Konica Minolta Dimage X1 8MP Digital Camera with 3x Anti Shake Zoom (Cradle Included)

by Konica-Minolta

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 7.5 x 3.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B000A7JKI6
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (34 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #12,073 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: March 28, 2005

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Using a 1/1.8-type CCD, the new Konica Minolta DiMAGE X1 features approximately 8,300,000 pixels, the highest resolution in a compact digital camera available as of June 2005. It also enables users to take pictures with up to 3,264 x 2,448 pixels, and a newly developed, compact Anti-Shake system helps create crisp and detailed images for printed enlargements up to 16 x 22 inches in size.

In addition, the DiMAGE X1's size is small and thin. With folded optics technology, the size of a CCD unit dictates the camera's thickness. The slim and compact size of the DiMAGE X1's CCD allows for a body 0.8 inches in width, the first time for an DiMAGE X series model to achieve a profile less than 0.9 inches in size. The camera also features a large, 2.5-inch LCD monitor ensures a clear view even under bright light.

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 reproduce images as clearly and naturally as they appear to a photographer's eye. Users can enjoy true colors and tones in their printed pictures even without image manipulation on a computer.

A Completely New Type of Anti-Shake System
For the first time ever in the Konica Minolta DiMAGE X series, the DiMAGE X1 offers an Anti-Shake system, which makes it even easier to take clear, steady shots of scenes that are normally difficult to shoot by hand. Offering unrivalled stability, the Anti-Shake system can compensate up to 3 EV exposure stops slower, making it ideal for taking handheld, wide-angle shots in low light conditions indoors, or after sunset with shutter speeds at 1/6 of a second at wide-angle setting.

Unlike the Konica Minolta DiMAGE A and DiMAGE Z series cameras which use Konica Minolta's CCD-shift Anti-Shake technology, the DiMAGE X1 features a newly developed proprietary Anti-Shake system that counters shaking by tilting the entire optical unit combined with the CCD. It is designed to ideally complement the DiMAGE X1's folded optics technology to preserve the compact, thin body construction that the DiMAGE series is known for.

Newly Designed Non-Protruding 3x Optical Zoom Lens
To accommodate the high 8-megapixel resolution of the DiMAGE X1's 1/1.8-type CCD while still keeping 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 to 23.1mm (equivalent to 37 to 111mm in 35mm format) and an aperture range from f/3.5 to f/3.8.

The DiMAGE X1 is also equipped with a Super Macro mode. Using this function with the zoom lens at the wide-angle setting, users can bring the lens within 2 inches of their subject and capture vivid, super close-ups that fill the entire frame. Auto Macro shooting (the shortest ‘normal' focus distance is 3.9 inches at wide-angle and 1.3 feet at telephoto), a conventional function of all the DiMAGE X series cameras, makes it easy to quickly catch close-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 users a bright, clear view for framing shots and reading the menu screen. Using the Bright LCD backlight function allows photographers to set the screen 1.5 times brighter, so they can easily see the monitor in bright outdoor locations. Just like in the DiMAGE X50 and DiMAGE X60 digital cameras, the surface of the DiMAGE X1's LCD monitor is protected with an easy-to-maintain acrylic panel that can be easily wiped clean of dirt.

Rounded, Ultra-Slim Polished Body
Without a protruding zoom lens, the super-slim, flat body of the DiMAGE X1 measures just 3.7 x 2.7 x .8 inches (W x H x D), the first time the DiMAGE X series models have achieved a body profile less than 0.9 inches in size.

Another key feature of the DiMAGE X1 is its sophisticated body design. Designers poured their artistic effort into successfully reflecting several key design concepts: 1) a new "advanced" lifestyle that inspires users to think of the camera as more than a photo-taking tool, 2) a body design that is as irresistible to hold and touch as it is to behold, 3) a minimalist approach to controls that complements the clear and elegant appearance, 4) an extravagant approach to incorporating advanced technology, and 5) a sense of modern luxury, expressed definitively through the camera's refined metallic finish. The elegantly rounded edges of the DiMAGE X1 fit neatly and comfortably in the palm of a user's hand.

Multifunction Cradle Offers Ideal Connectivity with a Computer or TV
The DiMAGE X1 is the first-ever Konica Minolta digital camera to come with its own convenient multifunction cradle. The cradle eliminates cumbersome cable arrangements and provides quick and easy connectivity for uploading and viewing images directly on a Computer or TV. The DiMAGE X1 multifunction cradle can also operate as a battery charger, which can either charge the battery by itself or the battery when it's inside the camera. The cradle can even position the LCD monitor forward so you can use it as an image viewer.

High-Resolution VGA Movie Clips Enhanced with Anti-Shake
For the first time ever in the DiMAGE X series, the DiMAGE X1 offers recording of smooth, high-resolution VGA (640x480 dots) movie clips with sound. Anti-Shake technology and auto focus combine to ensure amazingly clear images. While recording, users can even get even closer to the action using the 3x optical zoom without losing image quality. The DiMAGE X1 records movies in JPEG (MOV) format and is compatible with QuickTime for playing images back on a computer.

Other Outstanding Features

Digital Subject Program Selection
The DiMAGE X1 makes taking clear, high-quality images effortless with a Digital Subject Program Selection that offers pre-programmed settings for seven common photo scenes: Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, Super Macro, Night Portrait, Night View, and Text. Users simply choose the mode best suited to their shooting conditions, and the DiMAGE X1 is ready in an instant with the optimum settings to turn that special moment into a beautiful memory.

Ultra High Speed (UHS) Continuous Advance
UHS Continuous Advance captures 640x480-pixel images at up to 10 frames per second at any image quality setting, making it ideal for capturing action shots such as a tennis or golf swing.

In addition, the UHS Progressive Capture mode saves images from the last 1.5 seconds before releasing the shutter button (up to 15 images at 640x480). This means users won't miss photo opportunities during fast moving sporting events.

• Easy-to-Use Bundled Software
  DiMAGE Master Lite
  This Konica Minolta software for viewing and editing images allows users to carry out detailed image editing, confirm image information (Exif) recorded when shooting, and carry out color matching.

• Kodak EasyShare
  This image management software has an intuitive interface ideal for beginners. It allows users to make beautiful prints easily. In addition, users can quickly and easily share their favorite images with friends and family, make photo CDs, and attach photos to e-mail.

Product Description

MD) CL) AA) DIMAGE X1 DIGITAL CAMERA

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

74 of 82 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars UPDATE: HORRIBLE PICTURES - PURE JUNK!!!, October 1, 2005

By 

J. Sebastian (Thailand) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Konica Minolta Dimage X1 8MP Digital Camera with 3x Anti Shake Zoom (Cradle Included) (Electronics)

I've had this camera for about three weeks now so this is not a complete review. This is a replacement for the Canon S100 Digital Elph which I had for almost five years. That broke and I got the Konica Minolta here in Asia before it was released in the US.

There are several shortcomings with the Konica Minolta:
1) Flash is limited to about 6 feet or so. TERRIBLE!
2) Lowlight picture taking is quite poor. The lense has difficulty focusing and there is no manual adjust. AGAIN, TERRIBLE.
3) There is a big lag time between shots due to long processing time. YOU WILL MISS LOTS OF PICTURES!
4) LCD has very large pixels which makes it difficult to see details.
5) The camera is pretty large and bulky.
6) Shutter speed is limited to 1/250 sec.
7) No manual controls.

There are good things:
1) Battery lasts about 90 minutes of continual use.
2) Macro photography is pretty good - UNDER PERFECT CONDITIONS.
3) Controls are very intuitive - it is SIMPLE to use.
4) The Anti Shake technology is effective.
5) The video is good.
6) Despite the sheer heft and size it is a sleek design, but only the back of the camera.
7) Overall picture quality is ok under PERFECT conditions.

I needed a camera quickly. If you are not in a hurry, it may pay to shop around.

UPDATE - I have sent four emails and left three voicemails to KM over a one month period and have yet to hear back from this company. DO NOT BUY THIS PIECE OF JUNK!!!

If I could, I would re-rate this camera as one star since zero is not an option.

UPDATE #2-
1) You will miss lots of pictures due to the long processing time. You'll attempt to take a shot but by the time the camera actually records the image from the time you press the button it's SEVERAL seconds later. I can't tell you how frustrating this is. I can't believe they put out a camera like this. It's really unbelievable.

2) My old Canon took much better pictures than this. Pics are extremely "noisy" and forget low-light pictures. Get the 1 GB card, because you'll need to take about 20 shots to make sure you get one that turns out. Again, unbelievable.

DO NOT BUY
DO NOT BUY
DO NOT BUY
DO NOT BUY
DO NOT BUY
DO NOT BUY
DO NOT BUY

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Improved with Firmware Update 1.10, October 9, 2005

By 

Jon Hawkins "jhawk" (San Jose, Calif) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Konica Minolta Dimage X1 8MP Digital Camera with 3x Anti Shake Zoom (Cradle Included) (Electronics)

The review from Thailand was right on about this camera. He might have a better experience (still not a perfect experience) after he downloads the Camera's firmware 1.10 version (or later).

I have a feeling Minolta released the camera a bit too soon. I had purchased this camera after my Canon IXUS 500 (in Asia)/PowerShot S500 (in USA) got damaged while I was flying to Singapore. The sales person in Singapore convinced me that this was the latest technology for digital cameras. As I took this camera around on my trip, I found many things I didn't like about it. One thing that this camera has is the "cool new item" factor.

Out of the box.. I would give this camera.. one star.
The shutter speed was almost painful for me. The egronomics of the camera does not appeal both to the photographer and to the subjects (the people getting their picture taken).

#1 I found the multi-flash (3 flashes) resulted in poor shots. People thought I was done with my shot after the first flash. The good news is that the Firmware update 1.10 fixed this.

#2 The position of the lens in the upper right corner was a bad idea. Many shots resulted in many shots with a "flesh colored fog cloud" which was my finger.

#3 For the price, Minolta should have provided a bigger SD Card. The provided 32MB SD Memory Card is a joke. This will only hold about 8-15 pictures.

On my return home, I realized that I didn't have the CD ROM provided by Mintola. A look on their support website resulted in a message stating that I must buy a new CD from some other site The sales guy in Singapore told me that Windows XP computers didn't require the drivers. That wasn't so. My Windows XP couldn't recognize the USB Cradle and the Camera. I'm stuck without the CD, but I can still transfer files using the SD Memory.

In summary.. The features and the appearance of this camera are first class. The practical short comings of the physical ergonomics are some what painful. After installing the firmware file, much of the operational shortcomings have improved. Now I feel like I'm getting the class of camera I bought at that price.

111 of 130 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars This is a Konika Camera, NOT a Minolta!!, October 16, 2005

By 

Frank Segler (Rancho Santa Fe, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Konica Minolta Dimage X1 8MP Digital Camera with 3x Anti Shake Zoom (Cradle Included) (Electronics)

I have bought several Minolta Dimage X, and Xi cameras over the years. For myself and for others. They are a great product, and even at 3 megapixels the Xi gave excellent sharp pictures with great color.

The Dimage X1 is NOT a Minolta product. It is a Konica product. I have seen the old Konica cameras and I never would have bought one. I had expected to get a better Xt, instead I got something that was less than the Xt, a different shape, much heavier, bad color, EXTREMELY SLOW!!!

If any of you have owned the older Dimage X and Xt, you would know that it had a very fast start up and no shutter lag to speak of.

This camera is slower starting up, and there is a noticeable shutter lag.

It is very unfortunate that Konica now owns Minolta. They tried to pull a fast one here. Whatever you do, do not buy this! Konica Minolta needs to get back on track and put out a product worthy of the Minolta name.

Slapping a Minolta label onto a Konica camera does not improve performance - well, only sales, buy thats very short lived, until everyone figures out what they have done.,

Buy a Minolta Xt - its cheaper and better all the way around.

Take a look @ the Konica Minolta Dimage E500 5MP to see the sister product that preceded the Konica Minolta Dimage X1. You see horrible reviews across the board on the stuff made by Konica.

Then take a look at the reviews for the models originally made by Minolta, such as the Dimage X and Dimage Xi.

Good luck getting your reputation back Konica. Unfortunatly now I have one of these that I opened the box and used it. Amazon says they will charge me a 20% to 50% restocking fee! And all I did was open it and use it for a day before giving up on this P.O.S. Amazon needs to protect their customers better than that. Konica pulled a fast one trying to pass off a Konika digital camera as a quality Minolta Dimage camera. And us the consumer is getting screwed :(