The
Konica KD-500Z continues the design of the KD-400Z,
offering a metal body, but this time in a dark livery.
When
turned off, the lens of the KD-500Z is fully retracted into the camera,
and is protected by a sliding metal cover that serves as the main power
switch. A bright blue light, directly under the lens, serves a dual function:
AF assist when the light is low, and self-timer lamp.
Probably the most notable thing about the KD-500Z is the speed at which
the camera is ready to shoot. The lens extends so rapidly that by the
time the cover reaches its stop as it is being slid back, the lens is
already out. Powering down is similarly fast. Sliding the cover to its
first stop turns off the camera, and the lens retracts instantly. Very
impressive.
As
a resolution upgrade to the KD-400Z, the KD-500Z retains an identical
set of external controls. The top supports the shutter release, and a
microphone.
The two memory formats the KD-500Z is capable of using — simultaneously
— are identified to the left of the microphone: SD/MMC (Secure
Digital/MultiMedia) and Memory Stick. In addition, the KD-500Z
also provides a 2 MB internal memory allowing the camera to capture 640
x 480 pixel photos in a pinch.
All
the other controls of the KD-500Z are arranged on its back. Three buttons
are aligned over the LCD screen, to the left of the optical viewfinder.
Starting on the left, they are for:
Play-back:
which also functions when the camera is powered off and the button
is held in for more than 2 seconds.
Display:
which controls the LCD screen and the basic information overlay
that indicates the image number and the time/date.
Delete:
which can be used to erase one or all images.
Two
LEDs are embedded to the right of the viewfinder's exit pupil. The upper,
green one, indicates focus and "ready to shoot" when lit, and
lack of focus when flashing. The lower one lights up red while the flash
is charging or while a memory card is being formatted; and blinks red
when the shutter speed drops and there is a likelihood of camera shake.
The upper right side of the camera's back provides the zoom controls,
composed of 2 separate buttons, with the camera's speaker below:
sets
the lens to wide angle, and also serves to return a magnified image
back to its starting point in playback.
moves
the lens towards telephoto, and in playback can be used to magnify
a part of an image up to 12X.
The
4-direction control, to the lower right of the 1.5 inch LCD screen, is
used not only to navigate the camera menus and move a magnified image
around, but also serves to control:
Macro
mode, Landscape mode and Self-Timer with the left arrow. In addition,
combinations of each are possible: Macro and Self-Timer; Landscape
mode and Self-Timer.
Selects
various Flash modes with the right arrow: Auto, Red-eye Reduction,
Fill-in Flash, Slow Synch, and Forced Off.
Last,
a small round button between the 4-direction control and the LCD screen
is used to:
call
up the menus and register a selection.
Like
the KD-400Z, from which it derives its principal characteristics, the
KD-500Z is a superbly compact camera. Simple to use and fast to react,
the KD-500Z captures 5-megapixel images quickly and discretely, all the
while offering an irreproachable quality finish.
