Aperture: f5.6, shutter speed: 1/100 sec.
100 ISO.
Without a doubt, there are many
more similarities than differences between the DiMAGE Z1 and
the Z2. The prime distinction between them is the 4 megapixel
resolution of the Z2, and the addition of a few features such
as PictBridge compatibility, making it possible to print photos
directly from the camera to a similarly compatible printer.
The Z2 is a light and compact camera which can be carried along for hours,
and with its 10X zoom, subjects near and far can be captured clearly.
But since, like the Z1, the Z2
doesn't have an optical stabilizing system, a bright and well
lit subject is often the only way to ensure that photos captured
at the full power of the zoom will be sharp.
As with all cameras that have a powerful zoom, the slightest camera movement
becomes greatly amplified when the zoom is at its maximum magnification.
To avoid a blurred image because of this camera shake, either a high shutter
speed must be available — in other words the subject must be very
well lit — or a tripod must be used to stabilize the camera.
The GT zoom lens of the DiMAGE
Z2 seems to be very well mated with the 4 megapixel CCD, and
the images turn out sharp, detailed, and with accurately reproduced
colours.
Still, photos captured at the widest angle of the zoom show a bit of barrel
distortion, while those captured at the maximum telephoto reveal a faint
hint of pincushion distortion. Generally however, both types of distortion
are clearly minimized by the correcting lens elements.
The Z2 turns out well exposed photos
easily, and its Auto mode will reliably capture most subjects
without any intervention from the user.
Moreover, if the Automatic Digital
Subject Program Selection is enabled in the menu, the Z2 is occasionally
able to recognize a scene type and select the appropriate scene
mode, ensuring that it will use the best possible shot settings
for that particular subject.
But, in our opinion, while the Auto mode is useful, the Program mode is
probably a better choice for easy photography. Unlike the Auto and Scene
modes which let the camera increase the CCD sensitivity up to 200 ISO,
thereby potentially increasing noise in the image, the Program mode gives
the user control over sensitivity.
Used in low light, the Z2 increases
the sensitivity of the CCD so the image is bright enough for
the focusing system to operate, and returns it to its set level
when the photo is captured.
Although the system works well, it would have been useful for the Z2 to
also have a focus assistance light, for those times when the ambient light
is simply too low for any sensitivity gain on the CCD to be sufficient.
As it is, the only possibility is to switch to manual focus, estimate the
distance, and hope the flash shot will be sharp.
The DiMAGE Z2 is, to date, the only camera that
offers a video capture mode with a resolution of 800 x 600 pixel,
comparatively a huge image size. Likewise, it also offers one
of the smoothest movie modes available currently, 640 x 480 at
30 frames per second, a format that yields an image quality that
is nothing short of impressive, and is bolstered by very clear
sound recording.
But, if the Z2 offers some benefits over its competitors, it also lacks
a couple of features they offer.
For one the flash shoe of the Z2 is dedicated to Minolta
flash units, or third party units that are Minolta compatible.
For another, the Z2 uses a single LCD monitor with a mechanical
system and does not have a separate electronic viewfinder.
Aside from these feature differences however, the still image quality
of the DiMAGE Z2 is hard to fault, and compares well with other cameras
in its range. A fact that may help narrow the selection of this camera
over another to other factors.
Compare Prices for Minolta Dimage Z2 Digital Camera Battery Charger (B-9700)
Image Quality
