Product Description

CL) INT) MINOLTA DIMAGE X31 DIG. CAM

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #50516 in Camera & Photo
• Brand: Konica-Minolta
• Model: V2742101A
• Dimensions: 2.64" h x 3.39" w x .96" l, .50 pounds
• Display size: 1.5

Features

• 3.2-megapixel sensor captures enough detail to create photo-quality 10-by-14-inch enlargements
• Non-protruding 3x optical zoom combines with 4x digital zoom for 12x total zoom
• Less than an inch thick; one-second start-up time; PictBridge compatible
• Store images on Secure Digital (SD) memory cards (16 MB SD card included)
• Powered by AA-size batteries (alkaline included, rechargeable Ni-MH recommended)

From the Manufacturer
Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc.'s Dimage X31, a new addition to the Dimage X-series of digital cameras, is a 3.2 megapixel digital camera that combines a fast startup speed, thin and stylish design, and intuitive operation in a very affordable entry-level digital camera model. The Dimage X31 is packed with creative options that make digital photography fun. Sophisticated technology and responsive performance make this tiny, stylish camera a joy to use.

Product Highlights

• Thin, stylish body--the camera is a mere 0.96 inches thick, even with its non-protruding built-in 3x optical zoom lens--making it the ultimate portable digital photography tool.
• Amazingly fast start up time--the Dimage X31 is ready to use in approximately 1.0 second.
• Users get superb images thanks to the 3 megapixels.
• Easy to use "launcher type Graphical User Interface (GUI)" with icons and simple buttons.
• Konica Minolta's CxProcess II high-quality image process technology.
• PictBridge compatibility that enables users to print their pictures without a PC.
• Additional functions like Framing and Side by Side for even greater creativity.
• Macro photography, as close as 3.9 inches, anytime without changing modes.

3x Optical Zoom in a Super-Slim Camera Body
Featuring Konica Minolta's non-protruding zoom lens, the Dimage X31's sleek outward appearance is maintained even when the zoom is activated. This revolutionary design uses internal folded optics technology, which means that the slim profile of the camera doesn't have to change at all, even while taking pictures. With 3x optical zoom, the camera is just 0.96 inches thick (0.85 inches thick excluding the camera's LCD monitor) whether carrying it in a shirt pocket or taking pictures. It's geared to be fast, fun, and versatile to match any lifestyle.

Fast Startup
Thanks to folded optics technology, from the moment users switch the camera on, all they have to do is wait approximately 1.0 second and they're ready to take great pictures. Users need never miss a moment of the action; just turn on the Dimage X31 and start shooting away.

Easy and Convenient Operation
The Dimage X31 also incorporates a launcher type Graphical User Interface (GUI) menu system. The intuitive controls of the GUI mean that users get a comfortable compact digital camera that does all the work for them. Users simply press the menu button for the user-friendly GUI icons that let them command all of the Dimage X31's settings. There are no complicated settings to be made. The controls are simple and few, making the Dimage X31 fun to use.

Select functions with the easy-to-use 5-way controller. It's so intuitive that even technophobes will enjoy the X31's range of functions in no time. A few logical operation buttons make the Dimage X31 as easy to use as it looks. The icon-based, on-screen menu and 5-way controller combine to give users quick and easy access to a wealth of functions.

Because photos are meant to be admired, the Dimage X31 has an independent playback button that brings up pictures instantly.

Take Extreme Close-ups
The Dimage X31 requires no macro mode to take photos up to 3.9 inches from the subject. This means users can fill the frame with the incredible details of flowers or other beautiful but small subjects anytime without having to change the camera's shooting mode.

More Functions for More Ways to Enjoy Photography
Creative functions such as Framing lets users instantly decorate images with frames or borders. Or, users can manipulate and play with their pictures to create unique images. The camera's Side by Side function, which splices two pictures on the left and right halves of the frame, will have people asking, "How did you do that?"

The Dimage X31's self-portrait mirror lets photographers make sure they're properly framed before taking self-portraits or "two-shots" of themselves and someone special. The camera's Portrait mode produces more natural skin tones and gives even more detail in things like individual eyelashes and hairs.

Photographers can choose from a range of creative image editing functions for their photos: give them a nostalgic look with sepia or black-and-white options, an arty look with the posterization option, or the painted-portrait look with the soft focus option.

XR Movie
The Extended Recording (XR) Movie mode lets users record longer movie clips onto the camera's Secure Digital (SD) memory card at resolutions of 160 x 120 or 320 x 240 pixels. Just keep on filming until the memory card is full.

Internal Memory
The Dimage X31's internal memory stores up to 10 of your favorite photos, which stay there even if the photographer erases the camera's memory card. Viewing these photos requires a special control key combination, so users can keep these images private until they want to share them.

Computer-less Printing
By directly connecting the Dimage X31 to a PictBridge*-compliant printer, printouts can be made easily without using a computer. The user can check which image they want to print on the camera's LCD monitor.

Superbly Clear Images
The Konica Minolta CxProcess II image processing technology incorporates characteristics like smooth gradations, natural skin tones, and brilliantly clear colors for images that are more natural and lifelike. The Dimage X31's 3.2 megapixels capture fine lines and intricate details for stunning digital images.

Runs on Widely Available AA Batteries
The Dimage X31 is powered by two AA batteries (alkaline, Ni-MH). They're available almost anywhere and offer long life, so users never need to worry about running out of power and missing a photo opportunity.

What's in the Box
Dimage X31 digital camera, two AA alkaline batteries, Hand Strap HS-DG120, USB Cable USB-500, SD (Secure Digital) Memory Card (16MB), and Dimage Viewer CD-ROM.

Customer Reviews

Good Features and Price, Terrible Image Quality
When I opened the box, I was excited from getting my latest gizmo. After all, the specs and the camera look great. I liked it immediately for it's extremely pocketable size, use of standard AA batteries, 3.2MP resolution, sleek design, and low price. Trying it out, I noticed that it was fast and had very little shutter lag. In addition, the camera was easy to use (though it lacked manual controls being a point-and-shoot camera). I quickly found myself taking snapshots left and right while playing with my new 'toy'. However, my excitement quickly turned to extreme disappointment:

The image quality was horrible.

Once I took a look at the pictures I took, I immediately realized the that designers got a lot of things right but skimped on what matters most in a camera: the image quality. Almost all of my images turned out to be extremely grainy. The only ones that were half-way decent were outdoor shots in bright sunlight. All my other shots (mostly indoor with moderate lighting) turned out to be unacceptably noisy. Even then there was a fair amount of noise in all my shots. Adding to the problem was the extreme lack of fine resolution. Normally smooth edges appeared jagged and blurry and noise is evident even in good lighting conditions.

Looking online at sample pictures, I noticed that other people had the same results. Apparently, my camera wasn't defective. Compared to pictures I took using other cameras (the Olympus 2100 Ultra Zoom, Nikon Coolpix 2100, and Canon SD110) and the sample pictures of many 'budget' cameras from respectable camera review sites, the image quality of the x31 is clearly inferior.

It didn't take long for me to decide to send the camera back. I had to pay a restocking fee but that's better than having a camera that I don't want to use because of poor image quality.



Conclusion
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Overall, if you just want a cheap ultra-compact for use in broad daylight only and you're not too concerned about a bit of noise and lack of fine resolution, then the DiMage x31 might suit your needs. Otherwise, you will find much better image quality with just about any other digital camera out there (including those with lower megapixel ratings).


Summary:
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Pros:

Good price (>$200)
3.2MP rating
Small size
Standard AA batteries
Standard Media (SD/MMC)
Sleek design
3x optical zoom
Fast startup
Low shutter lag


Cons:

Image quality is terrible
Poor low-light performance

unable to focus in low light
As the owner of a bigger, more complicated digital camera for "serious" photography, I purchased this camera to bring along with me in my pocket to parties, happy hours, etc. BIG MISTAKE. This camera will not focus AT ALL in low light. I sent it back for exchange, thinking I had a lemon, and received a replacement that was just as bad. I called the manufacturer to complain, and was told "a camera at this price has limitations." Like being unable to focus?!?! I would expect this from a cheesey, no-name brand, but not from Konica Minolta (who now, in my opinion, rank with the cheesey no-name brands).

Don't bother!
I bought the X31 to replace a dimage X that I had used real hard over the last couple years. Great sized-camera, and it took amazing photos! The dimage X was awesome, but couldn't handle the rough usage I put it through, with the lens cover finally wearing out. The lithium battery life was also lame. I finally had to replace it and made the mistake of buying the dimage X31.

The only good thing about the dimage X31 is the use of standard AA batteries, although the batteries don't last long. The exposure/focus is just horrible as compared to the dimage X. The silly toggle switch is lame. The menu is just plain difficult compared to the dimage X. Also, the toggle switch between the video mode and still mode is placed in a stupid location.

DONT BOTHER!