Konica Minolta Dimage X1 8MP features approximately 8,300,000 pixels, the highest resolution in a compact digital camera available as of June 2005. It also enables users to take pictures with up to 3,264 x 2,448 pixels, and a newly developed, compact Anti-Shake system helps create crisp and detailed images for printed enlargements up to 16 x 22 inches in size.
In addition, the DiMAGE X1’s size is small and thin. With folded optics technology, the size of a CCD unit dictates the camera’s thickness. The slim and compact size of the DiMAGE X1’s CCD allows for a body 0.8 inches in width, the first time for an DiMAGE X series model to achieve a profile less than 0.9 inches in size. The camera also features a large, 2.5-inch LCD monitor ensures a clear view even under bright light.
To achieve optimum compatibility with its new optics, 8-megapixel resolution, and 1/1.8-type CCD, the DiMAGE X1 uses Konica Minolta’s top image processing technology–CxProcess III. With this combination, the DiMAGE X1 is able reproduce images as clearly and naturally as they appear to a photographer’s eye. Users can enjoy true colors and tones in their printed pictures even without image manipulation on a computer.
For the first time ever in the Konica Minolta DiMAGE X series, the DiMAGE X1 offers an Anti-Shake system, which makes it even easier to take clear, steady shots of scenes that are normally difficult to shoot by hand. Offering unrivalled stability, the Anti-Shake system can compensate up to 3 EV exposure stops slower, making it ideal for taking handheld, wide-angle shots in low light conditions indoors, or after sunset with shutter speeds at 1/6 of a second at wide-angle setting.
Unlike the Konica Minolta DiMAGE A and DiMAGE Z series cameras which use Konica Minolta’s CCD-shift Anti-Shake technology, the DiMAGE X1 features a newly developed proprietary Anti-Shake system that counters shaking by tilting the entire optical unit combined with the CCD. It is designed to ideally complement the DiMAGE X1’s folded optics technology to preserve the compact, thin body construction that the DiMAGE series is known for.
Helpful consumer’s review
The review from Thailand was right on about this camera. He might have a better experience (still not a perfect experience) after he downloads the Camera’s firmware 1.10 version (or later).
I have a feeling Minolta released the camera a bit too soon. I had purchased this camera after my Canon IXUS 500 (in Asia)/PowerShot S500 (in USA) got damaged while I was flying to Singapore. The sales person in Singapore convinced me that this was the latest technology for digital cameras. As I took this camera around on my trip, I found many things I didn’t like about it. One thing that this camera has is the “cool new item” factor.
Out of the box.. I would give this camera.. one star.
The shutter speed was almost painful for me. The egronomics of the camera does not appeal both to the photographer and to the subjects (the people getting their picture taken).
#1 I found the multi-flash (3 flashes) resulted in poor shots. People thought I was done with my shot after the first flash. The good news is that the Firmware update 1.10 fixed this.
#2 The position of the lens in the upper right corner was a bad idea. Many shots resulted in many shots with a “flesh colored fog cloud” which was my finger.
#3 For the price, Minolta should have provided a bigger SD Card. The provided 32MB SD Memory Card is a joke. This will only hold about 8-15 pictures.
On my return home, I realized that I didn’t have the CD ROM provided by Mintola. A look on their support website resulted in a message stating that I must buy a new CD from some other site The sales guy in Singapore told me that Windows XP computers didn’t require the drivers. That wasn’t so. My Windows XP couldn’t recognize the USB Cradle and the Camera. I’m stuck without the CD, but I can still transfer files using the SD Memory.
In summary.. The features and the appearance of this camera are first class. The practical short comings of the physical ergonomics are some what painful. After installing the firmware file, much of the operational shortcomings have improved. Now I feel like I’m getting the class of camera I bought at that price.
