Aperture: f6.3, shutter speed: 1/160 sec.
50 ISO, 35mm equivalent.
The power of a 12X zoom is always
impressive, and the Z3's zoom, bolstered by its Anti-Shake stabilization
system, certainly fits the bill. The lens has a focal range that
covers from a reasonably wide angle of 35mm to a remarkable 420mm,
when converted to the 35mm film format.
The zoom lens is apochromatic (APO) and uses anomalous dispersion glass
to improve contrast at long telephoto focal lengths.
Aperture: f4.5, shutter speed: 1/250 sec.
50 ISO, 420mm equivalent.
The 2 photos shown at left exemplify
the power of this 12X zoom. A distant farmhouse and its surrounding
vineyard in Naramata, one of the south Okanagan's best wine growing
regions, is imaged sharply, even with the slight haze that can
be seen in the wide angle shot above.
The Anti-Shake system is critical with this type of image — in this
case both photos are shot handheld — as it eliminates the slight
involuntary movements of the photographer which are amplified by the magnification
of the zoom.
It must be understood however that
the fact that the Z3's lens is stabilized is not a guarantee
of pin-sharp images in all cases. Indeed, the Anti Shake system
is ideal for images such as this, but will not be of much assistance
under poor light or when the camera is subjected to a strong
vibration.
The wide angle end of the Z3's
zoom benefits from the use in its design of 2 aspherical elements
that minimize distortion.
These, combined with the multi-coatings used on most lens elements, virtually
eliminate any chromatic aberration throughout the entire focal length range
of the zoom.
Set to capture images at the
largest image size and the least compression (Fine), the Z3 yields
very detailed photos, a fact that is particularly noticeable
when the camera is set to Super Macro mode which allows the lens
to come as close as 1cm (0.39 inch) from a subject.
With a sensitivity range that covers from 50 to 400 ISO, the Z3's photos
show little or no noise at the lowest sensitivity of 50 ISO, or even at
100 ISO.
A bit of noise starts to creep into images shot
at 200 ISO, and becomes slightly more noticeable in shadows at
400 ISO, and in areas of uniform colour. Still, over all, noise
is very well controlled and the Auto ISO setting which has a
range that covers from 50 to 200 ISO can be used without too
much worry.
Metering is best with the 256 multi-segment pattern, but the metering is
still most effective when the subject is evenly lit.
But, with subjects that have strong contrasts, the metering
will occasionally overexpose the highlights.
Clearly, the addition of a dedicated EVF on the Z3 is an improvement
over previous versions of the camera. Yet, by the same token, the 1.5
inch LCD monitor of the camera has a lower resolution, and this is noticeable
when trying to ascertain if a previously captured image is sharp while
in the playback mode.
The DiMAGE Z3 represents a major
step forward in the Z-series cameras, offering many valuable
improvements. Of these, undoubtedly, the 12X zoom and the Anti-Shake
system stand out as the most important. Other important changes,
such as the separate EVF, add to the ease of use of the camera
and to its reliability. But more discreet modifications, such
as the addition of an excellent Super Macro mode, will be just
as appreciated over time.
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