The DiMAGE Z2 is the second in a series of easy-to-use, powerful SLR-type digital cameras and a step up from the groundbreaking DiMAGE Z1. The DiMAGE Z2 also boasts the Rapid AF... more
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Advantages: Sharp images, full manual controls, excellent value for money Disadvantages: Bulky, cannot be used as webcam, need tripod when using full zoom
I bought a refurbished unit from Jessops for just over £100. Have had absolutely no problems with it and it takes sharp shots. You can use automatic settings or use any of the preset settings to take shots and even use the fully manual settings to get the right shot. It not being an slr in the full sense of the word, it sure is close to one. It may take a bit of time to get used to it afterall, there are so many settings which they've tried to tuck ... ...need a tripod when taking shots using the full zoom as it is difficult to get a sharp shot at such level of zoom power. 10x zoom is no joke. It's really powerful. The Flash is excellent and has a rather good range and takes some really nice shots at night with a tweak of the settings. It also has a wide angle, bracketting and multishot settings. You can also chose between 4 picture sizes and enable the digital zoom as well (which I hardly ever need).
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Advantages: full manual control,big zoom,good video mode,image quality Disadvantages: size of body,clunky mirror flip viewfinder,plastic build quality
I originally was looking for a digital camera to take over where my Olympus c220 zoom left off, but when i made a list of my desired features it became clear i would have a lot of looking to do. I needed my camera to take good indoor and outdoor photos of the kids/landscapes , Astronomy is a hobby of mine and so full exposure control was required .
Three cameras came to the front after ages of research,fuji s5000,olympus 450uz and this the Z2. The ... ...and more.Great image quality with A4 prints easy thanks to a 4 MP ccd,fully manual control from 1/1000th sec to 30 sec exposure, long 10x optical zoom with minimal distortion ,excellent battery life and what really won it? The camera's ability to take 640x480 movies at 30 frames per sec(as smooth as tv)or even 800x600 at 15fps with sound of course. Got some great clips of the kids and these can be up to 8 mins long at 640x480 30fps.
The bad bits, ...
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Advantages: Exellent light 4Megapix camera with 40x zoom and great features Disadvantages: Too big to carry around compared to other cameras
When I bought it I wasn't expecting this good camera.Pictures are great with auto focusing.Has 10 picture modes and also a video mode with resolusions of 800x600 at 15 fps,640x480 at 30 fps.There are 11 lenses in 7 different segments,so that's how it manages to have that 10 times optical zoom,and there is 4 times digital zoom which you will rarely have to use because the optical zoom does a great job.
It also has a built in flash which does a great ... ...really close up images there is the Macro and Super Macro functions which can focus the lences of the camera to just 3cm from the front of the camera.It comes with 16MB Secure digital memory card and 4 AA batteries, but I recommend buying at least 128 MB and better batteries than the ones supplied, because they run out after 50 pictures.With 2500 mAh NiMH you can go with days without need of recharging.
It comes with all the cables and software ...
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Advantages: Great Zoom and very responsive. Disadvantages: Doesn't fit in your pocket and the zoom is noisy in video mode.
I bought the Z2 in preference to the new Fjui S5500 partly due to the memory cards being about half the price - SD rather than XD. Given that the excellent VGA video mode eats up memory then this is something worth considering in the overall cost.
The zoom lense (x10) produces great results the x4 digital zoom lets you get seriously close up to subjects.
The camera has a vast array of options for over-riding the automatic settings. I've yet to ... ...me well so far.
Overall I am pleased with this camera, and have bought the baby brother (Z10) too. One downside is that it is a bit bulky, but that's the price you pay for having a meaty zoom, it's a price I'm happy to pay.
The zoom is a bit noisy when recording in Video mode and can be heard on playback which is bit of a shame. ...
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Flash Modes: Fill-in mode, slow synchro, auto mode, flash OFF mode, red-eye reduction
Red Eye Reduction: Built-in
Effective Flash Range: 0.23 m - 6.1 m
Features: Flash +/- compensation
Lens system
Type: Zoom lens - 6.3 mm - 63 mm - f/2.8-3.7, Zoom lens
Focal Length: 6.3 mm - 63 mm
Focal Length Equivalent to 35mm Camera: 38 - 380mm
Focus Adjustment: Automatic, manual
Auto Focus: Hybrid
Auto Focus Points (Zones): 3
Min Focus Range: 50 cm
Macro Focus Range: 0.1-1.0m
Lens Aperture: F/2.8-3.7
Optical Zoom: 10 x
Zoom Adjustment: Motorised drive
Lens Construction: 7 group(s) / 11 element(s)
Features: Aspherical lens
Manufacturer's product description
The DiMAGE Z2 is the second in a series of easy-to-use, powerful SLR-type digital cameras and a step up from the groundbreaking DiMAGE Z1. The DiMAGE Z2 also boasts the Rapid AF (Autofocus) and high-quality VGA/SVGA movie functionality of its predecessor. This time, Konica Minolta has raised the bar with the adoption of a GT lens and a 4-megapixel resolution, delivering picture clarity at the very top end of the spectrum. The addition of a Predictive Focus Control has increased the speed of the AF function, which means that shooting sports events or any moving object are even more easy. With its 4-megapixel resolution, the DiMAGE Z2 will appeal to users with a slightly more developed appreciation of high-resolution photography. Why not use the DiMAGE Z2 to capture those everyday yet significant occurrences that happen when close friends and family spend time together? The DiMAGE Z2's simple operation makes it easy to keep a record of those precious moments. Whether it's a child's first faltering steps, a day trip with your family, camping in the middle of the great outdoors, or just leisure time spent with those you love, the DiMAGE Z2 can help you capture those images forever. All the things that you love about digital photography are here: in addition to high resolution pictures and an excellent zoom, the DiMAGE Z2 delivers speed in bundles. Quick start up, fast-reacting LCD display, Rapid AF, minimal release time lag, super-fast continuous advance records and quick playback are all testaments to the speed of the DiMAGE Z2.
Additional features
Self Timer Delay: 10 sec
Flash Terminal: Hot shoe
Additional Features: Audio recording, USB 2.0 compatibility, built-in speaker, auto power save, digital noise reduction, DPOF support, PRINT Image Matching, progressive shutter system, PictBridge support, histogram display, AE lock, AF lock
Operating System Support: MS Windows XP, MS Windows 2000, MS Windows ME, MS Windows 98, Apple Mac OS 9.2, MS Windows 98 SE, Apple Mac OS 9, Apple Mac OS, Apple Mac OS 9.2.2, Apple Mac OS X 10.1.5, Apple Mac OS X 10.2.3, Apple Mac OS X 10.2.4, Apple Mac OS 9.1, Apple Mac OS X 10.3, Apple Mac OS X 10.3.2, Apple Mac OS X 10.1.4, Apple Mac OS X 10.2.1, Apple Mac OS X 10.2.2, Apple Mac OS X 10.2.5, Apple Mac OS X 10.2.6, Apple Mac OS X 10.1.3, Apple Mac OS X 10.3.1, MS Windows XP, MS Windows 2000, MS Windows ME, MS Windows XP, MS Windows 2000, MS Windows ME, MS Windows 98, MS Windows 98 SE, Apple Mac OS 9.0 - 9.2, Apple Mac OS X 10.3.0 - 10.3.2, Apple Mac OS X 10.1.3 - 10.1.5, Apple Mac OS X 10.2.1 - 10.2.6
Peripheral Devices: USB port, USB port, CD-ROM Drive
Miscellaneous
Included Accessories: Lens cap, neck strap
Cables Included:
1 x A/V cable
1 x USB cable, A/V cable
USB cable
Min Operating Temperature: 0 °C
Max Operating Temperature: 40 °C
Battery
Supported Battery: AA
Supported Battery Details: 4 x AA alkaline battery ( included )
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