The Konica Minolta Dimage Z20 , like the Dimage Z5 (; July 2005 ) looks like a appliance from a sci - fi flick . But concealed within its unparalleled - shaped organic structure is a surprisingly equal to camera with an Automatic mode for snap shooters and Program , Aperture Priority , Shutter Priority , and Manual pic modes for shutterbug .
The unusual shape is a routine bulky for a compact ( this is n’t a sack television camera ) , but affords a easy grip . The 1.5 - inch LCD is tiny , but it ’s burnished and knifelike , and bill of fare are soft to scan and navigate . The electronic viewfinder ( EVF ) is easier than the LCD to view in bright sunshine , though the images in it are somewhat gritty . It has a diopter adjustment , so you’re able to line up it to your eyesight . A live histogram helps you manually set exposure compensation ( speedily selected by accountant buttons ) . And a flash - mode button , pose behind the shutter button , lay manual controls at your fingertip ; you may customize it to easily enable and disable driving force , focal point , or color modes , or white Libra the Balance or ISO configurations . The Z20 ’s ISO ranges from 50 to 320 and can be lay out automatically or manually .
The conveniently arranged buttons and comptroller are easy to manipulate , but they clack , and finger slimly flash . Overall , though , the tv camera feel solid .
The three - gunpoint field autofocus ( AF ) is antiphonal ( you could select from single - shot or continuous ) , and you could centre manually using the controller . A stress - lock feature is available in single - shot focusing mode , and uninterrupted autofocus apply Predictive Focus Control to anticipate where your motivate subject will be when you issue the shutter .
The Z20 ’s 8x optic zoom electron lens is a bit slow at the wide terminal with a maximal aperture of f3.2 , but that only leap to f3.4 when zoom in ( many other cameras in this division have maximal aperture of f4.5 of f5.0 at the long end , command more wanton ) . Like the Konica Minolta Dimage Z5 , it can focalise to an impressive 0.4 inches in macro manner , attain either model a good choice if you ask to rivet very close .
You wo n’t have to worry about missing a shot with the Dimage Z20 , because startup time is virtually instantaneous . A uninterrupted way can capture three frames at the highest quality in about as many seconds , and a Progressive Capture mode snaps pictures continuously every 1.5 seconds for as long as you admit the shutter ( but only at average tone ) , then records the last six image to retentivity .
The Z20 ’s image had accurate colors and very good item , but slenderly underexposed , and randomness was evident above 100 ISO . I also remark some purple fringing around mellow - contrast edge .
There ’s a film mode , but it records without sound recording , so it ’s of limited use .
Macworld’s Buying Advice
Very respectable pictures , 8x optical zoom , pore to 0.4 inches , and manual ascendance make the Z20 a good choice for the first shutterbug on a budget , especially if your pastime lie in macro picture taking .
Jury Tests
exfoliation = Excellent , Very Good , Good , Flawed , Unacceptable
