The Konica Minolta MAXXUM 5D (called the Dynax 5D in other market areas) digital Single Lens Reflex (SLR) camera is a 6.1-million-pixel, interchangeable lens digital camera. This high-performance interchangeable-lens digital SLR camera inherits the revolutionary technology of the award winning Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D – the world’s first digital SLR with built-in Anti-Shake technology and CCD Shift mechanism that is compatible with all Maxxum autofocus (AF) lenses including Konica Minolta’s recently introduced Digital Technology “DT” lenses.

The Maxxum 5D ensures photo-imaging excellence using Konica Minolta’s proprietary Anti-Shake Technology, which employs an exclusive CCD-Shift mechanism to compensate for blurring caused by camera shake – even when taking photos in dimly lit scenes, in natural light with a telephoto lens, or in macro shots where extra stability is vital for a sharp shot. This innovative Anti-Shake Technology not only provides the equivalent correction effect with a shutter speed 2 to 3 stops slower, but also compatibility with any Maxxum system AF lenses.

The 5D’s shooting performance is robust and competitive in the amateur dSLR market. From power-on till the first image was captured measured a mere 1 second; waking the 5D up from its power-saving sleep mode took about the same amount of time. Shutter lag, the delay between depressing the shutter and capturing the image, averaged about 1/10 second when pre-focused, and between 3/10 and 4/10 second including auto focus time, depending on the degree of focus change required. Shot-to-shot delay averaged 1.1 second in both single and continuous AF; using the internal flash, the shot-to-shot interval grew to between 1.4 and 3.7 seconds depending on subject distance.

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Konica Minolta enhanced their series Megazoom digital cameras with the new 6 Megapixel Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z6. Konica Minolta seem to be getting a liking for it, their series of Megazoom cameras have grown to several generations now. The introduction of the DiMAGE Z6 digital camera makes Konica Minolta surpass themselves by raising the resolution once again, this time from 5 to 6 Megapixels. Of course the size of the 2 inch format LCD monitor is kept the same, going back to a smaller size would be impossible. The Konica Minolta Z6 digital camera combines a large optical range with the renown and very much appreciated Anti-Shake system which form the major points of this newly introduced digital camera.

The Konica Minolta Z6 responses with an average speed when activating the camera. After a little over 2 seconds the camera is ready for use, the lens is fully extended and the first image can be captured. Once the lens is fully extended it won’t move anymore, not even when zooming in, until the camera is deactivated. The optical zoom is carried out completely inside the camera. Focussing is extremely comfortable. The release button reacts fast and has a fine pressing point. Focussing the daily subjects is no great deal for the Z6, focussing fast moving objects however seems to be hard for the Z6 now and then. Despite the extra function, the Ultra High Speed focus, capturing fast moving objects still remains a challenge for a digital camera like the DiMAGE Z6. In fact, these types of subjects demand a digital reflex camera that is better equipped for capturing extreme situations like moving objects etc. The focus however is excellent for common use even in dimly lit circumstances, like a scarcely lit living room, the Konica Minolta Z6 manages to focus correctly and quickly.

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The Dimage X1 is a camera for those who appreciate style and innovation and are prepared to pay a premium to get it, especially if they don’t want to be bothered by a lot of technical details but still want good picture quality. It is compact, very easy on the eye, and the anti-shake system and 8MP CCD ensure good results under most normal circumstances. Problems with low-light focusing may limit its usefulness as a party camera, but other than that it performs very well.

In use the X1 performs well, although the position of the lens makes it very easy to get your finger in the shot when using it two-handed. The camera starts up extremely quickly in under a second, and the monitor screen is large, bright and easy to see in most lighting conditions, although the highly polished surface of the rear panel does lead to annoying reflections making the screen difficult to see in bright sunlight. Fortunately increasing the screen brightness compensates to some extent.

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The 8-megapixel DiMAGE X1 is extremely compact and represents a fusion of Konica Minolta’s best imaging technologies including the revolutionary Anti-Shake technology and high-resolution movie clips – both a first for the DiMAGE X line – to provide the best image quality possible. To accommodate the camera’s high resolution while keeping the body as slim as possible, the DiMAGE X1 employs a newly designed “non- protruding” 3x optical zoom lens.

The DiMAGE X1 is equipped with a large, 2.5-inch LCD monitor that features a Bright LCD backlight function, which lets users adjust the LCD brightness as needed with the simple touch of a button. For the first time ever in the DiMAGE X series, the DiMAGE X1 offers Anti-Shake capability to help reduce the effects of camera shake, ensuring clear, steady shots of scenes that are otherwise difficult to shoot by hand such as in low light situations or indoors.

The DiMAGE X1 makes taking clear, high-quality images effortless with a Digital Subject Program Selection that offers pre-programmed settings for seven common photo scenes: Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, Super Macro, Night Portrait, Night View, and Text. Users simply choose the mode best suited to their shooting conditions, and the DiMAGE X1 is ready in an instant with the optimum settings to turn that special moment into a beautiful memory.

For the first time ever in the DiMAGE X series, the DiMAGE X1 offers recording of smooth, high-resolution VGA (640×480 dots) movie clips with sound. Anti-Shake technology and auto focus combine to ensure amazingly clear images. While recording, users can even get even closer to the action using the 3x optical zoom without losing image quality. The DiMAGE X1 records movies in JPEG (MOV) format and is compatible with QuickTime™ for playing images back on a computer.

The DiMAGE X1 is the first-ever Konica Minolta digital camera to come with its own convenient multifunction cradle. The cradle eliminates cumbersome cable arrangements and provides quick and easy connectivity for uploading and viewing images directly on a Computer or TV. The DiMAGE X1 multifunction cradle can also operate as a battery charger, which can either charge the battery by itself or the battery when it’s inside the camera. The cradle can even position the LCD monitor forward so you can use it as an image viewer.

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The Konica Minolta DiMAGE X60 is one of many point-and-shoot oriented digital cameras that rely on a 3x optical zoom lens to refract images to its 1/2.5-inch 5 megapixel CCD. Shielded by a sliding lens cover, the X60 gains some distinction with a non-protruding zoom lens that remains flush with the front plane of its 3.3 x 2.2 x 0.9-inch, 4.1 ounce aluminum frame.

Physically sleek though it may be, this model is a no frills point-and-shoot that leaves little up to the user, and unlike other compacts of its type, the DiMAGE X60 lacks sophistication. There’s no viewfinder; instead the DiMAGE X60 serves up a 2.5-inch LCD screen. The DiMAGE X60 has a suggested price of $349.99 but can currently be found as low as $217 online. Yet at any price there is no memory card included; rather users are forced to depend on the camera’s 15 megabytes of internal memory or subsequently purchase an SD card. The X60 is not groundbreaking in any regard, but will provide those who lack technical awareness with an opportunity to attain decent images in a small, easily portable package.

The Konica Minolta DiMAGE X60 is a decent camera - if it’s found at the right price, and if all you want out of it is its ability to take snapshots. It has a rugged stylish frame, very easy to use functions, and has the perfect button layout and ergonomics to facilitate one-handed use. Unfortunately, the camera also has poor battery life and below average performance in color accuracy and noise. Its slow start-up and shot to shot speed may hinder shooting situations with lots of activity. The screen is prone to washing out and its low pixel count doesn’t help either. The camera however is perfectly sized for unburdened pocket portability. Novices looking for a simple on-the-go point-and-shoot that is easy to handle and has a great feel have found their match. Unfortunately, those more intent on performance and features will have to keep up their search.

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