Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z3

Review summary: The DiMAGE Z3 ($549) is the first ultra zoom camera Konica Minolta to use their exclusive Anti-shake image stabilization system (unless you consider the A-series ultra zooms, which I do not). The Z3 also features a 12X optical zoom lens, which ties ...

Pros: 12X optical zoom lens ; Anti-shake image stabilizer ; Blazing AF performance in good light ; Full manual controls ; Supports wide-angle conversion lens and external flash ; EVF and LCD "gain up" in low light ; Good redeye test performance ; Excellent ...

Cons: Images seemed soft and noisy ; Poor low light focusing ; no AF-assist lamp ; Lens is on the "slow" side ; EVF and LCD are small, low resolution ; Plastic body scratches easily ; SD card slot cover ready to break off at any moment ; Camera bundle is ...

Verdict: Two nice things about cameras that use AA batteries is that 1) a set of NiMH batteries cost much less than a lithium-ion battery and 2) if you're ever in a jam you can use alkalines to get you through the day

Review summary: The DiMAGE Z3 is the first ultra zoom camera Konica Minolta to use their exclusive Anti-shake image stabilization system which is very much needed on a ultra zoom camera. Two nice things about Minolta Z3 are the fact it uses AA batteries (better ...

Review summary: This month I was given the opportunity to test and play with the new Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z3 digital camera, successor to the DiMAGE Z2 model we reviewed earlier in 2004. I had a great experience with the Z2 model and the Z3 model doesn't disappoint ...

Verdict: This camera is not too different from the Z2 model; it does deliver a fair bit of purple fringe but the pink hue distortion that I saw in the Z2 does appear to be corrected.

Pros: 12X optical zoom lensAnti-shake image stabilizerBlazing AF performance in good lightFull manual controlsSupports wide-angle conversion lens and external flashEVF and LCD "gain up" in low lightGood redeye test performanceExcellent macro and movie ...

Cons: Images seemed soft and noisyPoor low light focusing ; no AF-assist lampLens is on the "slow" sideEVF and LCD are small, low resolutionPlastic body scratches easily ; SD card slot cover ready to break off at any momentCamera bundle is not great

Verdict: The Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z3 is a good ultra zoom camera that could be better. Panasonic still has the lead in this market, in my opinion. The Z3 has a 12X optical zoom lens, which is as big as they come. It's not as "fast" as the lenses on Panasonic ...