Konica Minolta Dimage Z5

Front (6.5)
Two large protrusions constitute the front of the Konica Minolta Z5. When viewing from the front, the hand grip sticks out on the left side. There is a smooth-surfaced panel running vertically down the front of the grip. At the top of this panel is the metallic and oval-shaped shutter release button. On the right side of the Z5, the lens protrudes from the body in a sloping pod-shape. Around the outer ring of the lens, there is a black metallic highlight with the words "GT 35-420mm 1:2.8-4.5 (Equiv. 135) APO" on the top part of the lens. Above the lens is the built-in flash, which is only visible when it is manually popped up. When the flash is closed, the Konica Minolta brand name shows. In between the grip and the lens is a tiny space (way back in there) with an LED toward the top and a metal plate toward the bottom. The plate has the words "Anti-Shake" with a decorative ‘A’ and ‘S’.

Back (7.0)
The back of the Z5 looks like an obscure piece of modern art that would induce second glances and extended pondering as to what exactly is being observed. While it’s not a traditional form, the fusion of circular sharps, arched lines and stark boundaries apply immense character to the design. On the left side, there is a smooth-surfaced plastic panel that surrounds the LCD screen, power button, LCD switch, viewfinder, and diopter adjustment. The LCD screen sits in the center of this circular-shaped panel. Below the 1.8-inch LCD is the power button on the left, labeled "On/Off," and the LCD switch on the right. The switch lets the user choose between Playback mode, LCD view, and the electronic viewfinder. Directly above the LCD screen is the electronic viewfinder, with a small diopter adjuster to its right. The dioptric adjustment is a notched dial that sticks out of the camera body, although not very far (certainly not far enough). There is a very shallow divot to the right of this feature, supposedly making it easier to turn. However, the shallow divot looks like only a slightly worn down surface; it’s not enough to make for easier engagement.

To the right of the LCD screen and near the top is the navigational dial. The dial is made of two parts: a button in the center and one solid ring on the outside. On each direction of the compass, a small knob sticks out; this makes it easier for users to press the dial in the correct spot. Below the navigational dial are three circular buttons. From the top, they are Menu, Quick View (this is also a Delete button), and Info. These buttons curve with the edge of the smooth surface, which is pleasing to the eye. To the right of the Info button is a rectangular LED that turns red when the camera is busily reading and writing to the memory card. The back of the right-hand grip is covered in rubber and protrudes slightly, making a comfortable resting position for the thumb. In the top right corner is the zoom switch, which looks like a button with the letters "W" and "T" on it, but slides laterally.

Left Side (6.5)
A supportive rubber gripping surface is present on the left side, which is a nice feature that most camera manufacturers look past. Toward the back of the rubber panel is a cover for the USB, A/V out, and DC in ports. This cover is flush with the panel and has a small divot, so users can pry it open with their fingers. This process can be slightly tedious, as the divot is made for tiny fingers (conflicting with the large grip).

The left side is wide because of the zoom lens, which has a black metallic rim around the lens. On this metallic rim and visible from this side are the words "Optical Zoom 12x Anti-Shake." Above the rubber panel is a metal loop for the neck strap. Above this loop is the built-in flash. The flash must be physically pried open by the tiny plastic lips on the sides of the flash panel. That lip is visible just above the metal loop. On the flash panel is the "DiMAGE Z5" logo. Just below it on the camera body are the words "5.0 Megapixels."

Right Side (6.5)
The right side is thick and dense, supplying ample support and grip for the dominant right hand. The rear portion of the grip is covered in a rubber surface that has the texture of leather. Just above this rubber panel is a metal loop for the neck strap. Unfortunately, the loop is not directly aligned with the opposite loop on the left side, so the imbalanced camera will hang awkwardly from the user’s neck.

Top (6.5)
On the top of the Konica Minolta Z5, users will see the flash connector, placed just behind the built-in flash. This connector can be closed with a tiny plastic cover that disconnects entirely from the body (and therefore, could be easily lost). On the top of the right-hand grip, the shutter release button sits on a sloped surface between the top and the front. Behind it are three lines that make up the built-in microphone. A tiny dot to the right of those lines is the speaker. Behind the mic, there are two buttons; the one on the left is for selecting the macro mode, and the one on the right is for the flash setting. Directly behind these buttons is the mode dial. There is a red mark on the body next to the dial, showing users where to select their shooting mode. The following modes are available on the notched dial: Manual, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, Program, Movie, Auto, Portrait, Sports, Portrait with Landscape, Beach, and Night Portrait. The first four modes are represented with letters, the movie and scene modes are symbolized by icons, and the Auto mode is spelled out on a red rectangle (easy to find – nice touch).