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, 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 camera has to offer and have found them all to be reliable and effective. I'm sure the video function can be useful, but I have yet to find a real need for it; besides, the microphone can't really pick up much too far away from the camera itself.
My only criticism is that the flash can be a little harsh at times, producing photos with very dark backgrounds. However, I am convinced this is only an example of my need to read the manuals (supplied on CD incidentally) more thoroughly, as my friend with the Z1 model can produce correctly exposed shots on my Z3!
All-in-all, this is a great camera. Okay, so it's a little larger than some people are going to be happy with, but the size doesn't reflect greatly on the weight, and I actually like the size and design of it - I feel like I'm actually holding something worthwhile rather than a thick credit card-type-thing. It's well priced given its features and capabilities - the anti-shake is a very useful feature - and the memory cards for it (MMC/SD) are well priced. Whether you're a budding photographer or a complete beginner, you'd really struggle to go wrong with the Z3.
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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
dydddewisant 25.05.2006 (25.05.2006)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z3
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
dydddewisant 25.05.2006 (25.05.2006)
·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z3