New 5MP Konica cameras

today launched its new compact DiMAGE Z5 digital camera with a built-in 12x optical zoom, 5.0-megapixel CCD, and a large 2.0-inch LCD. It features a 12x optical zoom lens and 4x digital zoom and a high-quality movie mode as well as a proprietary CCD-shift Anti-Shake System that enables shutter speeds of up to eight times longer than when shooting without an Anti-Shake function. Konica also says that the Rapid AF is the fastest autofocus digital camera. Konica today also launched its new DiMAGE Z20 5.0-megapixel digital camera with a built-in 8x optical zoom lens. Pricing and availability, however, were not announced.

The Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z20 features a 8x optical zoom lens and 4x digital zoom as well as Macro mode that allows photographers to bring the lens as close as 0.4 inches from the subject. In addition, the DiMAGE Z20 can also take high-quality movie clips in VGA (640x480) size. The company also says that the DiMAGE Z20 has the fastest startup in its class (approximately 0.5 seconds), a short shutter-release time lag, and continuous shooting.



"In creating the new DiMAGE Z20 digital camera, Konica Minolta engineers have succeeded in producing the ideal solution for both first-time digital photographers and those consumers upgrading from earlier generations of digital cameras. Nearly all consumers share a common expectation of unparalleled ease-of-use and images of the highest quality. Thanks to the DiMAGE Z20's powerful built-in optical zoom lens plus its large 1.5-inch LCD screen, composing and taking terrific digital pictures has never been easier or more effective."



The camera can capture approximately 450 shots with the four included AA alkaline batteries, which Konica says "is more shots than any other digital camera in its class."



DiMAGE Z5 offers fastest autofocus of all digital cameras




To ensure that photographers don't miss their shot, the Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z5 has a Rapid AF that's the fastest autofocus for digital cameras with predictive focus control. Focusing in a mere 0.2 second (approximately) at wide angle and only 0.3 second (approximately) at telephoto, Konica says the camera can be use for for capturing any subject, moving or still.



The DiMAGE Z5 also features a fast startup, short shutter release time lag, Ultra-High-Speed Continuous Advance, Progressive Capture, and Real Motion monitor for smooth display on the LCD. These features combine to let users capture any subject, no matter how fleeting, on the spur of the moment, and not miss a photo opportunity. In addition, the DiMAGE Z5 takes high-quality, high-resolution VGA movies, which also leverage the built-in Anti-shake functions.

by MacNN Staff