In summary
Konica Minolta’s DiMAGE Z2 offers 10x optical zoom and 4-megapixel resolution, with a plastic body and EVF. The camera’s design and small LCD panel make using the EVF preferable in most shooting situations, despite its tendency to become streaky in bright conditions. Autofocus is fast and focus confirmation is provided in the P, A, S, M and sports modes when continuous AF is selected. . . [more]
Full review
Konica Minolta’s DiMAGE Z2 offers 10x optical zoom and 4-megapixel resolution, with a plastic body and EVF. The camera’s design and small LCD panel make using the EVF preferable in most shooting situations, despite its tendency to become streaky in bright conditions. Autofocus is fast and focus confirmation is provided in the P, A, S, M and sports modes when continuous AF is selected.
The test camera’s exposure system was biased to favour shadow detail over highlights and colour saturation was rather high. However, shots taken in overcast conditions recorded a full tonal gamut. Close-ups and digital zoom shots were excellent and images were clean and artefact-free. Lens performance was above-average. Low light shots at ISO 400 had visible noise but no stuck pixels. The white balance pre-sets produced better colour accuracy than the auto setting, although the auto white balance handled flash exposures well. Flash coverage was well above average but flash outputs are not adjustable.
The DiMAGE Z2 is very responsive in use. Start-up and shut-down times with the test camera were around two seconds and capture lag was clocked at an average of 0.65 seconds, reducing to 0.2 seconds with pre-focusing.
Strengths
- Excellent handling and range of controls
- Fast, accurate autofocus
- Good close-ups and digital zoom shots
Weaknesses
- No image stabilisation
- EVF quality below average
- Highlight detail lost in bright conditions [BG05]
Specifications
Image sensor: 5.8 x 4.35mm interline primary colour CCD with 4.200,000 photosites (4.0 megapixels effective)
Lens: Konica Minolta GT 6.3-63mm f2.8-3.7 zoom (equivalent to 38-380mm in 35mm format)
Zoom ratio: 10x optical; up to 4x digital
Lens multiplier factor: 6.0x
Dimensions (wxhxd): 109.5 x 77.5 x 80.0mm
Weight: 305g (without batteries and card)
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