Minolta DiMAGE X
Minolta DiMAGE X image by datsusaramode (Image rights) |
The Minolta DiMAGE X was the original model in Minolta's series of stylish, flattened digital compact cameras. The DiMAGE X was a 2 megapixel model introduced in 2002. The camera uses a folded optics path, somewhat on the same principle as a periscope. This also avoids the startup delay for a motorized lens to extend that other compact cameras typically have. The vertically built-in periscope zoom lens is a fast 7-17.1mm/f2.8-3.6 Minolta lens. The lens is protected by a sliding door when the camera is switched off. The small color LCD on the camera back serves as second viewfinder, menu screen and image review display. The 1/2,7" CCD sensor delivers an image resolution of 1.96 megapixels at "film speeds" ISO 100 to ISO 200. Exposure is fully automatic, with shutter speeds 2sec. to 1/2000sec., and choice between light measuring variants. Astoundingly that almost ultra-compact camera includes an optical zoom viewfinder, a built-in flash, and it uses two AA-batteries as energy source. It uses SD cards as image memory.
The "X" series continued through several more models, including the Konica Minolta DiMAGE Xg, following Minolta's merger with Konica.