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Konica Minolta's DiMAGE Z10 digital camera. Courtesy of Konica Minolta, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Konica Minolta: 3mpix, 8x zoom DiMAGE Z10
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(Wednesday, July 7, 2004 - 08:00 EDT)

In its second digicam announcement today, Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A. Inc. has taken the wraps off its DiMAGE Z10 digital camera, a model which looks quite similar to the higher-spec Z3 model it is announced alongside, but with a slightly reduced feature set aimed at bringing cost down and putting the camera within the reach of a wider market.

The Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z10's 3.2 megapixel RGB CCD image sensor offers a maximum resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels, which is capable of capturing 1.5 frames per second (depending on resolution, the burst depth is limited to 5 - 19 frames at the maximum resolution). The new 8x optical zoom lens offers a 35mm equivalent focal length of 36 to 290mm , and dominates a camera body that is very reminiscent of the DiMAGE Z1 and Z2 models, but with a more rounded-off style. A hybrid autofocus system coupling a passive AF sensor with a traditional contrast detection video AF system complements the lens, and is rated by Konica Minolta as capable of focusing in about a third of a second.

The DiMAGE Z10 uses the same "Switch Finder" system seen on the DiMAGE Z1 and Z2, which shares a single 1.5-inch LCD monitor between both the rear-camera display and optical viewfinder, a mechanical mechanism and a mirror system to direct the image to the appropriate location. Other features of the camera include a selection of auto, manual and scene modes, PictBridge compatibility for making prints without the need for a computer, VGA and reduced resolution 15 frames per second movie modes (30 frames per second movies are possible at the reduced resolution only), and more. Pricing and availability for the new model haven't been announced at this time. Full specifications, product photos, press release and a "backgrounder" document courtesy of Konica Minolta all follow:


New Konica Minolta Z-Series Digital Camera:

The DiMAGE Z10

Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc.'s new compact and easy-to-use DiMAGE Z10 3.2 megapixel digital camera is an affordable yet feature-rich camera, perfect for novice as well as advanced amateur photographers.

Product Highlights

  • Large 8x optical Mega Zoom lens perfect for landscape photography as well as extreme close-ups. Combining the optical zoom with the seamless 4x digital zoom provides a total 32x zoom

  • High performance built-in lens and 3.2-megapixel CCD with Konica Minolta's CxProcess™ II high-quality image processing technology

  • Fastest startup in its class* 1 —the DiMAGE Z10 is ready to shoot in approximately 0.5 seconds.

  • Rapid AF with Predictive Focus Control for ultra-high-speed focusing to capture even the most fleeting photo opportunities

  • Four AA alkaline batteries power the DiMAGE Z10 for up to 500 frames

  • Macro mode for close-ups as near as 0.4 inches from the subject

Features

Incredible 32x Total Zoom Lens Range

The new DiMAGE Z10 features a built-in 8x optical zoom lens capable of focal lengths from 36-290mm (35mm equivalent) while providing focal lengths up to 1160mm (35mm equivalent) when combined with the 4x seamless digital zoom. With the 8x optical zoom lens and the 4x digital zoom combining for a 32x total zoom, the DiMAGE Z10 is perfect for taking pictures of distant subjects or far-away scenic shots.

The DiMAGE Z10 incorporates a high performance 8x optical lens consisting of 11 elements in nine groups that includes two aspheric lens elements. With two aspheric lens elements, the DiMAGE Z10 corrects various kinds of optical aberrations in the zoom range and renders beautiful, homogenous, distortion-free images from the center to the edges.

3.2-Megapixel CCD for Beautiful Prints

The 3.2-megapixel, 1/2.5-inch CCD produces plenty of detail for creating high-quality enlargements—as large as 10 x 13 inches at 150 dpi print resolution. In addition, the CCD's primary color filter offers high color fidelity.

Fastest Startup in Its Class* 1

The DiMAGE Z10 boasts an amazingly fast startup time. Just switch the camera on and it's ready to start taking pictures in approximately 0.5 seconds* 1 .

Rapid Autofocus (AF) with Predictive Focus Control

Thanks to a hybrid rapid AF combining a passive AF sensor with the video AF system, focusing takes just 0.3 seconds. The DiMAGE Z10 includes Predictive Focus Control, which allows photographers to capture sharper images of moving subjects—like a child running through the back yard.

Progressive Capture

The DiMAGE Z10 allows photographers to take high-speed consecutive shots at approximately 1.5 frames per second and the DiMAGE Z10 captures consecutive images onto the camera's 16MB internal memory. Release the shutter button and the last six shots are recorded onto the memory card. This function is handy for shooting sporting events or for recording, analyzing and improving form in personal sports training situations such as a golf swing.

Up to 500 Frames on Four AA Alkaline Batteries

The DiMAGE Z10's power-saving design allows photographers to take up to 500 frames on a set of four AA alkaline batteries. This is more shots than any other digital camera with built-in flash running on AA alkaline batteries* 2 .

Superbly Detailed Images with CxProcess™ II

Konica Minolta's 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.

Noise Reduction

Noise Reduction improves night photography by automatically preventing the blemishes and graininess associated with slow-shutter speeds.

PASM Exposure Control and Metering Modes

The DiMAGE Z10 offers incredible control over exposure. The camera features four modes: Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual. Manual exposure enables 30-second time exposures. The DiMAGE Z10 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 each image. Photographers can also manually select from Portrait, Sports Action , Landscape, and Sunset modes. The DiMAGE Z10 can also be set to Night portrait mode in the menu settings.

Get as Close as 0.4 inches with Macro

Shoot amazing close-up photographs using the camera's Macro mode. This mode allows photographer's to get as close as 0.4 inches to their subject.

Switch Finder

The DiMAGE Z10's Switch Finder function allows photographers to view the LCD monitor images through the viewfinder (Viewfinder display) or on the LCD monitor itself (Monitor display). There is no color, contrast, or resolution difference between the images viewed on the viewfinder and on the LCD monitor because both are the same image. The viewfinder was designed with a large apparent angle of view so the image is large and clear.

Key Customize

For added flexibility and convenience, the camera's flash button can be customized to handle different settings. This means that instead of going through the menus on the camera's LCD panel, photographers 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 prints directly from the camera by connecting the DiMAGE Z10 to a PictBridge* 3 -compliant printer. Users just check which images they want to print on the DiMAGE Z10's LCD monitor and then print out their favorites.

VGA Movie Recording

The DiMAGE Z10 can record movies without sound. It records 15-frames-per-second VGA-size (640x480) movies, which are much easier to view during playback than conventional QVGA-size (320x240) movies. It also records 320x240 movies at either 30 frames per second or 15 frames per second. The XR (Extended Recording) Movie mode lets users record longer movie clips onto the SD memory card until the memory card is full. Night Movie uses high camera sensitivity to record under extreme low-light conditions. And Movie Frame Capture lets users select their favorite scenes from a movie and saves them as still images.

New Design

The DiMAGE Z10's design is advanced yet familiar and easy-to-use. Despite its large 8x zoom range, it weighs just 10.6 ounces. It's also easy to carry and operate even for amateur photographers. The camera's ergonomic form makes it easy to hold and keep steady for those zoom shots.

Optional Wide Converter Wide-Angle Converter ZCW-200

The optional Wide Converter Kit allows photographers to fit more of a scene into each shot. The lens features a 26mm wide angle that is ideal for capturing indoor or outdoor architecture and panoramic landscape shots.

*1 Approximately 0.5 second, from when main switch is turned on until LCD monitor comes on. As of May 20, 2004, for digital cameras with 8x or greater zoom.

*2 Up to approximately 500 frames with the four included AA alkaline batteries. Based on Konica Minolta's standard test method and compliant with the CIPA standard, with included AA alkaline batteries and included SD Memory Card.

As of May 20, 2004, for digital cameras with built-in flash running on AA alkaline batteries.

*3 PictBridge is an industry standard established by the Camera & Imaging Products Association (CIPA).



Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z10
Konica Minolta's DiMAGE Z10 digital camera. Courtesy of Konica Minolta, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!

Number of effective pixels

3.2 million

CCD

1/2.5-type interline primary-color CCD

Total pixels: 3.3 million

Camera sensitivity

Auto and 64,100, 200, and 400 ISO equivalents

Focal length

6 - 48mm (35mm equivalent: 36 – 290mm)

Lens construction

11 elements in 9 groups

Maximum aperture

f/3.2 – f/3.4

Minimum focus distance

Wide: 1.6 ft (0.5m) from front of lens

Telephoto: 4.9 ft (1.5m) from front of lens

Wide: 1.9 ft (0.57m) from CCD

Telephoto: 5.1 ft (1.57m) from CCD

Minimum macro distance

Macro Mode:

Wide: 0.4 in. (0.01m)

Tele: 23.6 in. (0.6m)

Maximum magnification

0.24x

Equivalent to 1.5x in 35mm format

Area covered at maximum magnification

Approximately 1.0 x 0.7 in. (25 x 18mm)

LCD monitor

1.5 inch (3.8cm) low-temperature polysilicon TFT color

Total number of pixels: 113,000

Automatic monitor amplification

Field of view

Viewfinder: Approximately 98%

LCD monitor: Approximately 100%

Display-mode switch

Viewfinder display, LCD-monitor display

Switch Finder system allows the monitor to be viewed directly or through the viewfinder.

Diopter control

– 3 ~ +1m -1

Eye relief

18.8mm

Shutter

CCD electronic shutter and mechanical shutter

Shutter speed range

4 - 1/2000 second in programmed AE and aperture -priority modes.

15 - 1/2000 second in shutter-priority and manual exposure modes,

time exposure (maximum 30 seconds)

2 - 1/2000 second in Auto-recording and Digital Subject Programs

Autofocus system

Rapid AF: a combination of a passive AF sensor with the video AF system

Autofocus areas

3 -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, Standard, 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: Approximately1.6 – 17.1 ft. (0.5 – 5.2 m) from front of lens

Telephoto: Approximately 14.9 – 17.1 ft. (.5 – 5.2 m) from front of lens

(Camera sensitivity: auto)

Flash modes

Autoflash, Autoflash with red-eye reduction, Fill flash, Flash cancel, Slow-shutter sync. Autoflash not available with aperture priority, shutter priority, and manual exposure modes.

Flash recycling time

Approximately 4 seconds

Flash compensation

± 2 EV in 1/3 increments

Flash-sync speeds

All shutter speeds

Continuous advance

Approximately 1.5 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:

Continuous advance

2048 x 1536

1600 x 1200

1280 x 960

640 x 480

Fine

5 frames

8 frames

13 frames

42 frames

Standard

10 frames

16 frames

24 frames

67 frames

Economy

19 frames

30 frames

42 frames

94 frames

* Actual number of images may vary depending upon the subject and camera settings.

Progressive Capture

Stores images from the built-in memory to the memory card from the latest frame captured with the continuous advance.

Maximum number of images that can be recorded with the Progressive

Capture mode: 6 frames (1.5 frames per second)

Exposure bracketing

Three frame bracket in 1.0, 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.

Frame rate: 15 frames per second (640 x 320, 320 x 240), 30 frames per second (320 x 240)

Movie frame capture

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

User selectable dark noise reduction

Digital zoom

Maximum 4x in 0.1x increments

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)

2048 x 1536, 1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960, 640 x 480

Number of recorded pixels (Movie clips)

640 x 480, 320 x 240

Storage capacity

Approximate storage capacity of a 16MB SD (Secure Digital) Memory Card:

Still images

2048 x 1536

1600 x 1200

1280 x 960

640 x 480

Fine

9 frames

14 frames

22 frames

69 frames

Standard

17 frames

27 frames

39 frames

100 frames

Economy

32 frames

47 frames

69 frames

150 frames

Movie clips

640 x 480

320 x 240

30 frames per second

-

21 seconds

15 frames per second

26 seconds

42 seconds

*Actual number of images may vary depending upon the subject and memory card used.

File formats

JPEG, Motion JPEG (MOV)

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 II, 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)

Batteries

Four AA batteries: Alkaline, Ni-MH

Battery performance (Playback)

Approximate continuous playback time: 600 minutes with alkaline batteries.

Battery performance (Recording)

Approximate number of recorded images: 500

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 3.2 x 3.7 in.

(109 x 82 x 94mm)

Weight

Approximately 10.6 oz. (300g) without batteries or recording media

Operating temperature

32-104°F (0-40ºC)

Standard accessories

Neck Strap NS-DG800, Lens Cap LF-243B, Video Cable VC-400, 16MB SD (Secure Digital) Memory Card, USB Cable USB-3, DiMAGE Viewer CD-ROM, Four AA Alkaline batteries

Optional accessories

AC Adapter AC-1L, Camera Case CS-DG1000, Neck Strap NS-DG7000, Wide-Angle Converter ZCW-200 kit

More Photos
Konica Minolta's DiMAGE Z10 digital camera. Courtesy of Konica Minolta, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Konica Minolta's DiMAGE Z10 digital camera. Courtesy of Konica Minolta, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
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Original Source Press Release:

Konica Minolta Introduces the 3.2 Megapixel DiMAGE Z10 Digital Camera

Affordable new camera features fastest-in-class startup, 8x Optical “Mega Zoom,” fast and reliable autofocusing, and energy efficient design

Mahwah, NJ (July 7, 2004) – Konica Minolta introduces an affordable new addition to the Z-series of digital cameras – the DiMAGE Z10. Featuring a fastest-in-class* 1 startup time of 0.5 seconds, built-in 8x optical zoom lens, fast and reliable autofocusing with Predictive Focus Control, and an energy efficient design* 2 that gives photographers up to 500 frames with the included AA alkaline batteries, the new DiMAGE Z10 is a convenient, fun and easy to use digital camera.

“The affordable new DiMAGE Z10 has been designed to bring high-quality digital photography into the daily lives of novice and advanced amateur photographers,” said Jon Sienkiewicz, vice president of marketing, Konica Minolta's Camera Division. “Photographers carrying the DiMAGE Z10 with them will have a reliable digital camera to capture those everyday photographic moments exactly as they see them occur.”

The Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z10's built-in 8x optical Mega Zoom lens and 4x digital zoom combine for a total 32x zoom, allowing photographers to capture everything from sporting events to panoramic scenery. The camera's optical lens system consists of 11 elements in nine groups and includes two aspheric lens elements, for sharp, high-quality images. The DiMAGE Z10 combines a 3.2-megapixel primary-color CCD with Konica Minolta's proprietary CxProcess™ II image processing technology for pictures that appear exactly the way they are seen.

The DiMAGE Z10's Rapid Autofocus (AF) combines a passive AF sensor with the video AF system, giving a fast focusing time of approximately 0.3 second in both wide-angle and telephoto positions. The Rapid AF also has Predictive Focus Control that predicts where a moving subject is heading and focuses accordingly. To round out the list of quick-response features, the DiMAGE Z10 has the fastest startup in its class* 1 (0.5 seconds), a minimum shutter-release time lag, and continuous shooting.

Not only is the DiMAGE Z10 a sprinter with its fast startup, it's also a marathon champ with power efficiency that allows photographers to take up to approximately 500 frames with the four included AA alkaline batteries. This is more shots than any other digital camera with built-in flash running on AA alkaline batteries* 2 .

In addition, the DiMAGE Z10 has a Macro mode that allows photographers to get as close as 0.4 inches from their subject. This allows photographers to capture the smallest objects— such as flowers, insects, or jewelry—with the greatest detail.

The DiMAGE Z10 sports a new, high-tech design. Despite its large 8x optical zoom capability, it weighs just approximately 10.6 ounces. The camera's ergonomic design provides users with a comfortable grip while its intuitive control button layout allows even amateur photographers to start enjoying digital photography in no time at all.

*1 Approximately 0.5 second, from when main switch is turned on until LCD monitor comes on. As of May 20, 2004, for digital cameras with 8x or greater zoom.

*2 Up to approximately 500 frames with the four included AA alkaline batteries. Based on Konica Minolta's standard test method and compliant with the CIPA standard, with included AA alkaline batteries and included SD Memory Card.

As of May 20, 2004, for digital cameras with built-in flash running on AA alkaline batteries.

*3 PictBridge is an industry standard established by the Camera & Imaging Products Association (CIPA).

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.konicaminolta.us.

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

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