Product Announcement – Konica Minolta DiMAGE
Z3
A High-Performance 4-Megapixel-CCD Digital Camera
with CCD-Shift Anti-Shake System, 12X Optical "Mega
Zoom", and Rapid AF for Sharp Focus of Moving
Subjects
Mississauga,
Ontario – July 7, 2004 - With a CCD-shift Anti-Shake
System to accompany the 12X optical zoom, the DiMAGE
Z3 gives you amazingly steady and reliable telephoto
shots. It also gets you the shot right away with a
Rapid AF that's the fastest auto focus in its class*1,
meaning you'll never miss even the most fleeting photo
opportunities. The AF also has a Predictive Focus
Control, which gives unmatched high-speed focusing
that brings out the very best in the Z3's superior
ability to capture moving objects.
Previously
a function only on the high-end DiMAGE A-series, the
CCD-shift Anti-Shake System is now on the DiMAGE Z3.
This system compensates to minimize the effect of
camera shake at 2-3 shutter speeds slower than on
cameras without an Anti-Shake function*2 (equivalent
to 2-3 exposure increments).
For
dim evening shots and telephoto shots, both of which
are susceptible to shaking because of their slow shutter
speed, you get steady, shake-free images without use
of a flash or tripod. Unlike an optical system, Konica
Minolta's proprietary Anti-Shake System uses a unique
CCD-shift mechanism. This keeps the lens compact and
the camera lightweight.
The
DiMAGE Z3 has a 12X optical Mega Zoom, which can be
combined with a 4X digital zoom for up to 48X zoom.
The Z3's newly developed GT APO lens offers strikingly
clear, high-contrast, high-resolution images thanks
to Konica Minolta's G lens optical technology. The
AD (anomalous dispersion) glass and two aspheric elements
help the DiMAGE Z3 correct spherical aberration and
curvilinear distortion, factors that can cause problems
at high zoom ranges. The advanced, high-sensitivity
4-megapixel CCD combines with Konica Minolta's proprietary
CxProcess™ II technology to give you images as
beautiful as those you see with your own eyes.
The
DiMAGE Z3 incorporates an AF-dedicated ASIC to video
AF system for focusing, enabling its Rapid AF to focus
faster than previous models. Focusing time is approximately
0.15 second in wide-angle position and approximately
0.2 second in telephoto position. The DiMAGE Z3 is
fast in other ways, too. It boasts fast startup, a
real motion monitor with 50-fps capability for smooth
video viewing, a minimum shutter-release time lag,
and continuous shooting at 2.2 fps. All this means
you'll never miss a shot.
The
DiMAGE Z3 also boasts advanced basic performance.
The movie recording function allows you to take high-resolution
movies that are as beautiful as TV programs or footage
taken with a video camera. In addition to the VGA-size
(640 X 480 Standard) mode that captures movies at
30 fps, Konica Minolta has added a new, high-quality-image
Fine mode (640 x 480 Fine). The Silent Zoom feature
employs a newly developed Silent Zoom mechanism that
greatly reduces how much noise from the optical zoom
is picked up while shooting movies with sound.
Despite
its large 12X zoom, the Z3 sports a light, compact
body whose design evokes a modern, cosmopolitan image.
The Z3's ergonomic grip makes it easy and comfortable
to carry around and its large, intuitive operation
section keeps you in control at all times. The DiMAGE
Z3 was designed in collaboration with a European design
company whose painstaking efforts in all stages ensure
that the product has the sophisticated look suited
to the European taste.
Features
CCD-Shift
Anti-Shake Function
The
Z3 is the first Konica Minolta Z-series model to include
the Anti-Shake function. This gives the user unprecedented
control and accuracy when taking shots in the late
day twilight and in zoom. The high-precision CCD-shift
method employs the proprietary Smooth Impact Drive
Mechanism (SIDM), in which angular velocity sensors
detect the degree of shaking and move the CCD to compensate
for and correct this. The SIDM enables compensation
to minimize the effect of camera shake at 2-3 shutter
speeds slower than on cameras without an Anti-Shake
function*2 (equivalent to 2-3 exposure increments).
The
Z3 can correct shaking without increasing shutter
speed and raising ISO sensitivity, factors which increase
image noise. You also don't get the deterioration
in image quality associated with electronic anti-shake
systems. The CCD-shift method doesn't require extra
correction lenses like optical anti-shake systems,
so the Z3's body is compact and light. The Z3'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.
Further
Advances in Rapid Autofocus (AF) with Predictive Focus
Control
The
DiMAGE Z3 incorporates an AF-dedicated ASIC to video
AF system. Focusing takes a mere 0.15 seconds at wide
angle and only 0.20 seconds at telephoto. And in Continuous
AF, the Z3 includes Predictive Focus Control, which
allows you to capture sharper images of moving subjects-like
a child running at full speed. When it comes to fast
and reliable autofocusing, the DiMAGE Z3 is clearly
ahead of the pack.
There
are other factors that contribute to an increase in
speed for the DiMAGE Z3. The Z3 has a faster focusing
lens drive that moves the focusing lens more than
twice as fast as our previous model. Its Quick Speed
Image Readout in AF function reads images from the
CCD at a rate of 100 fps from when the shutter-release
button is pressed partway until the image is brought
into focus, giving contrast information in half the
time of normal mode (50 fps). With Optimized AF Sequence,
in Video AF the DiMAGE uses AF Sequence Control to
simultaneously (1) determine the focus drive direction
and (2) drive the lens to the position of maximum
contrast through repeated focusing. This means that
focusing operations start as soon as the shutter-release
button is pressed partway.
The
DiMAGE Z3 also offers improved AF accuracy through
several features. 5-point Area AF 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. A human
subject sensor algorithm uses color information in
an AF area to prioritize and focus on that area if
it is more than 50% occupied by flesh tone. This reduces
shots that erroneously focus on a background rather
than on a person in the picture.
Incredible
48X Total Zoom Range
Combining
the 12X optical zoom with the 4X digital zoom gives
you a 48X total zoom, perfect for taking distance
shots at sports events or when capturing far-away
scenery. 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).
Konica
Minolta GT APO Lens
The
DiMAGE Z3 employs a newly developed 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. It employs a 5-vane iris diaphragm
to beautifully reproduce a near-circular fading effect.
4-Megapixel
CCD for Beautiful Prints
The
4-megapixel, 1/2.5-inch CCD produces plenty of detail
for creating high-quality enlargements as large as
38.5x28.9 cm at 150-dpi print resolution. In addition,
the CCD's primary color filter offers high color fidelity.
Superbly
Detailed Images with CxProcess™ II
CxProcessTM
II image processing technology incorporates characteristics
like smooth gradations, natural skin tones, and brilliantly
clear colors for images that are more natural and
lifelike. The DiMAGE Z3's 4 megapixels capture fine
lines and intricate details for stunning digital images.
High-quality
Movies as Beautiful as TV or Video Camera Footage
The
Z3 takes movies in VGA size (640x480) at 30 fps for
smooth video with sound rivaling TV programs or video
camera footage. You can choose from three movie image
sizes: 640x480 (Fine), 640x480 (Standard), or 320x240
(Standard). Thanks to the Anti-Shake function, you
can take telephoto movies that are smooth and clear.
The XR (Extended Recording) Movie function lets you
record longer movie clips onto the SD memory card.
With Night Movie, the DiMAGE Z3 can record in extreme
low-light conditions thanks to a CCD that's four times
more sensitive than conventional sensors. And to ensure
your movies capture only the sounds you want, the
Silent Zoom feature employs a newly developed Silent
Zoom mechanism that greatly reduces how much noise
from the optical zoom is picked up while shooting.
You can also select your favorite scenes from a movie
and save them as still images with Movie Frame Capture.
To
buy the Konica Minolta Z3 visit B&H
Photo and Video. Trusted photographic merchants
since 1973.
UHS
(Ultra High Speed) Continuous Shooting
The
DiMAGE Z3 captures 15 images at 10 fps at UHS (Ultra
High Speed) continuous shooting.
Progressive
Capture
With the DiMAGE Z3 in Progressive Capture mode, your
images are saved automatically when you stop pressing
the shutter-release button. Progressive Capture means
that the last several images in the sequence get saved:
as many as 6 images (in Standard continuous advance)
or 15 images (in UHS continuous advance). So when
shooting fast-moving objects, Progressive Capture
ensures that they are recorded when and where you
want them. These functions are handy for shooting
sports events or for recording and improving your
form in personal sports training situations.
Real
Motion LCD Monitor
The DiMAGE Z3 features the Real Motion LCD monitor,
which delivers crystal clear images to the user at
50 fps. Conventional monitors on digital cameras use
a 30-fps display format that sometimes results in
a less-than-smooth display. The 50-fps Real Motion
monitor rate gives smooth action that brings images
to life.
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 Z3 offers incredible control over exposure.
There are four modes: Program, Aperture Priority,
Shutter Priority, and Manual. Select manual exposure
to enable 30-second time exposures. The DiMAGE Z3
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 your images. You
can also manually select from Portrait, Sports action,
Landscape, and Sunset modes. You can also set the
DiMAGE Z3 to Night portrait mode in the menu settings.
Either way, this convenient function enables you to
take fabulous photos with ease.
Get
as Close as 1cm with Super Macro
Shoot amazing close-ups in either Macro or Super Macro
modes. Whichever mode you choose, Konica Minolta's
superior image quality will make your close-ups look
stunning and powerful. In Super Macro mode, you can
bring the lens as close as 1 cm from your subject.
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, you 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.
Get fast, fun printouts directly from your camera
by connecting the Z3 to a PictBridge*3-compliant printer.
You can check which images you want to print on the
Z3's LCD monitor and then print out your favorites
in no time at all.
New
Ergonomic Design
The Z3's design is advanced yet familiar and easy-to-use.
Despite its large 12X zoom range, it weighs just 335
g. 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.
ArcSoft
VideoImpressionTM 2 CD-ROM
ArcSoft VideoImpressionTM 2, bundled with the DiMAGE
Z3, offers a fun way to merge your movie clips and
still shots. Working through a step by step guide,
you can add text, music, and special effects to your
movie. Record the finished movie onto a video CD.
(Note: Only compatible with the Windows® operating
system.)
Optional
Wide Converter (Wide-Angle Converter ZCW-300 Kit)
The optional Wide Converter Kit allows you to fit
more of the scene into each shot. The lens has a 26mm
wide angle that is ideal for capturing indoor or outdoor
architecture and panoramic landscape shots.
Compatible
with Optional Flashes
The Z3 is equipped with a flash unit that will literally
light up your pictures. But if it's even more flash
power you require, consider the Konica Minolta Program/Maxxum
Flash 3600HS(D) 5600HS(D) or 2500(D). All of these
incredibly versatile and powerful flash units are
compatible with the DiMAGE Z3.
*
1 As of May 20, 2004, for digital cameras with built-in
lens system and 10X or greater zoom.
* 2 Depends on the shooting conditions.
* 3 PictBridge is an industry standard established
by the Camera & Imaging Products Association (CIPA).
