Konica Minolta Dimage X60

I purchased the Konica Minolta Dimage X60 camera to replace my Sony P-71 which was driving me insane with the length of time it took from being switched off to taking a picture.

I researched it thoroughly on the net and then went to various camera shops to try the models in real life, and whilst the X60 scored midway in the reviews I felt it was best for me.

The huge screen is excellent, no viewfinder so you use the screen for everything. The modes and menus are easy to set and everything does what its supposed to.

In the main the professional reviews concentrated on the following negatives:

- Battery door having no lock and being easy to accidentally open - I have not experienced this problem at all, the door shuts securely and I have yet to have it open accidentally

- Battery life restricted to 180 shots approx - This I'd agree with and it's one of the lowest in its class which I guess is due to having to have the screen on all the time, but buy a second battery (the after market ones are fine) and you'll be set

- Image quality, especially noise - This is a matter of opinion I think. At the end of the day its a £160 5mp "snapshot" camera. If you push it really hard you might not get the image you we hoping for, but day to day taking the sorts of photos where you want a lightweight quick camera its great. I have taken my best and worse shots with this camera. I haven't noticed noise on the image, most of my bad ones were blurred or out of focus, and the best were truly excellent.

I've recommended this camera to three friends who have all bought one and couldn't be happier.