Viewfinder (6.0)
The image on the electronic color viewfinder of the Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z20 is overwhelmingly grainy, which makes it difficult for the user to accurately gauge the focal settings for the camera. When using the viewfinder, user's faces may block many of the controls, making manual control settings and menu adjustments difficult to access. At least the viewfinder has an accuracy rating of around 98%. There is a diopter control available for the viewfinder that can adjust the magnification from -3 to +1. This is a nice option to have for photographers with eyeglasses; however, the dial is stiff and difficult to turn. The large viewfinder window is nice to see on a new model, but it certainly does not live up to expectations.
LCD Screen (4.0)
What year was this digital camera released?? The 1.5 inch color LCD screen, situated on the back of the camera, takes users back at least 2 years. This undersized LCD screen also has a pixel count of just 113,000 pixels and makes viewing images a challenge. When not in use, the LCD is covered by a twofold screen which snaps closed from the top and bottom. The low-temperature polysilicon screen is set into the camera body slightly and covered by a protective layer of plastic. The screen is coated with an anti-reflection surface that works well in bright lighting, but unfortunately cannot do much to improve image quality.
Flash (7.5)
Users can cycle through flash settings on the Konica Minolta Z20 using the flash button, situated in front of the mode dial on the top of the camera, or by entering the menu. When the flash button is depressed, a series of flash settings appear across the LCD screen. Available flash settings on the Z20 include: Autoflash, Autoflash with red-eye reduction, Fill-flash, Fill-flash with red-eye reduction, Slow sync with red-eye reduction, and Flash cancel. This is an adequate list of flash options, although a flash exposure compensation feature would have been a nice addition, particularly for slightly advanced or intermediate users. Additionally, the flash button's awkward placement will often force users to adjust their right hand when altering the settings.
Zoom Lens (7.5)
The Konica Minolta Z20 features a 36-290mm (equivalent) zoom lens, distinguishing the model from the similar Konica Minolta Z5. Slightly diminished from the Z5, the applied lens on the Konica Minolta Z20 still offers an expansive zoom range and strong optics. The Z20's Minolta zoom lens is formed of 11 elements in 9 groups, with two aspheric lenses. The lens measures from 6-48mm, equating to a 36-290mm lens in 35mm format. The zoom breaks down to 8x optical and an additional 4x digital zoom (which can be turned on and off through the menu settings). The focal length is controlled by a zoom lever found on the back of the camera body, above the grip. This lever is functional but a bit undersized when compared with the other buttons on the back of the camera. The zoom itself provides a significant range in perspective for compact users, but it s far smaller than most true "ultra zoom" models currently on the market. The lack of image stabilization function is also a clear disadvantage that, when coupled with the relatively small zoom range, may not make the $130 in savings worth it.
