Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z6 Digital Camera Announced

The Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z6 has been announced.  The Z6 is a 6 megapixel ultra-zoom (12x optical) that includes the same CCD-shift Anti-Shake technology that is in Konica Minolta's Maxxum 7D digital SLR.  The camera also features a 2 inch LCD.  According to Konica Minolta, 4 AA high-capacity NiMH rechargeable batteries will power the Z6 for approximately 420 shots.  The Rapid AF (focusing in 0.2 seconds and wide angle and 0.3 seconds a telephoto) allow photographers to quickly capture their shot.  The Z6 will be available in mid-September at a retail of $399.99.

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Press Release:

Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc. introduces the new 6.0-megapixel DiMAGE Z6 digital camera. This camera offers a built-in 12x optical Mega Zoom lens, Konica Minolta's proprietary Anti-Shake system, Rapid AF with Predictive Focus Control for fast overall responsiveness, built-in flash and excellent battery performance.

"The combination of advanced imaging features within the new DiMAGE Z6 digital camera allows photographers to take exceptionally crisp, sharp photographs in virtually any picture-taking situation," said Paul Zakrzewski, Director of Product Management for Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc.

The Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z6 incorporates its 12x optical Mega Zoom lens and large 2.0-inch LCD monitor into a compact and easy to hold camera design. The DiMAGE Z6's built-in 12x optical zoom lens and 4x digital zoom capability combine for a total zoom range of 48x.

In addition, Konica Minolta's proprietary CCD-shift Anti-Shake system--the same system used in Konica Minolta's top-of-the-line Maxxum 7D digital Single Lens-Reflex (SLR) camera, and first featured in Konica Minolta's DiMAGE A series of digital cameras--allows photographers to shoot with shutter speeds four to eight times longer (2-3 stops) than when shooting without an Anti-Shake system. The system also provides steady, shake-free images in twilight or other dimly lit situations, which are susceptible to blurring because of the slow shutter speeds used. This means significantly sharper images even without the use of a flash or tripod.

The new DiMAGE Z6 has everything photographers need to take high-quality pictures: 6.0 effective megapixels, high-performance GT APO lens, and Konica Minolta's proprietary CxProcess(TM) III image processing technology, which gives users images as beautiful as those they see with their own eyes.

Thanks to its energy-efficient design, the Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z6 lets users enjoy picture-taking longer with four widely available AA Alkaline batteries that power the camera for up to approximately 240 shots, as well as compatibility with high-capacity rechargeable Ni-MH batteries for up to approximately 420 shots.

To ensure that photographers don't miss a shot, the new DiMAGE Z6 offers ultra-fast, accurate Rapid AF with Predictive Focus Control. Focusing in a mere 0.2 second at the wide-angle zoom position and only 0.3 second at the telephoto position, the DiMAGE Z6 is ideal for accurately capturing any subject, moving or still.

In addition to high-precision Rapid AF, the DiMAGE Z6 features a fast startup time and short shutter-release lag time. In addition, the camera's Progressive Capture drive mode records images continuously at approximately 1.8 frames per second regardless of image size or quality, and saves the last 10 frames simply by releasing the shutter button.