| Likes |
|
- Compact size
- Relatively low price
- Powerful software
- Easy to use
- 12x optical zoom lens
|
| Dislikes |
- Autofocus is slow and poor in low light
- Zoom isn’t very smooth
- AA batteries don't last long
- Top ISO of 320 limiting in low light and for stopping action
- Poor seals against dust and dirt
- Flash doesn't pop up automatically
- Just plain funny-looking |
Conclusion
The DiMAGE Z6 is a budget compact camera with a 12x lens. It’s not budget in terms of construction – Konica Minolta's Anti-Shake mechanism moves the CCD, not a lens element, after all. It performs like a budget camera, though. An ultra zoom should have more serious capability than the Z6 offers. The displays aren't good enough to check the images; they're small, and low-resolution. The ISO ratings are limiting, too. ISO 320 just isn't good enough for available light shooting indoors. A fair number of bird watchers use super zooms, and ISO 320 sure won't be good enough to catch the twilight-feeding warblers and finches.
Users looking to graduate from point-and-shoot models may be content with the Z6. It offers a long zoom lens with Anti-shake technology, manual exposure controls, and a strong software package at an affordable price. However, those looking to push the limits of fixed-lens cameras should look elsewhere.
