Digital Camera Review

Digital Camera Review

Armed with a 1/2.5 inch 5 MP CCD and 8x optical zoom lens, the Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z20 supplies users with both fully automatic control settings and manual exposure modes. Users can record both still and video footage to either the optional SD/MMC memory card or to the 14.5 MB of internal storage provided. Users can review or compose images with the fixed 1.5 inch color LCD screen or color viewfinder, though they are not simultaneously operable. Manual control settings include focus, white balance, exposure priority, aperture, shutter speed, EV compensation, and flash, along with a few additional shooting options. VGA video clips can be recorded on the Z20 at 15 frames per second or QVGA video clips can be shot at 30 frames per second. Unfortunately, without a video out port, users will only be able to export video and still images through either the memory card or the USB port located on the right side of the camera. The Z20 can currently be found online for around $250 (USD).
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Connectivity
Software (6.0)
The Z20 comes with user manuals on CD-ROM as well as the DiMAGE Viewer image editing software. The placement of the user manual on CD is both problematic and aggravating; looking up answers to questions isn't as easy as flipping open a book. The software is compatible with both Windows and Macintosh platforms. I opened it in Windows and though the program was not flashy, it included all the basic photo editing tools. In the program, users can change brightness, contrast, saturation, color balance, rotation, and size.

 

Jacks, Ports, Plugs (5.0)
On the left side of the camera body is the DC in port. On the right side is the USB port and the memory card slot for the Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z20. The batteries are located under a cover on the base of the camera.

Direct Print Options (6.0)
The Z20 has the ability to print directly through a printer without a personal computer as long as the printer is PictBridge compatible.

Memory (7.0)
The Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z20 has the ability to record to SD or MMC Memory cards, but no memory card is included with the camera. This camera does have 14.5 MB of internal memory, which helps in case a memory card is forgotten; however, this bit of built-in memory will only take six pictures at the highest resolution. A memory card will be necessary for video footage longer than a few seconds and more than a handful of images.

Other Features (6.5)
Optional Wide Angle Conversion Lens - The Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z20 has the potential to engage an accessory wide angle lens for the camera. The optional 0.7x wide-angle converter ZCW-200 lens is equivalent to 26mm.

Predictive Focus Control - This feature works as a way to capture faster moving images with higher clarity. The camera includes an algorithm that calculates where the subject will be when the shutter is released.

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