Release Issued by Konica Minolta:
The DiMAGE Z20: Fastest-in-Class*1 Startup, 8x Optical “Mega Zoom,” 5 Megapixel CCD, and Energy Efficient Design*2
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The DiMAGE Z20 will get that precious close-up of the expression on your child’s face with the 8x optical zoom. It will capture your child doing something amusingly unexpected using the Rapid AF with Predictive Focus Control. And it won’t miss these moments thanks to a 0.5-second (approx.) fastest-in-class startup*1.
The DiMAGE Z20’s 8x optical Mega Zoom and 4x digital zoom combine for a total 32x zoom, allowing you to capture everything from sports events to panoramic scenery. The optical lens system consists of 11 elements in nine groups and includes two aspheric lenses, a construction that adds up to sharp, high-quality images. The DiMAGE Z20 combines a 5 Megapixel primary-colour CCD with proprietary CxProcess™ III image processing technology for pictures that are exactly the way you see them.
The DiMAGE Z20’s Rapid AF combines a passive AF sensor with the video AF system, giving a fast focusing time of approximately 0.3 second *3 in both the Wide Angle and telephoto positions. The Rapid AF also has Predictive Focus Control, which predicts where a moving subject is heading and focuses accordingly. To round out the list of quick-response features, the DiMAGE Z20 has the fastest startup in its class*1 (approx. 0.5 sec.) and continuous shooting. Now you can be stress free amid all the excitement when you capture those decisive moments during sports events or other continuous action.
Not only is the DiMAGE Z20 a sprinter with its fast startup; it’s also a marathon runner in power efficiency that allows you to take up to approximately 450 frames with the four included AA alkaline batteries. This is more shots than any other digital camera in its class*2.
The DiMAGE Z20 has a Macro mode that allows you to position the lens as close as 1 cm from the subject. Capture the smallest subjects—flowers, insects, or jewellery—with the greatest detail.
In addition to all its still shooting features, the DiMAGE Z20 can also take high-quality movie clips in VGA (640x480) resolution.
Despite its powerful 8x optical zoom; the DiMAGE Z20 weighs just approximately 300 g. Its ergonomic form gives you a steady grip while its intuitive control button layout allows even camera novices to enjoy digital photography in no time at all.
Product Highlights
• 8x optical Mega Zoom and 4x digital zoom combine for 32x total zoom
• Rapid AF with Predictive Focus Control
• Fastest startup in its class*1—the DiMAGE Z20 is ready to shoot in approximately 0.5 second *1
• High performance lens and 5 Megapixel CCD with CxProcess™ III high-quality image processing technology
• Four AA alkaline batteries power the DiMAGE Z20 for an amazing 450 frames, the most in its class*2
• Macro mode for close-ups as near as 1 cm from the subject
• 14.5MB (approx.) internal storage allows recording and playback without removable storage media
• 26mm Wide Angle shooting (35mm equivalent) with the optional Wide Angle Converter ZCW-200
Features
8x Optical Mega Zoom
The DiMAGE Z20 offers a wide shooting range. The 8x optical zoom gives focal lengths from 36-290mm (35mm equivalent) while giving focal lengths up to 1160mm (35mm equivalent) when combined with the 4x digital zoom. With the 8x optical zoom and the 4x digital zoom combed gives a 32x total zoom, the DiMAGE Z20 is ideal for taking distance shots at sports events or capturing distant scenery.
The DiMAGE Z20 incorporates a high performance 8x optical lens consisting of 11 elements in nine groups that includes two aspheric lenses. With two aspheric lenses, the DiMAGE Z20 corrects various kinds of optical aberrations in the zoom range and renders beautiful, homogenous, distortion-free images from the centre to the edge.
5 Megapixel CCD for Beautiful Prints
The 5 Megapixel, 1/2.5 inch CCD produces plenty of detail for creating high-quality enlargements—as big as 21.7x16.3 cm at 300-dpi print resolution. In addition, the CCD's primary colour filter offers high colour fidelity.
Superbly Detailed Images with CxProcess™ III
The DiMAGE Z20 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.
Fastest Startup in Its Class*1
The DiMAGE Z20 boasts an amazingly fast and reliable startup. Just switch the camera on and you’re ready to start taking great pictures in just approximately 0.5 second*1 .
Rapid Autofocus (AF) with Predictive Focus Control
Thanks to a hybrid Rapid AF combining a passive AF sensor with the video AF system, focusing takes approximately 0.3 second*3. The DiMAGE Z20 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 Z20 is clearly ahead of the pack.
Up to Approximately 450 Frames on Four AA Alkaline Batteries
The DiMAGE Z20’s power saving design allows you to take up to approximately 450 frames using four AA alkaline batteries. This is more shots than any other digital camera in its class*2.
Get as Close as 1 cm with Macro
Shoot amazing close-ups in Macro mode. Konica Minolta superior image quality will make your close-ups look stunning and powerful. In Macro mode, you can position the lens as close as 1 cm from your subject.
P.A.S.M. Exposure Control and Metering Modes
The DiMAGE Z20 offers incredible control over exposure. There are four modes: Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual. The DiMAGE Z20 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.
Switch Finder
The DiMAGE Z20’s Switch Finder function positions the LCD monitor (Monitor Display) for use in the viewfinder (Viewfinder display). Meaning there is no colour, contrast, or resolution difference between the images on the viewfinder and the LCD monitor because both are from the same hardware source. The viewfinder was designed with a large apparent angle of view so the image is large and clear.
Progressive Capture
The DiMAGE Z20 allows you to take high-speed consecutive shots at 1.0 fps. (approx.) Hold down the shutter release and the DiMAGE Z20 captures consecutive images onto the buffer memory (SDRAM). Release pressure from the shutter and the last six shots are recorded onto the memory card. This function is handy for shooting sports events or for recording and improving your form in personal sports training situations.
Key Customise
For added flexibility and convenience, the flash button can be customised to handle different settings. This means that instead of going 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*4 Compatible
Forget all about complicated connections with a PC. Get fast, fun printouts directly from your camera by connecting the DiMAGE Z20 to a PictBridge*4 compliant printer. You can check which images you want to print on the DiMAGE Z20’s LCD monitor and then print out your favourites in no time at all.
VGA Movie Recording
The DiMAGE Z20 records movies without sound. It records 15-fps VGA resolution (640x480) movies. It also records 320x240 movies at either 30 fps or 15 fps. The XR (Extended Recording) Movie mode lets you record longer movie clips onto the SD memory card until the memory card is full. Night Movie uses high camera sensitivity to record under extreme lowlight conditions. And Movie Frame Capture lets you select your favourite moments from a movie and save them as still images.
Compact and Easy to Operate
The DiMAGE Z20’s design is advanced yet familiar and easy-to-use. Even considering its powerful 8x zoom range, it weighs just approximately 300 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 telephoto zoom shots.
14.5MB (approx.) of Internal Storage
The DiMAGE Z20 carries 14.5MB (approx.) of internal storage. This means that if you happen to fill up your memory card, you can still capture and play back images. Or use the e-mail copy function to create 640x480 duplicate images of your favourite pictures. Then store these within the 14.5MB on board memory for display to your family and friends, perhaps by connecting it to a TV. This leaves the maximum capacity of the card for capture of new images or movies.
Optional Wide Converter ZCW-200 Wide Angle Converter
The optional Wide Angle Converter Kit allows you to fit more of the scene into each shot. The lens has a 26mm Wide Angle that is ideal for capturing indoor or outdoor architecture and panoramic landscape shots.
*1 Approximately 0.5 second, from when main switch is turned on until LCD monitor comes on. As of November 20, 2004, for 5 Megapixel-class digital cameras with built-in lens system and 8x or greater zoom.
*2 As of November 20, 2004, for 5 Megapixel-class digital cameras with built-in flash running on AA alkaline batteries.
Up to approximately 450 frames with the four included AA alkaline batteries and SD memory card. Based on the Konica Minolta standard test method and compliant with the CIPA standard.
*3 Approximately 0.3 second, based on the Konica Minolta Standard test method.
*4 PictBridge is an industry standard established by the Camera & Imaging Products Association (CIPA).
www.konicaminolta.com
Specifications
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