Auto Mode (7.5)
When the camera is set in auto mode, the user is limited in image size, quality, and use of digital zoom. In auto mode, it is still possible to control the optical zoom levels as well as the Macro and Flash settings for the camera. However, controls such as focus, white balance, and other settings are restricted when the camera is put into this setting. While Auto Mode on this camera is restrictive for more advanced users, it is a good option for the beginning user or when a user doesn't have the time to be nit-picky.

The Z20 performs adequately in automatic mode, but it is certainly not one of the strongest performers we have seen. There are a few specific areas to watch out for. For example, the Z20 had difficulty attaining proper color calibration when using the automatic white balance setting. Again, this issue can be avoided by opting to use the customizable white balance option or by experimenting with the preset options. However, the most troubling automatic function on the Z20 was the auto ISO setting. The camera revealed a glaring performance handicap when set to the auto ISO mode. The truncated ISO range in auto mode only offers a 50-160 ISO range to begin with, but also displayed difficulties in reading the scene and determining the appropriate rating. In our tests, the Z20 repeatedly selected the highest (IS0 160) setting, even under profuse lighting. This led to unavoidable noise in many recorded images that compromised the frame severely enough to make one question whether it is even usable.

Drive / Burst Mode (5.0)
The Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z20 has a number of different drive mode options. They are continuous, progressive, and bracketed. Continuous mode allows the user to capture images in succession by pressing the shutter button and holding it. The number of images captured depends on card size, image size, and image quality. When shooting in the highest resolution, the continuous mode recorded an image every 1.7 seconds. In progressive mode, images are saved in the buffer memory after the shutter is depressed. The camera then saves the last six images captured. This mode is slightly faster, though still records at a sluggish rate, capturing an image every 1.5 seconds. It is possible to shoot bracketed images with the Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z20; this feature allows for exposure ranges to be set prior to capture. Once the shutter is engaged, the camera shoots three images consecutively: one image at a normal exposure, one overexposed, and one underexposed. These settings are located within the Drive Mode section of the menu.

Playback Mode (7.5)
To access the Z20's playback mode, the user must switch the camera from regular shooting mode to the playback mode by manipulating the switch located on the ring surrounding the camera's on/off button. When in playback mode, it is possible to run a slideshow or view single images. If the up arrow on the four-way control is engaged, the image appears in a thumbnail format with photo information and an available histogram superimposed onto the lower right segment of the frame. It is also possible to view six photos in index format by pressing the information button. When a photo is highlighted in index mode and the information button is pressed, the camera returns to single image mode. The zoom lever can be used when in playback mode to increase or decrease image size.

Movie Mode (8.0)
When the DiMAGE Z20 is set to movie mode, it is possible to control the frame rate, focus (prior to shooting), color, white balance, night mode, zoom (during shooting), and image size. Once the exposure mode dial is set to the movie mode setting, the user must merely press the shutter button to begin capturing. Movie mode can shoot in two image sizes of 640 x 480 or 320 x 240. The larger, VGA quality setting records videos at 15 frames per second, while the smaller mode records at a selectable 30 or 15 fps rate. When recording movies, the time remaining is displayed in the lower right corner of the LCD screen. The movie mode is a bit lacking compared to the Z20's counterpart, the Z5, which offers image stabilization and audio recording. The lack of audio recording in the Z20 is excusable, with the (still) rare inclusion of a variable focal length lens in movie mode - offering a significant upgrade in video recording over most digital cameras.

Custom Image Presets (4.0)
Image presets can be accessed with the exposure mode dial located on the top of the right side of the camera. Instead of entering a scene mode and then selecting a scene, all five presets are located directly on the dial with icons. These modes include Portrait, Sports, Landscape, Sunset, and Night Portrait. Five selectable presets is quite skimpy and pales in comparison to most point-and-shoot models which frequently provide 10-20 preset options to choose from.