Product Description

The DiMAGE Z3 is a high-speed, 4-megapixel digital camera with a 12X optical mega zoom lens. With a CCD-shift Anti-Shake System, the Z3 gives you amazingly steady and reliable telephoto shots even at the maximum magnification. Plus, Rapid AF ensures that you capture moving subjects clearly. The DiMAGE Z3's advanced, high-sensitivity 4-megapixel CCD combines with Konica Minolta's proprietary CxProcess II technology to give you images as beautiful as those you see with your own eyes.Despite its powerful 12X optical zoom, the Z3 sports a lightweight, compact body with a stylish, modern design. An ergonomic grip makes it easy and comfortable to carry and the large, intuitive button layout keeps you in confident control at all times.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #32357 in Camera & Photo
• Brand: Konica-Minolta
• Model: 2733151
• Dimensions: 1.00 pounds
• Display size: 1.5

Features

• 4-megapixel sensor captures enough detail to create photo-quality 11-by-15-inch enlargements
• Konica Minolta GT APO 12x optical zoom with CCD-shift anti-shake system; combines with 4x digital zoom for 48x total zoom
• Fastest autofocus in its class (May 2004); captures movies with sound; PictBridge compatible
• Store images on Secure Digital (SD) memory cards; 16 MB SD card included
• Powered by 4 AA-size batteries (alkaline included, rechargeable NiMH recommended)

From the Manufacturer
Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc.'s new Dimage Z3 4.0 megapixel digital camera is the first Z-series camera to feature Konica Minolta proprietary Anti-Shake system. This new camera provides photographers with high-quality images and features a wide range of convenient and easy-to-use high-end functions.

Further Advances in Rapid Autofocus (AF) with Predictive Focus Control

See detailed views of the Z3's features: Front Back

The Dimage Z3 incorporates an AF-dedicated ASIC to video AF system. Focusing takes a mere 0.15 seconds at wide angle and only 0.20 seconds at telephoto. And in Continuous AF, the Dimage Z3 includes Predictive Focus Control, which allows photographers to capture sharper images of moving subjects—like a child running at full speed. The Dimage Z3 also features a faster focusing lens drive that moves the focusing lens more than twice as fast as the previous Z-series model. Its Quick Speed Image Readout in AF function reads images from the CCD at a rate of 100 frames per second from when the shutter-release button is pressed partway until the image is brought into focus, giving contrast information in half the time of normal mode (50 frames per second). With Optimized AF Sequence, in Video AF the Dimage Z3 uses AF Sequence Control to simultaneously determine the focus drive direction and drive the lens to the position of maximum contrast through repeated focusing. This means that focusing operations start as soon as the shutter-release button is pressed partway. The Dimage Z3 also offers improved AF accuracy through several features. 5-point Area AF provides five focus areas that overlap horizontally and thus reduce AF failures that occur when subjects appear in between focus areas and cause a perspective conflict. A human subject sensor algorithm uses color information in an AF area to prioritize and focus on that area if it is more than 50% occupied by flesh tone. This reduces shots that erroneously focus on a background rather than on the person in the picture.

CCD-Shift Anti-Shake Function
The Konica Minolta Dimage Z3 is the first Z-series model to include Konica Minolta's Anti-Shake function. This gives photographers unprecedented control and accuracy when taking pictures in low light situations, as well as when fully-extending and hand-holding the camera's 12x optical zoom lens. The high-precision CCD-shift method employs the proprietary Smooth Impact Drive Mechanism (SIDM), in which angular velocity sensors detect the degree of shaking and move the CCD to compensate for and correct this. The SIDM enables compensation to minimize the effect of camera shake at 2-3 shutter speeds slower than on cameras without an Anti-Shake function (depending on conditions; equivalent to 2-3 exposure increments). The Dimage Z3 can correct shaking without increasing shutter speed and raising ISO sensitivity, factors which increase image noise. In addition, users won't see the deterioration in image quality usually associated with electronic anti-shake systems. The CCD-shift method doesn't require extra correction lenses like optical anti-shake systems, so the Dimage Z3's body is compact and lightweight. The Dimage Z3's anti-shake system is effective in correcting both the fine movement of pressing the shutter-release button and the larger and slower movements of the user's body.

Incredible 48x Total Zoom Range
Combining the camera's 12x optical zoom lens with the 4x digital zoom gives photographers a 48x total zoom, perfect for taking distance shots at sporting events or when capturing distant subjects. This incredible optical zoom lens delivers a focal range equivalent to a 35-420mm range on a 35mm camera lens. With the digital zoom, total zoom is equivalent to 35-1680mm (35mm equivalent).

Konica Minolta GT APO Lens

DiMAGE Z3 focuses in an astonishingly fast 0.15 seconds at wide angle and 0.20 seconds at telephoto for the fastest autofocus in this class.

The Dimage Z3 employs a newly developed high-performance lens system that supports CCDs with 5 million effective pixels. The optical lens system consists of 13 elements in 10 groups and includes two AD (anomalous dispersion) glass lenses and two aspheric elements, a construction that adds up to sharp, high-quality images. Multi-coating on 14 lens surfaces ensures minimal flaring and ghosting in all zoom ranges. It employs a 5-vane iris diaphragm to beautifully reproduce a near-circular fading effect.

4-Megapixel CCD for Beautiful Prints
The 4-megapixel, 1/2.5-inch CCD produces plenty of detail for creating high-quality enlargements as large as 10 x 14 inches at 150-dpi print resolution. In addition, the CCD's primary color filter offers high color fidelity.

Superbly Detailed Images with CxProcess II
Konica Minolta's 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 Z3's 4 megapixels capture fine lines and intricate details for stunning digital images.

High-quality Movies as Beautiful as TV or Video Camera Footage
The Konica Minolta Dimage Z3 takes movies in VGA size (640x480) at 30 frames per second for smooth video with sound rivaling TV programs or video camera footage. Users can choose from three movie image sizes: 640x480 (Fine), 640x480 (Standard), or 320x240 (Standard). Thanks to the camera's Anti-Shake function, users can take telephoto movies that are smooth and clear. The XR (Extended Recording) Movie function lets users record longer movie clips onto the camera's SD memory card. With Night Movie, the Dimage Z3 can record in extreme low-light conditions thanks to a CCD that's four times more sensitive than conventional sensors.

UHS (Ultra High Speed) Continuous Shooting
The Dimage Z3 captures 15 images at 10 frames per second at UHS (Ultra High Speed) continuous shooting.

Progressive Capture
With the Dimage Z3 in Progressive Capture mode, images are saved automatically when users stop pressing the camera's shutter-release button. Progressive Capture means that the last several images in the sequence get saved: as many as 6 images (in Standard continuous advance) or 15 images (in UHS continuous advance). So when shooting fast-moving subjects, Progressive Capture ensures that they are recorded when and where the user wants them. These functions are handy for shooting sporting events or for recording and improving your form in personal sports training situations such as a golf swing.

Real Motion LCD Monitor
The Dimage Z3 features the Real Motion LCD monitor, which delivers crystal clear images to the user at 50 frames per second. Conventional monitors on digital cameras use a 30-frames-per-second display format that sometimes results in a less-than-smooth display. The 50-frames-per-second Real Motion monitor rate provides smooth action that brings images to life.

Noise Reduction
Noise Reduction enables exceptional night images by automatically preventing the blemishes and graininess associated with slow-shutter shots.

PASM Exposure Control and Metering Modes
The Dimage Z3 offers incredible control over exposure. There are four modes: Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual. Select manual exposure to enable 30-second time exposure capability. The Dimage Z3 has three metering modes: Multi-segment, Center-weighted, and Spot. Multi-segment metering uses 256 segments to determine exposure.

Get as Near as 0.4 inches with Super Macro
Photographers can shoot amazing close-ups in either Macro or Super Macro modes. In Super Macro mode, photographers can bring the lens as near as 0.4 inches from their subject.

PictBridge-Compliant
Forget all about complicated connections with a PC. Users can get fast, fun printouts directly from their camera by connecting the Dimage Z3 to a PictBridge-compliant printer. Users just check which images they want to print on the Dimage Z3's LCD monitor and then print out their favorites in no time at all.

New Ergonomic Design
The Dimage Z3's design is advanced yet familiar and easy-to-use. Despite its large 12x zoom range, it weighs just 11.8 ounces. It's also easy to carry and operate even for amateur photographers. The camera's ergonomic form makes it easy to hold and keep steady for those zoom shots.

What's in the Box
Neck strap NS-DG7000, lens cap LF-243, accessory shoe cap SC-1000, AV cable AVC-700, 16MB SD (Secure Digital) memory card, USB cable USB-2, Dimage Viewer CD-ROM, ArcSoft VideoImpression 2 CD-ROM (for Windows only), four AA alkaline batteries.

Customer Reviews

Konica Minolta Z3
Having some experience with SLRs before the digital age, and having used a 2.1 megapixel Canon Ixus 300 for three years, I was ready for an upgrade. At the same time I was pondering whether to buy a digicam that can shoot stills, or a stills camera that can shoot video - thus covering both my needs with a single device. Carrying two devices, two AC adapters/chargers and potentially two different storage media was out of the question, although some manufacturers allow you to use the same storage medium and battery if you buy only their products. I decided for a stills camera, but demanded video capture of 30 frames per second. This requirement excluded almost all the cameras within my price range.

Another key consideration was speed. The Ixus is notoriously slow both during startup and shutter lag, too slow for my baby son.

Finally I imagined a camera with 5-6 megapixels and a fast lens (ideally f2.0), fairly compact and relatively light weight.

Exhausting research showed me that the ideal camera does not exist. However, some cameras do have 30 fps video: SONY W1 or P100, The Panasonic Z10 or Z20, Kyocera M410R, and Konica Minolta Z2. The three latter manufacturers offered large zooms as well. However only Panasonic offered a stabilized zoom, and on the other hand was so big tha I decided against it.

All the above cameras offer only middle-of-the-road resolution of 4-5 megapixels. On the other hand, friends with higher resolution cameras tell me that they never use maximum resolution anyway, so I decided I could compromise on the megapixel race and get some other useful features instead.
When the Z3 with stabilised zoom was released I took a chance and bought it here at Amazon although none of the established digital photography websites had yet reviewed it.

Having used the Z3 for a week and taken about a hundred photos, I am pleased with my decision. The photo quality is as good as I expected, as regards sharpness and colour. The optical 12x zoom is fantastic, and with 4x digital zoom you can shoot the moon and have it fill the entire screen in fairly good resolution. I could read the lisence plates of cars standing 200 yards away.

Additionally the camera is fairly compact but has an unusual shape, so get the Konica Minolta case for it.

Video is very good, as expected. You get a built-in loudspeaker for instant playback. Besides you need a fast SD card, I got a 512 MB Sandisk Ultra II and am happy with it. An additional plus with SD cards is that they fit into my Palm Tungsten handheld for direct downloading of photos.

The instruction manual is good as well, not too big but detailed. Unlike cameras like Olympus C-5060 and C-8080, that have received a lot of praise for their optical qualities but criticism for their complicated menu structure, the Z3 is very straight-forward with just the right repertoire of features. It is really easy to use. When we add quick startup and focusing, I feel most of my requirements are met.

I also bought the 2500D external flash with vertically swivelling head, which came at a very competitive price compared to dedicated flashes from other manufacturers. The built-in flash is nevertheless quite strong in most indoor situations.

Such features for 499 dollars is a good deal. However Konica Minolta have chosen very cheap solutions to some other needs:
- the LCD at the back of the camera is very small, and it does not swivel. All other comparable cameras have larger screens, most of them swivel. If your eyesight is not 100%, get a different camera.
- the built-in flash does not pop up when needed, you have to push it up with your hand.
- The lens itself is not threaded, only the barrel around it. You have to buy a big adapter in order to attach the most basic UV filter. The camera will also not fit into the case with the adapter on.
- low light metering is poor, often impossible. A focus assist lamp should have been included.
- the body is plastic. It feels fairly sturdy but many competing cameras are made of metal.
- Konica Minolta did not bother to include NIMH batteries in the box. They are absolutely necessary but cost extra.
- it is a pitty that such a big lens is not f2.0, only f2.8-4.3. The older Olympus C-5060 and Canon G3 have it - why not newer cameras?

To sum it up: if you need a digital camera beyond the basic point-and-shoot type, video matters a lot to you, and you are willing to carry a somewhat bulky camera around in order to get a big zoom, the Z3 may be the camera for you. Unless you are willing to wait for a future Z4 or Z5 that has it all.

Good, but not great
Plusses
- 12X zoom with anti-shake lets you take pictures of things that are difficult to capture otherwise. For example, I take quite a few pictures of my animals, and when you get close to them, they tend to move. This camera lets you maintain your distance and get a good shot.
- Video mode is good. High res, and works surprisingly well in low light.
- Very good ergonomics as far as controls are concerned. Menus for various camera modes are well laid out.
- Exceedingly fast operation. Turn it on, and it is ready to go. Repeated shots are also very fast.
- Easy access to real time histogram of current image.
- Reasonably powerful flash.
- Great macro and super macro mode.
- Takes AA batteries and SD cards.

Minuses
- Small LCD display, but with some use, you'll be able to tell if you got a good shot or not.
- I think familiarity with some of the other picture taking modes of the camera is a must (i.e. aperture and shutter priority modes).
- Some purple fringing at high zoom.
- Noise in images, even at low ISOs.
- Some difficulty focusing in low light situations.

I haven't noticed any problems with capturing video to my SD card, like the other reviewer mentioned (I have a Kingmax platinum card). Nor do I think the SD card door is `flimsy'. It is thin to be sure, but I've never had a problem with it.

I think color saturation is fine. Color balance is very natural on normal setting. Vivid color setting produces rich color. Battery life seems decent to me, I use high capacity NiMH cells.

Overall, this is not a SLR, but you're not paying the same money either. Overall, I think this is a decent camera and worth the price.

Good camera with some neat features
I needed a camera for a cruise we were taking to Anarctica and wanted a digital camera with a large zoom. After trying to decide for about a month, I bought the Z3 and an Olympus C770 together. I decided to keep the Z3 and return the C770, mostly because of some of the great features on the Z3. The antishake really seems to make a difference and I like how fast the camera is. The C770 wasn't exactly slow, but with the test pictures I took with it I got a lot more blurred ones than with the Z3. The ultra high speed shooting modes on the Z3 are great and I got a lot of pictures I would have otherwise missed with slower shooting rates, especially when taking pictures of wildlife. As one of the other reviewers mentioned, it sounds like a machine gun when its taking pictures. I could see it being a lot of fun with candid shots too. The focus is fast and there is almost no lag taking pictures once the object is in focus. Its still not quite SLR fast, but this camera's not an SLR. The zoom is great and when showing pictures to other people on the ship they couldn't believe how close the camera was able to get with just the optical zoom. The pictures it takes are pretty good, there is some purple fringing on some things, particularly in dark areas at higher zooms, but you really have to get in close or blow the pictures up pretty large to notice. I took a few videos on my trip to and thought they were pretty good. The focus seems to hunt a little bit at times which got a little annoying, but this isn't a video camera. I thought the white balance and color was very good and I had only a couple of pictures that I would say the colors were off. The white balance on the Z3 in auto was better than the Olympus, where I seemed to have to manually change the white balance modes, especially when taking pictures outside.

Now for my gripes. The body and its panels all seem on the cheap side. The access door for the USB cable is just a soft plastic flap and the access door for the SD card is kind of flimsy. I've accidently caught the SD card door on things a few times and worry it might get really caught one day and rip off. I've been tempted to but some tape or velcro on it to do a better job keeping it closed, but haven't been able to make myself do it. The Olympus body was metal and the access doors on it seemed a little sturdier. The Z3 also eats alkaline batteries and you'll want to buy a set of high capacity Li-ions. Once I bought a set I would easily get over a full 1GB cards worth of shots (almost 500) before having to change batteries. The Z3 does have a hard time focusing in low light and I agree with the other reviews that a focus assist light would probably help. The Olympus was no better. I also sometimes have a hard time finding the shutter release without hunting for it and every once in a while I catch myself trying to press the bezel surrounding the shutter release rather than the shutter release. I also wish the flash would either pop up automatically or have a button like the Olympus, rather than having to grap a little tab on the side of the section that pops up. It was sometimes really difficult to do with gloves on or even without having to stop what you were doing and look at the top of the camera. Also, plan to buy a higher capacity SD card because 16mb is a joke. I have just a regular speed SD card and have not had any of the problems some people were describing capturing video, but I do wonder if I would be able to capture more continuous shots in the ultra high speed modes without the camera having to pause. The Z3 is also a little larger (maybe bulkier is better word) than the C770 and while I felt I could have fit the C770 in a large pocket or even wife's purse, the Z3 won't fit in either.

So to sum my review up, the Z3 is a good camera with some limitations. Its probably the cheap feeling construction that keeps me from giving it 5 stars.

PROS:
Speed, speed, speed
Anti shake works
Great zoom
Good menu system

CONS:
Cheap feeling construction
Eats Alkaline batteries (plan on buying Li-ion)
Wish flash was easier to pop up
Its a little bulky