In summary
Konica Minolta’s DiMAGE X50 is the smallest of the X-series cameras and the only one with a 5-megapixel sensor. It’s available in three colours – silver, red and black. The camera’s small body size and comparatively large sensor restricts the zoom range to 2.8x but up to 12x magnification is provided via the 4.3x digital zoom. . . [more]
Full review
Konica Minolta’s DiMAGE X50 is the smallest of the X-series cameras and the only one with a 5-megapixel sensor. It’s available in three colours – silver, red and black. The camera’s small body size and comparatively large sensor restricts the zoom range to 2.8x but up to 12x magnification is provided via the 4.3x digital zoom. A large 2-inch LCD takes up most of the rear panel and a small optical viewfinder is also provided. Three shooting modes are supported – still image, ‘Digital Subject Programs’ and movie/audio recording. Four ‘image size’ settings are provided, along with three quality settings.
The slowest shutter speed is four seconds. Available light shots at dusk with ISO 400 sensitivity showed some noise but image quality was otherwise good. Test shots had accurate colours but slightly elevated contrast and saturation. Flash coverage was limited to about three metres. The DiMAGE X50 is quite responsive. Powering-up took roughly half a second and average capture lag (AF plus shutter) was approximately one second, reducing to 0.25 seconds with pre-focusing. The standard burst mode captured three shots at 0.5 second intervals, while the high-speed setting recorded eleven 1280 x 960 pixel images at 0.1 second intervals.
Strengths
- Tough, compact body with retracting lens
- Good close-up capabilities
- Above average response times
- User-friendly controls
Weaknesses
- Noise in shadows/low light shots with high ISO settings
- Poor auto white balance in incandescent light [BG05]
Specifications
Image sensor: 5.8 x 4.35 mm interline primary-colour CCD with 5,400,000 photosites (5.0 megapixels effective)
Lens: 6.1 – 17.1 mm f2.8-5.0 zoom lens (37-105mm in 35mm format)
Zoom ratio: 2.8x optical, up to 4.3x digital
Dimensions (wxhxd): 83.5 x 62 x 23.5mm
Weight: 125g (without battery and card)
Retailers
CamBuy
www.cambuy.com.au
Digital cameras, lenses and accessories with 100% genuine Australian manufacturer’s warranties.
Ph: (02) 9029 2219
Camera House
www.camerahouse.com.au
Ph: 133 686
The largest speciality photographic retail chain in Australia.
Camera Pro
www.camerapro.net.au
CameraPro Pty Ltd
Suite 607, 180 Queen St, Brisbane 4000
Tel: 07 3333 2900
Australian owned and run company based in Brisbane.
Camerasdirect
www.camerasdirect.com.au
Retailer of digital camera equipment and more.
Secure online shopping and delivery across Australia.
Ph: 1300 727 056
Camerastore.com.au
Camerastore.com.au
Ph: 1800 155 067
Camera-Warehouse
www.camera-warehouse.com.au
Comprehensive range of digital cameras and accessories online (www.camera-warehouse.com.au) and an online print service (www.royalexpress.com.au).
Digital Camera Warehouse
www.digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au
174 Canterbury Road 367 High Street
Canterbury Northcote
NSW 2193 VIC 3070
Ph: 1300 365 220
Electronics Warehouse
www.electronicswarehouse.com.au
1300 801 885
Australian retailer of Vapex rechargeable batteries offering factory direct prices and fast, free shipping Australia wide.
<
Photographic Equipment & Supplies – Retail & Repairs. Click here for list of stores.
Ted’s Cameras
1800 186 895
Big range of cameras and photographic products with stores in most states and online.
Rating