Product Review: Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z3 4MP Ultra-Zoom Digital Camera

Though Minolta has exited the digital camera market permanently, their 'z' series of ultra-zoom cameras continues to remain a popular line amongst low-megapixel enthusiasts. A mid-level in the series, the DiMAGE z3 made its debut in late 2004 at an original price of $599. Now, five years later, refurbished and like-new units can be found on Amazon, amongst other places, for a price range of $75 - $125.

If you're looking for an ultra-zoom camera with the ability to use extended lenses, a professional look, and excellent image quality without a high price, read on to find out if the Konica Minolta DiMAGE z3 camera is for you.

Design

The design on the DiMAGE z3 is a more modern update on the odd-looking z10. Unlike the z10, which has a fixed barrel that is fairly long, the barrel on the z3 retracts into the body, making its overall size smaller and easier to fit inside a pocket or bag.

The back of the z3 has the same design that all Minolta digital cameras sport--the round, sweeping look, with a power button on the bottom and a switch to toggle between the viewfinder, LCD, and gallery. The profile of the camera is quite attractive, and makes the camera look like a professionals.

The sides of the unit, above the video out port and the SD card slot, are small clasps for a Minolta neck strap. The neck strap is charcoal gray, has a small strip of leather for the neck, and weaves into itself for a tight, secure fit.

Photo Quality

I once had a photographer joke with me that he got twice the electronic noise for twice the price. Though the noise on this camera doesn't have much more noise than its cheaper counterpoint, the z10, the grain is noticeable, even in day shots, where little specks can be detected in a blue sky, for example.

With that aside, the shots are very sharp and the colors are very saturated, and even without the anti-shake, the extremely fast shutter speed makes for very stable shots. With the anti-shake, low-light, low shutter speed, and night time shots come out consistently sharp and without blur.

Overall, this camera competes with modern consumer digital cameras in the 8 - 12 megapixel range, and isn't disappointing, especially if you're primarily a daytime photographer.

Video Quality

As is usual from digital technology from 2000-2004/5, the video quality is standard definition and in no way exciting, pretty, or usable for anything other than fun Internet clips (or those times you spot a random UFO).

Conclusion

In conclusion, you get a whole lot of camera for the low price you end up paying for this 'old' camera. The images are very nice, if a little noisy, and there are enough features to keep a pro from going crazy and to turn a beginner into an intermediate user.