Main Features | |
Resolution | 3.2 |
Optical Zoom | 10 |
Battery Type | Alkaline or Rechargeable |
written by Adam A on 13/01/2004
I was very excited to be buying this Minolta Dimage Z1 digital camera, as it has so many features for a great price. However, there are many fundamental problems with it that should be sorted out for future models.
The 10X zoom is brilliant, but that is about the only redeeming feature of this camera. It looks and feels awkward. The shutter release button is placed at a strange angle, and is difficult to depress without moving the camera - very bad for longer exposure shots.
The camera is difficult to hold as the grip is not textured, and is a peculiar eliptical shape.
The lens barrel wobbles and is not secure.
The battery compartment has plastic hinges which are liable to break and render the camera useless. They also appear to be under a lot of pressure due to the sprung battery contacts. The flap flexes and bends.
The circular strap attachments constanly rattle and cause annoyance.
The autofocus is very noisy as it is constantly on the go (there is a setting to turn this off so that it only focuses when you press the button halfway).
The mode selection dial is recessed and surrounded by obstructions (the zoom lever for instance) and is nearly impossible to turn without hitting other controls.
Generally, image quality is good, but at only 3 megapixels you might as well spend a bit more and get something like a Kodak DX6490.
Video clips are impressive and capable of VGA resolution @ 30fps, but the noise of the shutter can be heard on the audio when it is played back.
I thought I would be able to get over how ugly it was due to its features, but given the build quality it emphasises how flimsy and cheap it is.
If you want a camera packed with features, then this is a good buy for the price. However, if you value build quality then you will be dissapointed. This camera is cheap and nasty in my opinion.
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As rated by our community of reviewers
Djgazza's Response to Adam A's Review
Written on: 25/01/2004
this reviewer doesnt know what hes on about i have 1 and its great DO NOT listen to this reviewer for the money this is a fantastic camera
Kenwood33's Response to Adam A's Review
Written on: 08/01/2005
I have owned my Minolta Z1 for about a year or so and have found it to be a cracking little camera. The guy does not know what he is talking about and I am a Woman who takes loads of goods shots!! To be perfectly honest it is a brilliant little camera for the money and what more do you want? If you want to go top rate then you buy a top rate camera but other than that this camera has everything I would expect from it and more!
167386_Blugnu's Response to Adam A's Review
Written on: 26/08/2004
Can't agree with this reviewer at all. I have no problems with this camera in terms of holding it, yes it is somewhat different from the norm, but everything falls to hand very nicely. I've read all sorts re the lens "wobble" and it's true, it moves slightly within the housing, but it has no effect whatsoever on the quality of shots, which are excellent. It has way more features than you'll ever need, and the movie mode is excellent. The battery housing simply requires sensible use, but I have no concerns over that either. Incidentally, battery life is excellent.
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<br>I've always been a Minolta fan, and this camera meets all my needs. You won't get the same facilities for the price with anything else.
Krieger's Response to Adam A's Review
Written on: 03/05/2004
After being a little worried by the issue of the wobbling lens, I sent an email to Minolta, querying the problem.
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<br>It would seem that the lens wobble is actually a feature of the camera, and will not affect the quality of the pictures taken with it. In fact, their reason for the wobble is supposed to make your pictures even higher quality. The rattling lens occurs because of a balancing system in the lens housing. This is designed to mechanically cancel small amounts of shaking caused by the unsteadiness of the human hand.
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<br>It would seem that Minolta say that this 'feature' is a cheaper version of the highly expensive 'digital stability control' which we see on the top-end camera. This is where the camera uses digital methods to ensure that all shaking is removed from the camera, to gain the sharpest possible shot with minimal blurring.
Terryp's Response to Adam A's Review
Written on: 04/02/2004
I'm afraid I've got to agree with the other guy who left a comment. I considered all the reviews and the Z1 is an outstanding camera for the price.
<br>The lens rattle which Minolta have said they designed it that way to make the autofocus faster, is only apparent if you violently shake the camera, something we do all the time eh!
<br>The battery cover could have been a bit sturdier, I just make sure I apply even pressure when I close the lid.
<br>The build quality is not as bad as the reviewer makes out, of course it's not in the same class as a some of the more upmarket models, Minolta included. But mine cost me £232.00 inc' postage from PCworld, compared to the £340.00 for the Kodak, I'm well satisfied.