Minolta DiMAGE Xg Review Posted
By
Dave Etchells
(Tuesday, April 27, 2004 - 13:44 EDT)
I've been a fan of Minolta's "X" line of subcompact cameras since the original version was first introduced nearly three years ago.
Ultra-compact digicams often seem to involve a lot of compromises and tradeoffs, but the DiMAGE Xg takes very nice photos under a wide range of conditions, offers a decent range of exposure control (exposure compensation and white balance adjustments), and has surprisingly long battery life for a subcompact model. You do give up a little resolution relative to the best full-sized three megapixel cameras, and I'd really like to see a more accurate viewfinder, but there's plenty of resolution here to make sharp 8x10 prints. (And Minolta seems to have significantly improved the edge sharpness of its lens with this generation, a welcome improvement.)
Its compact size, solid feature set, and rugged all-metal case make the DiMAGE Xg a great "take anywhere" camera, appealing to non-techies as well as enthusiasts. For the novice user, it's very easy to use and takes nice pictures. For more advanced users (taking myself as an example), it makes a great "second camera", something that you'd just toss in your pocket without thinking. Another personal confession: As much as I rant about "cameras in drawers not taking pictures", that's exactly where my digicams live much of the time. With a camera like the DiMAGE Xg though, I at least have a fighting chance of having the camera along with me wherever I go.
Bottom line, it's not going to be the ultimate camera for Ansel Adams types, but if you want to have no excuse for not having your camera long with you, the DiMAGE X makes a great companion. -- The DiMAGE Xt easily qualifies as a "Dave's Pick." Check it out!
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