Announced 15/07/05: Konica Minolta's new 8 megapixel ultra compact Dimage X1, with built in Anti-shake technology - so far the only other ultra compact camera to feature image stabilisation is the 5 megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX7/8 (click to read my review).
The new Dimage X1 features a newly developed anti-shake technology that moves the whole optical unit, and the CCD at the same time. The camera features an internal 3x optical zoom lens, a large 2.5" screen, a docking station, and an optional underwater marine case. The Dimage X1's expected RRP is: £299 including VAT, and is expected to be available in September.
Specifications / Features:
- 8 megapixel resolution
- 3x optical zoom (7.7 - 23.1mm equivelant to 37 - 111mm in 35mm format)
- 2.5" screen
- 5cm Super Macro mode
- New Anti-Shake system
- VGA 640 x 480 movie mode with sound, anti-shake, and optical zoom, at 20fps, includes 'Night movie' feature
- ISO 50, 100, 200
- Docking Station included
- Pictbridge Compatible
- 95 x 68 x 19.5mm,
135g
Full Konica Minolta Dimage X1 Press Release:
The First ‘X-Series’ Compact Digital Camera Equipped with 8 Megapixels, Anti-Shake and Desirable Design that inspires.
Aiming to create “the ultimate digital camera for image quality, function,design, and size,” Konica Minolta proudly announces the DiMAGE X1. A fusionof Konica Minolta’s best imaging technologies combined with the DiMAGE Xseries’ sleek digital camera design, the new DiMAGE X1 offers you exquisitelybeautiful images within a body that takes your breath away.
A camera of true expressive power, the DiMAGE X1 employs an 8 Megapixel,1/1.8-type CCD – the highest resolution currently available in compact digitalcameras. To take full advantage of this incredible resolution, the DiMAGE X1integrates a newly designed optical system as well as CxProcess™ III imageprocessing technology that renders images as natural-looking as they appearto your eye.
The DiMAGE X1 represents
the 10th X series camera and the first toencapsulate Anti-Shake to help
reduce the effects of camera shake. Thusensuring clear, steady shots of
scenes that are otherwise difficult to capture byhand holding such as
in low light situations or indoors. Konica Minoltapioneered Anti-Shake
through the DiMAGE A series, further models in theDiMAGE Z series delivering
this unique technology to a greater number ofusers. In 2004 Konica Minolta
released the Dynax 7D, providing Anti-Shake forthe first time with interchangeable
lenses of any focal length.
The DiMAGE X1 boasts a newly developed type of Anti-Shake system that complementsits folded optics and allows for a more miniaturisation. Offering unrivalled stability, this newtype of Anti-Shake system can provide the equivalent of up to 3 steps assistance to helpcompensate for camera shake, and is effective for taking pictures in low light conditionsand using slow shutter speeds around 1/6th of a second at the Wide-Angle.
To accommodate the high image resolution while keeping the body as slim as possible,the DiMAGE X1 employs a newly designed “non-protruding” 3X optical zoom lens anddelivers a lens focal length of 7.7 to 23.1 mm (equivalent to 37 to 111 mm in 35 mmformat) and an aperture range from F3.5 to F3.8. Complementing this exceptional opticalsystem, the X1 offers two ways to take close-ups: Auto Macro Mode*1, which takes macroshots without having to switch the mode, and Super Macro mode, which capturesamazing close-ups as near as 5 cm.
On the reverse, the DiMAGE X1 is equipped with a large, 2.5-inch LCD monitor thatfeatures a Bright LCD backlight function, which lets you adjust the LCD brightness asneeded with the simple touch of a button. The LCD monitor also offers enhanced easycleaning thanks to a protective acrylic covering.
The design features of the DiMAGE X1 increase desirability for users who value not onlyamazing performance, but also sophisticated design. A sleek, metallic elegance makes theX1 impossible to resist, while smooth round edges fit neatly in your palm, giving you easeof use, familiarity and comfort.
The DiMAGE X1 is available in three coloured finishes. Models in silver resonate a futuristicand sophisticated look with a sensual satin finish that perfectly complements the elegant,genteel nature of the DiMAGE X1. Models available in wine red and black boast anexclusive, glossy mirror finish that evokes a sense of admiration whenever you see it,encouraging you to polish it before showing it to others.
The DiMAGE X1 is also the first Konica Minolta digital camera to come with a convenient,multifunction cradle, which provides quick and easy connectivity for TVs, playback via TV,download to PC or direct printing through PictBridge – all whilst recharging the battery insitu. Alternatively recharge a spare battery by inserting it in the battery slot.
*1 Shortest shooting
distance: 10 cm in Wide-angle and 40 cm in Telephoto positions
Product Highlights
• 8 Megapixel,
1/1.8-type CCD captures images in smooth, ultra-high resolution
• Konica Minolta proprietary CxProcess™ III image processing
technology reproduces images as clearly and naturally as they appear to
your eye
• Newly developed, compact Anti-Shake system for clear, steady shots
• New “flat” 3X Optical Zoom lens doesn’t protrude
even whilst zooming
• Large, 2.5-inch LCD monitor ensures a clear view even under bright
light
• Ultra-slim, sleek, and elegant body with a luxurious finish that
is a joy to behold
• Multifunction cradle offers ideal connectivity with your computer
and TV
Features
The Peak in Resolution Among Compact Digital Cameras
Using a 1/1.8-type CCD, the DiMAGE X1 features approximately 8,300,000 pixels, thehighest resolution in a compact digital camera currently available (as of June 2005). TheDiMAGE X1 enables you to take pictures with up to 3,264 x 2,448 pixels, creating crispand detailed images for printed enlargements up to A3 in size.
The DiMAGE X1’s size is also small. With folded optics technology, the size of a CCD unitdictates the camera’s thickness. The slim and compact size of the DiMAGE X1’s CCDallows for a body 19.5 mm in width, the first time for an X series model to achieve a profileless than 20 mm in size.
Konica Minolta’s Proprietary CxProcess™ III Image Processing Technology
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 to reproduce images asclearly and naturally as they appear to your eye. With this combination, the DiMAGE X1 isable to reproduce images as clearly and naturally as they appear to your eye. You canenjoy genuine colour and tone straight on prints even without manipulation on computers.
A Completely New Type of Anti-Shake System
For the first time ever in the X series, the DiMAGE X1 offers an Anti-Shake system, whichmakes it easy to take clear, steady shots of scenes that are normally difficult to shoot byhand. Offering unrivalled stability, the Anti-Shake system can compensate up to 3 EVexposure stops lower, making it ideal for taking handheld, wide-angle shots in low lightconditions indoors, or after sunset with shutter speeds at 1/6 of a second at wide-anglesetting. For example, in dark settings, such as the light of a candle or tungsten bulb, youcan shoot without using a flash and retain the atmospheric look of the scene.
Differing from the DiMAGE A and Z series, which use the award winning CCD-Shift Anti-Shake, here a newly developed Anti-Shake is used that counters shaking by tilting theentire optical unit together with the CCD. It is designed to ideally complement the DiMAGEX1 folded optics technology that preserves the compact, thin body construction.
Both Konica Minolta Anti-Shake systems, achieve steady shots without moving anyparticular lens in the lens group. Ensuring these systems achieve Anti-Shake whileretaining the performance of the lens that is designed to deliver optimum performance.Anti-Shake represents a dedication to camera technology and respects opticalperformance.
Newly Designed “Non-Protruding” 3X Optical Zoom Lens
To accommodate the high 8 Megapixel resolution CCD of the DiMAGE X1 while stillkeeping the body as slim as possible, the DiMAGE X1 introduces a newly designed, non-protruding 3X optical zoom lens. This new lens system achieves a focal length of 7.7 to23.1 mm (equivalent to 37 to 111 mm in 35 mm format) and an aperture range from F3.5 toF3.8.
The DiMAGE X1 is also equipped with a Super Macro mode. Using this amazing functionwith the zoom lens at the wide-angle setting, you can bring the lens within 5 cm of yoursubject and capture vivid, super close-ups that fill the entire frame. Auto Macro shooting(the shortest ‘normal’ focus distance is 10 cm at wide-angle and 40 cm at telephoto), acustomary feature of all the DiMAGE X series cameras, makes it easy to quickly takeclose-up shots without switching functions.
Large, Bright 2.5-inch Rear LCD Monitor
The DiMAGE X1 is equipped with a large, 2.5-inch LCD monitor that gives you a bright,clear view for framing shots and reading the menu screen. Using the Bright LCD backlightfunction allows you to set the screen 1.5 times brighter, so you can easily see the monitorin bright outdoor locations. As with the DiMAGE X50 and DiMAGE X60, the surface of theDiMAGE X1 LCD monitor is protected with an easy-to-clean acrylic panel that is simplywiped clean of smeary finger prints.
Rounded, Ultra-Slim Polished Body
Without a single protruding part, the super-slim, flat body of the DiMAGE X1 measures just95 x 68 x 19.5mm(W x H x D), the first time the X series models have achieved a bodyprofile less than 20mm in size.
Another key feature of the DiMAGE X1 is its sophisticated body design. Our designersencapsulated their artistic vitality into creating several key design concepts: 1) a new“advanced” lifestyle that inspires users to think of the camera as more than a picture-taking tool, 2) a body design that is as irresistible to hold and touch as it is to admire, 3) aminimalist approach to controls that complements the clear and elegant appearance, 4) anextravagant approach to incorporating advanced technology, and 5) a sense of modernluxury, expressed definitively through the camera’s elegant finish.
The sophisticated rounded form of the DiMAGE X1 exudes a sleek, metallic grace you’ll want to hold in your hands. The rounded edges fit neatly in your palm, giving you quick familiarity and comfort in hand.
Multifunction Cradle Offers Ideal Connectivity with Your Computer, TV and Printer
The DiMAGE X1 is
the first Konica Minolta digital camera to come with its own convenientmultifunction
cradle. Integrating flawlessly with the smooth lines of the DiMAGE X1,
thecradle eliminates cumbersome cable arrangements and provides quick
and easyconnectivity for uploading and viewing images directly on your
Computer or TV. TheDiMAGE X1 multifunction cradle can also operate as
a battery charger, which can eithercharge the battery alone or the battery
when it’s inside the camera. The cradle can evenposition the LCD
monitor forward so you can use it as an image viewer to share withfriends.
Digital Subject Program Selection
The DiMAGE X1 makes taking clear, high-quality shots effortless with a Digital SubjectProgram Selection that offers pre-programmed settings for seven popular photo scenes:Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, Super Macro, Night Portrait, Night View, and Text. You simplychoose the mode best suited to your shooting conditions, and the X1 is ready in an instantwith the optimum settings to turn that special moment into a beautiful memory.
Ultra High Speed Continuous Advance
UHS Continuous Advance captures 640x480-pixel images at up to 10 fps at any imagequality setting, making it ideal for capturing fleeting action such as recording a tennis orgolf swing or a child’s playful expression. The UHS Progressive Capture mode savesimages from the last 1.5 seconds before releasing the shutter button (up to 15 images at640x480), which means you won’t miss photo opportunities during fast moving sportingevents.
High-Resolution VGA Movie Clips Enhanced with Anti-Shake
For the first time in the X series, the DiMAGE X1 offers recording of smooth, high-resolution VGA (640x480 pixels) movie clips with sound. Anti-Shake technology and Autofocus combine to ensure amazingly clear images. While recording, you can even get evencloser to the action using the 3X optical zoom without losing image quality. The DiMAGEX1 records movie in JPEG (MOV) format these are compatible with QuickTime™ forplaying images back on a computer.
Easy-to-Use Bundled Software
• DiMAGE Master Lite This Konica Minolta software for viewing and editing images allows you to carry outdetailed image editing, confirm image information (Exif) recorded when shooting, and carryout colour matching.
• Kodak EasyShare This image management software has an intuitive interface ideal for beginners. It allowsyou to make beautiful prints easily. As well, you can quickly and easily share your favouriteimages with friends and family, make photo CDs, and attach photos to email.
Front, in Black
Anti-shake technology moves both the optical unit and the CCD sensor.
The three colours available: Silver, Black, Red
Back, and docking station
Optional Marine Case