A terminal gadget freak, I find Ciao an excellent resource for checking out a gadget before buying i...
A terminal gadget freak, I find Ciao an excellent resource for checking out a gadget before buying it.
Member since:20.10.2000
Reviews:54
Members who trust:6
The Konica KD-400Z is my fourth attempt at finding the pefect digital camera in the last five years. After buying one of the first low-res cameras and upgrading over the years, I finally decided to hold off until something came on the market that had the following spec:
- 3 Megapixels - 3 x optical zoom - Video (with audio) - Pocketable (at least compared with my old Kodak DC210) - Pricetag of less than £350
When I decided to re-look at the market a few months back, I found that the Kyocera S3 and this Konica fitted the spec, and opted for the Konica, mainly as it added the following in addition to my own requirements:
- Recharchable battery - 4 not 3 megapixel -Slots for SD/MMC card and memory stick
The Konica measures 98mm x 55mm x 31mm, and with it's all-metal finish and sturdy lens protector (that doubles as the camera's on-off switch), you really get the feeling that you're using something both small and exceptionally well engineered.
Photo quality is excellent, and the 3xoptical zoom makes for great pictures. The one real critism is that it's very prone to redeye. Sure, it has a redeye mode, but it uses a pre-flash, meaning that people look away before the main flash fires, ruining more shots than the redeye itself does. My photographically-minded friend tells me that the proximity of the flash to the lens is the culprit, and many tiny cameras suffer from this. I've uploaded a few pictures to www.consumerdeals.co.uk/konica.html , if anyone's interested.
When looking back at a photo, you can zoom in by up to 8 times, to check obscure detail... very impressive!
One talking point is the rather odd funky blue flashing lights under the lens, which run a brief flashing sequence when the camera is turned on, together with a startup sound (that I disabled rather sharpish).
The rear of the camera has the following buttons: - Zoom in - Zoom out - Menu - 4 way navigation button - Display (toggles onscreen info including date/time, card, shot number, battery) - Play - toggle between pictures taken and viewfinder mode
Setting up the camera via the rear screen is fairly straightforward, although it's not always 100% obvious how to escape from certain menus. Some of the user-tweakable settings are:
- Quality (2304x1704 , 1600x1200 or 640x480mm) - Sound (Beep, effect, shutter) - Self timer - Auto power off - Language (Chinese, English, French, German) - Monitor brightness
You can also adjust your per-photo settings: flash, macro-mode (for closeup) and redeye.
All in all, an excellent camera, the perfect size for my requirements, a whole stack of goodies (the AVI files generated pretty impressive), and it's a lot cheaper than many similarly-specced digitals. The 16Meg card is adequate, but getting at least a 64Meg card is worth it for big nights out.
Well worth a look.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
I bought this recently and I think it's perfect except that the autofocus is sometimes a little dodgy, and when photographing close to the subject, the blue light at the front disturbs your compoisition of the image. I wish it came with a nice case too... Thanks...
alexandrapontecaille 25.10.2002 22:12
That looks very good but I'm not looking to buy one just now. The one I have is still doing the job, mind you I may have to speak to the manufacturer as the battery tray seems to have a default. Good opinion.
Alex
This high quality case offers maximum protection for your high value Digital/compact ... more
camera. The executive looking case boasts good looks as well as some handy features such as; Elasticised straps to keep your expensive camera firmly in place Three SD card holder slots so you never loose your memory card and pictures Netted storage compartment Belt clip Do not run the risk of damaging your expensive camera! Make sure that your camera is 100% protected with our durable high quality case for your camera. This item also comes with a belt clip so you can easily keep your camera close to you when you leave your car or house. This item will fit all digital camera that are no thicker than 2" or wider than 5". Please check that your digital camera will fit before ordering to avoid disappointment. When you purchase this item you will receive the following: One high quality durable black hardwearing camera case Belt clip Our no quibbles returns policy and full 2 year guarantee Fast dispatch of your item from the UK viaRoyal Mail 1st class post
Postage & Packaging:£4.50 Availability:Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Pink neoprene water-resistant digital/compact camera case with bonus wrist carry ... more
strap.This high quality, contemporary case offers maximum protection for your high value digital/compact camera.Features:Two storage compartments with zips, Bonus wrist strap so you can always keep your camera close, Water-resistant shockproof material to offer maximum protection for your camera, Duragadget Branded.Do not run the risk of damaging your expensive camera! Make sure that your camera is 100% protected with our durable high quality case. This item also comes with a wrist strap so you can easily keep your camera close to you when you leave your car or house. This item will fit all digital cameras that are no thicker than 2" or wider than 5". Please check that your camera will fit before ordering to avoid disappointment.
Postage & Packaging:Check Site. Availability:Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Pink neoprene water-resistant digital/compact camera case with bonus wrist carry ... more
strap.This high quality, contemporary case offers maximum protection for your high value digital/compact camera.Features:Two storage compartments with zips, Bonus wrist strap so you can always keep your camera close, Water-resistant shockproof material to offer maximum protection for your camera, Duragadget Branded.Do not run the risk of damaging your expensive camera! Make sure that your camera is 100% protected with our durable high quality case. This item also comes with a wrist strap so you can easily keep your camera close to you when you leave your car or house. This item will fit all digital cameras that are no thicker than 2" or wider than 5". Please check that your camera will fit before ordering to avoid disappointment.
Postage & Packaging:£4.50 Availability:Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
You will receive 1 high quality Rechargeable Battery,100% fits!Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery ... more
(brand new merchandise in original packaging)This high capacity rechargeable battery definitely disposes of more power than the battery which was included in the delivery of your device. This rechargeable battery can be used instead of the original rechargeable battery without any problems and can be recharged with the available standard power supply. The rechargeable battery is protected and secured againstovercharge and short-circuits.Important information:A battery with a greater power output than the battery which was included in the delivery of your device can have larger dimensions. Please observe the dimensions in mm indicated in the offer (see above under technical details).safety due to heat and overcharge protectionmore power than the battery which was included in the delivery of your deviceno memory effect - recharge your battery whenever you likeexcellent fitting accuracy, certified quality merchandise, not an original accessorythe standard battery charger can still be usedLegal note: This item is compatible, not an original product of the digital camera manufacturer and is not manufactured, supported or recommended by the digital camera manufacturers. All brand names, trade marks and product names only serve the purpose of indicating compatibility, in doing so are not connected to the original products of the respective manufacturers and are the property of the respective holder of rights.
Postage & Packaging:£3.98 Availability:Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Advantages: Looks, The feel, Excellent pictures, Dual-memory card-slot, Intuitive, Fast startup Disadvantages: Digital manual, Dodgy focus in low exposure areas, Lacking a few modes, battery level indicator, beautiful blue light can be irritating
Advantages: Small, compact, good display screen, easy to use. Disadvantages: Red eye control is poor, and pictures can be grainy when taken in poor lighting
Advantages: Very small, easy to use with very good build quality and takes great pictures Disadvantages: expensive spare battery and no tiff mode for photos
Advantages: Looks, The feel, Excellent pictures, Dual-memory card-slot, Intuitive, Fast startup Disadvantages: Digital manual, Dodgy focus in low exposure areas, Lacking a few modes, battery level indicator, beautiful blue light can be irritating
Advantages: Small, compact, good display screen, easy to use. Disadvantages: Red eye control is poor, and pictures can be grainy when taken in poor lighting
Oct 25th, 2002
very helpful by (92%):
helpful by (8%):
