Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z3

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 or an external ...
...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 ... Read review

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 ... Read review

At this time i would say this camera is out of date so you would not purchase.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

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 ... Read review

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 ... Read review