The DiMAGE X31 is near identical to its predecessor, the DiMAGE X21, with a few notable exceptions. The imager has been upgraded from a 1/3.2"-type 2.1 megapixel CCD sensor to a 1/3.2"-type 3.3 megapixel sensor, and the lens is now rated ever so slightly wider at 36 - 108mm equivalent. The bundled memory card has been increased to a 16MB card, instead of the previous 8MB. The camera's body design looks to be unchanged from the X21, and other important points such as ISO sensitivity, shutter speeds, apertures, flash range and modes, focusing distances etc. all seem to be unchanged.

Pricing for the Konica Minolta DiMAGE X31 has not been announced at this time. The camera will ship this July in Europe; US availability is not yet disclosed. A backgrounder document, plus full specifications and product photos from Konica Minolta follow:

New Konica Minolta X-Series Digital Camera:

The DiMAGE X31

Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc.'s DiMAGE X31, a new addition to the DiMAGE X-series of digital cameras, is a 3.2 megapixel digital camera that combines a fast startup speed, thin and stylish design, and intuitive operation in a very affordable entry-level digital camera model. The DiMAGE X31 is packed with creative options that make digital photography fun. Sophisticated technology and responsive performance make this tiny, stylish camera a joy to use.

Product Highlights

• Thin, stylish body—the camera is a mere 0.96 inches thick, even with its non-protruding built-in 3x optical zoom lens—making it the ultimate portable digital photography tool.

• Amazingly fast start up time—the DiMAGE X31 is ready to use in approximately 1.0 second.

• Users get superb images thanks to the 3 megapixels.

• Easy to use “launcher type Graphical User Interface (GUI)” with icons and simple buttons.

• Konica Minolta's CxProcess™ II high-quality image process technology.

• PictBridge compatibility that enables users to print their pictures without a PC.

• Additional functions like Framing and Side by Side for even greater creativity.

• Macro photography, as close as 3.9 inches, anytime without changing modes.

Features

3x Optical Zoom in a Super-Slim Camera Body

Featuring Konica Minolta's non-protruding zoom lens, the DiMAGE X31's sleek outward appearance is maintained even when the zoom is activated. This revolutionary design uses internal folded optics technology, which means that the slim profile of the camera doesn't have to change at all, even while taking pictures. With 3x optical zoom, the camera is just 0.96 inches thick (0.85 inches thick excluding the camera's LCD monitor) whether carrying it in a shirt pocket or taking pictures. It's geared to be fast, fun, and versatile to match any lifestyle.

Fast Startup

Thanks to folded optics technology, from the moment users switch the camera on, all they have to do is wait approximately 1.0 second and they're ready to take great pictures. Users need never miss a moment of the action; just turn on the DiMAGE X31 and start shooting away.

Easy and Convenient Operation

The DiMAGE X31 also incorporates a launcher type Graphical User Interface ( GUI) menu system. The intuitive controls of the GUI mean that users get a comfortable compact digital camera that does all the work for them. Users simply press the menu button for the user-friendly GUI icons that let them command all of the DiMAGE X31's settings. There are no complicated settings to be made. The controls are simple and few, making the DiMAGE X31 fun to use.

Select functions with the easy-to-use 5-way controller. It's so intuitive that even technophobes will enjoy the X31's range of functions in no time. A few logical operation buttons make the DiMAGE X31 as easy to use as it looks. The icon-based, on-screen menu and 5-way controller combine to give users quick and easy access to a wealth of functions.

Because photos are meant to be admired, the DiMAGE X31 has an independent playback button that brings up pictures instantly.

Take Extreme Close-ups

The DiMAGE X31 requires no macro mode to take photos up to 3.9 inches from the subject. This means users can fill the frame with the incredible details of flowers or other beautiful but small subjects anytime without having to change the camera's shooting mode.

More Functions for More Ways to Enjoy Photography

Creative functions such as Framing lets users instantly decorate images with frames or borders. Or, users can manipulate and play with their pictures to create unique images. The camera's Side by Side function, which splices two pictures on the left and right halves of the frame, will have people asking, “How did you do that?”

The DiMAGE X31's self-portrait mirror lets photographers make sure they're properly framed before taking self-portraits or “two-shots” of themselves and someone special. The camera's Portrait mode produces more natural skin tones and gives even more detail in things like individual eyelashes and hairs.

Photographers can choose from a range of creative image editing functions for their photos: give them a nostalgic look with sepia or black-and-white options, an arty look with the posterization option, or the painted-portrait look with the soft focus option.

XR Movie

The Extended Recording (XR) Movie mode lets users record longer movie clips onto the camera's Secure Digital (SD) memory card at resolutions of 160 x 120 or 320 x 240 pixels. Just keep on filming until the memory card is full.

Internal Memory

The DiMAGE X31's internal memory stores up to 10 of your favorite photos, which stay there even if the photographer erases the camera's memory card. Viewing these photos requires a special control key combination, so users can keep these images private until they want to share them.

Computer-less Printing

By directly connecting the DiMAGE X31 to a PictBridge*-compliant printer, printouts can be made easily without using a computer. The user can check which image they want to print on the camera's LCD monitor.
*PictBridge is an industry standard established by the Camera & Imaging Products Association (CIPA).

Superbly Clear Images

The Konica Minolta CxProcess™ II image processing technology incorporates characteristics like smooth gradations, natural skin tones, and brilliantly clear colors for images that are more natural and lifelike. The DiMAGE X31's 3.2 megapixels capture fine lines and intricate details for stunning digital images.

Runs on Widely Available AA Batteries

The DiMAGE X31 is powered by two AA batteries (alkaline, Ni-MH). They're available almost anywhere and offer long life, so users never need to worry about running out of power and missing a photo opportunity.

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Konica Minolta DiMAGE X31
Number of effective pixels	3.2 million
CCD	1/3.2-type interline primary-color CCD Total pixels: 3.3 million
Camera sensitivity	Automatic (between ISO 50 - 200 equivalent)
Focal length	4.7 – 14.1mm (35mm equivalent: 36 – 108mm)
Lens construction	10 elements in 9 groups
Maximum aperture	f/2.8 – f/3.7
Minimum focus distance	3.9 in. ( 0.1m) from front of camera
Maximum magnification	0.1x (1:10) Equivalent to 0.86x (1: 1.16) in 35mm format
Area covered at maximum magnification	1.61 x 1.22 in. (41 x 31 mm)
Monitor LCD	1.5 inch (3.8cm) TFT color monitor Total pixels: Approximately 76,000
Shutter	CCD electronic shutter and mechanical shutter
Shutter speed range	4 - 1/500 seconds
Autofocus system	Video AF
Autofocus areas	Center focus area
Metering	Multi-segment
Multi-segment metering	256 segments
Exposure control	Programmed AE
Exposure compensation	±2 EV in 1/3 increments
Flash range	Wide: Approximately 0.7 – 11.8 ft. (0.2 – 3.6m) Telephoto: Approximately 0.7 – 8.9 ft. (0.2 – 2.7m) (Camera sensitivity: auto)
Flash modes	Autoflash, Autoflash with red-eye reduction, Fill-flash, Flash cancel, Night portrait
Continuous advance	Available
Self-timer	Approximately 10 seconds
Multi frame	To capture 9 sequential images in a 3x3 grid in a single frame
Special effects	Frame, Border, Side by side
Movie recording	Recording time dependent on memory card capacity. Frame rate: 15 frames per second
Audio	None
White balance control	Automatic, Preset (Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent)
Color modes	Color, Black and white, Sepia, Posterization, Soft focus
Noise reduction	Auto
Digital zoom	4x (maximum) Digital zoom can be disabled.
E-mail Copy function	Creates a compressed 640x480 JPEG image for transmission.
Date imprinting	Year/month/day (Format can be changed.) Month/day/hour:minute (Format can be changed.) Imprinting can be disabled.
Image-quality and number of recorded pixels (Still images)	2048 x 1536 Fine, 2048 x 1536 Standard, 1600 x 1200 Standard, 1280 x 960 Standard, 640 x 480 Standard
Number of recorded pixels (Movie clips)	320 x 240, 160 x 120
Storage capacity	Approximate storage capacity of a 8MB SD (Secure Digital) Memory Card: 2048x1536 Fine - 3 frames 2048x1536 Standard - 6 frames 1600x1200 Standard - 11 frames 1280x960 Standard - 16 frames 640x480 Standard - 42 frames Movie (320x240) - 21 seconds Movie (160x120) - 1 minute 26 seconds ** Actual number of images may vary depending upon the subject and memory card.
File formats	JPEG, Motion JPEG (MOV) DCF 1.0-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 II
Recording media	SD (Secure Digital) Memory Cards, MultiMediaCards
Computer interface	USB Full-speed 12Mbps data transfer with USB 2.0 compatible computer
Direct print	PictBridge
Battery	Two AA batteries (alkaline, Ni-MH)
Battery performance (Playback)	Approximate continuous playback time: 80 minutes Based on Konica Minolta's standard test method with standard batteries (two AA alkaline batteries)
Battery performance (Recording)	Approximate number of recorded images: 90 frames. Based on CIPA (Camera & Imaging Products Association) measurements, when using standard batteries (two AA alkaline batteries) and standard memory card (SD, 8MB)
External power source	3V DC with specified AC adapter (sold separately)
Dimensions (WxHxD)	3.39 x 2.64 x 0.96* in.(86 x 67 x 24.5* mm) *0.85 inch (21.5 mm) except the LCD monitor
Weight	Approximately 4.1 oz. (115 g) without battery or recording media
Operating temperature	32-104°F (0-40ºC)
Standard accessories	Two AA alkaline batteries , Hand Strap HS-DG120, USB Cable USB-500, SD (Secure Digital) Memory Card (16MB), DiMAGE Viewer CD-ROM
Optional accessories	AC Adapter AC-12U, Casual Case, Metal Chain Neck Strap NS-DG100
More Photos
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