Konica Minolta has today announced its latest Z series digital camera, the new DiMAGE Z6. The Z6 follows on from the Z5, it features a six megapixel CCD sensor (on Konica Minolta's unique Anti-Shake platform), twelve times optical zoom lens and a two inch LCD monitor. Other than a slight increase to six megapixels the Z6 also features improved battery life. This expands the choice in the ever growing compact-long-zoom segment of the market, buyers can now choose from five, six or eight megapixel, twelve times optical zoom digital cameras all with image stabilization. The Z6 should be available in mid-September with a street price of around $399.
KONICA MINOLTA INTRODUCES THE
NEW DiMAGE Z6 DIGITAL CAMERA
Mahwah, NJ (August 19, 2005) – Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc. introduces the new 6.0-megapixel DiMAGE Z6 digital camera. This camera offers a built-in 12x optical Mega Zoom lens, Konica Minolta’s proprietary Anti-Shake system, Rapid AF with Predictive Focus Control for fast overall responsiveness, built-in flash and excellent battery performance.
“The combination of advanced imaging features within the new DiMAGE Z6 digital camera allows photographers to take exceptionally crisp, sharp photographs in virtually any picture-taking situation,” said Paul Zakrzewski, Director of Product Management for Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc.
The Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z6 incorporates its 12x optical Mega Zoom lens and large 2.0-inch LCD monitor into a compact and easy to hold camera design. The DiMAGE Z6’s built-in 12x optical zoom lens and 4x digital zoom capability combine for a total zoom range of 48x.
In addition, Konica Minolta’s proprietary CCD-shift Anti-Shake system—the same system used in Konica Minolta’s top-of-the-line Maxxum 7D digital Single Lens-Reflex (SLR) camera, and first featured in Konica Minolta’s DiMAGE A series of digital cameras—allows photographers to shoot with shutter speeds four to eight times longer (2-3 stops) than when shooting without an Anti-Shake system. The system also provides steady, shake-free images in twilight or other dimly lit situations, which are susceptible to blurring because of the slow shutter speeds used. This means significantly sharper images even without the use of a flash or tripod.
The new DiMAGE Z6 has everything photographers need to take high-quality pictures: 6.0 effective megapixels, high-performance GT APO lens, and Konica Minolta’s proprietary CxProcess™ III image processing technology, which gives users images as beautiful as those they see with their own eyes.
Thanks to its energy-efficient design, the Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z6 lets users enjoy picture-taking longer with four widely available AA Alkaline batteries that power the camera for up to approximately 240 shots, as well as compatibility with high-capacity rechargeable Ni-MH batteries for up to approximately 420 shots.
To ensure that photographers don’t miss a shot, the new DiMAGE Z6 offers ultra-fast, accurate Rapid AF with Predictive Focus Control. Focusing in a mere 0.2 second at the wide-angle zoom position and only 0.3 second at the telephoto position, the DiMAGE Z6 is ideal for accurately capturing any subject, moving or still.
In addition to high-precision Rapid AF, the DiMAGE Z6 features a fast startup time and short shutter-release lag time. In addition, the camera’s Progressive Capture drive mode records images continuously at approximately 1.8 frames per second regardless of image size or quality, and saves the last 10 frames simply by releasing the shutter button.
Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z6 specifications
Sensor • 1/2.5" Type CCD
• 6.4 million pixels total *
• 6.0 million effective pixels *
Image sizes • 2816 x 2112 *
• 2272 x 1704 *
• 1600 x 1200
• 640 x 480
Movie clips *
• 320 x 240 Standard (15 / 30 fps)
• All with audio
• Limited only by storage space
• Night capture mode available
Flash
• Pop-up (electronic)
• Modes: Auto, Auto with red-eye reduction, Fill flash, Slow sync
• Compensation: +/-2 EV in 1/3 EV steps
• Range (Auto ISO): (W) 3.6 m, (T) 2.2 m
• Recycle time: approx. 7 sec
• External flash: Hot-shoe
Viewfinder
• Electronic Viewfinder (EVF)
• 0.3", 114,000 pixels
• 16.9 mm eye relief
• Dioptre adjustment: -3 to +1m(-1)
LCD monitor
• 2.0 " TFT LCD
• 114,000 pixels
Languages
Japanese, English, Germany, French, Spanish, Chinese (Simplified character), Italian, Swedish
Connectivity
• USB 2.0 (Full-speed only; USB 1.1 equiv.)
• A/V out
• DC-IN
Storage
• Secure Digital
• 16 MB SD card supplied
Power
• 4 x AA batteries
• NiMH recommended (Alkaline supplied)
Standard accessories
Neck Strap NS-DG7000, Lens Cap LF-243 set, Accessory Shoe Cap SC-1000, AV Cable AVC-700, 16MB SD (Secure Digital) Memory Card, USB Cable USB-2, DiMAGE Viewer CD-ROM, Four AA Alkaline batteries
* New or changed compared to the DiMAGE Z5
[ Last edited by d228216 on 2005-8-22 at 01:28 AM ]