This is an excellent little camera for every day use, I bought it mainly because you can slip it in your top pocket, but I have since been impressed with its range of features and quality.
This model is a slight improvement on the Xt, the main difference being a larger viewing screen and improved movies (now up to 30 fps).
The camera looks very neat, only 20mm thick (the optical zoom is internal) and it feels and looks quality.
With its metal case and covered lens (automatically opens when switched on) you can throw it on the shelf or on the PC without worry. My son dropped mine on the tarmac with no ill effects.
Set up is simple, on my laptop (win 2000) I plugged it into my USB and that was it. On my PC (win 98) I installed the software and it works with no problems. It is also very easy to remove the memory card and use a card reader if you have one.
The camera is a dream to use, with auto focus, auto flash, exposure, etc. you just point and click. If you are into manual methods, you can set the camera manually as well. The controls are easy to use and you don't have to go through umpteen levels of a menu in order to turn off the Auto flash!
In the thick of the action the camera is ready to take another photograph in a fraction of a second, if the flash is required it still only takes a second or so to be ready.
The movie mode is excellent and is as good as many DV cameras. The only limit on the length of movie you take is the size of the memory card. Thanks to the frame size and speed the quality is good too. You can also review the movie (with sound) on the camera, great fun. (99% of mine are deleted shortly after!)
The camera had loads of features, some of them 'gimmicky' but some useful ones too (see minoltas website for details)
One thing that worried me before I bought the camera was the battery. The camera uses a rechargeable lithium battery (like a small cell phone battery) this means that if it goes flat, you can not put in a couple of AA's to tide you over. However, since using the camera I find that even after a full day of taking flash photos and movies the battery does not run out. That said, a spare battery can be obtained for less than £20, this is worth considering if you are a really heavy user. The battery has to be removed and placed in a separate charger, but this is a simple operation.
There are plenty of cheaper cameras out there with a higher resolution, but resolution alone does not determine the quality of the picture. I think overall, considering the features, picture quality, compactness and build quality of this camera it is good value for money.
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a really nice review. easily read. thanks - Vicky :-D
MAFARRIMOND 18.06.2004 16:21
Sounds a pretty good camera. Why not upload some photographs taken with it to show the quality availbable.Maureen
monsieur.Joda 18.06.2004 15:21
Your review is well written and you point out good things in it. However, I think you could have mention more about the specifications, the options of the camera... If you add anything let me know I will rerate.
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(compatible) for follow types:Konica Minolta DIMAGE XGExpand the storage capacity of your mobile phone, digital camera, PDA, reader and more on easy way.Productdetails:Stores up to 250 mp3 - orup to 2000 imagesDepending on length, quality and resolutionContent of one package:1GB micro SD memory card for Konica Minolta DIMAGE XG (SD adapter inclusive)
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Ultra clear and hard coated!FX Clear Protection protective foils are visual high tech ... more
foils. This display protection foil excels by the highest, crystal-clear transparency (over 99%) as well as by an absolute scratch resistance (pencil hardness: 3H).This display protection foil is also tailored to the respective display respecting the fit factor and the exact contours and is assembled dryly as all the foils available with us.Ultra clear andcompletely transparent, transparency over 99%Position can suit on-site conditions at any timeMultiplereusability, washableRejecting dirt and grease, reduces fingerprintsScratch resistant surface, hard coating with 3H pencil hardnessCrystal-clearcolorfast reproductionComfortable writing- touch screen optimizedRemovable without residueat any time even after yearsEasy installation -100% free of blisters mountablewith cleaned displayBorder adhesion andaccurate cuttingare guaranteed - including latchSensational adhesive qualities by specialsilicone bonding layer- no glue!Repairs scratched surfaces- small scratches are filled out and eliminated by the sticking stratum (Silicone stratum)Guaranteedquality processingby use of most modern high-precision engineering´sExtreme long service life- according to manufacturer recommendation a change of the foil is not necessaryScope of supply:1 foil / 1 foil set1 assembly instructionsYou receive one display protection foil for each display for devices with several displays (e.g. interior and exterior display).
Postage & Packaging:£1.00 Availability:Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
2GB micro SD memory card for Konica Minolta DIMAGE XG (SD adapter inclusive)match ... more
(compatible) for follow types:Konica Minolta DIMAGE XGExpand the storage capacity of your mobile phone, digital camera, PDA, reader and more on easy way.Productdetails:Stores up to 500 mp3 - orup to 4000 imagesDepending on length, quality and resolutionContent of one package:2GB micro SD memory card for Konica Minolta DIMAGE XG (SD adapter inclusive)
Postage & Packaging:£3.95 Availability:Usually dispatched within 4-5 business days...
Dazzle-free and hard coated!FX Anti Reflection protective foils are absolutely ... more
mar-resistant (pencil hardness: 3H) reducing disturbing light reflections and increase the display contrast. Unlike to other non-reflecting brands of protective foils the display view is not corrupted and the colors are represented true to the original by our Antireflex Display Protection Foils.This display foil is tailored to the respective display concerning the fit factor and the exact contours and is to be assembled dryly.Dazzle-free surface for the drasticreduction of light reflectionson the displayPosition can suit on-site conditions at any timeMultiplereusability, washableRejecting dirt and grease, reduces fingerprintsScratch resistant surface, hard coating with 3H pencil hardnessTransparentcolorfast reproductionComfortable writing- touch screen optimizedRemovable without residueat any time even after yearsEasy installation -100% free of blisters mountablewith cleaned displayBorder adhesion andaccurate cuttingare guaranteed - including latchSensational adhesivequalities by specialadhesive bonding layer- no glue!Guaranteedquality processingby use of most modern high-precision engineering´sExtreme long service life- according to manufacturer recommendation a change of the foil is not necessaryScope of supply:1 foil / 1 foil set1 assembly instructionsYou receive one display protection foil for each display for devices with several displays (e.g. interior and exterior display).
Postage & Packaging:£1.00 Availability:Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
1GB micro SD memory card for Konica Minolta DIMAGE XG (SD adapter inclusive)match ... more
(compatible) for follow types:Konica Minolta DIMAGE XGExpand the storage capacity of your mobile phone, digital camera, PDA, reader and more on easy way.Productdetails:Stores up to 250 mp3 - orup to 2000 imagesDepending on length, quality and resolutionContent of one package:1GB micro SD memory card for Konica Minolta DIMAGE XG (SD adapter inclusive)
Postage & Packaging:£3.95 Availability:Usually dispatched within 4-5 business days...
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