The Minolta DiMAGE X is a digital camera that was released in 2002 by Minolta, a renowned Japanese camera manufacturer. It falls under the category of digital cameras and is designed for capturing still images.
**Key Features and Specifications**
The Minolta DiMAGE X boasts several features that still make it a popular choice among photography enthusiasts:
1. Ultra-Compact Design: One of the standout features of the DiMAGE X is its incredibly small and lightweight design. This compactness makes it highly portable and easy to carry around, making it a perfect companion for travel and everyday use.
2. 2.0 Megapixel Resolution: Despite being introduced almost two decades ago, the DiMAGE X offered a respectable 2.0 megapixel resolution, ensuring decent image quality for its time. This allowed users to print photos up to a standard 4×6 size with good clarity.
3. Retractable Lens: The camera’s lens is retractable, which helps maintain its sleek design when not in use. This feature also protects the lens from potential damage, ensuring longevity.
4. 3x Optical Zoom: The DiMAGE X features a 3x optical zoom lens, allowing users to get closer to their subjects without sacrificing image quality. This is particularly useful for capturing details in landscapes or zooming in on distant subjects.
5. Quick Startup Time: The camera is known for its fast startup time, ensuring that users never miss a moment. This feature was especially appreciated in situations where spontaneous shots needed to be taken quickly.
6. Limited Manual Controls: While the DiMAGE X primarily operates on automatic settings, it does offer some manual control options, such as exposure compensation and white balance adjustments. This allows photographers to have some creative control over their images.
**Release Date and Price**
The Minolta DiMAGE X was first released in 2002 at a retail price of around $400. Considering the advancements in digital camera technology since then, the price may seem high in retrospect. However, it was competitive for its time, offering a range of features and a compact design that set it apart from other cameras in the market.
**Conclusion**
Despite being an older model, the Minolta DiMAGE X remains a classic digital camera that was well-received during its time. Its compact design, decent image quality, and innovative features made it a popular choice among photographers. While it may not match the capabilities of modern digital cameras, it still holds nostalgic value for those who owned and used it in the early 2000s.
