Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z3

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 ... more

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 can easily take 250 photos before the batteries run out. I think I've taken over 400 on one set of batteries on some occasions. The auto-settings work ... more

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 me, and as far as I am concerned, it's the only thing that lets the Z3 down - as with so many other purchases nowadays. Luckily, however, it is a ... more

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 backed by the option of being totally automatic - it literally can be a point and shoot moment. For those more interested in some manual control ... more