Release Issued by Konica Minolta:
The DiMAGE Z5: A High-Performance 5.0 Megapixel CCD Digital Camera
with CCD-Shift Anti-Shake System, 12x optical“Mega Zoom”, Fastest-in-Class*1 Rapid AF, and Large, Easy-to-View 2.0 inch LCD
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The DiMAGE Z5 is a superb all round digital camera that offers 12x optical Mega Zoom, a proprietary Anti-Shake system, 5.0 Megapixel CCD, fast response including Rapid AF, and a large 2.0 inch LCD to ensure you see everything clearly. All of these features combine to ensure that you won’t miss a picture opportunity and that the subject of your photos are big, beautiful, and shake free.
The DiMAGE Z5’s 12x optical zoom and 4x digital zoom combine in a total 48x zoom. The Konica Minolta proprietary CCD-Shift Anti-Shake system—the same as used on the flagship Dynax 7D, and DiMAGE A200 models—is particularly effective at high zoom factors. It allows the photographer to shoot with shutter speeds four to eight times longer (2-3 stops*2) than when shooting without the assistance of similar technology. It also works to give steady, shake free images of evening or other low light subjects, that are susceptible to shake because of the required slow shutter speed. This means significantly less shake without a flash or tripod.
To ensure that you don’t miss those beautiful images, the DiMAGE Z5 has Rapid AF, the fastest*1 Autofocus system for digital cameras with predictive focus control. Focusing in a mere 0.2 second (approx.) at wide angle and only 0.3 second (approx.) at telephoto, it’s ideal for capturing any subject, moving or static.
The DiMAGE Z5 has everything you need to take high-quality pictures: 5.0 Megapixel CCD, high-performance GT APO lens, and the Konica Minolta proprietary CxProcess™ III image processing technology, that produces images as beautiful as those you see with your own eyes.
The DiMAGE Z5 boasts a large, easy-to-view 2.0 inch LCD monitor. This makes navigating menus easier and allows you to see exactly what you’re shooting.
In addition to Rapid AF, the DiMAGE Z5 has fast startup, short shutter release time lag, Ultra-High-Speed Continuous Advance, Progressive Capture, and Real Motion monitor for smooth display on the LCD. All of these combine to let the user capture any subject, no matter how fleeting, on the spur of the moment, and not miss any photo opportunities.
In addition to beautiful stills, the DiMAGE Z5 takes high-quality, high-resolution VGA movies that look as good as TV images. These movies are also shake-free thanks to the Anti-Shake function.
Product Highlights
• 12x optical Mega Zoom and 4x digital zoom for 48x total zoom; complemented with the CCD-Shift Anti-Shake System
• Rapid AF with Predictive Focus Control
• High-quality pictures with 5.0 Megapixel CCD, Konica Minolta GT APO lens, and CxProcess™ III image processing technology
• High-resolution, shake-free VGA movies that look as good as TV images
• Ease of operation with large 2.0 inch LCD, compact body, and fast response
• Super Macro mode for shooting subjects as close as 1 cm from the lens
• 26mm wide-angle shooting (35mm equivalent) with the optional Wide Angle Converter ZCW-300
Features
Incredible 48x Total Zoom Range
Combining the 12x optical zoom with the 4x digital zoom gives you a 48x total zoom, ideal for taking distance shots at sports events or when capturing distant scenery. This incredible optical zoom delivers a focal range equivalent to a 35-420mm range on a 35mm camera lens. With the digital zoom, total zoom is equivalent to 35-1680mm (35mm equivalent).
CCD-Shift Anti-Shake Function
The DiMAGE Z5 uses the Konica Minolta proprietary CCD-Shift Anti-Shake function, useful for telephoto shots and low light situations. Anti-Shake compensates to minimise the effect of camera shake, allowing you to shoot with shutter speeds four to eight times longer (2-3 stops) than on other cameras without an image stabilisation function. The DiMAGE Z5 can correct shake without increasing shutter speed or raising ISO sensitivity, factors that increase image noise. The CCD-Shift method doesn’t require extra correction lenses like optical stabilisation systems, so the DiMAGE Z5’s body remains compact and lightweight. The Anti-Shake system is effective in correcting both sudden, harsh movement such as pressing of the shutter-release button or the larger and slower movements of the user’s body.
Rapid AF is Fastest in Class*1 for Autofocus (AF)
The DiMAGE Z5 focuses in a mere 0.2 second (approx.) at wide angle and only 0.3 second (approx.) at telephoto. In Continuous AF, the DiMAGE Z5 includes Predictive Focus Control, which allows you to capture sharper images of moving subjects—like a child running at full speed. When it comes to fast and reliable Autofocusing, the DiMAGE Z5 is clearly ahead of the pack.
The DiMAGE Z5 also offers improved AF accuracy through 5-point Area AF, which gives five focus areas that overlap horizontally and thus reduce AF failures that occur when subjects appear in between focus areas and cause a perspective conflict.
5.0 Megapixel CCD for Beautiful Prints
The 5.0 Megapixel, 1/2.5-inch CCD produces plenty of detail for creating high-quality enlargements as big as 21.7x16.3 cm at 300dpi print resolution. In addition, the CCD's primary colour filter offers high colour fidelity.
Konica Minolta GT APO Lens
The DiMAGE Z5 employs a high-performance lens system to maximise the 5 million pixel CCD. The lens consists of 13 elements in 10 groups and includes two AD (anomalous dispersion) glass lenses and two aspheric elements, a construction that helps produce sharp, high-quality images. Multi-coating on 14 lens surfaces ensures minimal flare and ghosting at all magnifications. A 5 blade iris diaphragm beautifully reproduces a near-circular defocused effect.
Superbly Detailed Images with CxProcess™ III
The DiMAGE Z5 incorporates CxProcess™ III, the latest evolution of the Konica Minolta proprietary image processing technology. This means even higher resolution and the ability to capture the subtlest details of texture, resulting in photos that look as natural as the subject itself.
High-quality Movies as Beautiful as TV Images
The DiMAGE Z5 records movies in VGA resolution (640x480) at 30fps for smooth video with sound rivalling TV images. You can also choose from other, lower resolution movie image sizes. The Anti-Shake function works with the movie function to give steady telephoto movies. The XR (Extended Recording) Movie function lets you record movie clips onto the SD memory card as long as its available capacity. Activate Night Movie, and the DiMAGE Z5 can record in extreme low-light conditions. The Select Shot function provides stills from pre-recorded movie clips, while the Movie Editing function allows you to cut unwanted parts from movie files. All in camera.
Large, Easy-to-View 2.0 inch LCD
The DiMAGE Z5’s 2.0 inch LCD gives you the big picture. The large screen makes it easier to take pictures, easier to play back stills and movie clips, and easier to navigate menus.
Get as Close as 1 cm with Super Macro
Shoot amazing close-ups in either Macro or Super Macro modes. Whichever mode you choose, the Konica Minolta superior image quality will make your close-ups look stunning and powerful. In Super Macro mode, you can position the lens as close as 1 cm from your subject.
Real Motion LCD Monitor
The DiMAGE Z5 features the Real Motion LCD monitor, which delivers crystal clear images. The smooth, realistic movement displayed on the monitor makes it ideal for shooting moving subjects.
UHS (Ultra High Speed) Continuous Shooting
The DiMAGE Z5 captures 20 images at 10 fps (approx.) at an image size of 1024x768 in UHS (Ultra High Speed) continuous shooting. This function is convenient for situations where you need to capture and study your form in continuous movement, such as a golf swing.
Progressive Capture
With the DiMAGE Z5 in Progressive Capture mode, the last several images in the sequence—as many as 20 images at 10 fps (approx.) at an image size of 1024x768 — are stored when you release pressure from the shutter-release button. So when shooting fast-moving subjects, Progressive Capture ensures that they are recorded when and where you want them. These functions are handy for shooting sports events or for recording and improving your form in personal sports training situations.
Noise Reduction
Noise Reduction gives exceptional night images by automatically preventing the blemishes and graininess associated with slow-shutter capture.
P.A.S.M. Exposure Control and Metering Modes
The DiMAGE Z5 offers incredible control over exposure. There are four modes: Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual. The DiMAGE Z5 has three metering modes: Multi-Segment, Centre-Weighted, and Spot. Multi-Segment metering uses 256 segments to determine exposure.
Automatic Digital Subject Program Selection
Automatic Digital Subject Program Selection automatically chooses the best recording mode for your images. You can also manually select from Portrait, Sports Action, Landscape, Sunset and Night Portrait modes. Either way, this convenient function enables you to take fabulous photos with ease.
Key Customise
For added flexibility and convenience, the flash button can be customised to handle different settings. This means that instead of scrolling through the menus on the LCD, you can use the flash button to change settings like the drive mode, white balance, focus mode, colour mode, or sensitivity.
PictBridge*3 Compatible
Forget all about complicated connections with a PC. Get fast, fun printouts directly from your camera by connecting the DiMAGE Z5 to a PictBridge*3 compliant printer. You can check which images you want to print on the Z5’s LCD monitor and then print out your favourites in no time at all.
Ergonomic Design
The design of the DiMAGE Z5 is advanced yet familiar and easy-to-use. Even with its high 12x zoom range and large 2.0 inch LCD, it weighs just approximately 340 g. It’s also easy to hold and operate even for camera novices. The ergonomic form makes it easy to keep on holding even for those powerful zoom shots.
Optional Wide Converter Wide Angle Converter ZCW-300 Kit
The optional Wide Angle Converter Kit allows you to fit more of the scene into each shot. The lens has an equivalent of 26mm wide angle that’s ideal for capturing indoor or outdoor architecture and panoramic landscape shots.
Compatible with Optional Flashes
The DiMAGE Z5 is equipped with a flash unit that will literally light up your pictures. If you need even more flash power, consider the Konica Minolta Program Flash 2500(D), 3600HS(D), or 5600HS(D). All of these incredibly versatile and powerful flash units are compatible.
*1 As of November 20, 2004, for 5.0 Megapixel class digital cameras with built in 10x or greater zoom lens. Based on the Konica Minolta standard test method.
*2 Dependant on the shooting conditions.
*3 PictBridge is an industry standard established by the Camera & Imaging Products Association (CIPA).
www.konicaminolta.com
