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Konica Minolta's DiMAGE Z5 digital camera. Courtesy of Konica Minolta, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Konica Minolta announces DiMAGE Z5
By Michael R. Tomkins, The Imaging Resource
(Friday, January 21, 2005 - 07:04 EST)

One of two new announcements from Konica Minolta USA today in the runup to this year's Photo Marketing Association trade show in Orlando, Florida sees the company updating its DiMAGE Z3 model with a higher-resolution imager and larger LCD display.

Where the DiMAGE Z3 was a four megapixel camera with a 1.5" LCD display, the DiMAGE Z5 features a five megapixel imager and 2.0" LCD. The camera shares the same Konica Minolta GT APO 12x optical zoom lens and anti-shake system as its predecessor, along with a video AF system that the company says is the fastest in its class. Other features include an electronic viewfinder, burst mode of 2 frames per second (or 10 frames per second at a reduced resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels), full manual controls, hot-shoe and internal flash, 30fps VGA movie mode, Secure Digital storage, NTSC / PAL video and USB connectivity, and power from four AA batteries.

Pricing and availability for the DiMAGE Z5 have not yet been announced. Courtesy of Konica Minolta, full specifications along with a backgrounder document and press release follow below. Three sample photos taken with the camera can be seen on the company's website .


New Konica Minolta 5.0-Megapixel Digital Camera: The DiMAGE Z5

Product Highlights

  • 12x optical Mega Zoom and 4x digital zoom for 48x total zoom; complemented with CCD-shift Anti-Shake System
  • Fastest-in-class *1 Rapid AF with Predictive Focus Control
  • High-quality pictures with 5.0-megapixel CCD, Konica Minolta GT APO lens, and Konica Minolta CxProcess™ III image processing technology
  • High-resolution, shake-free VGA movies that look as good as TV images
  • Ease of operation with large 2.0-inch LCD, compact body, and fast response
  • Super Macro mode for shooting subjects as close as 0.4 inches from the lens
  • 26mm wide-angle shooting (35mm equivalent) with the optional Wide-angle Converter ZCW-300

Features

Incredible 48x Total Zoom Range
Combining the 12x optical zoom with the 4x digital zoom gives users a 48x total zoom, ideal for taking distance shots at sporting events or when capturing far-away landscapes. This incredible optical zoom delivers a focal range equivalent to a 35-420mm range on a 35mm camera lens. With the digital zoom, total zoom is equivalent to 35-1680mm (35mm equivalent).

CCD-Shift Anti-Shake Function
The DiMAGE Z5 uses Konica-Minolta’s proprietary CCD-shift Anti-Shake function, convenient for telephoto shots and dimly lit situations. Anti-Shake compensates to minimize the effect of camera shake, allowing photographers to shoot with shutter speeds four to eight times longer (2-3 stops) than on cameras without an Anti-Shake function. The DiMAGE Z5 can correct shaking without increasing shutter speed or raising ISO sensitivity, factors that increase image noise. The CCD-shift method doesn’t require extra correction lenses like optical anti-shake systems, so the DiMAGE Z5’s body remains compact and light. The DiMAGE Z5’s Anti-Shake system is effective in correcting both the fine movement of pressing the shutter-release button and the larger and slower movements of the user’s body.

Rapid AF is Fastest in Class *1 for Autofocus (AF)
The DiMAGE Z5 focuses in approximately 0.2 seconds at wide angle and approximately 0.3 seconds at telephoto. In Continuous AF, the DiMAGE Z5 includes Predictive Focus Control, which allows users to capture sharper images of moving subjects—like a child running in the backyard.

The DiMAGE Z5 also offers improved AF accuracy through 5-point Area AF, which gives five focus areas that overlap horizontally and thus reduce AF failures that occur when subjects appear in between focus areas and cause a perspective conflict.

Large, Easy-to-View 2.0-inch LCD
The DiMAGE Z5’s 2.0-inch LCD makes it easier to take pictures, easier to play back and view stills and movie clips, and easier to navigate menus.

5.0-Megapixel CCD for Beautiful Prints
The 5.0-megapixel, 1/2.5-inch CCD produces plenty of detail for creating high-quality enlargements as big as 6x8 inches at 300-dpi print resolution. In addition, the CCD's primary color filter offers high color fidelity.

Konica Minolta GT APO Lens
The DiMAGE Z5 employs a high-performance lens system that supports CCDs with 5 million effective pixels. The optical lens system consists of 13 elements in 10 groups and includes two AD (anomalous dispersion) glass lenses and two aspheric elements, a construction that adds up to sharp, high-quality images. Multi-coating on 14 lens surfaces ensures minimal flaring and ghosting in all zoom ranges. A 5-vane iris diaphragm beautifully reproduces a near-circular fading effect.

Superbly Detailed Images with Konica Minolta’s CxProcess™ III
The DiMAGE Z5 incorporates CxProcess™ III, the latest evolution of Konica Minolta’s proprietary image processing technology. This means even higher resolution and the ability to capture the subtlest details of texture, resulting in photos that look as natural as the subject itself.

High-quality Movies as Beautiful as TV Images
The DiMAGE Z5 takes movies in VGA size (640x480) at 30 frames per second for smooth video with sound rivaling TV images. Users can also choose from other movie image sizes. The Anti-Shake function also works with the movie function to give shake-free telephoto movies. The XR (Extended Recording) Movie function lets users record movie clips onto the SD memory card as long as it has the capacity. With Night Movie, the DiMAGE Z5 can record in extreme low-light conditions. The Select Shot function allows users to make stills from movie clips, while the Movie Editing function allows photographers to cut unwanted parts from movie files.

Get as Close as 0.4 inches with Super Macro
Shoot amazing close-ups in either Macro or Super Macro modes. Whichever mode is chosen, Konica Minolta’s superior image quality will make close-ups look stunning and powerful. In Super Macro mode, photographers can bring the lens as close as 0.4 inches from their subject.

Real Motion LCD Monitor
The DiMAGE Z5 features the Real Motion LCD monitor, which delivers crystal clear images. The smooth, realistic movement displayed on the monitor makes it ideal for shooting moving subjects.

UHS (Ultra High Speed) Continuous Shooting
The DiMAGE Z5 captures 20 images at approximately 10 frames per second at an image size of 1024x768 in UHS (Ultra High Speed) continuous shooting. This function is convenient for situations where users need to capture and study their form in continuous movement, such as with a golf swing.

Progressive Capture
With the DiMAGE Z5 in Progressive Capture mode, the last several images in the sequence—as many as 20 images at approximately 10 frames per second at an image size of 1024x768 —get saved when users stop pressing the shutter-release button. So when photographing fast-moving subjects, Progressive Capture ensures that they are recorded when and where users want them. These functions are handy for shooting sporting events or for recording and improving form in personal sports training situations.

Noise Reduction
Noise Reduction gives exceptional night images by automatically preventing the blemishes and graininess associated with slow-shutter shots.

PASM Exposure Control and Metering Modes
The DiMAGE Z5 offers incredible control over exposure. There are four modes: Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual. The DiMAGE Z5 has three metering modes: Multi-segment, Center-weighted, and Spot. Multi-segment metering uses 256 segments to determine exposure.

Automatic Digital Subject Program Selection
Automatic Digital Subject Program Selection automatically chooses the best recording mode for images. Users can also manually select from Portrait, Sports action, Landscape, Sunset and Night portrait modes.

Key Customize
For added flexibility and convenience, the flash button can be customized to handle different settings. This means that instead of going through the menus on the LCD, users can use the flash button to change settings like the drive mode, white balance, focus mode, color mode, or sensitivity.

PictBridge *3 -Compliant
Forget all about complicated connections with a PC. Users can get fast, fun printouts directly from their camera by connecting the DiMAGE Z5 to a PictBridge *3 -compliant printer. Photographers can check which images they want to print on the DiMAGE Z5’s LCD monitor and then print out their favorites.

Ergonomic Design
The DiMAGE Z5’s design is advanced yet familiar and easy-to-use. Despite its long 12x zoom range and large 2.0-inch LCD, it weighs just approximately 12 ounces. It’s also easy to tote and operate even for camera novices. The ergonomic form makes it easy to keep on holding even for those steady zoom shots.

Optional Wide Converter(Wide-angle Converter ZCW-300 Kit)
The optional Wide-angle Converter Kit allows users to fit more of the scene into each shot. The lens has a 26mm wide angle that’s ideal for capturing indoor or outdoor architecture and panoramic landscape shots.

Compatible with Optional Flashes
The DiMAGE Z5 is equipped with a built-in flash. But if users need even more flash power, the Konica Minolta Program/Maxxum Flash 3600HS(D), 5600HS(D), or 2500(D) flash units can be used.

*1 As of November 20, 2004, for 5.0-megapixel-class digital cameras with built-in lens system and 10X or greater zoom. Based on Konica Minolta’s standard test method.
*2 Depends on the shooting conditions.
*3 PictBridge is an industry standard established by the Camera & Imaging Products Association (CIPA).

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Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z5
Konica Minolta's DiMAGE Z5 digital camera. Courtesy of Konica Minolta, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Number of effective pixels 5.0 million
CCD
1/2.5-type interline primary-color CCD
Total pixels: 5.2 million
Camera sensitivity Auto and 50,100, 200, and 320 ISO equivalents
Focal length 5.83 – 69.9mm (35mm equivalent: 35 – 420mm)
Lens construction 13 elements in 10 groups
Maximum aperture f/2.8 – f/4.5
Minimum focus distance
Wide: 2.0ft (0.6m) from front of lens
Telephoto: 5.2ft (1.6m) from front of lens
Minimum macro distance
  Super Macro Standard macro
Focal length 10.45mm* Wide Telephoto
From front of lens 0.4 inches
1cm
3.9 inches
10cm
47.2 inches
120cm
* at 10.45 mm only
Maximum magnification
0.20x
Equivalent to 1.2x in 35mm format
Area covered at maximum magnification 1.2 x 0.9 in. (31 x 23mm)
Viewfinder type
Electronic viewfinder
0.33-inch with a total of 114,000 pixels
LCD monitor
2.0 inch digital-interface TFT color Total number of pixels: Approximately 114,000
Automatic monitor amplification
Field of view
Approximately Viewfinder: 100%
Approximately LCD monitor: 100%
Diopter control – 3 ~ +1m-1
Eye relief 16.9mm
Shutter CCD electronic shutter and mechanical shutter
Shutter speed range 4 - 1/1000 second
Autofocus system Video AF system
Autofocus areas
5-Point Wide Focus Area
Spot focus areas with Focus Area Selection
Focus modes Single-shot AF, Continuous AF with predictive focus control, Full-time AF, Manual focus.
Focus lock By pressing shutter-release button partway down.
Metering Multi-segment, Center-weighted, Spot
Multi-segment metering 256 segments
Exposure modes Programmed AE, Aperture priority, Shutter priority, Manual
Digital Subject Programs Automatic (Portrait, Sports action, Landscape, Sunset, Standard) Manual (Portrait, Sports action, Landscape, Sunset, Night portrait.)
Exposure compensation ±2 EV in 1/3 increments
AE lock By pressing shutter-release button partway down
Flash metering Pre-flash TTL
Flash range
Wide: Approximately 0.7 – 11.8 ft. (0.2 – 3.6 m) from front of lens
Telephoto: Approximately 3.9 – 7.2 ft. (1.2 – 2.2 m) from front of lens (Camera sensitivity: auto)
Flash modes Autoflash, Autoflash with red-eye reduction, Fill flash, Slow-shutter sync. Autoflash not available with aperture priority, shutter priority, and manual exposure modes. Flash cancel by pushing the built-in flash down.
Flash recycling time Approximately 7 seconds
Flash compensation ± 2 EV in 1/3 increments
Flash-sync speeds All shutter speeds
External flashes Auto-flash metering with Program/Maxxum Flash 2500 (D), Program/Maxxum 3600HS (D), Program/Maxxum Flash 5600HS (D)
Continuous advance
- UHS (Ultra High Speed) continuous advance: Approximately 10 frames per second (1024 x 768)
- Standard continuous advance: Approximately 2.2 frames per second
*Actual speed may vary depending upon the subject and camera settings.
Approximate number of frames that can be captured at one time with the continuous-advance drive modes:

UHS continuous advance

1024 x 768
Fine Max. 20 frames
Standard
Economy
Standard continuous advance
  2560 x 1920 2048 x 1536 1600 x 1200 640 x 480
Fine * 3 frames 4 frames 6 frames 38 frames
Standard 6 frames 9 frames 17 frames 122 frames
Economy 8 frames 18 frames 38 frames 143 frames
* Approximately 2.0 frames per second (2560x1920 Fine)
* Actual number of images may vary depending upon the subject and camera settings.
Progressive Capture
Stores images from the latest frame captured with the continuous advance.
Maximum number of images that can be recorded with the Progressive Capture mode: Maximum 20 frames
(Approximately 10 frames per second) 1024x768
Exposure bracketing Three frame bracket in 0.5, 0.3 EV increments
Self-timer Approximately 10 seconds, 2 seconds
Movie
Recording time dependent on memory card capacity, image size, and frame rate.
No. of recorded pixels:640x480 Fine, 640x480 Standard, 320x240 Standard
Frame rate: 15 frames per second, 30 frames per second
Audio : monaural
Optical zoom is ON in recording
Movie frame capture
Movie editing
Night movie (automatic selection or disabled)
White balance control Automatic, Preset (Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash), Custom
Digital Effects Control Contrast compensation, Sharpness
Contrast compensation Three levels (Low, Normal, High)
Sharpness settings Three levels (Soft, Normal, Hard)
Color modes Natural Color, Vivid Color, Black and white, Sepia
Noise reduction Available (Auto)
Digital zoom Maximum 4x in 0.2x increments
Languages Japanese, English, Germany, French, Spanish, Chinese (Simplified character), Italian, Swedish
Copy function To copy single or multiple images to the same or another memory card.
E-mail Copy function Creates a compressed 640x480 JPEG image for transmission.
Date imprinting
Year/month/day (Format can be changed.)
Imprinting can be disabled
Key customization The function activated by the flash-mode button can be changed.
Image-quality modes Fine, Standard, Economy
Number of recorded pixels (Still images)
2560 x 1920, 2048 x 1536, 1600 x 1200, 640 x 480
1024x768 in UHS continuous-advance mode and Progressive Capture mode
Number of recorded pixels (Movie clips) 640x480, 320x240
Storage capacity
Approximate storage capacity of a 16MB SD (Secure Digital) Memory Card:
Still images
  2560 x 1920 2048 x 1536 1600 x 1200 640 x 480
Fine 4 frames 7 frames 12 frames 67 frames
Standard 9 frames 15 frames 22 frames 101 frames
Economy 18 frames 26 frames 37 frames 142 frames
Movie clips
  640 x 480 FINE 640 x 480 Standard 320 x 240 Standard
30 frames per second 9 seconds 14 seconds 29 seconds
15 frames per second 18 seconds 28 seconds 57 seconds
* Movie clips recorded with audio.
* Actual number of images may vary depending upon the subject and memory card used.
File formats JPEG, Motion JPEG (MOV): with audio, DCF 2.0-compliant, DPOF-compliant (Supported by printing functions in version 1.1), Exif 2.2
Folder name formats Standard, Date
Printing output control Exif Print, PRINT Image Matching III, PictBridge
Recording media SD (Secure Digital) Memory Cards, MultiMediaCards
Computer interface Full-speed 12Mbps data transfer with USB 2.0 compatible computer
AV output NTSC, PAL (selected on the camera)
Anti-shake system
CCD-shift Anti-Shake system
User selectable
Batteries Four AA batteries: Alkaline, Ni-MH
Battery performance (Playback) Approximate continuous playback time: Approximately 240 minutes with alkaline batteries.
Battery performance (Recording)
Approximate number of recorded images: Approximately 240
Conforming to CIPA ( included AA alkaline batteries, included SD memory card )
External power source 6V DC with specified AC adapter (sold separately)
Dimensions (WxHxD) 4.3 x 3.1 x 3.3 inches (108.5 x 80.0 x 84mm)
Weight Approximately 12.0oz. (340g) without batteries or recording media
Operating temperature 32-104°F (0-40ºC)
Standard accessories Neck Strap NS-DG7000, Lens Cap LF-243 set, Accessory Shoe Cap SC-1000, AV Cable AVC-700, 16MB SD (Secure Digital) Memory Card, USB Cable USB-2, DiMAGE Viewer CD-ROM, Four AA Alkaline batteries
Optional accessories AC Adapter AC-11, Camera Case CS-DG1000, Leather Neck Strap NS-DG1000, Wide-angle Converter ZCW-300 kit, Adapter ring for attaching filter/converter ZCA-300, Program/Maxxum Flash 3600HS (D), 5600HS (D), 2500(D)
.

Original Source Press Release:

KONICA MINOLTA INTRODUCES THE NEW DiMAGE Z5 DIGITAL CAMERA

Compact, high-performance 5.0-megapixel CCD digital camera features CCD-Shift Anti-Shake System, 12x optical “Mega Zoom” lens, fastest-in-class*1 Rapid AF, and large, easy-to-view 2.0-inch LCD

Mahwah, NJ (January 24, 2005) – Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc. introduces the new compact DiMAGE Z5 – a superb all-round digital camera that offers a built-in 12x optical Mega Zoom lens, Konica Minolta’s proprietary Anti-Shake System, 5.0-megapixel CCD, fast overall response including Rapid autofocusing (AF), and a large 2.0-inch LCD screen for easy viewing. All of these features combine to ensure that photographers won’t miss a photo opportunity and that the subjects of their photos are big, beautiful, and shake-free.

“The new DiMAGE Z5 is the ideal companion for travel photography as well as everyday picture taking,” said Todd Schrader, vice president of marketing for Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc. “Sophisticated photographers will appreciate everything this high quality versatile digital camera has to offer. Plus, thanks to the camera’s built-in 12x optical zoom lens and Konica Minolta’s innovative Anti-Shake technology, even novice photographers can easily capture clear, sharp detailed views of the world around them.”

The new DiMAGE Z5’s 12x optical zoom lens and 4x digital zoom combine for a total 48x zoom. Konica Minolta’s proprietary CCD-shift Anti-Shake System—the same one used on the top-of-the-line Maxxum 7D and DiMAGE A200 models—is particularly effective at such high zoom ranges. It allows photographers to shoot with shutter speeds four to eight times longer (2-3 stops*2) than when shooting without an Anti-Shake function. It also provides steady, shake-free images taken during the evening or other dimly lit shots which are susceptible to blur because of their slow shutter speed. This means significantly less blur even without a flash or tripod.

To ensure that photographers don’t miss their shot, the Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z5 has a Rapid AF that’s the fastest*1 autofocus for digital cameras with predictive focus control. Focusing in a mere 0.2 second (approximately) at wide angle and only 0.3 second (approximately) at telephoto, it’s ideal for capturing any subject, moving or still.

The Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z5 has everything you need to take high-quality pictures: 5.0-megapixel CCD, high-performance GT APO lens, and Konica Minolta’s proprietary CxProcess™ III image processing technology, which gives photographers images as beautiful as those they see with their own eyes.

The DiMAGE Z5 boasts a large, easy-to-view 2.0-inch LCD monitor. This makes navigating menus easier and allows users to see exactly what they’re photographing.

In addition to Rapid AF, the DiMAGE Z5 features a fast startup, short shutter release time lag, Ultra-High-Speed Continuous Advance, Progressive Capture, and Real Motion monitor for smooth display on the LCD. These features combine to let users capture any subject, no matter how fleeting, on the spur of the moment, and not miss a photo opportunity.

In addition to beautiful stills, the DiMAGE Z5 takes high-quality, high-resolution VGA movies that look as good as TV images. These movies are also shake-free thanks to the Anti-shake function.

About Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc.
Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc., headquartered in Mahwah, NJ, is the North American sales and marketing subsidiary of Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc. (Tokyo, Japan). On August 5, 2003 Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc. was formed to enhance both the competitive business capabilities and earning capacities of Konica Corporation and Minolta Co., Ltd.

Consumers around the world have come to know and trust the Konica and Minolta brands for all their imaging needs. Since the earliest days of the photo industry, Minolta and Konica have applied their talents and resources to create products and services that are essential to the world of imaging. Today, these efforts concentrate on the most important aspects of imaging: the quality of the images, the tools and methods for creating images, and the creation of environments for the application of images.

This focus on the essentials of imaging ties together the company’s key business and consumer product lines. Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc. is a leading manufacturer and marketer of 35mm and Advanced Photo System film, single-use cameras, digital and 35mm film cameras, accessory lenses, binoculars, photographic and color measurement meters. In addition the company offers color print photo papers, inkjet photo paper, digital minilabs, digital film scanners, optical instruments, software and advanced imaging and sensing technologies. Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc. also provides wholesale photofinishing services and Internet imaging services. It is a complete imaging company, from input through output. For more information about Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc., its products and services, visit www.kmpi.konicaminolta.us.

All brand names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

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