Value (6.5)
This camera is willing to compromise on certain features; it has a smaller LCD screen and the omits audio and external flash options that are available on the more expensive Minolta Z5, but the return is a much more affordable retail price. The Z20 retails for $279.95, which is a reasonable price for the long lens and variety of shooting modes, though the compromised price is also largely attributable to the lack of image stabilization, a key component to many other recent ultra zoom releases. The camera will hold its own, but it doesn't represent one of the strongest buys out there.
Comparisons
Canon PowerShot A85 - This Canon model retails at a more affordable $229.95 (USD) price point, but has a smaller 4 MP CCD along with a much more limited optical zoom lens with only 3x magnification. The A85 has some manual control options along with a strong automatic mode and ships with a 32 MB CompactFlash Card. The A85 packs a 1.8 inch LCD screen and a real image optical zoom viewfinder for added viewing accuracy and ease. The A85 is housed in a far smaller frame than the Z20, offering added portability. The A85 is also direct print capable.
Fujifilm FinePix S5100 - The FinePix S5100 retails online for $284.95 (USD), so it is relatively comparable in both price and body styling to the Z20. The S5100 has a smaller 1/2.7 inch 4 MP CCD and records still images in four size formats with two video formats at 30 fps. The S5100 offers a larger 10x optical zoom lens, but also lacks image stabilization. The S5100 is better suited for the manual photographer, offering the full range of manual settings along with automatic and scene modes. The S5100 is built more like a traditional 35mm manual camera, but there is no external flash available. There is no internal memory either, but there is a 16 MB memory card included and it is direct print capable. The S5100 is also plagued by a 1.5 inch LCD with 115,000 pixels - a slightly higher count then the Z20, but certainly nothing to get excited about.
Konica Minolta DiMAGE X50 - A slightly older camera within the DiMAGE line, the X50 retails online for around $229.95 (USD). The X50 has a similar 5 MP CCD, but a far smaller 2.8x optical zoom; however, the X50 is not intended for the same market as the Z20. With a slim build and flat overall aesthetic, the X50 is crafted for the style-driven casual point-and-shooter, rather then the ultra zoom enthusiast. Oddly, unlike the much larger Z20, the X50 does have the ability to record audio as well as video and still images, though it doesn't have the manual control that exists on the Z20. There is no built-in memory, but a 16 MB SD memory card is included and this digital camera is PictBridge compatible. The X50 provides a far more visible 2 inch LCD screen and a real image optical viewfinder. This camera pales in comparison to the Z20 in terms of zoom, but seems to surpass it in almost every other area.
Kodak EasyShare LS753 - The LS753 is a far smaller camera than the Z20, built with cleaner lines and a more compact, dynamic styling, and is available online for $219.95 (USD). There is a 5.0 MP CCD and a small 2.8x optical zoom lens. This camera, like the X50, is intended far more for the point-and-shoot market then users interested in pure zoom, but like most Kodak cameras, it also provides a near excessive number of scene modes for more automatically-inclined users. A 32 MB memory card is included with the camera. The LS753 can print directly to the Kodak EasyShare Printer system. The LS753 uses a real image optical viewfinder and has a 134,000, 1.8 inch LCD screen, providing more substance for less money if pure zoom is not the intent.
Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters
For the point-and-shoot user, this camera will provide a mostly reliable, fully automatic mode (when used in daylight), along with a number of accessible features and additional modes that will enable beginners to develop their photographic skills as they become more acquainted with the camera.
Budget Consumers
For budget consumers looking for a long zoom lens, this $279.95 model may be within the price range, but might not have all the necessary components of a slightly more expensive model.
Gadget Freaks
This camera probably won’t satiate the gadget freaks. The lack of audio recording during movie mode will be an immediate detraction, let alone the lack of image stabilization, anti-shake technology, and manual features.
Manual Control Freaks
The manual control user will find that this camera has some manual controls that can be coupled with other, similar functions. This will simplify the interface at times, but like all systems, simplification often results in limitation and the Z20 is no different. There are some manual controls, but certainly not enough to appease a true freak.
Pros/Serious Hobbyists
There really isn’t too much of a reason for a pro or serious hobbyist to turn to the Z20. While some manual controls exist, there is not enough to fill the needs of a pro or serious photographer.
