Product Description

The elegantly designed Minolta DiMAGE F100 is constructed of aluminum and stainless steel. The cameras slim profile and compact bo

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #76276 in Camera & Photo
• Size: Medium Size
• Brand: Konica-Minolta
• Model: F100
• Platforms: Windows NT, Macintosh, Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows NT 3.5, Windows NT 4, Windows NT 5, PowerMac, Windows Me, Windows XP, Windows 2000 Server, Mac OS X, Mac OS 9 and below, Windows
• Dimensions: 3.00" h x 2.00" w x 4.40" l, .50 pounds
• Memory: 16MB
• Display size: 1.5

Features

• 4.13 megapixel (3.95 effective megapixels) sensor creates 2272 x 1704 images for prints at 8 by 10 inches and beyond
• 3x optical plus 2.5x digital (7.5x total) zoom lens with autofocus
• Included 16 MB SD card holds 14 images at default resolution
• Connects with Macs and PCs via USB connector
• Features subject tracking autofocus

Amazon.com Review
Minolta has packed quite a punch into the compact, 4-megapixel DiMAGE F100, adding a 7.5x total zoom, movie mode, and audio recording capability so you can leave yourself notes about your shots. Even better, Minolta has done a great job of making the camera fun and easy to use, which is essential in any camera, but invaluable in today's crowded compact digital-camera market.

The 4-megapixel resolution of the F100 produces very large images that are fantastic for prints larger than 11 by 14 inches. Thankfully, the F100 allows you to step down the resolution to a more manageable 2-megapixel level (1,600 x 1,200 pixels) if you need the space on your memory card.

Its 3x optical zoom lens aids in photo composition, and an additional 2.5x digital zoom (7.5x total) further magnifies your image. Remember, however, that digital zoom reduces the sharpness and detail of your image, so it's best used sparingly.

Minolta built in some great autofocus features to help make your life easier, including wide-focus area autofocus, and spot-focus areas with focus-area selection (which enables you choose a specific, narrow focus field). During our testing, the autofocus worked beautifully, and we never ended up with our target out of focus.

The F100 uses AA batteries and, disappointingly, comes with a set of disposables. We used the camera at a family gathering over the course of a weekend, and the batteries held up fine, so the power drain isn't as horrendous as in past digital cameras. Ideally, though, you'll want to buy a set of rechargeables, to help preserve your sanity, pocketbook, and the environment.

Overall, the DiMAGE F100 performs admirably and is the perfect size to carry just about anywhere. --Michael Lewis

Pros:

• 4-megapixel resolution produces fantastically rich prints up to 11 x 14 inches
• Nice bonuses, including movie mode and audio recording for notes to yourself
• 7.5x total zoom
• Compact size

Cons:

• 3x optical zoom is serviceable, but you can always use more
• Includes disposable batteries--you'll want to add rechargeables

Amazon.com Product Description
Take the quick and easy route to high-quality images with the stylish 4-megapixel Minolta DiMAGE F100.

Optics and Resolution
With its 4 million effective pixels, the DiMAGE F100 captures sharp, detail-rich images. At this level of resolution, you can turn your shots into photo-quality prints that are larger than postcards or even enlargements of up to 11 by 14 inches.

A wide zoom range is an essential tool for framing the shot you're looking for. The F100 offers 3x optical zoom, with a range covering the equivalent of 38mm to 114mm on a 35mm film camera. When you've reached the limit of the optical zoon, the F100 then shifts into its digital zoom, providing an added 2.5x magnification--for a total of 7.5x zoom and a telescopic 285mm (equivalent) focal length.

The F100 features area AF (autofocus), which automatically follows the movement of your subject within the autofocus area, switching the active focusing block to make sure the subject stays sharp. Camera response is further enhanced by rapid autofocusing via to the ultrafast ASIC circuitry, a sophisticated focusing algorithm, and quick lens adjustment. You'll get focusing speeds of approximately 0.35 seconds at the widest lens angle and approx. 0.5 seconds in telephoto (1 meter).

More Features
A movie mode captures video clips with sound. Depending upon resolution, these clips can last up to 35 seconds. Movie files are recorded in JPEG format (320 x 240 pixels). The limited length and resolution of these clips guarantees that this feature won't replace your camcorder, but it's perfect for when you just want to capture a quick movie and e-mail it to a friend or relative.

The F100 is also equipped with audio-only recording, which can be a convenient tool for taking notes. A single clip can be 30 minutes long, and is stored as an 8-bit uncompressed wave file. Playback is not included.

Keep a record of where and when you took a particular shot by adding an audio caption to it. Captions are recorded after image capture, and can be 5 or 15 seconds long.

The built-in flash features a TTL (through-the-lens) flash metering system, and has a variety of selectable flash modes. When the camera is set to auto, you have four modes to choose from: auto, manual fill-flash, red-eye reduction, and flash cancel.

Power
The included CR-V3 lithium battery provides power. You can also use a pair of AA batteries.

We recommend getting a set or two of rechargeable nickel metal-hydride (NiMH) batteries and a charger. A digital camera is power intensive, especially if you're using the camera's LCD display, so they aren't recommended except in a pinch. To ensure you'll always be ready for action, we recommend having two sets of rechargeables so you can always have one set in the camera and the other set in the charger.

Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on Secure Digital memory cards. Consider the included 16 MB card a starter capacity, since its 14-picture limit means you'll need to return to your computer often to transfer images and free up the card for more pictures. A 64 MB card will store nearly 60 images taken in standard mode at a 1,600 x 1,200 resolution.

To transfer images to your computer, simply attach the included USB cable between your PC and your camera. Your computer should automatically recognize your camera and let you move the pictures to your hard drive.

Size
The DiMAGE F100 is easy to carry around on all your photo expeditions, coming in at just 4.4 by 2.2 by 1.3 inches and 6.5 ounces.

Contents and Recommended Accessories
The package includes the DiMAGE F100 camera, CR-V3 battery, AV and USB cables, hand strap, software suite, and 16 MB Secure Digital memory card.

Everything you need to get started is included in the box, but we strongly recommend the addition of a larger memory card, an extra set of rechargeable NiMH batteries and battery charger, and a compact carrying case (for protection and to keep pocket lint out of the viewfinder).

Customer Reviews

Close enough to perfect.
I was torn for a while between this model and the Konica KD-400Z. For a similar price and with similar features, only a few final things set me on the Minolta. I do not know how much this information will help others, but the criteria I used may help others in their decision.

The two cameras take good pictures. There is no doubt about that. There is, though, one problem with picture quality (an ever-so-slight red tinting) with the Konica. In the age of digital photo editing, I do not think this is such a huge concern, though.

The real clencher is in getting around to taking a picture. The Konica model makes you do almost everything save the most basic things (flash on/off, optical zoom, macro mode, etc.) through the display menu. It is colorful and easy to read, but the menus are many and stacked, making one slog through about two screens on average to execute any functions. The Minolta, however, lets a fairly large amount of things be done with a single push of a button, or a turn of the selector dial. I'll be frank: even in an age when everything digital is supposed to be a gift from the divine, it isn't always practicle or simple. Minolta shows they have the experience and know-how to make something usable and of high quality.

Another factor is the power source. Both can use an AC adaptor, which can be nice if you are photographing something like pages of an old manuscript for study, or taking snaps of your children as they play on the carpet. Batteries are another matter. The Konica uses a rechargable (good) but specialized (bad) battery. The charger can apparently be used most anywhere in the world, but still: five years down the road, can you buy a new battery when the original is worn out? The Minolta, however, uses two AA or the new CR-V3 battery, designed for use with digital cameras. This means you can take it anywhere and be guaranteed of being able to use it. The only problem then is basic battery life, and honestly in this day and age I don't want to be filling up landfills any more than I have to.

One clear advantage the Konica has is the lens cover/power switch, which completely hides the lens. The Minolta of course retracts the lens casing and folds an automatic shutter over it, but auto-closing lens protectors from days of old tend to get stuck after a while. Besides, I like the sense of security offered by having the lens completely tucked away under a large protective covering. The placement of the lens on the Minolta, that is, off to one side, should help keep fingers out of the way.

In terms of bundled software, it is a tie, but the Konica comes with a simple version of Adobe Photoshop, if I recall, which some might prefer.

One definate plus is that the Minolta comes with a remote control. Get a tripod and no more shakey hands bluring a photo!

In the end, it was a close race, but the reputation of Minolta and the company's eye for design was what finally sold me. I hope this has helped someone out there. If you are trying to make a decision on this or a model with fewer pixels, all I can say is it is up to you and what you will use it for. Palm PDA users, though, may want to go the SD RAM road as new Palm devices all feature an SD slot. This was one of the main things that drew me to the Konica and Minolta in the first place.

A great, beautifully designed little camera!
After spending more than a year looking for just the right digital camaera, I chose the F100 and am very happy. With 4 megapixels, 3x zoom, and good optics, the camera is an excellent value for the price.

Most of all, I love the design and ergonomics (I'm an industrial designer and ergonomic engineer, so I'm fussy about these things). The camera is very sturdy and has a clean all-metal housing. It's very small as well, yet it's still quite easy to hold and operate with one hand. The controls make good sense too. Aesthetically, it's very smart looking without being over the top.

The area autofocus works well, though the subject tracking responds so slowly that It doesn't seem that helpful. No matter. All in all, it takes great pictures in Auto mode, and also has a "Multi" mode which gives you full manual control over focus and exposure, or you can choose to control some things and let the camera handle the rest.

Note that unlike some cameras, it doesn't include a rechargeable battery or charger, but it does take 2 AAs. You can buy a smart charger and 4 AA NiMH batteries--around the same cost as buying a second proprietary battery for rival cameras.

All in all, this is well designed and constructed fully featured camera in a small, elegant package.

Small in size, large on features
Overall, a small, easy to carry feature packed camera. Subject Tracking AF and Area AF make it easy to stay locked onto a subject that's moving so you can take a clear picture. The 110,000 pixel LCD display provides a crisp clear image. The optional RC-3 remote control allows you to tripod mount the camera and take self-portraits--if you think being able to do that is worth the [money]for the remote.

A customer from San Diego, CA USA claimed that the F100 'did not have "time stamp" option which will allow customer to put date on picture automatically'. Actually it does. Under Manual mode, Menu->Custom 2 tab, there's an option called "date imprint". Turning it on sticks the date on the photo automatically. This option applies to manual mode, but you can still configure manual mode with the menus to be mostly automatic anyway. Why so many complain about features a device doesn't (appear to) have without bothering to read the manual first, eludes me. Besides, why ruin a good picture with a big DATE STAMP when the camera records all of the image details in the jpeg file? With the software included, it's very easy to see the time, date, capturing device settings and dozens of other jpeg properties after the fact without compromising the photo.

The fact that Minolta doesn't include an AC adapter is a kicker because the AC-6 adapter costs a hefty [amount]. If you happen to have a card reader which is a better option than the USB cable anyway (go ahead and buy the 6-in-1 type so you can read anything), the adapter really isn't that important unless you like putting up slide shows on TV with the included A/V adapter cable.

Minolta was one of the few companies who considered customer convenience in this design--they wisely chose to use AA batteries. Olympus is one of the few manufacturers to use AAs in most of their models. Most cameras I reviewed in the 4MP range use those ridiculously overpriced proprietary Li-Ion batteries. If you happen to be overseas without a charger that supports alternate voltages (a situation I'm in frequently), you'd better take a spare, and plan on paying around [money], or foot the bill for a dual-voltage charger if you can even get one. On top of that, you'll be lucky if you get 2 years out of the stupid things, and then you're out another [money] or so if the manufacturer even still makes them by that time. Minolta eliminated all of this pain by using standard off-the-shelf good old [inexpensive] AAs in the F100. Buy a few NiMH to carry around and keep a couple of lithium AAs with you to use if you run out of charged NiMH batteries. Worst case, stop at a gas station and load up on Alkaline AAs. They'll have a shorter life, but at least your camera still functions! If you're looking at cameras that use proprietary batteries, think long and hard about how you might wind up without the facilities to recharge before you buy. Sooner or later, it will be a problem.

The LCD is recessed which helps protect it from sharp objects sliding over the back of the camera--an unfortunate oversight on another brand which now has several scratches across the screen.

The lens retracts into the camera and a cover automatically closes to protect it. No lens cap to lose, no slide cover to forget to close. This lens cover design may not protect quite as well as a heavy sliding cover on other models, but given the price, I have no intentions of using my camera as a football anyway. Keep it in a padded carry bag.

One last pleasant surprise from the Minolta is the F100's ISO capability. Most cameras I've seen go up to 400, amd nearly all use 100-200 when left in auto--including the Minolta. In manual mode, the Minolta can go as high as ISO 800. This allows the camera to take photos in surprisingly low-light situations--often without the flash! There is a tradeoff though: just as with film, the higher ISO settings result in "granier" images. Still, if it's grainy or nothing, I'll choose grainy.