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General discussion

Konica-Minolta Z5 5MP

Jun 29, 2005 7:46PM PDT

I have a new baby coming ... the Konica-Minolta Z5. I read what everyone had to say about the various digital models available in the 5MP ballpark, and thank you all for your sound and frank advice -- you saved me from making more than one massive mistake buying on eBay!

Did about a week of shopping and came up with the new camera with all the standard accessories, a 1-gig card, reader, software, and a groovy NiMH AA charger with 8 2300 batteries included. Just over $400 for the whole thing ... though I had to hit three different sellers to get everything I wanted.

The question is: do I have everything I need? I'm just your standard web developer; need the cam for outdoor and product shots -- nothing too refined. Could those of you with plenty of hands-on camera time tell me if I will find any accessory glaringly missing? Anything that will diminish my enjoyment of the camera if I don't get it?

Thanks again for the sage advice. Happy

WebWright

Discussion is locked

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Konica Minolta Z5
Jun 30, 2005 1:43AM PDT

Your kit has all you need.

That camera has enough features that it will keep you busy learning for months and months.

To start with, put it in automatic mode and take plenty of photos.

Examine the results and see what you can do to improve your photography.

Do not try to learn all of the features at once.
Because that is impossible.

As you discover a feature that interests you, get the book out and learn about it.

Enjoy your new purchase.

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Maybe two items...
Jun 30, 2005 3:51AM PDT

First...

It's a good idea to protect your investment in a case of some sort. I'm a big fan of the Z5(good choice there) but the body is plastic. This is both a blessing(makes it very light) and drawback(the potential is there for it to be damaged easier). You may want to pick a good third pary bag to ensure no accidental harm comes to it, and to a lesser extent keep it out of view of thieves. There are a million bags to choose from and I'm sure at least one of them is just right for your uses.

Secondly....

I'd suggest you at least try either a monopod or one of those mini-tripods. I know people HATE to carry tripods and plenty of people bristle at the thought of carrying the extra load with them but you'd be surprised how little space a monopod and/or one of those mini-tripods(the type that you set up on the top of your car when traveling) actually take up. When you're stuck taking pics in low light and you have to push the ISO of the camera to 200 or more handheld you might be surprised how much better the results would have been with a tripod at a lower ISO setting. A tripod isn't for everyone but it can be a great tool for a photographer to use.

I'll also add two more that aren't as strong suggestions but if you see them at a reasonable price you might higly consider;

- FAST SD card(the flash memory cards included in camera packages are usually on the low end but the Z5 is one of the faster shooting shooting cameras on the market both in videos and still). It's always a good idea to have an extra set of everything in your camera bag just in case.

- Lens filters(even just a clear one for protection)


Anyway, good choice on the camera and happy snapping!