Konica Minolta Dimage Z6 6MP Digital Camera with 12x Anti-Shake Zoom

Digital Camera Trend in 2008

Technical Details

• 6.0-megapixel digital camera captures enough detail for photo-quality 14 x 19-inch prints
• 12x optical zoom; 2.0-inch LCD display
• Rapid AF offers great autofocus speed with Predictive Focus Control
• Progressive Capture mode ensures high-speed shooting of fast-moving subjects
• Stores images on SD memory cards; powered by 4 AA-size batteries (4 AA-size alkaline batteries included)

From the Manufacturer
The DiMAGE Z6 is a superb all-round digital camera that offers a 12x optical Mega Zoom, a proprietary Anti-Shake system, 6.0-megapixel high resolution, fast overall response including Rapid AF with Predictive Focus Control, and excellent battery performance. All of these features combine to ensure that you won't miss a photo opportunity and that the subjects of your photos are big, exceptional, and blur-free.

The DiMAGE Z6's 12x optical zoom and 4x digital zoom merge for a total zoom range of 48x. Konica Minolta's proprietary CCD-shift Anti-Shake system--the same one used on the top-of-the-line Dynax/Maxxum 7D, and DiMAGE A200 models--is particularly effective, even at such high image magnifications. It allows the photographer to shoot with shutter speeds four to eight times longer (2-3 stops) than when shooting without Anti-Shake. It also works to give 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 DiMAGE Z6 has everything you 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 you images as beautiful as those you see with your own eyes.

Thanks to its energy-efficient design, the DiMAGE Z6 lets you enjoy picture-taking longer with a set of widely available AA Alkaline batteries that power the camera for up to approximately 240 shots, as well as compatibility with high-capacity Ni-MH batteries for up to approximately 420 shots.

To ensure that you don't miss a precious moment, the DiMAGE Z6 offers ultra-fast, accurate Rapid AF with Predictive Focus Control. Focusing in a mere 0.2 seconds at the wide-angle zoom position and only 0.3 seconds at the telephoto position, the Z6 is ideal for capturing any subject, moving or still.

In addition to high-precision Rapid AF, the DiMAGE Z6 has a fast startup and short shutter-release time lag. What's more, your chances of capturing that magic moment soar with the DiMAGE Z6's Progressive Capture drive mode, which records images continuously at approximately 1.8 fps regardless of image size or quality, and saves the last 10 frames simply by releasing the shutter button.

The Z6 fits its 12x optical Mega Zoom and large 2.0-inch LCD monitor into a compact body. With a design that's easy to hold and an LCD monitor that's easy to view, you'll have a secure grip and a clear view to beautiful pictures.

Product Highlights

* 6.0 effective megapixels, Konica Minolta GT APO lens, and CxProcess III image processing technology deliver images in amazing detail
* 12x optical mega zoom and 4x digital zoom for a total zoom range of 48x and supported with Konica Minolta's Anti-Shake system
* Superior battery performance
* Rapid AF offers great autofocus speed with Predictive Focus Control
* Progressive Capture mode ensures high-speed shooting of fast-moving subjects even at maximum resolution (2,816 x 2,112 pixels)
* Super Macro mode for shooting subjects as close as 1 centimeter from the lens
* A large, easy-to-view 2.0-inch LCD monitor

Features
6.0 Effective Megapixels for High-Resolution Images
Approximately 6.0 effective megapixels, 1/2.5-type CCD produces plenty of detail for creating photo-quality enlargements as big as 14 x 19 inches. In addition, the CCD's primary color filter gives high color fidelity.

CCD-Shift Anti-Shake System
The DiMAGE Z6 uses Konica Minolta's proprietary CCD-shift Anti-Shake system, convenient for telephoto shots and dimly lit situations. Anti-Shake compensates to minimize the affect of camera shake, allowing you to shoot with shutter speeds four to eight times longer (2-3 stops) than on cameras without an such technology. The DiMAGE Z6 can correct camera-shake without increasing the shutter speed, or raising the ISO sensitivity, which can increase noise. The CCD-shift method doesn't require extra correction lenses like optical image stabilization systems, so the DiMAGE Z6's body remains compact and light. The Z6's Anti-Shake system is effective in correcting both the fine movement caused by pressing the shutter-release button and the larger and slower movement from the user's body.

Konica Minolta GT APO Lens
The DiMAGE Z6 employs a high-performance lens system that supports a CCD with 6.0 effective megapixels. The lens system consists of 13 elements in 10 groups and includes two AD (anomalous dispersion) glass and two aspheric elements, a construction that adds up to sharp, high-quality images. Multi-coating on lens surfaces ensures minimal flaring and ghosting throughout its zoom range. And, a five-blade aperture beautifully reproduces near-circular images of out of focus specular highlights.

Incredible 48x Total Zoom Range
Combining the 12x optical zoom with the 4x digital zoom gives you a total zoom range of 48x, ideal for taking shots over long distances at sports events or when capturing far-away scenery. This incredible optical zoom delivers a focal range equivalent to a 35 mm – 420 mm lens on a 35mm camera lens. With the digital zoom, the total zoom range is equivalent to 35mm to 1,680mm on a 35mm camera.

Rapid AF with Predictive Focus Control
The DiMAGE Z6 focuses in a mere 0.2 seconds (approximate) at the wide-angle zoom position and only 0.3 seconds (approximate) at the telephoto zoom position. In Continuous AF focus mode, Predictive Focus Control allows you to accurately capture moving subjects--like a child running towards you at full speed. When it comes to fast and reliable autofocusing, the DiMAGE Z6 is clearly ahead of the pack.

The DiMAGE Z6 also offers AF accuracy through 5-point Area AF, which arrays five focus areas horizontally and thus reduces the chance of focusing on the background mistakenly.

Superior Battery Performance
Your picture-taking fun lasts even longer with four Ni-MH batteries (2500mAh) that can power the camera for up to approximately 420 shots. Offering this extra dimension of choice, the Z6 is fully compatible with widely available alkaline batteries, which gives a shooting capacity of approximately 240 shots per battery set.

Progressive Capture
With the DiMAGE Z6 in Progressive Capture drive mode, the last several images in a sequence--as many as 10 images at 1.8 fps regardless of image size or quality--are saved when you stop pressing the shutter-release button. So when shooting fast-moving subjects, Progressive Capture ensures that they are recorded when you want them.

Get as Close as 1 Centimeter with Super Macro
Shoot amazing close-ups in either Macro or Super Macro modes. Whichever mode you choose, Konica Minolta's superior image quality will make your close-ups look stunning and powerful. In Super Macro mode, you can bring the lens as close as 1 centimeter from your subject.

Large, Easy-to-View 2.0-inch LCD Monitor
The DiMAGE Z6's 2.0-inch LCD monitor gives you the big picture. The large screen makes it easier to take pictures, easier to play back stills and movie clips, and easier to navigate menus.

Superbly Detailed Images with CxProcess III
The DiMAGE Z6 incorporates CxProcess III, the latest evolution of Konica Minolta's image-processing technology. This means the ability to capture the subtlest details of texture, resulting in photos that look as natural as the subject itself.

Noise Reduction
Noise Reduction gives exceptional night images by automatically controlling the graininess caused by long exposures.

PASM Exposure Control and Metering Modes
The DiMAGE Z6 offers incredible control over exposure. There are four modes: Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual. The DiMAGE Z6 has three metering modes: Multi-segment, Center-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.

Movie Capturing
The DiMAGE Z6 takes QVGA-size movies (320 x 240 pixels) at 30 frames per second for smooth video with sound. Anti-Shake also works to give shake-free telephoto movies. The movie function lets you record movie clips onto the camera's SD Memory Card. The length of a movie clip is only limited by the space on the memory card. Night Movies allows the DiMAGE Z6 to record in low-light conditions. The frame-capture function allows you to grab a still from a movie clip, while the Movie Editing function lets you cut unwanted parts from a clip. And, even while recording movie clips, you can take full advantage of the DiMAGE Z6's optical zoom.

Custom Key Function
For added flexibility and convenience, different functions can be assigned to the flash-mode button. This means that instead of going through the camera menus, you can use the flash-mode button to change settings like the drive mode, white balance, focus mode, color mode, or camera sensitivity.

PictBridge-Compliant
Forget all about complicated connections with a computer. Get fast, fun printouts directly from your camera by connecting the DiMAGE Z6 to a PictBridge-compliant printer. You can check which images you want to print on the Z6's LCD monitor and then print out your favorites there and then.

Useful Software
The Digital Camera Software CD-ROM in the kit includes the following software.

* Kodak EasyShare: Manage images with a convenient user interface that even beginners can navigate with little or no experience.
* DiMAGE Master Lite: Powerful but simple image-processing tools help you create stunning images. The color-matching feature ensures the image you see is reproduced accurately by your monitor and printer.

Optional Wide Converter (Wide-Angle Converter ZCW-300 Kit)
The optional Wide-Angle Converter Kit (not inlcluded--must be purchased separately) allows you to fit more of the scene into each shot. The converter reduces the focal length of the camera's zoom lens at the wide-angle position by 0.75x to give it an equivalent of a 26mm lens on a 35mm camera. That is ideal for capturing architecture and interiors as well as panoramic landscape shots. A 52mm diameter filter can be attached to the adapter ring supplied in the kit.

Compatible with Optional Flashes
The DiMAGE Z6 is equipped with a flash unit that will literally light up your pictures. But if you need even more flash power, consider the Konica Minolta Program/Maxxum Flash 3600HS(D), 5600HS(D), or 2500(D). All of these incredibly versatile and powerful flash units are compatible with the DiMAGE Z6.

Product Description
Leave it to Konica Minolta to meet the niche for a digital-camera user who prefers a wide range optical zoom for superior imaging from objects near and far. This incredible 12x optical zoom delivers a focal range equivalent to a 35-420mm range on a 35mm camera lens. Combined with another 4x digital-zoom magnification, images can be amplified to appear as if they were shot with a 1680mm lens (35mm equivalent). The Z6 employs a high-performance lens system that supports CCDs with 6 million effective pixels for fine details. The optical lens system consists of 13 elements in 10 groups and includes two AD (anomalous dispersion) glass lenses and two aspheric elements, a construction that adds up to sharp, high-quality images. Multi-coating on 14 lens surfaces ensures minimal flaring and ghosting in all zoom ranges. The Z6 can capture still pictures as well as VGA grade video movie images.

The Z6 incorporates Anti Shake technology to assure sharp pictures. Anti-Shake compensates to minimize the effect of camera shake, allowing photographers to shoot with shutter speeds four to eight times longer (2-3 stops) than on cameras without an Anti-Shake function. The Z6 can correct shaking without increasing shutter speed or raising ISO sensitivity, factors that increase image noise. The CCD-shift method doesn't require extra correction lenses like optical anti-shake systems, so the body remains compact and light. The Anti-Shake system is effective in correcting both the fine movement of pressing the shutter-release button and the larger and slower movements of the user's body.

It takes movies in VGA size (640x480) at 30 frames per second for smooth video with sound rivaling TV images. Users can also choose from other movie image sizes. The Anti-Shake function also works with the movie function to give shake-free telephoto movies. The XR (Extended Recording) Movie function lets users record movie clips onto the SD memory.