Minolta Dimage X20 2MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom
By: Minolta Average Rating: 3.5 Total Reviews: 28
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by: trophygirl On: 2006-09-21
Bought this camera in September 03 and it was fantastic! I could put it in my jeans pocket and take it out with me everywhere on my travels. It took fantastic shots even in low light and the print quality was superior to some cameras even over 4 megapix. Disappointingly, it quit in the middle of my European Vacation in July 05 with a black screen that never went away. I can view the pix on the memory card but cant take any new pix.
Sadly it seems that this problem is par for this camera. It dies about 2 years later. Be Warned!
On: 2006-09-20
Bought this camera in September 03 and it was fantastic! I could put it in my jeans pocket and take it out with me everywhere on my travels. It took fantastic shots even in low light and the print quality was superior to some cameras even over 4 megapix. Disappointingly, it quit in the middle of my European Vacation in July 05 with a black screen that never went away. I can view the pix on the memory card but cant take any new pix.
Sadly it seems that this problem is par for this camera. It dies about 2 years later. Be Warned!
by: Anonymous On: 2006-09-12
This was a cute little camera... at first. But I really didnt think the zooming in nor the zooming out was good at all while using the pictoral. It was hard to get the thing to focus properly. When using the video portion of the camera, the zoom in feature was great. But when you zoomed out, the distance would decrease significantly. We have had ours for about 3 years, and now it makes a little flicker of a beep when you try to turn it on, but it will not operate.
If youre going to get a digital camera, make it a good one... stay away from this model.
by: mjemmae On: 2006-01-18
In Feb 2004 I purchased this camera and was well pleased with it. However, by the end of 2005, the viewing screen suddenly went blank and would register no images although the rest of the camera (the menu, functions, modes and flash) were responding fine. I set it aside and finallly found a service advisory regarding this product and 150 other digital camera and camcorders thatt use image sensors manufactured by Sonys semiconductor group. The glue holding the CCD and wiring can decompose and disconnect the image sensor, causing distorted or no images. To request service for this model Konica Minolta, call toll free 1-888-473-2656 (I was unable to get through on this line repeatedly), or 1-201-574-4000. Tell them you know about the service advisory. They will email you a service form and ask you to send in the camera. I cant rate this product because I am just mailing my camera back tomorrow. Manufacturers are claiming they will repair the problem after the warranty period is ended.
Here is the website that describes the problem: http://davesgarden.com/place/t/552292/
Defective models were sold by Sony, Canon, Nikon, Fuji and Minolta.
by: Anonymous On: 2005-11-25
i bought this camera only a year ago, and its been acting up ever since.
- the battery life sucks. the matteries will only stay full for not even 30 minutes.
- the LCD screen sucks. its beginning to change different colors, and blur occasionally.
- the zoom--- very blurry.
- and just recently it deleted all my pictures.
i highly recommend not buying this product.
by: Anonymous On: 2005-10-28
When I brought this camera it was great, cool pictures, the size and look of the camera wasnt disappointed at all, but I have now 1 year and 7 months with it and it hasnt been working since a couple of month, first it started with lines on the screen and now its a black screen and wont take a picture. I brought this camera because a friend of mine had it and I liked it very much, after I purchased it, another person liked it and brought it also, and now has the same situation as me, (started with the lines, and now it just work work).
This camera its cool if you dont plan on having it for long, meaning, that you will upgrade it later, so if you want to have a cool, non expensive camara for about a year and a half, you can buy it.
 On: 2004-10-25
This camera looks really nice, takes good pictures, and is excellent value for money. On the downside, the little tune it plays when you turn it on is annoying, non-rechargeable batteries get used up very quickly (so buy rechargeable ones), and most significantly, it is very easy to mess up the camera if you get any dirt (or sand) into its workings. I took mine to the beach once, didnt do anything particularly reckless, but a couple of grains of sand got in, and the zoom no longer works at all and the lens cover wont close.
I would still recommend this camera, but just be careful with it...
 On: 2004-10-17
Wow....when my digital camera was stolen, I decided to go with something smaller and easier to carry in my purse all the time so Im ready for any photo situation. This little camera is almost as good as my previous bigger digital camera as far as picture quality but it has even more features.
I love the simple menu system. I know some dont like it but Im no photographer....Im a point-and-shooter. I need the simple menu system to figure things out. If I choose to use the various features, that is. The menu system is simple, very intuitive, and is a no-brainer for someone like me.
The photos are great. I invested in a 1Gb memory card so I have plenty of space for pictures. So I normally use the Fine picture setting at the best picture quality (1600x1200) as I can store almost 1000 pictures at this setting. As a test, I have also taken a few at the Standard setting of which I can get 1800 photos on one memory card. Both print well in up to 8x10 size photos on my Epson printer.
My previous camera did video but did not have sound. I love having the sound feature. I videod my husband giving a speech to a conference last night. I have 10-minutes of video, the picture video quality was just as good as from my video camera and I was presently surprised that we were able to capture his speech even though I was toward the back of the room (about 60 feet away). The speech was very clear and easy to hear.
Its fun playing with some of the other features like putting a picture within another picture, etc. Although I havent used many of these yet, its nice to know they are there.
And I love not having a proprietary battery as I have a home battery charger plus a car battery charger so I can always have AA rechargeables ready to go. Or, in a pinch, use regular batteries if needed. This will be nice when going on longer hikes when power isnt available to re-charge.
There are certainly other cameras out there with more mega-pixels but, for the average point-and-shooter like me, Im convinced this camera should satisfy all your needs.
The only downside that I have found, and this can easily be corrected with photo software on your computer, is that the flash works well inside only on closer shots. Photos taken from a distance, or in a very large room do tend to be a little on the dark side. This is a minor problem, IMHO, and the small size outweighs the lack of a bigger flash.
So, if youre looking for something inexpensive, easy to use, and tiny enough to fit in your pants pocket or carry in your purse without adding a lot of weight or bulk, this is the camera for you!! Enjoy.
On: 2004-10-16
Wow....when my digital camera was stolen, I decided to go with something smaller and easier to carry in my purse all the time so Im ready for any photo situation. This little camera is almost as good as my previous bigger digital camera as far as picture quality but it has even more features.
I love the simple menu system. I know some dont like it but Im no photographer....Im a point-and-shooter. I need the simple menu system to figure things out. If I choose to use the various features, that is. The menu system is simple, very intuitive, and is a no-brainer for someone like me.
The photos are great. I invested in a 1Gb memory card so I have plenty of space for pictures. So I normally use the Fine picture setting at the best picture quality (1600x1200) as I can store almost 1000 pictures at this setting. As a test, I have also taken a few at the Standard setting of which I can get 1800 photos on one memory card. Both print well in up to 8x10 size photos on my Epson printer.
My previous camera did video but did not have sound. I love having the sound feature. I videod my husband giving a speech to a conference last night. I have 10-minutes of video, the picture video quality was just as good as from my video camera and I was presently surprised that we were able to capture his speech even though I was toward the back of the room (about 60 feet away). The speech was very clear and easy to hear.
Its fun playing with some of the other features like putting a picture within another picture, etc. Although I havent used many of these yet, its nice to know they are there.
And I love not having a proprietary battery as I have a home battery charger plus a car battery charger so I can always have AA rechargeables ready to go. Or, in a pinch, use regular batteries if needed. This will be nice when going on longer hikes when power isnt available to re-charge.
There are certainly other cameras out there with more mega-pixels but, for the average point-and-shooter like me, Im convinced this camera should satisfy all your needs.
The only downside that I have found, and this can easily be corrected with photo software on your computer, is that the flash works well inside only on closer shots. Photos taken from a distance, or in a very large room do tend to be a little on the dark side. This is a minor problem, IMHO, and the small size outweighs the lack of a bigger flash.
So, if youre looking for something inexpensive, easy to use, and tiny enough to fit in your pants pocket or carry in your purse without adding a lot of weight or bulk, this is the camera for you!! Enjoy.
On: 2004-08-19
I was really stuck between this and a coolpix 2200, which my friends all have, also I had a Coolpix 4500 which I really loved. Upon first using the X20 I was initially dissappointed by the grainy image that showed on the LCD (There is no viewfinder.) However after depressing the button for autometering, then taking the picture the result was fantastic, even though the object was only inches away from the camera, (a feat my coolpix has never been able to pull off!) The lens conver, (which retracts like a G5 CD drive cover,) is also very clever, and nullifys my worries over having to buy a case. Overall the camera seems well designed for sticking in a pocket and going, and pulling out a snapping great pics/small movies at a party or whatever. Also pictures can be taken more quickly after one another than with the 4500.
On: 2004-08-18
I have owned this camera for a few months now, and am essentially satisfied with it. The small form factor means that it goes in my pocket, on my bike, wherever I might want a camera, and I carry it more often than my compact 35mm. The internal lens is great because it has 3x optical zoom but no need for a lens to stick out or move in and out. You can actually take a clear picture right through a screen door by placing the camera directly against the screen (try that with an exposed lens!)
However, there are many aspects of it that could be improved. First, the time to focus is slow, at least a second or two. The camera is quick to "wake up," but actually taking a picture is much slower than a film camera, and therefore I often miss quick action shots. Second, the menu interface is poor. Navigation is hit-or-miss with the small directional buttons, organization is apparently arbitrary, and there is no way to force the camera to stay at ISO 400 speed. You can set that speed, but turn the camera off and you have to press menu, enter, down, enter, up, enter, and menu again to set the speed and return to picture-taking mode. Its a joke. At least the flash mode can be set without entering the horrible menu system.
The final gripe I have is that the pictures look very digital. Theyre reasonably sharp, especially for a camera with such a tiny lens (unavoidable in this form factor), but the colors seem a little warped, as if the RGB sensors were misaligned. This mainly shows up as a textural aspect, but if you zoom in it becomes obvious. A digital camera can only capture colors that are combinations of red, green, and blue (roughly half of the whole spectrum), so you will never get something that looks as good as film (which covers the whole spectrum). However, the Dimage X20 seems worse at this than most.
One feature I like very much is the TV output. Even if you have no access to a computer, you can display a slide show to a TV using the included cable. Very convenient. Another feature that may not matter to you but is nice to have is macro (close-up) photography. The Dimage X20 can focus on something 3 inches away, compared with 18 inches for most cameras, enabling you to take pictures of small items like insects. This camera can also take video, but only at a fixed focus, and the quality is pretty bad. I dont use the video feature except in bright daylight with a subject that isnt moving much.
Battery life is also good. I use rechargeable NiMH batteries (US$2.50 each at Wal-Mart), and they easily last for 150 pictures or more. Even better, when they run down to 25% you can just recharge them and always have a full battery. I much prefer this to the proprietary batteries that many cameras have. Yes, they last longer (typically they are Lithium) but if you are going to be away from a charger for two weeks the universal availability of AAs cannot be beat. Im sorry, but Im not going to lay out $40 each for replacement batteries that can only be used in one camera.
To summarize, I am pleased with my Minolta, even with its limitations. Probably I will get a digital SLR as an alternative to this camera, when I want to be able to easily set exposure time and all that stuff.
On: 2004-08-17
I have owned this camera for a few months now, and am essentially satisfied with it. The small form factor means that it goes in my pocket, on my bike, wherever I might want a camera, and I carry it more often than my compact 35mm. The internal lens is great because it has 3x optical zoom but no need for a lens to stick out or move in and out. You can actually take a clear picture right through a screen door by placing the camera directly against the screen (try that with an exposed lens!)
However, there are many aspects of it that could be improved. First, the time to focus is slow, at least a second or two. The camera is quick to "wake up," but actually taking a picture is much slower than a film camera, and therefore I often miss quick action shots. Second, the menu interface is poor. Navigation is hit-or-miss with the small directional buttons, organization is apparently arbitrary, and there is no way to force the camera to stay at ISO 400 speed. You can set that speed, but turn the camera off and you have to press menu, enter, down, enter, up, enter, and menu again to set the speed and return to picture-taking mode. Its a joke. At least the flash mode can be set without entering the horrible menu system.
The final gripe I have is that the pictures look very digital. Theyre reasonably sharp, especially for a camera with such a tiny lens (unavoidable in this form factor), but the colors seem a little warped, as if the RGB sensors were misaligned. This mainly shows up as a textural aspect, but if you zoom in it becomes obvious. A digital camera can only capture colors that are combinations of red, green, and blue (roughly half of the whole spectrum), so you will never get something that looks as good as film (which covers the whole spectrum). However, the Dimage X20 seems worse at this than most.
One feature I like very much is the TV output. Even if you have no access to a computer, you can display a slide show to a TV using the included cable. Very convenient. Another feature that may not matter to you but is nice to have is macro (close-up) photography. The Dimage X20 can focus on something 3 inches away, compared with 18 inches for most cameras, enabling you to take pictures of small items like insects. This camera can also take video, but only at a fixed focus, and the quality is pretty bad. I dont use the video feature except in bright daylight with a subject that isnt moving much.
Battery life is also good. I use rechargeable NiMH batteries (US$2.50 each at Wal-Mart), and they easily last for 150 pictures or more. Even better, when they run down to 25% you can just recharge them and always have a full battery. I much prefer this to the proprietary batteries that many cameras have. Yes, they last longer (typically they are Lithium) but if you are going to be away from a charger for two weeks the universal availability of AAs cannot be beat. Im sorry, but Im not going to lay out $40 each for replacement batteries that can only be used in one camera.
To summarize, I am pleased with my Minolta, even with its limitations. Probably I will get a digital SLR as an alternative to this camera, when I want to be able to easily set exposure time and all that stuff.
On: 2004-07-28
Bought the camera for a bike tour and carried it with me everywhere I went. Great camera and great pictures. Easy on and off, easy to download.
Being such a small camera, it fits either in a shirt pocket or bike jersey. Because it is so small, you tend to take it with you, giving you an opportunity to take pictures that you normally cant.
The lens in internal so you dont have that annoying delay as the lens automatically screws out.
Only reason it doesnt get five stars; there is no view finder except an LED screen. Works great indoor and in the shade. Direct sunlight makes it tough to see the image. For the $, a great buy.
by: Anonymous On: 2004-07-15
I have several regrets with this purchase. From the fact that I listened to the sales person who was unknowledgeable about megapixels to the very unpridictable prints from this camera.
Some come out ok but for the most part they are pretty bad. Very grainy. Even when printing 4 X 6. And if I can help with the Megapixel confusion, Ive done alot of research on the matter since I bought this camera, and have found out a few things. The best place to start is http://electronics.howstu ffworks.com/digital- camera.htm
Hope this helps in your digital camera purchase
On: 2004-07-11
I received this for my birthday. My friends and family cant believe that the great pictures came from this camera. I have printed all of the pictures on my printer a (deskjet 842) and they turned out awesome. This is my first digital. The zoom works fantastic. I have taken some awesome pictures at the Denver Zoo where I used the zoom and they are cool! I am in my mid 40s and if I can take great pictures with this than any one can.
The downfall is the batteries.... It eats them like there is no tomorrow. (no matter what kind)
by: Anonymous On: 2004-07-04
I have had this camera for 8 months and I like it. I wanted a camera that was small and not expensive and this one was the best for me. I gave it only 4 stars because I have to modify the flash settings too often in order to get the best quality pictures.
On: 2004-06-25
When I purchased this camera I was looking for something compact and affordable. I already own a Fuji S5000 (great camera), however the camera is a bit big and heavy to take everywhere.
I looked at Cameras by Casio, Pentax, Canon and Fuji. I found the x20 to be my best match for value and size.
The camera:
Build quality - 4/5 (sturdy, but my sd cards tend to get jammed slightly in the unit)
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Speed - 5/5 (very quick, from power on to taking pictues)
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Features - 5/5 (It has enough features to be a good PShoot, I didnt want any manual features to clog up the interface. I use the Fuji for that)
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Battery life - 3/5 (Using 2300 NIMH batteries it doesnt very last long. When compared to my Fuji which does take 4 batteries it still cant last 1/4 of the time)
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Use - 4/5 (taking pictures is great. Only problems are that the flash must be suppressed every time you turn it on, no memory.)
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Pictures - 4/5 (the camera takes great pictures for what it is, PShoot. I was able to take several macros without any problems.
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Video – 4/5 (the video is very good, however its not quite as fluid as I would like it to be. It is slightly shopy if you move the camera around, or if your camera moves.
This is a great camera for a portable point and shoot. You can take this camera just about anywhere, and not miss shots. I was looking for a case for this camera, even though target doesn’t have to many cases I found an accessory case and it fits the camera perfectly for $5.00!
I would suggest getting at least a 128mb SD card and two pairs of 2300 NIMH batteries.
Overall I give this camera 4/5. This camera is great for a backup/portable camera, however if you just looking for a single camera to do all of your pictures you may want to look elsewhere. For the same price you can find a camera that will take better pictures with more features if size isnt critical.
On: 2004-06-12
This is by far the best camera that I have had yet. I have been through 3 digital cameras in the past 6 months. The fujifilm was good, but not enough for me, then I went with a off brand camera thinking that it might be better. I was wrong. Then I got the Minolta X20, man was I in for a surprize. The best option is by far the way you can change the Pictures from black/white to blue. For those extreme people you can even do pink. The camera options are easy to use, set-up is a breeze. I cant really think of one bad thing to say about it. The picture quality is great and the price is better. I got mine for little under $200 brand new. So I got lucky cause they usually go for at least $250.
by: Anonymous On: 2004-05-18
I originally bought this camera to replace my fuji digital that broke. I chose it because of its size and quick startup. The camera was great until a recent vacation. The automatic lens cover slipped off of its track. The camera also lost its optical zoom capabilities (probably what led to the lens cover not closing). I am now in the process of sending the camera back for repair under the 1 year warranty. However I would still recommend this camera. Its easy to use and it starts up really fast. The picture quality is great for a 2 MP camera. My only recommendation would be to handle with care. Allow the camera to fully start up or shut down before pressing any other buttons. I believe what led to my problem was that I pressed the power button as the camera was shutting down. Consequently it got stuck in the shut down process and lens didnt retract causing the cover to get stuck. If you allow the camera enough time to complete it processes you should be fine. And what makes this camera a better choice than say the small sony cybershot is that it uses SD memory which can be used in a number of different devices (across a number of brands). Sonys memory stick limits you to sony devices when it comes to sharing memory.
On: 2004-05-06
The Minolta Dimage X20 is great. For its size it offers very impressive features. The 3x optical zoom is excellent because its internal so you dont have to mess around with a lens slide. It doesnt even look like this camera could have a zoom lens but Minolta did a wonderful job. I dont miss the viewfinder in my old digital camera at all.It takes good quality digital photos if youre not a professional. I think the majority of the people buying this camera will be happy with the quality. Its also very easy to use. It has a good graphical interface system so youll get used to changing settings in no time. With a 256mb sd memory card I can record 12 minutes of video and audio in Quicktime. The included 8mb memory card isnt enough in my opinion. Minolta should include more memory. Its very small in size so its easy to take with you pretty much everywhere. You may want to use a small case as it can get scratched or damaged if you rough it up. If your only going to use it for small sized pictures and prints its perfect because most likely you wont be needing anything better than a 2.1 mega pixel camera anyway. Overall a really great camera for the price and Id highly recommend it. Its selling for well under $200 everywhere Ive looked!
by: Anonymous On: 2004-03-12
within the warranty year, this is the second time Im sending it in for repair. The design is great, small to fit in the pocket, we got a lot of mileage with it, and always gets compliments, but the quality of pict is not good enough for good prints and too many weird things have happened with it. I hope the 3 pixel one is better, because its fun to hold and have, if only it worked better...
On: 2004-03-03
I bought and then lost this little camera on a trip to Tokyo, Japan. It is quite a lovely little digicam that looks cool and works well. The positives are that it is lightweight, easy to use, easy to transfer photos, simple to handle and the quality of the photos is great for a 2 MP camera. If you are looking for a camera that will take large-print pictures, this is not your camera because come on! dont spend money on a 2 MP camera if you want 5 MP quality. The options for taking the pictures are very fun to play with. With a large memory card, you can store a large amount of snapshots.The drawbacks include short battery life. The camera just drains the two AA batteries too quickly. The setting have to be reset everytime the camera is turned off. The shutter release time is bit slow. Buy this camera if you only wish to spend under $200 on a digicam that takes nice, but not exceptional, quality pictures. Definitely shop around and if you can afford the extra hundred, look into getting a higher MP camera. This probably would make a nice gift for a teenager or child. Minolta has the sleekest designs around.
by: Anonymous On: 2004-03-02
I bought this little beauty because it was the smallest 2Mp camera I could find, that still has
some sort of zoom. the features are nice and I like the quality of the prints it makes. Since ive gotten this thing, Ive taken about 2000 photos, and lots of movies.
CONS:
the delay before and after taking the picture can be trying on your patience. It waits about 1 1/2 seconds to TAKE the photo, then 3 seconds to save it, before you can take the next photo. Also the Timer is a bit strange. It takes the photo, then automatically returns to Single shot. So.... If you dont like the photo, you have to go clicking through the menus again to take another photo. It sucked when we were trying to get a bunch of Halloween photos with everyone in them.
ALSO!!!!! The battery dies in COLD WEATHER!!! I charge the battery full, then go snowboarding. I take 3 photos and then it tells me that the battery is Exhausted. Grrrr....
If you keep the camera under your jacket (close to your body) it will last longer. That reminds me..... the battery light is stupid. It is a full batter symbol, without bars. Instead, it changes color to let you know the battery life. White is FULL, really light gray (off white) is half full. And RED is you got a few seconds left.
Despite the short comings of the camera, I take it everywhere, and shoot a lot of photos. Get the leather pouch, and get yourself a good size memory card. Get it on line. You can find them for 1/2 the price youd pay in a store. It comes with an 8Mb card.
yeah. 8 Mb. You get to take FOUR photos with that. Get a 256.
Oh, the movies are decent for web, but to put on a DVD, they are a bit grainy. What do you expect? Its a Picture camera, not a Movie camera.
have fun!
On: 2004-02-28
after lots of research and thinking i decided to buy this little gem, it performs better than i expected (only because some bad reviews i read), picture quality is excellent, ease of use is great, the only "bad" thing about it is the lcd and only outdoors in a bright sunny day, almost cant see whats in the frame(maybe i should increase the brightness?? )...
It feels very solid, not flimsy at all... did i said that the picture quality is excellent? well it is, it put to shame a friends Sony 5MP monster... and shutter lag hasnt been a problem, my favorite feature is the multi-frame, lots of fun with that one... :-)
On: 2003-12-21
I bought:the camera (Dec 2003),a 128mb card and the $9 travel case and i couldnt be happier ! I love my new camera .Literally ,after just opening it and turning it on i was taking pictures .And the same for saving them on my computer.
This camera has everything: A zoom that doesnt show, lens cover, size: Super SMALL even with the carry case, fast start up, Video w Audio,webcam,etc. You can read all the great features above but overall its the best buy i have done in a long time because it is very well built ,SMALL!, and also very stylist so everyone will notice this great gadget.
That little mirror on the front is excellent for pics w friends.
The shutter lag is the only thing i have against it(about a sec tops).But not in a bad way because i still LOVE my new mini cam.And Minolta is a very good company.
The delivery was EXC and the camera 10x more !!
Great Buy !
I researched for about 6 days for the best ,Cheapest and smallest cameras with lens cover and video and etc ...And i really think i found it !
Must have:Rechargable batteries and charger .(also 128mb card and a case!)
update (Dec 19, 2005): a few months ago, my camera stopped working. It started showing weird lines in the screen and now it is black and it doesnt take pictures. I believe the light chip died. It lasted for 2 years...
by: Anonymous On: 2003-12-14
Es una camara muy practica y la calidad de las fotos es excelente
by: Anonymous On: 2003-11-19
Its exactly what I wanted. Small enough to have no excuses to leave it behind, minimovies are in Quicktime MOV format with audio, images sometimes are soft but the colors are great and the low-light pictures have no noticeable noize. The GUI (graphical interface) is very easy to understand and allows for quick settings changes. For such as small camera a viewfinder is not missed. The LCD screen is bright and clear. Its great that it uses AA batteries resulting in more options for rechargeables and chargers. Its not a professional camera but its perfect to capture everyday life (^_^)!
by: Anonymous On: 2003-10-30
I bought this camera along with a 256 Mb SD viking card. There was a promotional code to disscount $25 bucks from total price, however amazon does not have the camera, it is sent by a third party seller and then you are charge the full price. Didnt expect this from amazon. Be aware.
On: 2003-10-26
i have had this camera for 2 weeks now, getting from Dell home, i think the price is alright but the images were blurry. I think you need to hold the camera real still when you take pictures. Also the flast seems to go off too easily. It seems unnecessary in areas which has ample light for flight to go off. Of coursee can be manually overide but each off / on requires resetting again, seems very bothersome. I am still learning how to use this camera so watch for more comments in due course. It is best to buy a case for this early on cause it could easily get knocked around and scratched. For power, for sure use NiCd for digi camera type, they seem to work the best.
Updated Nov 16, 2003 I now have this camera for a few more weeks. The rechargable battery I use is the NiMH type 2100 mAH, this is the type which works the best as it lasts a long time, I also got myself a 256 mb SD Media memory card. This camera has some interestig features such as movie with sound, 9 minishots onto one pictures so you can get somee pretty funny situations / faces. You would need to be grapping this camera tight when you shot to get better picture otherwise it gets fuzzy, and you need to get a soft case to put it in so that it does not get scratched up especially the screen on the back. Annoyed at the auto flash, it goes off even under outdoor lights and I need to find ways to stop the flash going off, I have been shutting it off manually but each time turn off / on I need to do this again, perhaps I have to read the manual further......I have revised this to 4 * , more satisfied than 3 weeks ago
On: 2003-10-11
the Dimage X20 is the little brother of the Dimage Xt. the main differences between the two are resolution (2MP for x20, 3MP for xt), the x20 does not have an optical viewfinder, the x20 uses AA batteries. pros:
- 2MP resolution, 3x optical zoom.
- about the same size as the xt with dimensions of 3.4 x 2.6 x 0.9 in, weighing in at 4.1oz.
- generally good photo quality, low noise levels.
- automatic white balance performs well.
- AF locks rapidly and decisively in good light.
- short shutter lag in good light.
- fast startup.
- fast shot-to-shot speeds.
- ability to record in movie mode until memory card is full.
- all metal body feels solid.
- 1.6" LCD is bright and fluid.
- uses non-proprietary AA batteries (i highly recommend rechargeables). this means that in a pinch, replacement batteries are as close as the nearest convenience store. cons:
- some purple fringing.
- corners are soft.
- some vignetting.
- above average barrel distortion.
- some redeye occurrence.
- no manual controls.
- no optical viewfinder - this makes it tough when you use this camera with bright sunlight.
- RAW and TIFF formats not supported.
- no AF illuminator - this would really help shutter lag when using this camera in low light.
- scratches easily.
- 8MB SD card provided is inadequate so add $$ to your budget to buy more memory.
- only 2 AA non-rechargeables included; again, add more $$ for some rechargeables and a fast charger. the X20 is a great looking ultracompact camera but the quality of the images you take could be better. if you want a pocketable camera for web photos and small prints, consider the X20. if you want larger prints and like the design of the x20, try the DiMAGE Xt. if you want manual controls, youll have to find another camera altogether, as none of the X-series cameras have them. i would recommend the optio s or casio ex-z3. for even better image quality (in a slightly bigger package), also consider canons sd100. i hope this helps you with your buying decision. peace.
On: 2003-09-28
I have the X20 for about a week now - and it doesnt dissapoint me. This is my 2nd digital camera. I choose it because its small size, and the fact that it uses regular AA batteries so youll always have a backup for power.
Picture quality is good, though the flash lacks power; indoor flashes do look a bit pale (compared to Canon A20). Outdoor seems to overexpose a little bit. Outdoor shots can be hard because the viewfinder is missing.
For my goal - point and shoot - very good camera. Dont expect top-of-the line image quality - but for its size its definitely acceptable
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