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General discussion

Konica Minolta Dimage Z series

Mar 9, 2005 4:06AM PST

I would like to read your views/comments/opinions about the Dimage Z series specially Z5. Compared to other cameras specially Panasonic Lumix.

Discussion is locked

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Minolta Cameras are great
Mar 9, 2005 5:43AM PST

Well I have used the Z1-Z3 and just recently purchased the z10.. I really like the Dimage Series camera's. The zoom range on all the Z series is just awesome. I have the 3.2mp w/ 8x optical zoom and have captured some very good shots. Focusing is really fast as well as startup time. Shot to shot is fast too. They also have more of a slr feel to them rather then most compact digital camera's. I have used tons of different camera's and definately like the Minolta products the best.

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Konica Minolta Z
Mar 9, 2005 7:12AM PST

The new Z5 appears to be a minor update to the Z3.
Increasing the megapixels to 5 and supplying a larger LCD.

A review was just posted:
http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/minolta/dimage_z5-review/index.shtml

That puts it more inline with the Panasonic Z20.

According to Amazon.com, the Z5 will be avalable for shipping on March 25 and sell for $500.

........

The Panasonic Z20 still provides the best lens for low light situations.
It is rated at f2.8 throughout its entire zoom range.
The Konica Minolta Z5 is rated a f2.8 at non-zoom and f4.5 when zoomed.

Other than that, they are just about equal.

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More differences than just the lens....
May 11, 2005 6:00AM PDT

I agree with about 99% of your posts but in this instance I don't think "other than that, they are just about equal." is very accurate.


FZ 20
AMAZING lens
GREAT customer satisfaction ratings
average movie mode
proprietary battery
3 frames per second
higher price
bigger/heavier

Z5
very good customer satisfaction ratings
GREAT movie mode
AA batteries
10 frames per second
lower price(Z3 even has $50 rebates right now)
lighter/smaller


I'm not bashing Panasonic by any means. The lens on the FZ series has to be considered the best value in photography. Whether it's the right camera for someone is highly dependant on how they plan on using the camera however. So many people leave the camera behind because it's a hassle to carry and make sure the batteries are 100% before they leave. Much less of an issue with the Minolta imo. For that matter I'm not always near a power outlet each night when I do the bulk of my photography so the AA battery difference is pretty much the deciding factor for me. I realize you can get extra batteris for the Panasonic BUT that just makes the price difference between the two that much more pronounced. Some people rave about the Minolta's movie mode but it's not much of an issue to me. The difference in frames per second is a bigger issue however. The 3 frames per seconds kind of undercuts Panasonics lead in terms of sports photography.

This isn't to say Minolta is better, it just could easily be better for many people. If you are the type that just takes day trips and can recharge every night or shoot in low light situations (especially at the end of the zoom) then the FZ line makes perfect sense.

Lots of considerations when making a choice between the two. Several differences besides just the lens.

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Konica Minolta Dimage Z Series
May 10, 2005 9:05AM PDT

I have a Dimage Z2. It is Awesome! It has a ten times optical zoom. It also has digital zoom but I never use it. The battery life is excellent. And the pictures are very good. I can only imagine that the newer versions are even better...