Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z5 brings a 5-megapixel resolution to the Z series, until now limited to 4 megapixel with the Z3. The Z5 inherits the same 12X optical zoom and the Anti-Shake system, but gets an electronic viewfinder with a few less pixels, while receiving a larger 2-inch LCD monitor with a higher definition than the Z3 had. For the most part however, there are few external differences between the Z3 and the Z5. The Z series design features a pronounced grip that juts forward from the right side of the body. And, like the Z3, the Z5 is available in a silver finish, or a black finish with a light texture. Either variation uses a polycarbonate body with a metal trim on the lens barrel.

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The Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z5 combines all of the features found on last year’s DiMAGE Z3, increases the resolution to 5-megapixels and uses a larger 2.0-inch color LCD. The long focal length 12x optical zoom is enhanced by Konica Minolta’s proprietary Anti-Shake image stabilization system. The Z5 offers a full range of exposure modes; the fully Automatic “point-n-shoot” mode for newbies, Program AE for the novice, and Aperture priority, Shutter-speed priority as well as full Manual to give the more experienced photo enthusiasts total control.

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The Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z5 is the latest addition to the series, and comes in at the top of the range. With a five megapixel sensor, a 2in LCD monitor, a huge 12x optical zoom lens and Konica Minolta’s innovative image stabilisation system it has a specification that is a match for almost any camera that’s currently available at this price. It’s fair to say that the Z5’s unusual design may not appeal to everyone, but you should at least give it a chance, because under that odd-looking exterior is a very capable camera.

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Konica Minolta updated its Z3 with one more megapixel and a larger LCD screen and released it as the DiMAGE Z5. Nevertheless, they’ll be available for about the same price, retailing for $499. The 5-megapixel Z5 has a modified SLR-shape with a large right-hand grip on one side and a large 12x optical zoom lens on the other side. The camera’s Anti-Shake image stabilization system complements one of the best movie modes available in a digital camera. With VGA and QVGA modes available at 15 and 30 frames per second, the Z5 provides users with adequate resolution for good movie clips. The simultaneous audio recording, optical zoom function, and night movie mode are all icing on the cake. The Z5’s continuous shooting mode is a bit disappointing, but the lower resolution progressive mode is quite fast at 10 frames per second. This model isn’t the easiest digital camera to use, but certainly does not require a mechanical engineering degree either. With full manual functions and automatic settings to boot, the Konica Minolta Z5 will attract a wide audience looking for versatility in shooting still and video images.

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The Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z5 has a few negatives worth mentioning, though. My biggest complaint (besides those mentioned earlier) is that the images produced by the camera are too soft at default settings. An easy workaround for this is to turn up the sharpening to “hard” in the record menu. Noise levels are also a bit higher than I’d like to see. Aside from those two things, photo quality was good. The camera fared well in our redeye test, as well. The camera’s electronic viewfinder doesn’t pack a lot of pixels when compared to other ultra zoom cameras out there. The bundle included with the camera isn’t worth writing home about. And finally, that little plastic door over the memory card slot is way too easy to open and bust off.

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