Value (5.5)
For its $349.99 list price Konica Minolta is providing a stylish camera with a rugged, durable design that lacks manual options and user control. At the camera’s currently lowest online price of $217, the DiMAGE X60 is a bargain for point-and-shoot users. In testing, the camera had decent resolution scores, mediocre noise test results, and downright poor color accuracy. Given this, at any price above $250, the DiMAGE X60 loses any sort of value.
The camera’s menus are simple and effective and the camera’s layout and button design are pleasing to use. The software that ships with the camera far exceeds the needs of any point-and-shoot user.
At the price Konica Minolta is asking consumers to pay for the DiMAGE X60, it would be nice if they would provide a camera that reproduces color better and does so with far less noise. The camera could benefit from a higher resolution LCD screen and better battery life, too. If these things could be accomplished while maintaining the DiMAGE X60’s styling, Konica Minolta would have a hot seller. Unfortunately they aren’t, and Konica Minolta doesn’t.
Comparisons
Nikon Coolpix S2 – The Coolpix S2 lists for $449.95, considerably more than what the DiMAGE X60 sells for. It does have a weatherproof case, but not much else. At 5.1 megapixels it has nearly the same resolution and in testing, also exhibited poor results for its price. The S2 shares the same aluminum design as the DiMAGE X60 but requires users to use its cradle to charge the battery and transfer files. The S2 has more preset shooting modes and a more complex metering system. If point-and-shooters have the money and are not turned off by the S2’s tacky design, they will be better served by the Nikon offering.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ2 – The Lumix DMC-LZ2 beats this Konica Minolta on price and doubles this DiMAGE’s zoom range with a 6x optical zoom, something that is nearly unheard of in the entry level point-and-shoot segment. The Panasonic LZ2 has a similar aluminum styling and the same resolution as the DiMAGE X60, but offers the option to use AA batteries. The Panasonic LZ2 also includes optical image stabilization, clearly surpassing the DiMAGE X60 on the spec sheet showdown.
Fujifilm FinePix Z1 - The Z1 lists for $450 but can be found online for about $100 less. For this price you get a camera with similar resolution and an aluminum body, though the Z1 is certainly more stylish and more equipped to handle low light situations with a sensitivity range that extends to ISO 800. In testing the Z1 had worse color accuracy but it was much quicker to start up and shoot. The Z1 lacks the little manual control on the DiMAGE X60, but it has a quicker autofocus. The choice between the Z1 and the X60 is a tough one that comes down to price and personal stylistic preference.
Olympus Stylus 500 - The Stylus line is billed as “weatherproof” which Olympus says means that the camera can endure splashes and dust, but not full immersion in water. At the same suggested price as the DiMAGE X60, the Stylus manages to outshine the DiMAGE X60 with 21 shooting modes and a large 2.5-inch LCD screen that stands up to bright light and can be seen well at an angle. At 3.9 x 2.2 x 1.2 inches the Olympus is bigger than the DiMAGE X60, and big enough such that users will notice a difference in handling and storage ability. With better color accuracy and an ISO range that extends to 650 (ISO 800 at reduced resolution), some users, particularly those in the damp Pacific Northwest, may want to opt for the Olympus.
Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters – The DiMAGE X60 is aimed squarely at the point-and-shoot crowd. With no manual controls and a minimalist design and interface, novice users will find the DiMAGE X60 to be an easy camera to use, albeit an unsophisticated one.
Budget Consumers – At a suggested price of $349.99, the DiMAGE X60 is bit pricey, if you’re paying list, for the minimal feature set included. The camera can be found as low as $217 online, and at that price users will get some value for their money in a slim camera that is easy to use and handle.
Gadget Freaks - With fairly limited sophistication and a lack of any serious gadgetry, gadget freaks should leave the DiMAGE X60 to those who just want to take a snapshot here and there.
Manual Control Freaks – The DiMAGE X60 has no real manual controls, which will certainly leave manual control freaks out in the cold.
Pros / Serious Hobbyists – The X60 is definitely not a serious photographer’s choice. With no manual controls and strictly point-and-shoot capabilities, serious hobbyists should look elsewhere.
