Konica Minolta Dimage Z5

Connectivity
Software (6.0)
The Z5 comes with a DiMAGE Viewer software program that is compatible with both Macintosh and Windows. While the Swedes may have been celebrating because the Z5 speaks their language, unfortunately, the software does not follow. The following languages are available: Chinese, English, French, German, Spanish, and Japanese. The software takes about three minutes to load, then it is available immediately on the program menu of the computer. While it may seem buried at first, I must say that I do appreciate software programs that don’t automatically take over my start menu and infect my computer with pop-ups.

Once the DiMAGE Viewer is selected on your program menu, a simple and not-very-flashy program appears onscreen. Pictures can be displayed in file browser fashion, then selected for editing. When images are viewed in single frames, red, green, and blue histograms appear at the side, as well as a long list of file information. Using the archaic icons, photographers can manipulate their photos’ brightness, contrast, saturation, color balance, rotation, and size. This program has very basic features, but will suffice for beginners. However, if you want to add text or blur spots in images, you’ll have to find a different software program.

Jacks, ports, plugs (7.0)
The camera’s jacks are located beneath a rubber cover on the left side. The USB and A/V-out cables share the same jack. The A/V-out cable is compatible with NTSC or PAL standards, but must be specified within the setup menu. Below that jack is the circular DC in jack.

Direct Print Options (6.0)
To connect the camera directly to a printer, users must enter the Setup menu and select the Transfer mode, then the PictBridge option. Photographs can be printed using the menu in Playback mode. Users can imprint photos with the date the picture was taken. This method certainly isn’t as easy as some other digital cameras, where all print functions are located in one menu.

Memory (2.0)
The DiMAGE Z5 comes with a 16 MB Secure Digital card and a slot with a door on the bottom. The slot accepts both SD and MMC cards. The included card will give users about six pictures at full resolution and a few seconds with the impressive movie mode. To maximize the potential of the Z5, a much larger memory card is imperative. Users beware: the camera looks and acts like it’s taking pictures even if there is no memory card in the camera. The screen says "No Card" in the center; however, users can still frame pictures and the shutter release button will still depress. Pictures even freeze for a few seconds before disappearing into forgotten space. Be sure to put the memory card in, as there is no internal memory!

Other features (7.5)
Included accessories – The Konica Minolta Z5 includes more than just a camera inside its box; it also comes with a neck strap, lens cap, shoe cap, SD card, AV cable, USB cable, 4 AA batteries, DiMAGE Viewer CD-ROM, owner’s manual, DiMAGE Viewer instruction manual, and warranty card.

Anti-Shake – One of the best features of the Konica Minolta Z5 is its image stabilization system. The Anti-Shake option can be found in the menu of every exposure mode. The following options are available: Display and Exposure, Exposure Only, or Off.

Key Function – Within the last recording menu, users will find a Key Function option. This lets users choose a feature that they use most often to include on a button near the shutter release button. The camera’s default is the flash mode, but users can switch that to Drive Mode, White Balance, Focus Mode, Color Mode, or Sensitivity. The button is labeled with a flash icon, so changing it would be a bit strange. However, it’s a nice option to have, so users can easily access the function they use most often.

Sleep Mode – The camera can be programmed to fall asleep after 1, 3, 5, or 10 minutes. However, there is no option to completely turn this off. The sleep mode only turns off the LCD or viewfinder display; it does not retract the lens back into the body. To wake the camera from its blissful dreamy state, users must press the shutter release button.

Live Histograms – This digital camera provides live histograms when the Info button is pressed. Histograms are also available within the Playback mode by pressing upwards on the navigational dial.