO Sensitivity: Auto, 50, 100, 200, and 400 equivalents
• Flash shoe for Minolta external speedlights
• Playback/QuickView with histogram feature
• Data imprinting that records date, time and descriptive information on an image.
• Powered by four standard AA type batteries
• USB connectivity for Windows and Mac OSX
• PictBridge, Exif Print, and Epson PRINT Image Matching II compatible

Physical Views

The DiMAGE Z2 compared in size to a standard CD.

The DiMAGE Z2 and the Olympus C-750 Ultra Zoom, both are 10x and 4.0 megapixel.

The new Minolta DiMAGE A2 and the DiMAGE Z2.