Early Adopters Pick: November 2002. The world’s smallest, lightest 3.2-megapixel camera, with a revolutionary folded 3x optical zoom lens.
By incorporating a clever internal zoom lens, developing a slim new rechargeable battery, and using diminutive SD memory cards, Minolta's Dimage Xi is truly pocket-sized. The Dimage Xi features a 3.2-megapixel CCD sensor--an improvement over the 2-megapixel Dimage X--and a 3x optical zoom. Besides increased resolution, the Dimage Xi has several other enhancements, including selectable ISO settings, optional date imprinting, spot autofocus (AF), an improved antireflection LCD, and automatic e-mail file copy creation.
Optics and Resolution
The Dimage Xi has a 3-megapixel sensor with a maximum resolution of 2,048 x 1,536 pixels, enough detail for photos from 4 by 6 inches to 11 by 14 inches. It also features a 3x optical zoom (equivalent to a 37-111mm on a 35mm camera) and a 4x digital zoom for a total 12x zoom.
This lens employs five aspheric elements (including two double-sided) to ensure sharp, contrast-rich images at all focal lengths. In spite of its compact dimensions, the optical zoom has a fast, maximum aperture of f2.8-f3.6 (wide to telephoto), which allows images to be captured in low light with little noise.
Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on stamp-size Secure Digital (SD) or MultiMediaCard memory cards. The Dimage Xi comes with a 16 MB SD card. Images can be transferred to your Mac or PC via USB, and the included audio-visual cable lets you view images and film clips on your home TV.
Movie Mode
In movie mode, the Dimage Xi captures 320 x 240 pixel video (with audio) for up to 35 seconds at 15 frames per second. The QuickTime Motion JPEG format offers a limited resolution, which is great for capturing a short movie that can be e-mailed to friends and family.
More Features
The Dimage Xi's most unusual feature is its internal zoom lens. While most digital cameras are built like their film counterparts--with a telescoping zoom lens protruding from the front--the lens assembly in the Dimage Xi is arranged vertically inside the camera, with the sensor at the very bottom, like a periscope in a submarine. This layout allows for a slim camera with a full 3x optical zoom. In addition, startup times are faster, since you don't have to wait for the lens to extend before shooting.
Other features include:
- Audio caption recording of up to 15 seconds
- 1.5-inch TFT LCD screen
- Flash modes: auto, red-eye reduction, night portrait
Power, Size, and Contents
The camera is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery NP-200 (included). It measures 3.3 by 2.8 by 0.8 inches and weighs 4.6 ounces. This package includes the Dimage Xi digital camera, battery and battery charger, USB and AV cables, hand strap, and Dimage software and viewer CD-ROM and USB drivers for Windows and Mac.
Product Description:
The DiMAGE Xi is the most compact 3.2-megapixel camera with 3X optical zoom in the world. Amazingly light, too. You can have it on you at all times, in a shirt or pants pocket. It's never been easier to make high-quality digital photography a part of your lifestyle. Turn the power switch on, and you're ready to shoot in just 1.2 seconds. That's the fastest startup time of any digital camera featuring optical zoom. With the DiMAGE Xi, important moments will never pass you by.Optical zoom gets you closer to distant subjects while maintaining the camera's highest level of quality. What's more, Minolta's innovative optics keeps it slim at all times - there's no protruding zoom lens, no matter which magnification you're shooting at. Optical zoom is adjusted internally, so it's very quick as well. And the 4X digital zoom feature lets you shift seamlessly into a total range of 12X zoom. If you see something that demands a close-up, bring the camera as close as 25cm to the subject for a crisp, detailed shot. You can capture this type of image anytime you want, without having to switch modes. Flexible focusing is another advantage. If your picture looks a little crowded, use Spot AF to focus on a single subject in the center of the picture frame. At other times, Wide AF keeps the whole frame in sharp focus. Sounds like a lot for a unit so small and light? You bet. But Minolta's innovative optics gives you more power in less size. Discover the ideal camera for an active lifestyle. And enjoy it anytime, anywhere!
Minolta Dimage Xi 3.2MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom