function reads images from the CCD at a rate of 100 frames per second from when the shutter-release button is pressed partway until the image is brought into focus, giving contrast information in half the time of normal mode (50 frames per second). With Optimized AF Sequence, in Video AF the Dimage Z3 uses AF Sequence Control to simultaneously determine the focus drive direction and drive the lens to the position of maximum contrast through repeated focusing. This means that focusing operations start as soon as the shutter-release button is pressed partway. The Dimage Z3 also offers improved AF accuracy through several features. 5-point Area AF provides five focus areas that overlap horizontally and thus reduce AF failures that occur when subjects appear in between focus areas and cause a perspective conflict. A human subject sensor algorithm uses color information in an AF area to prioritize and focus on that area if it is more than 50% occupied by flesh tone. This reduces shots that erroneously focus on a background rather than on the person in the picture.

CCD-Shift Anti-Shake Function
 The Konica Minolta Dimage Z3 is the first Z-series model to include Konica Minolta's Anti-Shake function. This gives photographers unprecedented control and accuracy when taking pictures in low light situations, as well as when fully-extending and hand-holding the camera's 12x optical zoom lens. The high-precision CCD-shift method employs the proprietary Smooth Impact Drive Mechanism (SIDM), in which angular velocity sensors detect the degree of shaking and move the CCD to compensate for and correct this. The SIDM enables compensation to minimize the effect of camera shake at 2-3 shutter speeds slower than on cameras without an Anti-Shake function (depending on conditions; equivalent to 2-3 exposure increments). The Dimage Z3 can correct shaking without increasing shutter speed and raising ISO sensitivity, factors which increase image noise. In addition, users won't see the deterioration in image quality usually associated with electronic anti-shake systems. The CCD-shift method doesn't require extra correction lenses like optical anti-shake systems, so the Dimage Z3's body is compact and lightweight. The Dimage Z3's anti-shake system is effective in correcting both the fine movement of pressing the shutter-release button and the larger and slower movements of the user's body.

Incredible 48x Total Zoom Range
Combining the camera's 12x optical zoom lens with the 4x digital zoom gives photographers a 48x total zoom, perfect for taking distance shots at sporting events or when capturing distant subjects. This incredible optical zoom lens delivers a focal range equivalent to a 35-420mm range on a 35mm camera lens. With the digital zoom, total zoom is equivalent to 35-1680mm (35mm equivalent).

Konica Minolta GT APO Lens
 

The Dimage Z3 employs a newly developed high-performance lens system that supports CCDs with 5 million effective pixels. The optical lens system consists of 13 elements in 10 groups and includes two AD (anomalous dispersion) glass lenses and two aspheric elements, a construction that adds up to sharp, high-quality images. Multi-coating on 14 lens surfaces ensures minimal flaring and ghosting in all zoom ranges. It employs a 5-vane iris diaphragm to beautifully reproduce a near-circular fading effect.

4-Megapixel CCD for Beautiful Prints
The 4-megapixel, 1/2.5-inch CCD produces plenty of detail for creating high-quality enlargements as large as 10 x 14 inches at 150-dpi print resolution. In addition, the CCD's primary color filter offers high color fidelity.

Superbly Detailed Images with CxProcess II
Konica Minolta's CxProcess II image processing technology incorporates characteristics like smooth gradations, natural skin tones, and brilliantly clear colors for images that are more natural and lifelike. The Dimage Z3's 4 megapixels capture fine lines and intricate details for stunning digital images.

High-quality Movies as Beautiful as TV or Video Camera Footage
The Konica Minolta Dimage Z3 takes movies in VGA size (640x480) at 30 frames per second for smooth video with sound rivaling TV programs or video camera footage. Users can choose from three movie image sizes: 640x480 (Fine), 640x480 (Standard), or 320x240 (Standard). Thanks to the camera's Anti-Shake function, users can take telephoto movies that are smooth and clear. The XR (Extended Recording) Movie function lets users record longer movie clips onto the camera's SD memory card. With Night Movie, the Dimage Z3 can record in extreme low-light conditions thanks to a CCD that's four times more sensitive than conventional sensors.

UHS (Ultra High Speed) Continuous Shooting
The Dimage Z3 captures 15 images at 10 frames per second at UHS (Ultra High Speed) continuous shooting.

Progressive Capture
With the Dimage Z3 in Progressive Capture mode, images are saved automatically when users stop pressing the camera's shutter-release button. Progressive Capture means that the last several images in the sequence get saved: as many as 6 images (in Standard continuous advance) or 15 images (in UHS continuous advance). So when shooting fast-moving subjects, Progressive Capture ensures that they are recorded when and where the user wants them. These functions are handy for shooting sporting events or for recording and improving your form in personal sports training situations such as a golf swing.

Real Motion LCD Monitor
The Dimage Z3 features the Real Motion LCD monitor, which delivers crystal clear images to the user at 50 frames per second. Conventional monitors on digital cameras use a 30-frames-per-second display format that sometimes results in a less-than-smooth display. The 50-frames-per-second Real Motion monitor rate provides smooth action that brings images to life.

Noise Reduction
Noise Reduction enables exceptional night images by automatically preventing the blemishes and graininess associated with slow-shutter shots.

PASM Exposure Control and Metering Modes
The Dimage Z3 offers incredible control over exposure. There are four modes: Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual. Select manual exposure to enable 30-second time exposure capability. The Dimage Z3 has three metering modes: Multi-segment, Center-weighted, and Spot. Multi-segment metering uses 256 segments to determine exposure.

Get as Near as 0.4 inches with Super Macro
Photographers can shoot amazing close-ups in either Macro or Super Macro modes. In Super Macro mode, photographers can bring the lens as near as 0.4 inches from their subject.

PictBridge-Compliant
Forget all about complicated connections with a PC. Users can get fast, fun printouts directly from their camera by connecting the Dimage Z3 to a PictBridge-compliant printer. Users just check which images they want to print on the Dimage Z3's LCD monitor and then print out their favorites in no time at all.

New Ergonomic Design
The Dimage Z3's design is advanced yet familiar and easy-to-use. Despite its large 12x zoom range, it weighs just 11.8 ounces. It's also easy to carry and operate even for amateur photographers. The camera's ergonomic form makes it easy to hold and keep steady for those zoom shots.

What's in the Box
Neck strap NS-DG7000, lens cap LF-243, accessory shoe cap SC-1000, AV cable AVC-700, 16MB SD (Secure Digital) memory card, USB cable USB-2, Dimage Viewer CD-ROM, ArcSoft VideoImpression 2 CD-ROM (for Windows only), four AA alkaline batteries.

Product Description
The DiMAGE Z3 is a high-speed, 4-megapixel digital camera with a 12X optical mega zoom lens. With a CCD-shift Anti-Shake System, the Z3 gives you amazingly steady and reliable telephoto shots even at the maximum magnification. Plus, Rapid AF ensures that you capture moving subjects clearly. The DiMAGE Z3's advanced, high-sensitivity 4-megapixel CCD combines with Konica Minolta's proprietary CxProcess II technology to give you images as beautiful as those you see with your own eyes. Despite its powerful 12X optical zoom, the Z3 sports a lightweight, compact body with a stylish, modern design. An ergonomic grip makes it easy and comfortable to carry and the large, intuitive button layout keeps you in confident control at all times.

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