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Minolta DiMAGE F100 Minolta builds a compact, stylish 4 Megapixel model with sophisticated autofocus. Select a topic Reference: Datasheet DiMAGE F100 Photo Gallery! DiMAGE F100 Sample Images --------------------------------- 1. Intro and Highlights 2. Executive Overview 3. Design 4. Viewfinder 5. Optics 6. Exposure & Flash 7. Shutter Lag & Cycle Time Tests 8. Operation & User Interface 9. Camera Modes & Menus 10. Image Storage & Interface 11. Video, Power, Software 12. Test Results & Conclusion --------------------------------- Print-Friendly Review Version Additional Resources and Other Links Reader Comments on DiMAGE F100 Review --------------------------------- Digital Camera Comparometer (TM) --------------------------------- <-- Digital Cameras (Home) <-- Digital Camera Reviews Index <<Video, Power, Software :(Previous) | (Next): Reference: Datasheet>> Page 12:Test Results & Conclusion Review First Posted: 04/18/2002, Updated: 05/29/2003

Test Results

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Since the test model I had to evaluate for this review was a preproduction prototype, I can't draw any firm conclusions at this point. I will say though, that the image quality looked pretty good, particularly for a preliminary version. Minolta said that it would be OK to post images shot with our test model, and at least one web reviewer has done so. Looking at the images I shot with the evaluation unit though, I felt that there were some obvious white balance problems, and so felt that it wouldn't be in anyone's interest for me to post samples at this time. Apart from minor white balance issues though, the images looked pretty good. Overall, I found myself liking the F100 quite a bit - It was very compact, yet easy to hold and operate. I'd really like to see better battery life with the LCD on, but you can literally leave the camera on all day with no noticeable decrease in battery life, if you just leave the LCD off.

Resolution was pretty good, as was Macro performance. The latter was particularly nice in that the F100's macro mode sets the lens to the telephoto position, providing a good bit more working distance than you get with many cameras.

Stay tuned for my testing of a production model, after which I'll be able to make some more concrete comments about image quality.

Conclusion

Although final judgment will have to wait until I can test a production unit, the F100 looks like a very nice little camera. Apart from some minor white balance issues in the prototype model I tested, color was very vibrant, and seemed quite accurate as well. The 4 megapixel CCD and excellent Minolta "GT" lens produced sharp, high-quality images. The unusually sophisticated Autofocus (AF) modes for the most part worked well (if not infallibly), providing more consistent focusing with off-center subjects than you'd normally experience with the typical single-point digicam AF system. Exposure control is also very versatile, with controls that let you tweak color saturation, brightness, contrast, and sharpness. I thought Minolta hit the size Vs comfort balance just about right: The F100 is small enough that it could be called "pocket sized," but was big enough that even hamfisted Westerners like myself can hold it and manipulate the controls easily. The very high eyepoint on the viewfinder is a boon to eyeglass wearers too.

As noted, we'll have to wait for a production model to form a final opinion, but the early evidence is that the F100 is a very well-constructed and nicely-performing little camera. Stay tuned!