Minolta Dimage F100 4MP is essential in any camera, but invaluable in today’s crowded compact digital-camera market.
The 4-megapixel resolution of the F100 produces very large images that are fantastic for prints larger than 11 by 14 inches. Thankfully, the F100 allows you to step down the resolution to a more manageable 2-megapixel level (1,600 x 1,200 pixels) if you need the space on your memory card.
Its 3x optical zoom lens aids in photo composition, and an additional 2.5x digital zoom (7.5x total) further magnifies your image. Remember, however, that digital zoom reduces the sharpness and detail of your image, so it’s best used sparingly.
Minolta built in some great autofocus features to help make your life easier, including wide-focus area autofocus, and spot-focus areas with focus-area selection (which enables you choose a specific, narrow focus field). During our testing, the autofocus worked beautifully, and we never ended up with our target out of focus.
The F100 uses AA batteries and, disappointingly, comes with a set of disposables. We used the camera at a family gathering over the course of a weekend, and the batteries held up fine, so the power drain isn’t as horrendous as in past digital cameras. Ideally, though, you’ll want to buy a set of rechargeables, to help preserve your sanity, pocketbook, and the environment.
Helpful consumer’s review
After spending more than a year looking for just the right digital camaera, I chose the F100 and am very happy. With 4 megapixels, 3x zoom, and good optics, the camera is an excellent value for the price.
Most of all, I love the design and ergonomics (I’m an industrial designer and ergonomic engineer, so I’m fussy about these things). The camera is very sturdy and has a clean all-metal housing. It’s very small as well, yet it’s still quite easy to hold and operate with one hand. The controls make good sense too. Aesthetically, it’s very smart looking without being over the top.
The area autofocus works well, though the subject tracking responds so slowly that It doesn’t seem that helpful. No matter. All in all, it takes great pictures in Auto mode, and also has a “Multi” mode which gives you full manual control over focus and exposure, or you can choose to control some things and let the camera handle the rest.
Note that unlike some cameras, it doesn’t include a rechargeable battery or charger, but it does take 2 AAs. You can buy a smart charger and 4 AA NiMH batteries–around the same cost as buying a second proprietary battery for rival cameras.
All in all, this is well designed and constructed fully featured camera in a small, elegant package.
