Backgrounder

New Minolta Single Lens Reflex (SLR)-type Digital Camera: The DiMAGE Z1
Minolta Corporations stylish new DiMAGE Z1 is the first in a series of easy-to-use powerful SLR-type digital cameras. The first Minolta digital camera to include Minoltas new built-in 10x Mega-zoom lens, the DiMAGE Z1 possess advanced technology and the worlds fastest autofocusing among digital cameras with a built-in 10x or greater optical zoom.* Key features include: 3.2 Megapixels Minoltas new Mega-Zoom lens (10x optical/4x digital zoom) Rapid Autofocus (AF) Progressive Capture High-Quality VGA Movie (640 x 480, 30 frames per second) Minoltas CxProcess II Ultra High Speed (UHS) Continuous Advance (10 frames per second rapid fire) LCD and Eye-level Electronic Viewfinder
Main Features: Minoltas 10x Mega-zoom Lens The new Minolta 10x Mega-zoom is a fast f2.8 f3.5 lens allowing fast shutter speeds for sport or natural-light photography. The ten-element seven-group design employs two aspheric lenses to minimize aberrations and produce sharp images. With a focal range of 5.8mm to 58mm, it is equivalent to a 38 - 380mm 35mm camera lens. When combined with the seamless 4x digital zoom, it has an amazing 40x zoom range, equivalent to a 38 1520mm lens. To extend the versatility of the powerful 10x Mega-zoom, an optional 0.75x wide-converter is available. This lens attachment increases the lens angle of view giving it a maximum coverage approximately equal to a 28mm lens on a 35mm camera. The adapter ring supplied with the wideconverter allows 52mm filters to be used with the camera. With such powerful optics, the affect of camera shake, a slight blurring of the image when the camera is handheld, can be a significant problem. Minolta engineers have developed an advanced program exposure line to maximize shutter speeds by controlling the aperture and camera sensitivity based on the subject program and focal length in use. Rapid AF Such powerful optics combined with a high-resolution 3.3 megapixel 1/2.7 interline primarycolor CCD requires a powerful autofocus system. The Minolta DiMAGE Z1 employs Rapid AF to ensure sharp images with minimum delay. Rapid AF uses a passive AF sensor to instantly estimate the distance to the subject and the cameras CCD to determine the precise focus point. A high-speed drive focuses the lens quickly and smoothly. The CCD uses a 60 frame per second

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Minolta DiMAGE Z1 Backgrounder (contd)
sampling rate to determine the optimum focus, twice the rate of most digital cameras on the market today. All this translates into a 0.3 second focusing time at a focal length of 5.8mm and 0.4 seconds at 58mm, giving the Minolta DiMAGE Z1 the worlds fastest AF among digital cameras with a built-in 10x or greater optical zoom.* Although the DiMAGE Z1 uses complex AF technology, focusing the camera couldnt be easier. The user simply places the subject anywhere within the focus frames and the camera does the rest; an AF sensor is briefly displayed so the subject can be confirmed. Minoltas Progressive Capture Minoltas new drive mode, Progressive Capture, makes sure photographers never miss a shot. When the shutter-release button is pressed and held down, Progressive Capture begins saving images in the buffer memory. A user simply watches the action on the monitor and when it is over, releases the shutter button and the images in the buffer memory are saved to the memory card catching the moment. Six frames are saved when using standard continuous advance and 10 frames when using UHS continuous advance. Standard continuous advance records at approximately 1.5 frames per second at any image size or quality setting. Ultra High Speed (UHS) continuous advance records 1.2 megapixel images at 10 frames per second. High Quality VGA Movie The Minolta DiMAGE Z1 doesnt just capture still images. High-quality VGA (640 x 480) movies at 30 frames per second can be recorded. Image size and frame rate can be selected to balance image quality with file size. Three image sizes are available: 640 x 480, 320 x 240, and 160 x 120. Because of the high frame rate of the CCD, movies may be shot at 30 frames per second to create natural flicker-free images, or 15 frames per second to maximize recording time. The length of the movie is only limited by the memory card capacity, image size, and frame rate. Because the Minolta DiMAGE Z1 can capture large, high-quality VGA (640 x 480) movies, image sharpness and brightness is very important. During recording the DiMAGE Z1 will continue to focus to provide the sharpest possible image. The night-movie mode can make color recordings under extreme low-light conditions. Minoltas CXProcess II CxProcess II, Minoltas new image-processing technology, is employed to bring out the best in the 3.3 megapixel 1/2.7 interline primary-color CCD. CxProcess II controls the essential image qualities of color, contrast, and sharpness while minimizing noise. Brilliant, saturated color remains vibrant without becoming unnatural or flat. Subtle contrast is rendered to retain the richness and depth of the subject while preserving details in the highlights and shadows. Sharpness is controlled by balancing resolution with acutance to show fine detail while minimizing hard, unnatural edges. Unique LCD & Viewfinder The DiMAGE Z1 is equipped with Minoltas unique Switch Finder. This unique system allows the cameras LCD monitor to be viewed directly or through the viewfinder. Since a single monitor is used, photographers wont need to worry about the color, contrast, and resolution difference between separate rear and viewfinder monitors. Because of the viewfinders large apparent angle of view, the monitor image is large and clear. The cameras Real Motion LCD monitor uses a 60 frames per second frame rate. This Real Motion frame rate brings the live image to life by the ability to show action smoothly compared to the slower 30 frames per second rate of conventional monitors.

Performance and Design Minolta engineers have pushed every aspect of the DiMAGE Z1s performance to the limit. Startup time is 2 seconds and shutdown time is 2.4 seconds. After focus has been locked in, the shutter-release time lag is 0.06 second, comparable to an SLR film camera. The camera will be ready to capture another image in 1.2 seconds after the exposure. The DiMAGE Z1 incorporates Minoltas most powerful flash built into a digital camera yet. With a guide number of 39 (feet), the built-in flash can illuminate a subject up to approximately 20 feet when used at the wide-angle position with autoexposure and auto camera sensitivity. The DiMAGE Z1 design reflects the sophistication and future of digital technology. Significantly smaller than a compact 35mm SLR camera with a built-in flash and zoom lens, this powerful imaging system can easily slip into a fanny pack or hip bag. And weighing only 11 ounces, it will not be a burden. Easy-to-find AA batteries power the DiMAGE Z1. Easy-to-find alkaline or rechargeable Ni-MH can be used. Intuitive Controls The controls and dials are laid out for clear, intuitive operation. The large exposure mode dial and zoom lever are located on the top of the camera grip for quick changes to camera settings to meet changing shooting conditions. The controller, placed on the back of the camera, is a straightforward five-way array used to control many of the cameras advanced features, functions, and menus. The large grip gives the DiMAGE Z1 secure, comfortable handling. When handholding the camera in low-light conditions or when using long focal lengths, nothing is more important than a well-balanced grip to keep the camera steady. In the past, photographers always had to make time-consuming manual adjustments as the subject and shooting environment changed. The DiMAGE Z1s Automatic Digital Subject Program Selection analyzes the shooting conditions and selects among five subject programs (portrait, sports action, landscape, sunset, and night portrait) and programmed autoexposure (AE) to optimize the cameras exposure, white-balance, and image-processing controls. When working in less than ideal lighting conditions, precisely framing an image on the monitor is difficult. Automatic monitor amplification brightens the monitor under low light so the live image is always visible. Operations can be tailored to meet the photographers needs. The function set using the flashmode button can be customized to control the flash mode, white balance, drive mode, focusing mode, or color mode. Images can be rotated to orient them correctly so users dont need to twist their head to the left or right when playing back vertically composed shots. Dark noise, an ever-present problem in electronic systems, manifests itself by giving a grainy or sandy appearance to images taken with long exposures. The DiMAGE Z1 combats this with a selectable noise-reduction function, which automatically activates for exposures of one second or longer. Four exposure modes are available: program, aperture priority, shutter priority, and manual. 30second bulb exposures can be made in manual exposure. The DiMAGE Z1 has three metering modes: multi-segment, center-weighted, and spot. Multi-segment metering uses 256 segments to determine exposure.

As well as Natural Color and black and white, the DiMAGE Z1 has two color modes for creative control: Vivid color and Sepia. Vivid Color increases the saturation to produce vibrant color images. Sepia creates the feel of antique photographs with its warm tone. White balance controls how the camera interprets the color of the ambient lighting. Auto white balance compensates for changes in lighting automatically. Five preset white-balance settings, daylight, cloudy, tungsten, fluorescent, and flash, can be selected for specific light sources. And for critical control over color, the custom setting allows the camera to be calibrated to the lighting conditions at the scene. Being able to see the images that have been taken immediately enhances the excitement of digital photography. With the flick of a switch, users can access their recorded images. And playback is fluid from frame to frame. Accessory Flash Compatibility The DiMAGE Z1 is compatible with the Minolta Program/Maxxum Flash 3600HS (D) or 5600HS (D) units as well as the latest addition to the Minolta accessory flash line, the Program/Maxxum Flash 2500 (D). These powerful flash units can be used directly on the camera. The 3600HS (D) and 5600HS (D) have a zoom head that automatically adjust as the cameras lens is zoomed in and out, and their heads can be tilted for bounce illumination. The 5600HS (D) also has a swivel head and the flash output can be controlled with power ratios. The new 2500 (D) is a compact, automatic flash unit with a tilting head and an affordable price tag.

* As of July 1st, 2003.

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 CCDshift 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 ZCW300
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-Minoltas 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 doesnt require extra correction lenses like optical anti-shake systems, so the DiMAGE Z5s body remains compact and light. The DiMAGE Z5s 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 users 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 subjectslike 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 Z5s 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.
Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z5 Backgrounder (contd)
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 Minoltas CxProcess III The DiMAGE Z5 incorporates CxProcess III, the latest evolution of Konica Minoltas 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 AntiShake 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 Minoltas 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 sequenceas 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 Z5s LCD monitor and then print out their favorites. Ergonomic Design The DiMAGE Z5s 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. Its 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 ConverterWide-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 thats 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 Minoltas standard test method. *2 Depends on the shooting conditions. *3 PictBridge is an industry standard established by the Camera & Imaging Products Association (CIPA).