Rating: 
Summary: DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY
Review: The images are not sharp at the telephoto end of the lens. Also, very bad camera shake blur if you do not use a tripod. Only 3.2 Megapixels. You need at least 4 nowadays, especially if you want to crop or enlarge. Panasonic Lumix is about to release the FZ10 which is a 4 Megapixel camera with a Leica 12X Zoom lens with Image Stabilization. This means that you do not get blur camera shake even with handheld shots at the long end of the zoom. Wait for this one. Never buy a long-zoom camera withour Image Stabilization.
Rating: 
Summary: 10x optical zoom, affordable, but consider competition
Review: the minolta dimage z1 is an affordable and capable entry into the 10x optical zoom camera class. but there are a couple of watch-outs to consider.pros:
- 10x optical zoom - this is the main selling point of this camera (make sure you get a tripod or monopod to hold the camera steady at 10x to prevent blurry shots).
- 3MP resolution.
- generally good image quality.
- good redeye performance (better than competition).
- uses a passive AF system that theoretically speeds up focus times at all light levels although low light focus speeds were not as fast as expected.
- has several burst mode options that should appeal to sports photographers.
- allows a great deal of manual control.
- fast start-up.
- minimal shutter lag.
- fast shot to shot times.
- external flash hot shoe - but only compatible with minolta-based flashes.
- support for optional wide-angle lens.
- bright, hi resolution 1.5" LCD display (smaller size than competition, though).
- has intriguing Switch Finder system reflects the LCD image to the viewfinder so you see what the CCD sees.
- movie mode supports VGA quality (640x480) capture at 15 or 30 frames-per-second plus the AF system operates continuously during movie mode ensuring sharpness.
- non-proprietary AA batteries used. this means replacement batteries are as close as the nearest convenience store (i recommend rechargeables though).
- not the most compact 10x zoom camera: 4.3 x 3.1 x 3.2", but one of the lightest at 10.8oz.
- for the price, has a solid feature set. cons:
- noticeable purple fringing in high contrast and night shots.
- soft images with details having over-processed feel.
- some barrel distortion at wide-angle.
- does not support RAW or TIFF formats.
- build quality suspect as evidenced by lens rattling and a battery door that feels like it will detach easily.
- the feedback when using the Switch Finder system does not give the solid feel that is confidence building - will this system last?
- the passive AF system does not perform very well in low light.
- the supplied 16MB SD card is inadequate. be prepared to shell out a few more bucks for more memory.
- add more $$ to buy more rechargeable batteries and a charger (only disposable batteries are included). the dimage z1 is a good value (for the feature set) in the 10x zoom camera class but two areas of improvement are: noticeable purple fringing and suspect build quality. if this camera holds up well, it's a very nice value. but if it breaks prematurely, you're out several c-notes. in the 10x optical zoom class, also consider the olympus c-740 and c750 as well as the fuji s5000. i hope this helps you with your buying decision. peace.
Rating: 
Summary: Minolta Dimage Z1 3.2MP Camera Review
Review: This camera is certainly in a class of its own. But before you buy it, here's what I found : (I wont comment on photo quality as anything these days over 2MP will produce excellent and sharp images - the Minolta being able to do this with ease) 1. I initially wanted the Fujifilm S5000 - a very very good camera. However, when I compared picture quality, the Minolta Stood out. The Minolta also stood out with its SLR-type viewfinder which helps a lot in taking pictures. 2. Bluriness : The camera does not use infrared focusing but rather "calculates" the focal points in the picture - and then uses that to focus on the correct items. This works very well BUT - I have noticed that when taking pictures with moving smoke (i.e a barbeque) the autofocus struggled and had to switched to manual. Other than that it has given me no problems and is capable of allowing the user to focus on particular parts of the picture. 3. The cameras looks and "handle"-ability are superb. Its easy to hold, the buttons are reachable and its comfortable. 4. The Macro is just stunning! 5. The LCD display is the sharpest I have seen - another plus over the S5000. 6. And last but not least, it has a wicked flash. This baby will light-up people in pitch-black darkness like they've just been struck by lightning! All in all I am very happy with the camera. However, the choice comes down to the users. For the same price I could have got a 5 megapixel or higher, but with no zoom lens it kinda makes your pictures look a bit cluttered when you cant focus on what you want.
Rating:
Summary: great product, for photografy as a hobbie
Review: This is a great camera, I also have a Canon EOS with traditional film so I do know have to use a the functions a SLR camera give. so when I did had to choose my camera, y want a camera with functions like a SLR, i didn't want a pocket camera.
but also this camera is so easy to use that I can borrow it to my mother, and she can use it in mode AUTO.
Rating:
Summary: GOOD CAMERA
Review: This is a very good camera; excellent value.
My priorities were: 1. Good picture quality (obviously).
2. Quick response time.
3. Big zoom to get close to subjects without being intrusive. Z1 does a great job on these features. Additionally it has many other valuable features such as 60 fps screen, exposure control modes, 30 fps high res video, ease of use, etc. But it isn't a "pocket edition" due to the 10X optical. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: So far, a great camera, BUT
Review: TRY TO GET THIS CAMERA TO TALK TO YOUR COMPUTER! 8 hours of fiddling, calling Minolta, calling Microsoft, and going through 2 card readers and the camera will NOT talk to my 2 year old HP laptop with Window XP! I now have to sit down with a computer instructor in two days to see if I can resolve this problem. For a camera that is supposed to be compatible with XP, IT ISN'T!
Rating:
Summary: Great Camera
Review: Well our first adventure into the digital world has been great thanks to the Minolta Dimage Z1. We've owned Minolta SLR cameras in the past which was our deciding factor here vs. the Olympus and we've been nothing but impressed. The zoom is absolutely incredible and the camera functionality as well as picture quality is superb. If you're on the fence..don't be--get the Z1
Rating:
Summary: A BEST BUY
Review: You get the best of point-and-shoot or go fully manual, or anywhere in between. Great zoom, great macros, easy to use controls, suprisingly light weight and compact! Does really well with low light, stops action well. All around great camera. (This is th 9th digital I have bought)
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