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Minolta DiMAGE X20 Digital Camera

	Camera QuickLook
	Review Date	9/26/2003
	User Level	Novice - Amateur
	Product Uses	Family / Travel
	Digicam Design	Point and Shoot
	Picture Quality	Good, 2.0-megapixel CCD
	Print Sizes	4x6 to 5x7 inches
	Availability	Now
	Suggested Retail Price (At introduction)	$249

The DiMAGE X20 has a 3x, 4.8-14.4mm lens, the equivalent of a 37-111mm lens on a 35mm camera. The autofocus covers a range from 3.9 inches (10 centimeters) to infinity. There's no separate macro mode, but the 3.9-inch close-focusing combined with a telephoto lens setting produces really excellent macro performance. Depending on the lens zoom position, the maximum aperture ranges from f/2.8 to f/3.7. In addition to the optical zoom, the DiMAGE X20offers a 1.1 to 4.0x digital zoom, in increments of 0.1x. (Although I always remind readers that digital zoom always decreases the overall image quality because it simply enlarges the central pixels of the CCD's image.) The 1.6-inch, color TFT LCD monitor has an anti-reflection coating, and features an information display. In Playback mode, images can be enlarged up to 6x, as an aid to checking critical focus and framing.

Exposure is automatically controlled at all times, with only a few exposure options available. An On/Off button on top of the camera powers the camera on, and a Mode switch lets you select between Record and Movie modes, with a Playback button for quick image review. Thanks to the all-internal lens design, there's no need to wait for the lens to extend before you can shoot, so startup times are very short. Most exposure options are controlled through the LCD's on-screen menu system, which offers very straightforward navigation and a new interface to make it even more user-friendly than previous models. (Although I have to say that I personally preferred the standard tabbed-menu layout of the earlier user interface design.) That said, you can program the rear-panel left and right arrow keys to control flash mode, exposure compensation, white balance, etc, without needing to enter the menu system to do so. Shutter speeds range from 1/1,000 to four seconds, although the chosen value is not reported to the user. Exposure Compensation is adjustable from -2 to +2 exposure equivalents (EV) in one-third-step increments. Sensitivity is adjustable to values of 64, 100, 200, or 400, with an Auto setting as well, that varies the ISO between 64 and 200, depending on the current light level. White Balance is adjustable through the settings menu, with options for Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Incandescent, and Fluorescent light sources. The DiMAGE X20's built-in flash operates in Auto, Red-Eye Reduction, Forced, Suppressed, or Slow Sync modes.

In addition to the basic exposure options, the DiMAGE X20 also offers a few extra shooting modes, accessed through the settings menu. A Self-Portrait mode adjusts the focus so that it doesn't exceed 3.3 feet, enough room for you to hold the camera directly in front of you and capture a well-focused self-portrait. Additionally, the DiMAGE X20 features a Portrait mode, which selects larger lens apertures to reduce the camera's "depth of field" so the subject appears in focus in front of a slightly blurred background, placing more emphasis on the subject. In Movie exposure mode, the camera captures either 320 x 240-pixel or 160 x 240-pixel resolution moving images with sound, with duration limited only by the size of the memory card. A Self-Timer mode provides a 10-second delay between the time the Shutter button is pressed and when the camera actually takes the picture, allowing you to get into your own shots. For shooting fast action subjects, the DiMAGE X20's Continuous Advance mode captures a rapid series of images when you hold down the Shutter button, much like a motor drive on a traditional 35mm camera. Provided that there's enough space remaining on the memory card, the camera can capture up to three large/fine images, or up to 22 small/economy mode ones before having to pause to write the image data to the memory card. Details like image size and shutter speed can affect the shooting interval, but it averages approximately 1.5 frames per second. A Multi Frame mode captures a series of nine thumbnail images, which are then arrayed in a single image in a 3x3 format. Finally, a Voice Memo option records short sound clips to accompany recorded images.

The DiMAGE X20 stores its images on an SD memory card, and an 8MB card accompanies the camera. (The camera also works with the slightly less expensive MMC cards.) New on the X20 is a Favorites option for saving favorite images, and an Image Pasting tool which lets you insert a portion of a live frame over a captured image. Connection to a host computer for image download is via USB. The DiMAGE X20 is a "storage-class" device, which means that it doesn't require any separate driver software for Windows 2000 and XP, or for Mac OS 8.6 and later. The camera utilizes two AA-type batteries for power, either alkaline or NiMH. A set of alkaline batteries comes with the camera, but I highly recommend picking up a set or rechargeable NiMH batteries and keeping a spare set freshly charged at all times. See my Battery Shootout page to see which batteries currently on the market are best, read my review of the Maha C-204F charger, to see why it's my longtime favorite. The optional AC adapter is also useful for preserving battery power when reviewing and downloading images, or when viewing images and movies on a television, via the supplied A/V cable.

Basic Features

• 2.0-megapixel CCD.
• 1.6-inch color TFT LCD monitor with anti-reflection coating.
• Glass, 3x, 4.8-14.4mm lens, equivalent to a 37-111mm lens on a 35mm camera.
• As much as 4.0x digital zoom.
• Automatic exposure control.
• Shutter speeds from 1/1,000 to four seconds.
• Maximum aperture f/2.8 to f/3.7, depending on lens zoom position.
• Built-in flash.
• SD/MMC memory card storage, 8MB card included.
• Images saved as JPEG files.
• Power supplied by two AA-type batteries or optional AC adapter.
• DiMAGE software and USB drivers included for both Windows and Mac platforms.

Special Features

• Movie mode with sound.
• Continuous Advance and Multi Frame shooting modes.
• Portrait and Self-Portrait modes.
• 10-second Self-Timer for delayed shutter release.
• Voice Memo mode for recording captions.
• White balance (color) adjustment with five modes.
• Adjustable ISO.
• Five color adjustment settings.
• DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) compatibility.
• Video cable for connection to a television set.
• USB cable for connection to a computer (driver software included).

Recommendation
The DiMAGE X20 is very small and compact. Its fully automatic exposure control will suit novices and others interested in point-and-shoot operation, although the user does have a few options for brightening or darkening the image, or adjusting the color balance. The 2.0-megapixel CCD delivers good quality images, with enough resolution to make sharp 5x7 prints or slightly softer 8x10 ones, and lower resolution options for email purposes. The DiMAGE X20's tiny size makes it a natural for "anywhere/anytime" photography. With its point-and-shoot appeal and ease of use, the DiMAGE X20 is perfect for novice users who simply want to take good pictures without getting too involved in the technicalities. Even sophisticated users will appreciate its exceptional portability and good picture-taking capabilities though. It'd thus do well as a "second camera" for enthusiasts, too.

 

Design
Like the DiMAGE X and Xt before it, the DiMAGE X20 has an amazingly thin, tiny case. Its sleek, rectangular body shape and lack of protrusions make the DiMAGE X20 one of the most portable cameras on the market. Measuring just 3.4 x 2.6 x 0.9 inches (86 x 67 x 24 millimeters), the DiMAGE X20 fits just about anywhere, including the smallest of shirt pockets. Matching its diminutive size, the DiMAGE X20 is also very light weight at just 6.0 ounces (171 grams) with the batteries and SD memory card installed. The secret to the DiMAGE X20's compact design is its internally-mounted lens, which stretches vertically up the side of the camera rather than protruding from the camera's front. An internal prism reflects light from the subject down into the lens itself, almost like a periscope. The internal lens mounting also means that there's no wait for the lens barrel to extend when you power up the camera, making startup times very quick.

The front of the camera holds the lens window, flash, self-portrait mirror, and self-timer lamp. A shutter-like, retractable lens cover protects the lens window whenever the camera is powered off, sliding quickly out of the way when the camera is turned on. A circular, slightly raised finger grip provides a more substantial grip than on previous models. Also visible on the front of the camera is the microphone, indicated by a series of tiny holes to the left of the flash.

On the right side of the camera (as viewed from the rear) is the exposed SD memory card slot, lining up beside the DC In power and AV/Digital jacks. An indicator light just below the SD card slot lights whenever the camera accesses the card, letting you know not to remove the card. Below these is the battery compartment, protected by a sliding door.

The opposite side of the camera is featureless, with no connectors or controls on it at all. This view of the camera shows the decal that illustrates the clever lens design Minolta is so justifiably proud of, as well as a small indention marked with the maximum optical plus digital zoom. Be reassured though, that the label can be easily removed after purchase, to result in a very sleek, elegant case design.

The DiMAGE X20's top panel is sleek and smooth, with only a minor protrusion from the Shutter and Power buttons. A sliding switch is just behind both buttons, and places the camera into Record or Movie modes.

The remaining camera controls are on the back panel, along with the 1.6-inch color LCD monitor. At the top left and right corners are the neck strap attachment eyelets, which fold outward for easy loading, then flip back inward to hold the strap in place. The Four-Way Arrow pad is in the top right corner, and consists to two arrow keys on either side, and a two-way up/down rocker button in the center that controls optical and digital zoom. (The left and right arrow keys can be programmed to control one of a handful of exposure options as well.) To the left of arrow pad is the Menu button, which calls up and dismisses the LCD menu display. Just below it is the Playback button, which places the camera in Playback mode. The camera's speaker is also on the rear panel, just to the right of the LCD monitor.

The bottom panel of the DiMAGE X20 reveals only the plastic, threaded tripod mount.

 

Camera Operation
The DiMAGE X20's user interface is very straightforward, as the camera employs automatic exposure at all times. New to the X20 is a simplified menu screen, with a 3x3 array of menu options displayed like virtual buttons. The center "button" accesses the main mode menu, which is laid out more like a traditional list menu screen. The X20 has very few external controls, meaning you must call up the LCD menu to adjust most camera settings. This is somewhat cumbersome, but you can customize the right and left arrow keys to control either exposure compensation, flash, or one of a handful of other settings, reducing your dependence on the menu system. In both capture and playback modes, the camera's main menu is divided into three pages, delineated by subject tabs at the top of the screen. The Mode switch lets you quickly switch between Movie and Record modes, while an external button accesses Playback mode. Considering the camera's automatic exposure control and limited user options, most users should be able to become familiar with the camera's operation in half an hour or less. (And experienced users may not even need to crack the manual.)

Record-Mode Display
In Record mode, the LCD monitor displays the subject with a minor amount of overlaid information, indicating flash, white balance, ISO setting, the current size/quality setting, and number of images that can be stored on the remaining memory card space at the current size/quality. Pressing and holding the center OK button (up and down arrow key) cancels and recalls the information display. When you half-press the Shutter button, a small dot appears in the lower right-hand corner of the LCD indicating whether the camera is focused (white dot) or not (red dot), and a "shaking hand" symbol appears above the focus dot if the shutter speed is slow enough that you'll need to be careful not to jiggle the camera during the exposure.


Playback-Mode Display
In Playback mode, the default image display shows the most recently captured image, with an information overlay showing the resolution and quality setting used, the date and time of capture, the file number, and the sequence number of the image among those currently stored in the memory card. With an image displayed full-screen, pressing the zoom control in the "T" direction zooms in on the image in steps of 0.2x, up to a maximum magnification of 6x. At any magnification level, pressing the "OK" button (pressing the center of the T/W lever) switches you to scrolling operation, in which the left/right buttons and the T/W control let you scroll around the magnified image. Pressing the center of the T/W lever again returns you to zoom operation. Zooming out all the way from the enlarged view and then pressing the "W" side of the zoom control once more calls up a nine-image index display. The screenshot above right shows all the available display options in playback mode.

External Controls

Zoom Toggle Button (Up and Down Arrow Key): Centered between the Right and Left Arrow keys, this control adjusts the optical and digital zoom in any record mode. It also serves as the up/down control when navigating LCD menu choices. This button also serves as the "OK" button for confirming menu selections when pressed.

In Record mode, pressing and holding this button for a few seconds dismisses and recalls the information overlay.

In Playback mode, this button lets you zoom in on an image, as much as 6x. Once you've zoomed in on an image, pressing the center of this button switches to scrolling operation, after which up/down actuation moves your view up and down in the enlarged image. Pressing the center of the button again returns you to control of the playback zoom level. Pressing the center of the button during normal playback display cancels and recalls the information display. Continuing to hold the button down initiates the playback zoom.

Camera Modes and Menus

• Initial Menu Screen (items listed from left to right, starting from the top)
  • Toning: Adjusts the camera's color mode. Options are Color, Black and White, Sepia, Mono R (Red), Mono G (Green), and Mono B (Blue).
  • Portrait: Turns the Portrait preset mode on or off.
  • Image Size: Adjusts the image resolution to 1,600 x 1,200; 1,280 x 960; or 640 x 480 pixels.
  • Flash Mode: Sets the flash to operate in Auto, Red-Eye Reduction, Fill Flash, Cancel, or Night Portrait (slow-sync setting) modes.
  • Menu: Displays the main mode menu, described below.
  • Drive Mode: Sets drive mode to Single, Self-Timer, Continuous, Multi Frame, or Self-Portrait.
  • White Balance: Adjusts the overall color balance of the scene. Options include Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, and Fluorescent.
  • Exposure Compensation: Increases or decreases the overall exposure from -2 to +2 EV in one-third-step increments.
  • Quality level: Sets the image JPEG compression level to Fine, Standard, or Economy.
    
    
    
• Record Menu 1
  • Key Func: This menu item lets you change the function controlled by the left/right keys on the camera's rear panel. Options include Flash Mode, Exposure Compensation, Drive Mode, White Balance, and Off (default setting).
  • Sensitivity: Lets you set the camera's ISO sensitivity to Auto (the default), 64, 100, 200, or 400.
  • Auto Reset: If enabled, resets most of the camera's settings to their default values whenever the camera is turned off.
  • Voice Memo: Enables the recording of an audio track up to 15 seconds long after the capture of each image. (Default is off.)
  • Date Imprint: Enables the imprinting of the current date or date and time in small white characters, in the lower right-hand corner of each image. Off by default, options include YYYY/MM/DD, or MM/DD/hr:min.
    
    
    
• Record Menu 2
  • Digital Zoom: Enables or disables the digital zoom function.
  • Inst. Playback: When activated, this function causes the camera to display each image on the LCD for two seconds after capture.
  • File # Memory: If set to On, the camera continues naming files sequentially from memory card to memory card. If Off, the camera resets file numbering with each new card.
  • Folder Name: You can have the camera name the folders it stores its images in on the memory card using either the camera's standard scheme, or by Date. (The latter being a handy way to keep track of photos you've shot over a period of time.)
    
    
    
    
    

• Initial Menu Screen
  • Slide Show: Initiates a "slide show" of images stored on the X20's memory card.
  • Favorites: Copies the displayed image into the Favorites folder.
  • Lock: Write-protects the displayed image, preventing it from being manipulated or erased (except via card formatting). An option also exists to Unlock images.
  • Rotate: Rotates the image 90 degrees clockwise or counter-clockwise.
  • Menu: Pulls up the main Playback menu, described below.
  • Delete: Erases the current frame from the memory card.
  • Audio Caption: Allows you to record a short sound clip to accompany a recorded image.
  • Image Pasting: Provides a shortcut to the Image Pasting function, using the crop area selected through the Playback 1 menu. (See below).
  • Email Copy: Makes a smaller copy of an image for convenient emailing.
    
    
• Playback 1
  • Delete: Erases the current frame, all frames, or marked frames from the memory card.
  • Lock: Write-protects specific images or all images, preventing them from being manipulated or erased (except via card formatting). An option also exists to Unlock images.
  • Copy to Favorites: Copies a single image or all marked images to the Favorites folder.
  • Rotate: Rotates the image 90 degrees clockwise or counter-clockwise.
  • Image Pasting: This option lets you paste in a small portion of a live image over a previously-captured frame. Nine frame choices are available. When activated, a cut out area appears on the screen so that you can frame the live image over the top of the captured image.
    
    
    
• Playback 2
  • Slide Show: Initiates a "slide show" of images stored on the X20's memory card.
  • Playback: Determines which images will be displayed in the slide show. Options are all frames or marked frames.
  • Duration: Sets the length of time each image is displayed in the slide show. Times range from one to 60 seconds per image, with five seconds being the default.
  • Repeat: Determines whether the slide show repeats after cycling through all images on the card or not. (Default is to not repeat.)
  • Dissolve: Activates (or deactivates) a graphic dissolve between slideshow images.
    

• Playback 3
• DPOF Set: Sets images for printing on an output device supporting the Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) standard. Options are to mark the current frame, all frames, marked frames, or to cancel the print orders for all images.
• Index Print: Sets up a DPOF order for an index print showing all images on the memory card.
• E-mail Copy: Makes a smaller copy of an image for convenient emailing.
• Image Size: Sets the size for making email copies. Options are 640 x 480 or 160 x 120.
  
  
  
  
  

Setup Mode: This mode lets you adjust various camera options and settings. Pressing the Menu button displays the following options:

• Setup 1
  • Format: Formats the SD card, erasing all files, including protected ones.
  • Reset Default: Resets the camera settings to their defaults.
  • Language: Changes the menu language to English, Japanese, German, French, or Spanish.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
• Setup 2
  • Audio Signals: Optionally disable the beep sounds that occur whenever a button is pressed.
  • Shutter FX: You can select your choice of two standard shutter sounds, or turn the shutter sound off.
  • Volume: Sets the volume of the camera's audio signals and shutter FX sounds. Playback of recorded audio is not affected.
  • Power Off: Sets the camera to automatically shut off after 1, 3, 5, 10, or 30 minutes of inactivity.
    
    
    
    
    
    

• Setup 3
  • Date/Time Set: Sets the camera's date and time.
  • Date Format: Choose between three different date formats used for monitor displays and date imprinting. Options are YYYY/MM/DD, MM/DD/YYYY, and DD/MM/YYYY.
  • Video Output: Choose between NTSC or PAL video timing for the video output.
  • Transfer Mode: Through its USB interface, the DiMAGE X20 can appear as either a data storage device or a remote camera. (The remote camera option allows the X20 to be used as a USB-connected webcam.)

• Neck strap.
• A/V cable.
• USB cable.
• 8MB SD memory card.
• Two AA-type alkaline batteries.
• DiMAGE software CD.
• Operating manual and registration card.

Recommended Accessories

• Large capacity SD memory card.
• Set of rechargeable NiMH batteries and charger.
• AC adapter.
• Small camera case.

 

Related Links

More Information on this camera from Megapixel.net:
Konica Minolta DiMAGE X20, Konica Minolta Digital Cameras, Digital Cameras