Konica Minolta: New X-series ultracompact
By
Mike Tomkins
(Friday, July 15, 2005 - 22:51 EDT)
A press release from Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A. Inc. today has announced a new digital camera model for the company's DiMAGE X series, which consists of ultracompact models that feature a prism-folded lens design offering potential improvements in camera size, battery life and reliability. (Our apologies for the tardy posting, but email problems prevented us from getting details on the camera until after the NDA had expired, and News Editor Mike is currently in the process of moving home as well!)
The new Konica Minolta DiMAGE X1 features significantly updated styling compared to past models, with softly curved edges and a rather attractive two-tone color scheme. Resolution is a whopping eight megapixels, and the camera is notable for its inclusion of an anti-shake function. Unlike the anti-shake system in other Konica Minolta cameras which moves only the imager itself, the new system tilts the entire optical unit including the CCD imager, which the company says is "designed to ideally complement the DiMAGE X1’s folded optics technology to preserve the compact, thin body construction". Other features include a large 2.5" LCD display, camera cradle with USB / video connectivity, and Secure Digital storage slot. Pricing and availability have not been announced at this time, but courtesy of Konica Minolta, we can provide a backgrounder document, full specifications, product photos and a press release below.
Backgrounder New Konica Minolta 8 Megapixel Digital Camera - The DiMAGE X1 Product Highlights - 8-megapixel, 1/1.8-type CCD captures images in clear, ultra-high resolution
- Konica Minolta’s proprietary CxProcess™ III image processing technology reproduces images as clearly and naturally as they appear to the photographer’s eye
- Newly developed, compact Anti-Shake system for clear, steady shots
- New “flat” 3x Optical Zoom lens doesn’t protrude even when zooming
- Large, 2.5-inch LCD monitor ensures a clear view even under bright light
- Ultra-slim, sleek, and elegant body with a luxurious finish
- Multifunction cradle offers ideal connectivity with a computer or television
- High-Resolution VGA Movie Clips Enhanced with Anti-Shake
Features High Resolution Compact Digital Camera
Using a 1/1.8-type CCD, the new Konica Minolta DiMAGE X1 features approximately 8,300,000 pixels, the highest resolution in a compact digital camera currently available (as of June 2005). The DiMAGE X1 enables users to take pictures with up to 3,264 x 2,448 pixels, creating crisp and detailed images for printed enlargements up to 8x10 inches in size. The DiMAGE X1’s size is also small and thin. With folded optics technology, the size of a CCD unit dictates the camera’s thickness. The slim and compact size of the DiMAGE X1’s CCD allows for a body 0.8 inches in width, the first time for an DiMAGE X series model to achieve a profile less than 0.9 inches in size. Konica Minolta’s Proprietary CxProcess™ III Image Processing Technology
To achieve optimum compatibility with its new optics, 8-megapixel resolution, and 1/1.8-type CCD, the DiMAGE X1 uses Konica Minolta’s top image processing technology – CxProcess™ III. With this combination, the DiMAGE X1 is able reproduce images as clearly and naturally as they appear to a photographer’s eye. Users can enjoy true colors and tones in their printed pictures even without image manipulation on a computer. A Completely New Type of Anti-Shake System
For the first time ever in the Konica Minolta DiMAGE X series, the DiMAGE X1 offers an Anti-Shake system, which makes it even easier to take clear, steady shots of scenes that are normally difficult to shoot by hand. Offering unrivalled stability, the Anti-Shake system can compensate up to 3 EV exposure stops slower, making it ideal for taking handheld, wide-angle shots in low light conditions indoors, or after sunset with shutter speeds at 1/6 of a second at wide-angle setting. Unlike the Konica Minolta DiMAGE A and DiMAGE Z series cameras which use Konica Minolta’s CCD-shift Anti-Shake technology, the DiMAGE X1 features a newly developed proprietary Anti-Shake system that counters shaking by tilting the entire optical unit combined with the CCD. It is designed to ideally complement the DiMAGE X1’s folded optics technology to preserve the compact, thin body construction that the DiMAGE series is known for. Newly Designed “Non-Protruding” 3x Optical Zoom Lens
To accommodate the high 8-megapixel resolution of the DiMAGE X1’s 1/1.8-type CCD while still keeping the body as slim as possible, the DiMAGE X1 introduces a newly designed, non-protruding 3x optical zoom lens. This new lens system achieves a focal length of 7.7 to 23.1mm (equivalent to 37 to 111mm in 35mm format) and an aperture range from f/3.5 to f/3.8. The DiMAGE X1 is also equipped with a Super Macro mode. Using this function with the zoom lens at the wide-angle setting, users can bring the lens within 2 inches of their subject and capture vivid, super close-ups that fill the entire frame. Auto Macro shooting (the shortest ‘normal’ focus distance is 3.9 inches at wide-angle and 1.3 feet at telephoto), a conventional function of all the DiMAGE X series cameras, makes it easy to quickly catch close-up shots without switching functions. Large, Bright 2.5-inch Rear LCD Monitor
The DiMAGE X1 is equipped with a large, 2.5-inch LCD monitor that gives users a bright, clear view for framing shots and reading the menu screen. Using the Bright LCD backlight function allows photographers to set the screen 1.5 times brighter, so they can easily see the monitor in bright outdoor locations. Just like in the DiMAGE X50 and DiMAGE X60 digital cameras, the surface of the DiMAGE X1’s LCD monitor is protected with an easy-to-maintain acrylic panel that can be easily wiped clean of dirt. Rounded, Ultra-Slim Polished Body
Without a protruding zoom lens, the super-slim, flat body of the DiMAGE X1 measures just 3.7 x 2.7 x .8 inches (W x H x D), the first time the DiMAGE X series models have achieved a body profile less than 0.9 inches in size. Another key feature of the DiMAGE X1 is its sophisticated body design. Designers poured their artistic effort into successfully reflecting several key design concepts: 1) a new “advanced” lifestyle that inspires users to think of the camera as more than a photo-taking tool, 2) a body design that is as irresistible to hold and touch as it is to behold, 3) a minimalist approach to controls that complements the clear and elegant appearance, 4) an extravagant approach to incorporating advanced technology, and 5) a sense of modern luxury, expressed definitively through the camera’s refined metallic finish. The elegantly rounded edges of the DiMAGE X1 fit neatly and comfortably in the palm of a user’s hand. Multifunction Cradle Offers Ideal Connectivity with a Computer or TV
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. High-Resolution VGA Movie Clips Enhanced with Anti-Shake
For the first time ever in the DiMAGE X series, the DiMAGE X1 offers recording of smooth, high-resolution VGA (640x480 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. Other Outstanding Features Digital Subject Program Selection
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. Ultra High Speed (UHS) Continuous Advance
UHS Continuous Advance captures 640x480-pixel images at up to 10 frames per second at any image quality setting, making it ideal for capturing action shots such as a tennis or golf swing. In addition, the UHS Progressive Capture mode saves images from the last 1.5 seconds before releasing the shutter button (up to 15 images at 640x480). This means users won’t miss photo opportunities during fast moving sporting events. Easy-to-Use Bundled Software - DiMAGE Master Lite
This Konica Minolta software for viewing and editing images allows users to carry out detailed image editing, confirm image information (Exif) recorded when shooting, and carry out color matching. - Kodak EasyShare
This image management software has an intuitive interface ideal for beginners. It allows users to make beautiful prints easily. In addition, users can quickly and easily share their favorite images with friends and family, make photo CDs, and attach photos to email. # # #
| Konica Minolta DiMAGE X1 |  | | General | | Camera Type | Ultra Compact | | Manufacturer | Konica Minolta | | Model Number | X1 | | Dimensions | 3.7 x 2.7 x 0.8"
95.0 x 68.0 x 19.5mm | | Weight | 135.0 g
4.7 oz | | Image Capture | | Sensor Type | 1/1.8" CCD
8.30 megapixels (total)
8.10 megapixels (effective) | | Aspect Ratio | 4:3 | | Image Dimensions | 3264 x 2448 (8.0 megapixels)
2560 x 1920 (4.9 megapixels)
2048 x 1536 (3.1 megapixels)
1600 x 1200 (1.9 megapixels)
640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels) | | Capture Speed | Continuous: 0.5 frames per second for 3 frames | | Image Quality | 3 levels | | Image Preview / Review | | Viewfinder | No | | LCD | 2.5", 118,000 pixels
100% field of view | | Playback Zoom | 6.0x max | | Lens | | Lens Type | Konica Minolta Zoom Lens
3x optical zoom | | Image Stabilization | Yes | | Focal Length | 7.7 - 23.1mm (actual)
37 - 111mm (35mm equivalent) | | Aperture Range | f/3.5 (wide) / f/3.8 (tele) - ??? | | Focusing System | 5-point Video AF | | Focusing Range | Normal: 4" - infinity (10 cm - infinity)
Macro: 2.0" - infinity (5.0 cm - infinity) | | Exposure | | ISO Sensitivity | Auto, 50, 100, 160, 200 | | Shutter Speed | 1/1250 - 1 second | | Exposure Modes | Program | | Metering Modes | 300 segment multi, spot | | Exposure Compensation | +/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments | | White Balance | Image Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent | | Internal Flash | Guide Number: 7
Range: Approx. 21 feet (6.5 in meters) at ISO 100 | | Creative | | Movie Format | Motion JPEG (MOV) with audio
640x480 and 320x240
Max. frame-rate: 20 frames per second | | Storage | | Recording Medium | SD/MMC | | File System | Complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF) | | File Format | JPEG (EXIF 2.2) | | Connectivity | | Video | No | | Other | Camera cradle (USB and NTSC / PAL video via cradle) | | Power | | Battery Type | Lithium Ion rechargeable | | Battery Form Factor | Proprietary | | Product Bundle | | Battery / Charger | Proprietary Lithium Ion rechargeable battery and charger | | Flash Memory | 0.0MB | | Other | | Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliant | Yes | | PictBridge Compliant | Yes | | Internal Microphone | Yes | | Internal Speaker | Yes | | Remote Control | No | | Operating System Compatibility | Windows, MacOS | | More Photos |  |  |  | | |
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Original Source Press Release:
| KONICA MINOLTA INTRODUCES THE FIRST "X-SERIES" COMPACT DIGITAL CAMERA TO FEATURE ANTI-SHAKE TECHNOLOGY New 8 Megapixel DiMAGE X1 represents a fusion of contemporary styling and the best technologies available from Konica Minolta Mahwah, NJ (July 15, 2005) – Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc. announces the latest addition to the DiMAGE X line of sleek and stylish digital cameras – the new 8 megapixel DiMAGE X1. This extremely compact and very trendy new digital camera 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. “The sophisticated design of the new DiMAGE X1 will appeal to consumers who not only value amazing performance, but also appreciate ease of use, familiarity and comfort in hand,” said Paul Zakrzewski, Director of Product Management for Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc. “The sleek, metallic finish of the DiMAGE X1 makes it impossible to resist, while smooth round edges fit neatly in palm of a hand and easily in a shirt pocket or purse, giving photographers on-the-go convenience.” The powerful new DiMAGE X1 employs an 8-megapixel, 1/1.8-type CCD – the highest resolution currently available in compact digital cameras. To take full advantage of this incredible resolution, the DiMAGE X1 integrates a newly designed optical system as well as Konica Minolta’s CxProcess™ III image processing technology that renders images as natural-looking as they appear to the photographer’s eye. 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. Unlike the Konica Minolta DiMAGE A and DiMAGE Z series, the new DiMAGE X1 boasts a newly developed type of Anti-Shake system that complements its folded optics and allows for additional miniaturization. Offering unrivalled stability, this new Anti-Shake system can provide the equivalent of up to 3 EV to help compensate for camera shake. And it’s also effective for taking photos in low light conditions and using shutter speeds as slow as 1/6th of a second at the wide-angle settings. 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 and delivers a lens focal length of 7.7 to 23.1mm (equivalent to 37 to 111mm in 35 mm format) and an aperture range from F/3.5 to F/3.8. Complementing this exceptional optical system, the DiMAGE X1 offers two ways to take close-ups: Auto Macro Mode*1, which takes macro shots without having to switch the mode, and Super Macro Mode, which captures amazing close-ups as near as 2 inches. The Konica Minolta 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. The LCD monitor also offers enhanced easy cleaning thanks to a protective acrylic covering. The camera’s silver finish resembles a futuristic and sophisticated look with a high-end satin finish that perfectly complements the elegant, tactile nature of the DiMAGE X1. The DiMAGE X1 is also the first Konica Minolta digital camera to come with a convenient, multifunction cradle, which provides quick and easy connectivity for TVs or computers. 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. *1 Shortest shooting distance: 3.9 inches in Wide-angle and 1.3 feet in Telephoto positions About Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc.
Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc., headquartered in Mahwah, NJ, is the North American sales and marketing subsidiary of Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc. (Tokyo, Japan). On August 5, 2003 Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc. was formed to enhance both the competitive business capabilities and earning capacities of Konica Corporation and Minolta Co., Ltd. Consumers around the world have come to know and trust the Konica and Minolta brands for all their imaging needs. Since the earliest days of the photo industry, Minolta and Konica have applied their talents and resources to create products and services that are essential to the world of imaging. Today, these efforts concentrate on the most important aspects of imaging: the quality of the images, the tools and methods for creating images, and the creation of environments for the application of images. This focus on the essentials of imaging ties together the company’s key business and consumer product lines. Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc. is a leading manufacturer and marketer of 35mm and Advanced Photo System film, single-use cameras, digital and 35mm film cameras, accessory lenses, binoculars, photographic and color measurement meters. In addition the company offers color print photo papers, inkjet photo paper, digital minilabs, digital film scanners, optical instruments, software and advanced imaging and sensing technologies. Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc. also provides wholesale photofinishing services and Internet imaging services. It is a complete imaging company, from input through output. For more information about Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc., its products and services, visit www.kmpi.konicaminolta.us. All brand names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies. # # # # # |
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