Significantly cheaper than the Z5 but not significantly different
The Z3 is 1 in a series of currently (August 2005) 6 cameras. The Z1, Z2, Z3, Z5, Z10, Z20 all have incremental specifications. Note that there is no Z4. However, something which can be quite misleading is that the Z10 and ... Read review
1GB micro SD memory card for Konica Minolta DIMAGE Z3 (SD adapter inclusive)match ... more
(compatible) for follow types:Konica Minolta DIMAGE Z3Expand 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 Z3 (SD adapter inclusive)
Postage & Packaging:£3.95 Availability:Usually dispatched within 4-5 business days...
1GB micro SD memory card for Konica Minolta DIMAGE Z3 (SD adapter inclusive)match ... more
(compatible) for follow types:Konica Minolta DIMAGE Z3Expand 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 Z3 (SD adapter inclusive)
Postage & Packaging:£3.95 Availability:Usually dispatched within 4-5 business days...
"Lens filters are translucent pieces of glass placed in front of a camera lens to alter or ... more
adjust the light entering the camera, and more importantly to protect the camera lens. Lens filters improve photographs by giving you control over light and allowing you to emphasize the features of a scene that you consider most important. This filter kit is a combination of the three essential filters no photographer should be without. PLEASE NOTE: Some cameras require an adapter tube to fit the filters. This filter set is compatible with the following camera models: Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z1, DiMAGE Z3"
Postage & Packaging:£4.09 Availability:Usually dispatched within 3-4 business days...
Advantages: Cheaper than the Z5 but with the same sort of features Disadvantages: Manual focusing can take a while to set up
Significantly cheaper than the Z5 but not significantly different
The Z3 is 1 in a series of currently (August 2005) 6 cameras. The Z1, Z2, Z3, Z5, Z10, Z20 all have incremental specifications. Note that there is no Z4. However, something which can be quite misleading is that the Z10 and Z20 are budget models and therefore do not have the larger zoom lenses or the ability to add accessories such as the wide angle lens converter kit ... ...with the Z series (along with their huge zoom lenses) is the ability to see exactly what the picture will look like whilst taking the picture when looking through the view finder. This is perfect for when it is too bright to see the main LCD. This type of functionality usually means that a camera is categorized as a "digital SLR" and so is very expensive. This however, is not the case for the Z series due to them not having a removable ... more
Significantly cheaper than the Z5 but not significantly different
The Z3 is 1 in a series of currently (August 2005) 6 cameras. The Z1, Z2, Z3, Z5, Z10, Z20 all have incremental specifications. Note that there is no Z4. However, something which can be quite misleading is that the Z10 and Z20 are budget models and therefore do not have the larger zoom lenses or the ability to add accessories such as the wide angle lens converter kit or an external flash.
The main feature with the Z series (along with their huge zoom lenses) is the ability to see exactly what the picture will look like whilst taking the picture when looking through the view finder. This is perfect for when it is too bright to see the main LCD. This type of functionality usually means that a camera is categorized as a "digital SLR" and so is very expensive. This however, is not the case for the Z series due to them not having a removable lens, although they are still referred to by most people as digital SLRs.
The mechanism for achieving this lower cost SLR status has been changed since the earlier versions of this camera. The Z1 and Z2 (and the budget Z10 and Z20 models) have an internal mirror system to project the LCD image up to the viewfinder. The Z3 and Z5 on the other hand use the standard approach of a separate miniature LCD called an EVF (Electronic View Finder). So moving the switch on the back of the camera will just change the displays electrically instead of actually moving a mirror inside the camera, this leads more reliable camera, which should be less likely to break given general knocks and bumps.
Overall the Z3 is very comfortable to use. If you try holding the camera in the shops you will find that it feels unbalanced compared with other cameras, this though is only the case whilst there are no batteries. It does go through batteries faster than other cameras, although this isn't surprising due to the anti-shake system which is extremely effective. With its full manual modes it makes it an ideal camera for someone wanting to learn about photography, and a quick turn of the control allows you to select from automatic, pre-sets, and semi automatic modes. The buttons are laid out perfectly and there is even an option to have one button as a custom button allowing you to use it to change a setting on the camera without even having to go through the on-screen menu. The on-screen menu is shown on the EVF and you can also review your photos on the EVF.
The customizable ISO settings means that you can get pictures with very little noise by choosing a 'fast film' setting, however by ISO 400 there is a fair bit of noise, (the Z5 has much more noise at ISO 400). The ISO rating is a left over from film cameras and is an indication on how fast the film reacts to the light. Today this is all controlled by the software on the camera and in a basic sense changes the length of time it will wait until it records the pixels of the image sensor. The Z3 allows you to set down to ISO50, of course there is an auto mode so that it can be in control to ensure you get that perfect picture.
The only downside to this camera is that it can sometimes be difficult to see exactly if something is in focus due to the grid on the EVF, the grid is apparent as they have used a lower resolution LCD, as far as I am aware this problem has been sorted for the Z5, although I don't believe it is a big enough problem to warrant paying so much more.
On a final note if you plan to get this camera invest in a large SD memory card. 512MB minimum, but you'll be much safer with 1GB. I wouldn't bother with anything larger than 1GB instead if you can spend more spend it on a faster 1GB version. When using the ultra high speed capture features the card does get filled up extremely quickly, and to get the best out of the camera you really need a fast card. Also videos take up rather a lot of space.
Advantages: A lot of zoom on a reasonably small/portable camera and very versatile Disadvantages: The manual focus is slow when moving from one extreme to the other
The Konica Minolta Dimage Z3 is a great camera for someone who enjoys their photography, but doesn't want to spend vast sums of money on an advanced camera.
The 12x optical zoom is obviously very useful, and the anti-shake system seems to work pretty well, although it can't perform miracles - at longer shutter speeds you'll still need a tripod or a very steady hand!
It seems to be pretty good on battery-use - I have high-quality rechargables and ... ...I think I've taken over 400 on one set of batteries on some occasions.
The auto-settings work well in most situations, but the camera allows for pretty much fully manual operation, as well as numerous intermediate positions - e.g. just selecting the shutter speed. It is very handy that you can switch between some of these using the main dial on the camera, but you can also use even more facilities through the on-screen menu system. I've had this ...
dydddewisant 25.05.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z3
Advantages: Easy to Use; Anti-Shake Facility Disadvantages: Manual supplied on CD only; No case supplied.
I bought the DiMAGE Z3 after seriously reviewing the Z1 features and coming a millimetre away from buying that model instead. What swung it for me was the Anti-Shake Feature which was new to this model, and I felt worth the extra £40 or so.
I am a simple point and shoot kind of girl (my husband would agree with the 'simple' bit, at least!) and although I do like reading the manuals, I can't be doing with them when they're not on paper in front of ... ...only thing that lets the Z3 down - as with so many other purchases nowadays.
Luckily, however, it is a great, straightforward camera that needs little explanation (except some idiot didn't realise she had to manually lift the flash and wondered why the photos either wouldn't take or were incredibly shaky)!!!
The 12 times optical zoom is a fantastic facility and can be increase four-fold by the digital zoom facility.
The camera also features macro ...
hazeldinka2 22.06.2005
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z3
Advantages: Easy to use, great pictures, lots of features/modes Disadvantages: The flash can be a little harsh at times
As a dedicated 35mm user, I was sceptical of the digital revolution, but was drawn to this camera after a friend of mine bought the DiMAGE Z1 model about a year ago. Originally intending to buy a Z1, I decided to pay the extra and go for the Z3, a decision I have not regretted for a moment.
Its simple to use format, coupled with the large, easy to find activation controls make it ideal for someone with little knowledge of photography, a plus further ... ...literally can be a point and shoot moment. For those more interested in some manual control, there is the option to control the shutter speed and aperture values. Granted, it's no SLR, but being SLR type definitely gives you some more control than a standard automatic.
It has a range of features, from portrait mode to sports action to landscape, and I admit to not having reliably tested all modes as yet. However, I have tried all the modes this ...
KJayT 29.12.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z3
Picture Quality
Range & Quality of Feat...
Ease of Use
Durability
Value for Money
Quick review of Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z3
At this time i would say this camera is out of date so you would not purchase. I would say though the very quick turn around of model for this series (ie z1, 2, 3 ect) suggests what i know already. It has to be the worst bit of equipment i have owned. Nasty shadow colours, reseting your set up including date all the time and the zoom permamantly stuck on.
AVOID ...
forlorne 29.05.2007 (27.05.2007)
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z3
Advantages: Great lens, light, fast, grip and features. Disadvantages: Build quality, lack of support...
I bought this camera because I was looking for a mid range point and shoot that was fast enough to capture my interest in motorsport and offer me the options of a more advanced camera for other situtations.
Overall I have to say that for what I wanted this camera has given me what I need but it hasn't been without its problems. The good bits first, I like motorsport and this camera has a very quick start up and some good sport shooting modes which ... ...the picture quality is good but suffers the usual grainy look when shooting in the dark although the flash is pretty effective in an average room, I would guess up to 6 metres. The lens is great with a quick zoom and image stablisers that work pretty well at all but the longest zoom. I particularly like the SLR type grip and all the necessary buttons are within easy reach. The screen is pretty good but use of the digital view finder leaves much to ...
elmopants 07.07.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z3
Product Information for "Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z3" »
Connections
Connector Type
1 x USB
1 x composite video/audio output
1 x DC power input
Expansion Slot(s)
1 x SD Memory Card
Manufacturer's 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.
