konica minolta z3/z5

[wonderbar1uk]

any one using the above cameras ,thinking of getting a z3 ,what are they like ,anyone recommend ,thanks all

[DJW]

Had a Z1, which I thought was an excellent camera for the money. The 10x Optical zoom was really impressive. Build quality seemed a bit flimsy around the lens mechanism, but saying that I had no problems for the 18 months I owned.

Go for it

Example shots attached. 1st taken in low light level so some grain ....all on Automode. As this was only 3 Megapixel, I would expect Z3 / Z5 to be a step up.

[wonderbar1uk]

thanks for that ,theres a good package on pixmania ,need a better camera now my canon camcorder is broke like all the others out there,
ps : nice gallery

[M1zuno]

Originally Posted by wonderbar1uk

any one using the above cameras ,thinking of getting a z3 ,what are they like ,anyone recommend ,thanks all

Just bought the Z3. I cannot fault it. The only difference with the Z5 as far as i can tell is the extra Mpixel. Do you think you would be able to tell the difference for the extra cash?



M1zuno

[wonderbar1uk]

thanks mizuno ,did you get yours on the web or local shop

[Ged]

I have recently bought the Z5 as an upgrade from a Minolta F200.
Apart from the extra bulk, this is a great camera and the batteries last far longer than before. You can buy non Minolta lens tubes on Ebay which allow the use of filters, it can be left on with a UV filter to protect the lens.
It does video recording upto 640 res/30fps.
The zoom is great, especially with the antishake on, a contiuous shooting mode gives full res at approx 2-3fps or faster but lower res. where it caches until the shutter is released then saves the last 20 frames. This is good for awaiting the right shot in an uncertain setting, eg penalty shot or kids.
It has recieved some criticism for low light noise with ISO above 200, I have just done some night shots whilst on holiday and they are fine, my HP printed a better result than the same I did at Costco.
I would recommend it, I cannot remeber the advantage over the Z3, it maybe the LCD, consider the filter tube as it only costs £11 with the UV filter and you can add others later such as polarisers for reducing glare and deepening blue skies.

[DJW]

Originally Posted by Ged

I cannot remeber the advantage over the Z3, it maybe the LCD,

About 1 Megapixels & Z5 screen is 2" (if thats bigger ?)

[wonderbar1uk]

thanks everyone ,got a z3 0n monday gone ,just getting used to it ,get out this weekend and do some shots ,thanks again