Product Description

The Konica Minolta DiMAGE X50 is handy enough to take anywhere and stylish enough to show everyone. Add the fastest-in-class startup time, 2.8X non-protruding optical zoom, 5-megapixel CCD, and large 2-inch LCD, and you've got a high quality digital camera in a sleek, compact package.The 5-megapixel DiMAGE X50 digital camera takes the DiMAGE X series' concept of "thin, fast and stylish" and adds even more speed.With its non-protruding zooms lens, the DiMAGE X50 fits neatly in a breast pocket and is ready when you are-thanks to the approx. 0.5-second startup time - to take those spur-of-the-moment shots and ensure that you never miss a photo opportunity. Automatic Digital Subject Program Selection automatically selects the optimum shooting mode for the subject at hand, allowing you to take beautiful photos that match the needs of the particular scene. In short, the DiMAGE X50 makes it fast and easy for anyone to take beautiful, high-quality pictures anytime.The DiMAGE X50's 5-megapixel CCD and proprietary CxProcess II image processing technology combine to give superb quality images - pictures that reproduce the natural colors as faithfully as you see them with your own eyes. The zoom range gives everything from wide-angle shots to close-ups that are clearly focused as near as 10 cm from the subject, without the need to switch to macro mode. If you need to get even closer, the Super Macro mode based on Konica Minolta's newly developed optics system gives amazing close-ups as near as 6 cm.The DiMAGE X50 has a large 2-inch LCD screen whose easy-to-view menus equal greater ease of operation. And the slide cover protects the lens, so there's no need to worry about putting the camera inside a pocket or purse.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #24667 in Camera & Photo
• Brand: Konica-Minolta
• Model: Dimage X50 Silver
• Dimensions: 2.40" h x 3.30" w x 8.40" l, .26 pounds
• Display size: 2

Features

• 5-megapixel sensor captures enough detail to create photo-quality 13-by-17-inch enlargements
• 2.8x optical zoom lens combines with 4.3x digital zoom for 12x total zoom
• .5-second start-up time; 2-inch LCD monitor; PictBridge compatible
• Store images on Secure Digital (SD) memory cards; 16 MB SD card included
• Powered by rechargeable lithium-ion battery (included with charger)

From the Manufacturer
Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc.'s Dimage X50 5.0 megapixel digital camera offers an array of high-end features and functions, to give photographers all they really need in a fast and easy-to-use digital camera.

Product Highlights

• Thin, stylish camera body—the camera is less than an inch thick, even with its non-protruding 2.8x optical zoom, which can be combined with 4.3x digital zoom for up to 12x zoom.
• Even faster operation with an approximate 0.5-second startup time, the fastest in its class*. (* As of April 2004, for 3x optical zoom digital cameras.)
• Easy operation and easy menu navigation with a large 2-inch LCD monitor.
• Konica Minolta's proprietary CxProcess II high-quality image processing technology and the camera's 5-megapixel CCD combine to provide superb images.
• Automatic Digital Subject Program Selection automatically chooses the best shooting mode for your images.
• Shots in focus as near as 4 inches from the subject at all focal lengths without the need to change modes. Plus, a Super Macro mode for stunning close-ups as close as 2.4 inches from the subject.
• Photos can be output directly to PictBridge-compliant printers.
• Optional Marine Case for creative underwater photography.

2.8x Optical Zoom in a Super-Slim Body
Featuring Konica Minolta's proprietary non-protruding zoom lens, the Dimage X50 keeps its cool outward appearance even when the zoom is activated. The revolutionary design using internal folded optics technology means that the camera stays slim even while the user is taking zoom shots. The slim 0.93-inch-thick body (0.79 inches excluding the LCD monitor) houses a 2.8x optical zoom and weighs just 4.4 ounces. And, the convenient sliding cover adds a practical feature to this camera's stylish design, safeguarding the lens while the Dimage X50 is placed inside a pocket or purse.

World's Fastest* Startup Time
The Dimage X50 boasts an amazingly fast and fluid startup – switch the camera on and the camera is ready to start taking great pictures in about 0.5 second. This and the approximately 0.06-second shutter-release time lag time ensures that photographers will never miss capturing those unexpected photographic moments. (* As of April 2004, for 3x optical zoom cameras.)

UHS (Ultra High-Speed) Continuous Advance
UHS Continuous Advance captures 1280 x 960 images at 11 frames per second regardless of the image quality setting, making it ideal for capturing subjects in motion.

Easy and Convenient Operation
The Dimage X50 incorporates a large 2-inch LCD monitor for easy and convenient operation. With no complicated settings to be made and enough controls to make operation intuitive, the Dimage X50 is easy and fun to use. The camera's Key Customization allows users to register settings for their most-frequently-used functions. A users just designates the settings most often used to the left or right side of the controller to make operation even more simple and user-friendly. The Dimage X50 also has an independent playback button that displays images instantly.

Extraordinary Image Quality
The Dimage X50's 5-megapixel CCD and newly developed optical system combine to deliver sharp, high-resolution images for photo-quality prints as large as 5" x 6.5" at 300dpi, as well as enlargements up to 13.5" x 10" at 150dpi. The CxProcess II image processing technology enables image characteristics like smooth gradations, natural skin tones, and brilliantly clear colors for photos that are more natural and lifelike. And the Dimage X50's 5 megapixels capture fine lines and intricate details for stunning digital images.

The Best Shooting Modes—Automatically Selected
Automatic Digital Subject Program Selection automatically selects the most appropriate shooting mode. Or, users can choose from Portrait, Sports, Landscape, Sunset, Night portrait/Night view modes* and text* mode. Either way, this advanced function enables them to take fabulous photos with ease. (*Activated via manual selection only.)

5-Point Multi Autofocus (AF)
The wide 5-Point Multi AF enables flexible focusing that allows users to compose their pictures with more freedom and accuracy.

Multi-Segment Metering/Spot Metering
Multi-Segment metering automatically measures light readings over the entire frame to provide the best exposure for each subject. And Spot metering measures light in the center of the frame, which enables users to measure the brightness of a particular spot on the subject.

Noise Reduction
Noise Reduction automatically prevents the blemishes and graininess associated with slow-shutter shots (up to 4 seconds). This gives exceptional night scene images.

Take Extreme Close-ups
The Dimage X50 requires no macro mode to take close-ups that are clearly focused as near as 4 inches from the subject. This means users can fill the frame with the incredible detail of small and beautiful subjects such as colorful flowers. And since users don't have to take the time to change the camera's shooting mode, they can take these close-ups right away. The Dimage X50 also features a Super Macro mode to take close-ups as close as 2.4 inches.

Direct Camera-to-Printer Printouts
Forget all about complicated connections with a PC. Get fast, beautiful prints directly from the camera by connecting the Dimage X50 to a PictBridge-compliant printer. Simply select which images to print from the Dimage X50's LCD monitor for fast and fun printouts instantly.

Versatile Functions

• XR Movie
  The XR (Extended Recording) Movie mode lets users record longer movie clips onto the SD memory card at a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels. The camera will keep on recording until the memory card is full. Movie Editing lets users isolate and capture clips from captured movie data, while Movie Frame Capture lets them isolate and capture individual frames from captured movie data.
• Audio Recording
  Audio Recording allows users to record any sound for up to 180 minutes. Voice Memo lets them record sound immediately after they've taken a shot and Audio Caption enables users to record sound simultaneously during playback. (Both Voice Memo and Audio Caption record up to 15 seconds of sound.)
• Slide Show/Image Rotation
  The Dimage X50 gives users exciting viewing capabilities. Slide Show Playback, which lets users experience still images or movies with captivating dissolve effects, can be viewed either on the Dimage X50's LCD screen or on a TV screen. With Image Rotation, users can change settings to rotate their vertical images from their horizontal position for easier viewing.
• Multi-Frame Function
  Transform 9 consecutive images into one extraordinary print with the Multi-Frame function. Press the shutter release once to shoot a sequence of 9 shots. The images are shown as thumbnails in a single frame.
• Crop Frame
  With Crop Frame, trim unwanted parts of captured still pictures and save the image as a separate file, while keeping the original image intact in its file
• Image Pasting
  The Dimage X50 lets users create custom photos and cards by selecting part of a saved image and overlaying it in their choice of nine picture frames on any chosen photo.
• Color Mode
  Color mode adds either black & white or sepia colors to photographs.

What's in the Box
Lithium-ion battery NP-700, lithium-ion battery charger BC-800, hand strap HS-DG130, USB cable USB-3, 16MB SD (Secure Digital) memory card, Dimage Viewer CD-ROM

Customer Reviews

Dimage X50 will do some serious "damage" to the competition!
I just purchased this AWESOME ultracompact digital camera from my local camera store. I am by no means a novice to the world of digital photography. I bought my 1st digital camera (Nikon Coolpix 990) over 4 years ago for just under a thousand dollars. While it took great pictures, it was too bulky and a bit too easy to change the settings on the camera. My 2nd digital camera was a SONY Mavica-that one had TERRIBLE photo quality. My 3rd camera was the Canon S50 which is very highly rated butI had 3 problems with it- 1. It was too bulky to toss into my pocket. 2. The toggle switches are a pain to operate (they eliminated them for the S60/70) 3. I was not blown away by the photo quality. To be honest, I think my Nikon Coolpix took better indoor pictures and it only had 3 (vs 5) mega-pixels! I have heard that Nikon utilizes some of the best photo lenses in the industry which result in great-looking pictures. I was thinking about getting the Nikon Coolpix 3200 BUT the shutter speed is way too slow! And it has a cheap, plastic body. Then I read Mossberg's review of the Dimage X50 in the Wall Street Journal and was very intrigued. So, I headed to my local camera store and purchased it (they have a 7 day return/exchange policy). I took a bunch of pictures of my baby both indoors and out, and I was VERY IMPRESSED with the photo quality (for a camera this tiny)*.
UPDATE:
*Some reviewers complained about "noisy" pictures. You have to factor that in when considering a digital camera purchase. If you want pictures with no noise, then you have to use a much bigger camera like the Canon A95 or Sony W1. Also, I don;t recommend buying an ultracompact camera as your primary or sole camera. They are best for taking to parties or tossing them in your bag to capture spontaneous life moments. You shouldn't expect an ultacompact to produce museum quality pictures- it's simply not possible. I truly believe that the XS50 offers one of the best photo quality in the arena of ultracompacts.

Besides the high photo quality, there is A LOT I love about my 4th digital camera. 1st, the price is GREAT esp. when you consider the picture quality, TINY size, and zoom capability. I think it's a STEAL! 2nd, the only thing I disagree with Mossberg is that he didn't think it looked very "sleek". I love the all metal design - aside from the viewfinder, you will not find any cheap plastic parts. Even the A/V out has a tiny metal door that slides up and down. Not to be anti-American made but it's obvious that this was made in Japan. It is also extremely EASY to use-the buttons are very intuitive. I have yet to crack open the manual. It also makes a soothing "ding" sound when the picture is in focus (not at all loud or annoying) so that you are assured a great picture! Even though it is very small, the lay-out is great and NO TOGGLE SWITCHES. And of course, having a 2" LCD monitor is very helpful (and fun). You don't have to squint into a tiny viewfinder! The combined 12x zoom is VERY COOL-it's similsr to a submarine telescope and doesn't protude !

The only thing I'm not crazy about is that it uses a proprietary battery but it's supposed to last for over a 150 pictures and using "AA" batteries would have added too much bulk. Overall,
I am THRILLED with this camera! I finally got (almost) EVERYTHING I was looking for in an ultracompact digital camera- Very Good photo quality, ease of use, tiny size, and a very FAST SHUTTER SPEED at a great price. What more can you want? Well, maybe a bigger memory card :-)

Great little camera for everyday use!
I researched cameras for about 2 months before finally deciding on the DiMage X50. I went to a camera store to check them out and found that the camera I really wanted hasn't been invented yet. (I wanted a large LCD screen (2-2.5 inch), and more than 3X zoom, and all in an ultra compact camera!) It all came down to the Dimage X50 but I also looked at the Casio Exilim EX-Z55 which had a nice 2.5 inch LCD (but you need a dock to connect to a computer), and the Canon SD300. The viewfinder on the Canon was in the middle of the camera and was uncomfortable, as it hit my nose. (and I must say I have a small nose!) The DiMage X50 came the closest to meeting all my needs. I also liked the non protruding zoom lens and the metal cover that protects the lens and also acts to turn the camera on and off.

My criteria was: a small camera I can keep in my purse, large LCD screen, optical viewfinder, fast startup and no/short lag time between pictures, USB connection to computer and connection to TV, movie with sound ability, easy to use, good picture quality, zoom (could be better - although you can zoom in on pictures using photo software).

I am extremely pleased with my purchase. I was very surprised when I took my first pictures in a dark restaurant. The couple sitting across from us came out clear and without red eye!! The camera is very easy to use. I was taking pictures and movies before I even read the instructions, which I eventually did to find out how to use the camera correctly. The pictures indoors as well as outdoors came out great. Downloading them onto the computer was very fast and easy.

I've been keeping the camera in an eyeglass case (men's vertical type) with no problem. It's easy to carry in my purse without worrying that it will be damaged. I did order the Minolta casual case for it and will see which works better when I receive the case.

I can definitely recommend this camera with no hesitation!!

Good Small Camera, Slow Repair Service
My brother and I both bought this camera (X50). I had only owned one camera before this, a Canon S110, so comparisions will be relative to the S110.

It is very small and light (slightly smaller and lighter than the S110) and it starts up very quickly (much faster than the S110). Daytime picture quality is very good (comparable to the S110 except with higher resolution). Night/dark area pictures are terrible due to the noise (the S110 does better). I expected better since the S110 is a much older camera model.

Like B. Hart's review on May 13, 2005, I also had problems with the LCD screen. Unlike Hart, I did not drop my camera. It just stopped working at one point. After taking a picture outside a castle in Japan, I went into the castle to take more pictures. 5 minutes later in the castle, I slided the lens cover open and the LCD displayed all white. The LCD had become stuck at ultra high brightness. I couldn't see a thing with the LCD (no viewing pictures already taken, etc) and it drained the batteries real fast.

It has been 2 months since I sent it in for repairs as covered by warranty. They said they'll replace the LCD. I also find the repair turn around unacceptable.

Some notes: My S110 has a "Made in Japan" label, whereas my X50 has a "Made in Malaysia" label. My brother's X50, which he bought in Japan, has a "Made in Korea" label. His camera has no problems whatsoever. I had originally assumed my X50 was also made in Japan until it broke. I was looking for the SN and noticed the Malaysia label. I'd definately be more careful next time in checking the made in labels before I buy.