Konica Minolta Announces DiMAGE Z6

August 19, 2005: Details were released today of Konica Minolta’s latest “Z-series” camera, the DiMAGE Z6, which has a 6-megapixel CCD sensor and similar styling to the Z5 model.
Expected to sell locally for $699, the Z6 has a 12x optical zoom lens that covers a focal length range equivalent to 35-420mm in 35mm format plus the company’s proprietary Anti-Shake image stabilisation system. Structurally and functionally, the Z6 is almost identical to the 5-megapixel Z5 model that was released at the beginning of the year. Users can still select from four image sizes and three quality settings and the mode dial has the expected P, A, S and M options, along with full auto and five scene pre-sets. Surprisingly, Konica Minolta has elected to downgrade the movie capabilities of the new model. Whereas the Z5 could record movie clips at both VGA and QVGA resolution, the Z6 only supports QVGA (320 x 240 pixels), although 30 and 15 fps frame rates are still selectable. With fast 32x cards movies can be recorded to the card’s capacity and you can zoom slowly during movie capture.
Like its predecessors, the new model is powered by four AA batteries and will accept both alkaline and rechargeable NiMH cells. However, improvements have been made to the power management system to provide extended battery life. The Z6 can record up to 240 shots with a set of AA Alkaline batteries, or approximately 420 shots with high-capacity rechargeable Ni-MH batteries. Autofocusing, start-up and lag times have also been improved and the Progressive Drive mode can capture images continuously at approximately 1.8 frames per second regardless of image size or quality, saving the last 10 frames when the shutter button is released.
The DiMAGE Z6 is scheduled for release in September. For more information, phone Konica Minolta Photo Imaging Australia on 1300 368 930 or visit www.konicaminolta.com.au.