The DiMAGE Z3 continues with a similar interface found on previous
Z-series cameras. Clear, legible and concise, the interface presents
information as superimposed white characters with a light black
drop shadow, making the screen legible under most circumstances.
Menus are organized so that each page fits onto a single screen,
which avoids scrolling.
The Setup menu is accessible at all times, whatever the mode in
use, its icon always appearing at the top right of the display:
LCD Brightness: to adjust the brightness of the
monitor or of the EVF over 11 steps, according to which is
in use. The adjustments are independent for each.
Power Save: decides the time delay before the camera
automatically powers down to save power (1, 2, 3, 5 or 10
minutes).
Instant Playback determines whether or not a photo
is shown immediately post-capture: Off, 2 or 10 seconds.
Lens Accessory: when the ZCW-300 lens converter
is used, giving the Z3 a wide angle equivalent to 26 mm,
this option deactivates the optical zoom as well as the Super
Macro mode.
Language: selects the interface language (Japanese,
English, German, French or Spanish).
File Number Memory: On or Off. Controls whether
images are numbered consecutively or numbering restarts at
0001 when the memory card is formatted or a new card is used.
Folder Name: to choose whether folder names are
created using the standard system, i.e. 100KM006 (KM for
Konica Minolta and 006 indicating the camera as a Z3), or
based on the date.
Noise Reduction : to activate the noise reduction
system which operates on all photos captured at a shutter
speed of 1 second or more.
Time/Date Set: to set the date and time on the Z3.
Date imprint: serves to choose whether or not the
date will be permanently stamped on the image.
Reset Default: returns all settings to their original
factory settings.
Audio Signals: to select whether or not the Z3 makes
sounds when operated. Two different sounds, or none, are
available, one electronic one mechanical.
Focus Signal: to change or turn off the sound made
by the camera when it focuses.
Shutter FX: offers two different sounds (one is
the mirror sound of a Minolta Dynax camera, the other the
sound made by the famous Minolta CLE), or none.
Volume: adjusts the overall volume of all operation
sounds without affecting the sound volume of the Playback
mode.
Video Output: decides the A/V output signal, NTSC
or PAL.
Transfer mode: to select the USB protocol Data Storage
or PictBridge.
Self-Timer: selects the self-timer delay to be either
2 or 10 seconds.
Anti Shake: to control the Anti-Shake system:
Display +Exposure: the Anti-Shake system is
active the moment the shutter release is pressed halfway,
stabilizing the display image and the CCD during the
exposure.
Exposure: the Anti-Shake system is only active
during the exposure.
Off: the Anti-Shake system is deactivated.
A printed manual accompanies the DiMAGE Z3. The manual is well
organized and easy to understand. All the functions of the Z3,
even the most complex, are well-explained, albeit quite concisely.
In addition the manual scatters sidebars throughout the pages
that explain the company's most notable achievements and cameras.
Software
(Note that the software included with a camera can vary from
country to country.)
The Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z3 we
reviewed is supplied with two CDs. One disc contains DiMAGE
Viewer version 2.35 for Windows and Macintosh, and QuickTime to
see the video clips captured with the camera. The second disc
offers Video Impression 2 from ArcSoft, a program that
allows editing video clips, but which is only for Windows machines.
DiMAGE Viewer can be used to import images when the
camera is connected via USB, or if the memory card has been
inserted into a card reader. The program acts as an image browser,
and makes it possible to organize images by copying or moving
them from one folder to another. In addition, when images are
displayed as thumbnails, it is possible to display detailed
shooting information about any particular photo in a separate
window.
A selected image can also be
edited in a different window. Photos can be edited for sharpness,
hue, saturation, lightness, and colour balance. Each of these
controls is accessed in a separate window, and the editing can
be achieved with different tools — sliders or changes to
curves for the different image components — and all the
tools can be shown simultaneously.
Finally, from the editing window it is possible to print photos, or create
index sheets.
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Interface & Software
