The deficiencies I've found have to do mainly with downloading images and dealing with them once they are in my computer. The Windows XP download wizard cannot rotate images that were taken in vertical format (as it was able to do with my Sony) unless I first rotate the image in the camera's playback display. Images come in as JPEGS, with perhaps a bit more compression than I would like in the "fine" mode - the file sizes for these 4-megapixel photos are about the same as they were with my 3-megapixel Sony. When I edit an image and then try to save it again as a jpeg, my Ulead PhotoImpact 6.0 software cannot compress the image as much as I may need. And my Printmaster 7.0 cannot see the image, though other JPEGS come in just fine. The workaround that I use is to save the Minolta's image as a Bitmap, close the bitmap file, then reopen it, and then save it as a JPEG at the desired level of compression -- and then Printmaster can see it. Perhaps Minolta has done something with the EXIF data that these software applications cannot deal with.

With a camera that generates such widely differing reviews it might be a good idea to buy it where you can return it easily. I got mine at WalMart (Circuit City was out of them) for something like $50 more than the Amazon price, just so I could bring it back quickly. But I'm keeping mine.

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Minolta Dimage Z2, April 15, 2004
Reviewer: "pablocasal"
Dimage Z2 feels good in your hands. The grip handle has well spaced and placed buttons. The neat LCD screen/viewfinder switcher option is very handy. The LCD screen does not fold out for odd-angle viewing. This camera will not fit into a pocket, but is surprisingly light.
The controls are pretty intuitive, but also extensive. They're a lot easier to understand than most VCR's. Of course, this might be faint praise...
Pictures look fine on my 17 inch laptop screen. Since I do not print out my pictures much, 4MP is more than enough. At half the price of the digital Rebel (and the like), I can live with half the megapixels of digital SLR's. The 16meg SD card that it comes with is completely inadequate. My 512 SD card might seem like overkill, unless you want to film movies. Then, the 512 seems just adequate.
The movie-mode is the best I've seen on a camera. If you pick your spots carefully, you can film a wedding in both still and movie modes, and be pleased by both results. However, the motor on the lense is very loud when employed during filming, and will be noticably picked up. In other words, DON'T zoom while filming. The 10X optical lense will make you forget the digital zoom. If you must go for the digital gusto, unless you've got nerves of steel and hands of granite, use a monopod. Z2's focus lock option allows you to properly compose your picture with your subject off center. The focus is fast (if not quiet) and pretty responsive. The flash is powerful (red-eye reduction), and there is a hot-shoe for a larger flash unit.
The 2 AA battery (with AC power option) allows a lot of flexibility. An optional battery unit is available that pretty much provides enough juice to run a small Irish village (excluding the pub).
If you can accept that it is what it is (a consumer camera with lots of neat features in a well-thought-out package), then Z2 deserves its 5 stars.
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A little "frail", February 25, 2006
Reviewer: Hyrum Thompson "The Concubine"

This camera is overall good buy for the price, however, it feels like it is going to break apart in my hands. The body is very poorly constructed, made out of cheap plastic. The black grip from the picture looks as if it is rubber, but...no. It is cheap plastic like the rest of it. Too bad, with a little extra "beef" it could be a bargain.
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Amazing for the price, December 30, 2005
Reviewer: O. M. Milstein "hameitz"

I got it refurbished from ubid for only 179. It arrived in new condition, fully functional. for that funny price I could have maybe gotten a funny pocket camera. Although I must admit I considered getting the panasonic lz2 with the 6x zoom. They are both great buys but if you want something more advanced the this is the way to go.
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A digital slr for less, September 22, 2005
Reviewer: Stan Kotulak

I've owned the Konica Minolta Dimage Z2 for about a year and a half. The selling point was the slr at a price I could afford.

In the past I shot with a 35mm, and swore by them against digital. This camera changed my tune. The quality is there, and the manual features are great. It can be a bit quirky to work the controls.

What I didn't like, was the only accessory listed was the wide angle lens attachment. I wanted to use filters. I have a ton of Cokins.

Much to my amazment and joy, there is an attachment tube that screws on and has a 52mm thread mount for filters. The item costs about $25 and is a worthwhile investment.
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