Where the DiMAGE Z3 was a four megapixel camera with a 1.5" LCD display, the DiMAGE Z5 features a five megapixel imager and 2.0" LCD. The camera shares the same Konica Minolta GT APO 12x optical zoom lens and anti-shake system as its predecessor, along with a video AF system that the company says is the fastest in its class. Other features include an electronic viewfinder, burst mode of 2 frames per second (or 10 frames per second at a reduced resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels), full manual controls, hot-shoe and internal flash, 30fps VGA movie mode, Secure Digital storage, NTSC / PAL video and USB connectivity, and power from four AA batteries.

Pricing and availability for the DiMAGE Z5 have not yet been announced. Courtesy of Konica Minolta, full specifications along with a backgrounder document and press release follow below. Three sample photos taken with the camera can be seen on the company's website .

New Konica Minolta 5.0-Megapixel Digital Camera: The DiMAGE Z5

Product Highlights

• 12x optical Mega Zoom and 4x digital zoom for 48x total zoom; complemented with CCD-shift Anti-Shake System
• Fastest-in-class ^*1 Rapid AF with Predictive Focus Control
• High-quality pictures with 5.0-megapixel CCD, Konica Minolta GT APO lens, and Konica Minolta CxProcess™ III image processing technology
• High-resolution, shake-free VGA movies that look as good as TV images
• Ease of operation with large 2.0-inch LCD, compact body, and fast response
• Super Macro mode for shooting subjects as close as 0.4 inches from the lens
• 26mm wide-angle shooting (35mm equivalent) with the optional Wide-angle Converter ZCW-300

Features

Incredible 48x Total Zoom Range
Combining the 12x optical zoom with the 4x digital zoom gives users a 48x total zoom, ideal for taking distance shots at sporting events or when capturing far-away landscapes. This incredible optical zoom delivers a focal range equivalent to a 35-420mm range on a 35mm camera lens. With the digital zoom, total zoom is equivalent to 35-1680mm (35mm equivalent).

CCD-Shift Anti-Shake Function
The DiMAGE Z5 uses Konica-Minolta’s proprietary CCD-shift Anti-Shake function, convenient for telephoto shots and dimly lit situations. Anti-Shake compensates to minimize the effect of camera shake, allowing photographers to shoot with shutter speeds four to eight times longer (2-3 stops) than on cameras without an Anti-Shake function. The DiMAGE Z5 can correct shaking without increasing shutter speed or raising ISO sensitivity, factors that increase image noise. The CCD-shift method doesn’t require extra correction lenses like optical anti-shake systems, so the DiMAGE Z5’s body remains compact and light. The DiMAGE Z5’s Anti-Shake system is effective in correcting both the fine movement of pressing the shutter-release button and the larger and slower movements of the user’s body.

Rapid AF is Fastest in Class ^*1 for Autofocus (AF)
The DiMAGE Z5 focuses in approximately 0.2 seconds at wide angle and approximately 0.3 seconds at telephoto. In Continuous AF, the DiMAGE Z5 includes Predictive Focus Control, which allows users to capture sharper images of moving subjects—like a child running in the backyard.

The DiMAGE Z5 also offers improved AF accuracy through 5-point Area AF, which gives five focus areas that overlap horizontally and thus reduce AF failures that occur when subjects appear in between focus areas and cause a perspective conflict.

Large, Easy-to-View 2.0-inch LCD
The DiMAGE Z5’s 2.0-inch LCD makes it easier to take pictures, easier to play back and view stills and movie clips, and easier to navigate menus.

5.0-Megapixel CCD for Beautiful Prints
The 5.0-megapixel, 1/2.5-inch CCD produces plenty of detail for creating high-quality enlargements as big as 6x8 inches at 300-dpi print resolution. In addition, the CCD's primary color filter offers high color fidelity.

Konica Minolta GT APO Lens
The DiMAGE Z5 employs a high-performance lens system that supports CCDs with 5 million effective pixels. The optical lens system consists of 13 elements in 10 groups and includes two AD (anomalous dispersion) glass lenses and two aspheric elements, a construction that adds up to sharp, high-quality images. Multi-coating on 14 lens surfaces ensures minimal flaring and ghosting in all zoom ranges. A 5-vane iris diaphragm beautifully reproduces a near-circular fading effect.

Superbly Detailed Images with Konica Minolta’s CxProcess™ III
The DiMAGE Z5 incorporates CxProcess™ III, the latest evolution of Konica Minolta’s proprietary image processing technology. This means even higher resolution and the ability to capture the subtlest details of texture, resulting in photos that look as natural as the subject itself.

High-quality Movies as Beautiful as TV Images
The DiMAGE Z5 takes movies in VGA size (640x480) at 30 frames per second for smooth video with sound rivaling TV images. Users can also choose from other movie image sizes. The Anti-Shake function also works with the movie function to give shake-free telephoto movies. The XR (Extended Recording) Movie function lets users record movie clips onto the SD memory card as long as it has the capacity. With Night Movie, the DiMAGE Z5 can record in extreme low-light conditions. The Select Shot function allows users to make stills from movie clips, while the Movie Editing function allows photographers to cut unwanted parts from movie files.

Get as Close as 0.4 inches with Super Macro
Shoot amazing close-ups in either Macro or Super Macro modes. Whichever mode is chosen, Konica Minolta’s superior image quality will make close-ups look stunning and powerful. In Super Macro mode, photographers can bring the lens as close as 0.4 inches from their subject.

Real Motion LCD Monitor
The DiMAGE Z5 features the Real Motion LCD monitor, which delivers crystal clear images. The smooth, realistic movement displayed on the monitor makes it ideal for shooting moving subjects.

UHS (Ultra High Speed) Continuous Shooting
The DiMAGE Z5 captures 20 images at approximately 10 frames per second at an image size of 1024x768 in UHS (Ultra High Speed) continuous shooting. This function is convenient for situations where users need to capture and study their form in continuous movement, such as with a golf swing.

Progressive Capture
With the DiMAGE Z5 in Progressive Capture mode, the last several images in the sequence—as many as 20 images at approximately 10 frames per second at an image size of 1024x768 —get saved when users stop pressing the shutter-release button. So when photographing fast-moving subjects, Progressive Capture ensures that they are recorded when and where users want them. These functions are handy for shooting sporting events or for recording and improving form in personal sports training situations.

Noise Reduction
Noise Reduction gives exceptional night images by automatically preventing the blemishes and graininess associated with slow-shutter shots.

PASM Exposure Control and Metering Modes
The DiMAGE Z5 offers incredible control over exposure. There are four modes: Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual. The DiMAGE Z5 has three metering modes: Multi-segment, Center-weighted, and Spot. Multi-segment metering uses 256 segments to determine exposure.

Automatic Digital Subject Program Selection
Automatic Digital Subject Program Selection automatically chooses the best recording mode for images. Users can also manually select from Portrait, Sports action, Landscape, Sunset and Night portrait modes.

Key Customize
For added flexibility and convenience, the flash button can be customized to handle different settings. This means that instead of going through the menus on the LCD, users can use the flash button to change settings like the drive mode, white balance, focus mode, color mode, or sensitivity.

PictBridge ^*3 -Compliant
Forget all about complicated connections with a PC. Users can get fast, fun printouts directly from their camera by connecting the DiMAGE Z5 to a PictBridge ^*3 -compliant printer. Photographers can check which images they want to print on the DiMAGE Z5’s LCD monitor and then print out their favorites.

Ergonomic Design
The DiMAGE Z5’s design is advanced yet familiar and easy-to-use. Despite its long 12x zoom range and large 2.0-inch LCD, it weighs just approximately 12 ounces. It’s also easy to tote and operate even for camera novices. The ergonomic form makes it easy to keep on holding even for those steady zoom shots.

Optional Wide Converter(Wide-angle Converter ZCW-300 Kit)
The optional Wide-angle Converter Kit allows users to fit more of the scene into each shot. The lens has a 26mm wide angle that’s ideal for capturing indoor or outdoor architecture and panoramic landscape shots.

Compatible with Optional Flashes
The DiMAGE Z5 is equipped with a built-in flash. But if users need even more flash power, the Konica Minolta Program/Maxxum Flash 3600HS(D), 5600HS(D), or 2500(D) flash units can be used.

*1 As of November 20, 2004, for 5.0-megapixel-class digital cameras with built-in lens system and 10X or greater zoom. Based on Konica Minolta’s standard test method.
*2 Depends on the shooting conditions.
*3 PictBridge is an industry standard established by the Camera & Imaging Products Association (CIPA).

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Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z5
Number of effective pixels	5.0 million
CCD	1/2.5-type interline primary-color CCD Total pixels: 5.2 million
Camera sensitivity	Auto and 50,100, 200, and 320 ISO equivalents
Focal length	5.83 – 69.9mm (35mm equivalent: 35 – 420mm)
Lens construction	13 elements in 10 groups
Maximum aperture	f/2.8 – f/4.5
Minimum focus distance	Wide: 2.0ft (0.6m) from front of lens Telephoto: 5.2ft (1.6m) from front of lens
Minimum macro distance	Super Macro Standard macro Focal length 10.45mm* Wide Telephoto From front of lens 0.4 inches 1cm 3.9 inches 10cm 47.2 inches 120cm * at 10.45 mm only
Maximum magnification	0.20x Equivalent to 1.2x in 35mm format
Area covered at maximum magnification	1.2 x 0.9 in. (31 x 23mm)
Viewfinder type	Electronic viewfinder 0.33-inch with a total of 114,000 pixels
LCD monitor	2.0 inch digital-interface TFT color Total number of pixels: Approximately 114,000 Automatic monitor amplification
Field of view	Approximately Viewfinder: 100% Approximately LCD monitor: 100%
Diopter control	– 3 ~ +1m-1
Eye relief	16.9mm
Shutter	CCD electronic shutter and mechanical shutter
Shutter speed range	4 - 1/1000 second
Autofocus system	Video AF system
Autofocus areas	5-Point Wide Focus Area Spot focus areas with Focus Area Selection
Focus modes	Single-shot AF, Continuous AF with predictive focus control, Full-time AF, Manual focus.
Focus lock	By pressing shutter-release button partway down.
Metering	Multi-segment, Center-weighted, Spot
Multi-segment metering	256 segments
Exposure modes	Programmed AE, Aperture priority, Shutter priority, Manual
Digital Subject Programs	Automatic (Portrait, Sports action, Landscape, Sunset, Standard) Manual (Portrait, Sports action, Landscape, Sunset, Night portrait.)
Exposure compensation	±2 EV in 1/3 increments
AE lock	By pressing shutter-release button partway down
Flash metering	Pre-flash TTL
Flash range	Wide: Approximately 0.7 – 11.8 ft. (0.2 – 3.6 m) from front of lens Telephoto: Approximately 3.9 – 7.2 ft. (1.2 – 2.2 m) from front of lens (Camera sensitivity: auto)
Flash modes	Autoflash, Autoflash with red-eye reduction, Fill flash, Slow-shutter sync. Autoflash not available with aperture priority, shutter priority, and manual exposure modes. Flash cancel by pushing the built-in flash down.
Flash recycling time	Approximately 7 seconds
Flash compensation	± 2 EV in 1/3 increments
Flash-sync speeds	All shutter speeds
External flashes	Auto-flash metering with Program/Maxxum Flash 2500 (D), Program/Maxxum 3600HS (D), Program/Maxxum Flash 5600HS (D)
Continuous advance	- UHS (Ultra High Speed) continuous advance: Approximately 10 frames per second (1024 x 768) - Standard continuous advance: Approximately 2.2 frames per second *Actual speed may vary depending upon the subject and camera settings. Approximate number of frames that can be captured at one time with the continuous-advance drive modes: UHS continuous advance 1024 x 768 Fine Max. 20 frames Standard Economy Standard continuous advance   2560 x 1920 2048 x 1536 1600 x 1200 640 x 480 Fine * 3 frames 4 frames 6 frames 38 frames Standard 6 frames 9 frames 17 frames 122 frames Economy 8 frames 18 frames 38 frames 143 frames * Approximately 2.0 frames per second (2560x1920 Fine) * Actual number of images may vary depending upon the subject and camera settings.
Progressive Capture	Stores images from the latest frame captured with the continuous advance. Maximum number of images that can be recorded with the Progressive Capture mode: Maximum 20 frames (Approximately 10 frames per second) 1024x768
Exposure bracketing	Three frame bracket in 0.5, 0.3 EV increments
Self-timer	Approximately 10 seconds, 2 seconds
Movie	Recording time dependent on memory card capacity, image size, and frame rate. No. of recorded pixels:640x480 Fine, 640x480 Standard, 320x240 Standard Frame rate: 15 frames per second, 30 frames per second Audio : monaural Optical zoom is ON in recording Movie frame capture Movie editing Night movie (automatic selection or disabled)
White balance control	Automatic, Preset (Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash), Custom
Digital Effects Control	Contrast compensation, Sharpness
Contrast compensation	Three levels (Low, Normal, High)
Sharpness settings	Three levels (Soft, Normal, Hard)
Color modes	Natural Color, Vivid Color, Black and white, Sepia
Noise reduction	Available (Auto)
Digital zoom	Maximum 4x in 0.2x increments
Languages	Japanese, English, Germany, French, Spanish, Chinese (Simplified character), Italian, Swedish
Copy function	To copy single or multiple images to the same or another memory card.
E-mail Copy function	Creates a compressed 640x480 JPEG image for transmission.
Date imprinting	Year/month/day (Format can be changed.) Imprinting can be disabled
Key customization	The function activated by the flash-mode button can be changed.
Image-quality modes	Fine, Standard, Economy
Number of recorded pixels (Still images)	2560 x 1920, 2048 x 1536, 1600 x 1200, 640 x 480 1024x768 in UHS continuous-advance mode and Progressive Capture mode
Number of recorded pixels (Movie clips)	640x480, 320x240
Storage capacity	Approximate storage capacity of a 16MB SD (Secure Digital) Memory Card: Still images   2560 x 1920 2048 x 1536 1600 x 1200 640 x 480 Fine 4 frames 7 frames 12 frames 67 frames Standard 9 frames 15 frames 22 frames 101 frames Economy 18 frames 26 frames 37 frames 142 frames Movie clips   640 x 480 FINE 640 x 480 Standard 320 x 240 Standard 30 frames per second 9 seconds 14 seconds 29 seconds 15 frames per second 18 seconds 28 seconds 57 seconds * Movie clips recorded with audio. * Actual number of images may vary depending upon the subject and memory card used.
File formats	JPEG, Motion JPEG (MOV): with audio, DCF 2.0-compliant, DPOF-compliant (Supported by printing functions in version 1.1), Exif 2.2
Folder name formats	Standard, Date
Printing output control	Exif Print, PRINT Image Matching III, PictBridge
Recording media	SD (Secure Digital) Memory Cards, MultiMediaCards
Computer interface	Full-speed 12Mbps data transfer with USB 2.0 compatible computer
AV output	NTSC, PAL (selected on the camera)
Anti-shake system	CCD-shift Anti-Shake system User selectable
Batteries	Four AA batteries: Alkaline, Ni-MH
Battery performance (Playback)	Approximate continuous playback time: Approximately 240 minutes with alkaline batteries.
Battery performance (Recording)	Approximate number of recorded images: Approximately 240 Conforming to CIPA ( included AA alkaline batteries, included SD memory card )
External power source	6V DC with specified AC adapter (sold separately)
Dimensions (WxHxD)	4.3 x 3.1 x 3.3 inches (108.5 x 80.0 x 84mm)
Weight	Approximately 12.0oz. (340g) without batteries or recording media
Operating temperature	32-104°F (0-40ºC)
Standard accessories	Neck Strap NS-DG7000, Lens Cap LF-243 set, Accessory Shoe Cap SC-1000, AV Cable AVC-700, 16MB SD (Secure Digital) Memory Card, USB Cable USB-2, DiMAGE Viewer CD-ROM, Four AA Alkaline batteries
Optional accessories	AC Adapter AC-11, Camera Case CS-DG1000, Leather Neck Strap NS-DG1000, Wide-angle Converter ZCW-300 kit, Adapter ring for attaching filter/converter ZCA-300, Program/Maxxum Flash 3600HS (D), 5600HS (D), 2500(D)
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