Setup guide

MINOLTA
DiM A GE Z1
DIGITAL CAMERAS
69
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1-800-947-9927 • www.bhphotovideo.com
◆ Record high-quality VGA movies at 30 fps
with quality comparable to S-VHS video.
However, image size (640 x 480, 320 x 240,
160 x 120) and frame rate (30 or 15 fps) is
selectable to balance image quality with
file size. Because of the high frame rate of
the CCD, movies can be shot at 30fps to
create natural flicker-free images, or
15fps to maximize recording time.
◆ When capturing high-quality VGA movies,
image sharpness and brightness is criti-
cal. During recording the Z1 continues to
autofocus to provide the sharpest possi-
ble image.
◆ Additionally, a night-movie mode can
make color recordings under extreme
low-light conditions. Movie length is limit-
ed only by memory card capacity.
P/A/S/M Exposure Modes
Like a fine 35mm SLR, the Z1 provides four
exposure-control modes: programmed AE,
aperture priority, shutter priority, and
manual. 30-second bulb exposures can
also be made in manual exposure mode.
(Dark noise, a problem in electronic sys-
tems, manifests itself by giving a grainy or
sandy appearance to images taken with
long exposures. The DiMAGE Z1 combats
this with a selectable noise-reduction
function, which automatically activates for
exposures of one second or longer.)
Three Metering Modes
Another similarity to a high-quality 35mm
SLR is the Z1’s three selectable metering
modes: multi-segment, center-weighted,
and spot. Multi-segment metering uses 256
segments to determine exposure.
White Balance
Auto white balance compensates for
changes in lighting automatically, while
five preset white-balance settings (day-
light, cloudy, tungsten, fluorescent, and
flash) can be selected for specific light
sources. For critical control over color, a
custom setting allows the camera to be
calibrated to the lighting at the scene.
Creative Color Modes
As well as natural color and B&W, the Z1
has two color modes for creative control:
vivid color and sepia. Vivid color increas-
es the saturation to produce vibrant color
images. Sepia creates the feel of antique
photographs with its warm tone.
Automatic Digital Subject
Program Selection
In the past, photographers always had to
make time-consuming manual adjustments
as the subject and shooting environment
changed. The DiMAGE Z1’s Automatic
Digital Subject Program Selection analyzes
the shooting conditions and selects the
optimum exposure, white-balance, and
image processing program. Additionally,
five subject programs: portrait, sports
action, landscape, sunset, and night por-
trait, cover specialized shooting condi-
tions and can be selected manually.
Comfortable and Easy Operation
◆ Large grip gives the Z1 secure,
comfortable handling -- when hand
holding the camera in low-light
conditions or when using long
focal lengths, nothing is more
important than a well-balanced
grip to keep the camera steady.
◆ Mode Dial by the thumb lets
you easily switch between
exposure modes and movie
recording. And the flash button
next to it can be customized to
enable quick switching of various
settings.
◆ Z1’s operations can be tailored to meet your needs. The function set using the flash-
mode button can be customized to control the flash mode, white balance, drive and
focusing mode, or color mode. Images can be rotated to orient them correctly.
◆ When working in less than ideal lighting conditions, precisely framing an image on
the monitor can be difficult. The DiMAGE Z1’s automatic monitor amplification
brightens the monitor under low light so the live image is always visible,
◆ Powered by easy-to-find AA alkaline or rechargeable Ni-MH batteries
◆ Equipped with Minolta’s exclusive Switch Finder. This system makes sure you see
precisely the same live image in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor. And this live
image is exceptionally clear and smooth because of the CCD’s fast 60fps frame
rate—twice that of a conventional sensor. Plus, since a single monitor is used, you
don’t have to worry about the color, contrast, and resolution difference between
separate rear and viewfinder monitors. With the viewfinder’s large apparent
angle-of-view, the monitor image is big and clear.
Built-In and External Flash System
◆ With a guide number of 39 feet, the Z1 packs the most powerful flash ever built into a
Minolta digital camera. Flash can illuminate a subject up 20 ft. away when used at the
wide-angle position.
◆ In addition, the DiMAGE Z1 is also compatible with Minolta’s Program/Maxxum Flash
3600HS (D) or 5600HS (D) units as well as the latest addition to the line, the Program/
Maxxum Flash 2500 (D). These powerful flash units can be used directly on the camera.
TV Quality Movie Recording