Konica Minolta's 2004 superzoom bridge - 4MP CCD, 10x 38-380mm equiv lens, VGA 30fps video, AA power.
The Konica Minolta Dimage Z2 (stylised DiMAGE Z2) was a superzoom bridge camera announced in February 2004 as the direct replacement for the popular Dimage Z1. It kept the Z series' distinctive rounded body and added a new APO GT lens, a jump from 3 to 4 megapixels, and faster focusing and movie performance.
It pairs a 4-megapixel 1/2.5-inch CCD (2272 x 1704 maximum) with a 10x optical zoom covering 38-380mm equivalent at f/2.8-3.7. Framing uses the 1.5-inch 113,000-pixel LCD or an electronic viewfinder fed by the same panel via a flipping mirror. It records VGA movies at 30fps plus an 800 x 600 mode at 15fps, stores to Secure Digital cards, and runs on four AA batteries. There is no image stabilisation.
The Z2 suits anyone wanting long telephoto reach from the early digital era on a small budget, with predictive focus control that was quick for its class. Without stabilisation the long end demands good light or support, and the small CCD limits high-ISO use.
Running on AA cells and SD cards, the Z2 avoids the dead-proprietary-battery and orphan-media problems of many 2000s digitals - NiMH rechargeables are the practical choice. Check the flipping-mirror EVF/LCD switch works in both positions, the zoom motor runs the full range, and the CCD shows no lines or blotches.