Minolta Dimage F100 4MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom

Minolta Dimage F100 4MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom

Minolta Dimage F100 4MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom
Manufacturer: Konica Minolta
Product Type: Photography

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com Review
Minolta has packed quite a punch into the compact, 4-megapixel DiMAGE F100, adding a 7.5x total zoom, movie mode, and audio recording capability so you can leave yourself notes about your shots. Even better, Minolta has done a great job of making the camera fun and easy to use, which is essential in any camera, but invaluable in today's crowded compact digital-camera market.

The 4-megapixel resolution of the F100 produces very large images that are fantastic for prints larger than 11 by 14 inches. Thankfully, the F100 allows you to step down the resolution to a more manageable 2-megapixel level (1,600 x 1,200 pixels) if you need the space on your memory card.

Its 3x optical zoom lens aids in photo composition, and an additional 2.5x digital zoom (7.5x total) further magnifies your image. Remember, however, that digital zoom reduces the sharpness and detail of your image, so it's best used sparingly.

Minolta built in some great autofocus features to help make your life easier, including wide-focus area autofocus, and spot-focus areas with focus-area selection (which enables you choose a specific, narrow focus field). During our testing, the autofocus worked beautifully, and we never ended up with our target out of focus.

The F100 uses AA batteries and, disappointingly, comes with a set of disposables. We used the camera at a family gathering over the course of a weekend, and the batteries held up fine, so the power drain isn't as horrendous as in past digital cameras. Ideally, though, you'll want to buy a set of rechargeables, to help preserve your sanity, pocketbook, and the environment.

Overall, the DiMAGE F100 performs admirably and is the perfect size to carry just about anywhere. --Michael Lewis

Pros:

Cons:


Amazon.com Product Description
Take the quick and easy route to high-quality images with the stylish 4-megapixel Minolta DiMAGE F100.

Optics and Resolution
With its 4 million effective pixels, the DiMAGE F100 captures sharp, detail-rich images. At this level of resolution, you can turn your shots into photo-quality prints that are larger than postcards or even enlargements of up to 11 by 14 inches.

A wide zoom range is an essential tool for framing the shot you're looking for. The F100 offers 3x optical zoom, with a range covering the equivalent of 38mm to 114mm on a 35mm film camera. When you've reached the limit of the optical zoon, the F100 then shifts into its digital zoom, providing an added 2.5x magnification--for a total of 7.5x zoom and a telescopic 285mm (equivalent) focal length.

The F100 features area AF (autofocus), which automatically follows the movement of your subject within the autofocus area, switching the active focusing block to make sure the subject stays sharp. Camera response is further enhanced by rapid autofocusing via to the ultrafast ASIC circuitry, a sophisticated focusing algorithm, and quick lens adjustment. You'll get focusing speeds of approximately 0.35 seconds at the widest lens angle and approx. 0.5 seconds in telephoto (1 meter).

More Features
A movie mode captures video clips with sound. Depending upon resolution, these clips can last up to 35 seconds. Movie files are recorded in JPEG format (320 x 240 pixels). The limited length and resolution of these clips guarantees that this feature won't replace your camcorder, but it's perfect for when you just want to capture a quick movie and e-mail it to a friend or relative.

The F100 is also equipped with audio-only recording, which can be a convenient tool for taking notes. A single clip can be 30 minutes long, and is stored as an 8-bit uncompressed wave file. Playback is not included.

Keep a record of where and when you took a particular shot by adding an audio caption to it. Captions are recorded after image capture, and can be 5 or 15 seconds long.

The built-in flash features a TTL (through-the-lens) flash metering system, and has a variety of selectable flash modes. When the camera is set to auto, you have four modes to choose from: auto, manual fill-flash, red-eye reduction, and flash cancel.

Power
The included CR-V3 lithium battery provides power. You can also use a pair of AA batteries.

We recommend getting a set or two of rechargeable nickel metal-hydride (NiMH) batteries and a charger. A digital camera is power intensive, especially if you're using the camera's LCD display, so they aren't recommended except in a pinch. To ensure you'll always be ready for action, we recommend having two sets of rechargeables so you can always have one set in the camera and the other set in the charger.

Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on Secure Digital memory cards. Consider the included 16 MB card a starter capacity, since its 14-picture limit means you'll need to return to your computer often to transfer images and free up the card for more pictures. A 64 MB card will store nearly 60 images taken in standard mode at a 1,600 x 1,200 resolution.

To transfer images to your computer, simply attach the included USB cable between your PC and your camera. Your computer should automatically recognize your camera and let you move the pictures to your hard drive.

Size
The DiMAGE F100 is easy to carry around on all your photo expeditions, coming in at just 4.4 by 2.2 by 1.3 inches and 6.5 ounces.

Contents and Recommended Accessories
The package includes the DiMAGE F100 camera, CR-V3 battery, AV and USB cables, hand strap, software suite, and 16 MB Secure Digital memory card.

Everything you need to get started is included in the box, but we strongly recommend the addition of a larger memory card, an extra set of rechargeable NiMH batteries and battery charger, and a compact carrying case (for protection and to keep pocket lint out of the viewfinder).

Minolta Dimage F100 4MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • both of them are broken
  • Great camera for the price
  • it broke
  • One of the most frustrating cameras I have ever owned!
  • Great stills, but non-Windows compatible video format
Minolta Dimage F100 4MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom

Manufacturer: Konica Minolta
ProductGroup: Photography
Binding: Electronics

Digital CamerasDigital Cameras | Konica Minolta | Camera & Photo Brands | Camera & Photo Features | Electronics
Digital CamerasDigital Cameras | Used Photo & Camera | Specialty Stores | Camera & Photo Features | Electronics
MMC CamerasMMC Cameras | Memory Cards | Promotions | Special Features | Camera & Photo Features | Electronics
3MP+ Secure Digital Cameras3MP+ Secure Digital Cameras | Promotions | Special Features | Camera & Photo Features | Electronics
All Digital CamerasAll Digital Cameras | Digital Cameras | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics
4 to 4.9 Megapixels4 to 4.9 Megapixels | Digital Cameras | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics
Under 4x Optical ZoomUnder 4x Optical Zoom | Digital Cameras | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics
Other Digital CamerasOther Digital Cameras | Digital Cameras | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics
Point-and-Shoot Digital CamerasPoint-and-Shoot Digital Cameras | Digital Cameras | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics
Digital CamerasDigital Cameras | Cameras & Scanners | Technology | Categories | Office Depot
Accessories:
  1. Kodak K600 C+2 Kodak Max Charger with 2 AA Ni-MH Kodak Max Rechargeable Digital Camera Batteries
  2. Minolta RC-3 Wireless Remote Control for the Dimage F100, F300 & S414 Digital Cameras
  3. Minolta USB-500 Cable for Dimage A1, A2, Xi, X, XG, X20, X31, F300, F100, Z1 & Z2 Digital Cameras
  4. Ceiva Advanced Digital Photo Receiver
  5. HP Premium Photo Paper, Glossy (C6039A, 8.5x11, 15 Sheets)

Product Features:
  • 4.13 megapixel (3.95 effective megapixels) sensor creates 2272 x 1704 images for prints at 8 by 10 inches and beyond
  • 3x optical plus 2.5x digital (7.5x total) zoom lens with autofocus
  • Included 16 MB SD card holds 14 images at default resolution
  • Connects with Macs and PCs via USB connector
  • Features subject tracking autofocus

ASIN: B000067DKB

Amazon.com Review

Minolta has packed quite a punch into the compact, 4-megapixel DiMAGE F100, adding a 7.5x total zoom, movie mode, and audio recording capability so you can leave yourself notes about your shots. Even better, Minolta has done a great job of making the camera fun and easy to use, which is essential in any camera, but invaluable in today's crowded compact digital-camera market.

The 4-megapixel resolution of the F100 produces very large images that are fantastic for prints larger than 11 by 14 inches. Thankfully, the F100 allows you to step down the resolution to a more manageable 2-megapixel level (1,600 x 1,200 pixels) if you need the space on your memory card.

Its 3x optical zoom lens aids in photo composition, and an additional 2.5x digital zoom (7.5x total) further magnifies your image. Remember, however, that digital zoom reduces the sharpness and detail of your image, so it's best used sparingly.

Minolta built in some great autofocus features to help make your life easier, including wide-focus area autofocus, and spot-focus areas with focus-area selection (which enables you choose a specific, narrow focus field). During our testing, the autofocus worked beautifully, and we never ended up with our target out of focus.

The F100 uses AA batteries and, disappointingly, comes with a set of disposables. We used the camera at a family gathering over the course of a weekend, and the batteries held up fine, so the power drain isn't as horrendous as in past digital cameras. Ideally, though, you'll want to buy a set of rechargeables, to help preserve your sanity, pocketbook, and the environment.

Overall, the DiMAGE F100 performs admirably and is the perfect size to carry just about anywhere. --Michael Lewis

Pros:

Cons:

Amazon.com Product Description

Take the quick and easy route to high-quality images with the stylish 4-megapixel Minolta DiMAGE F100.

Optics and Resolution
With its 4 million effective pixels, the DiMAGE F100 captures sharp, detail-rich images. At this level of resolution, you can turn your shots into photo-quality prints that are larger than postcards or even enlargements of up to 11 by 14 inches.

A wide zoom range is an essential tool for framing the shot you're looking for. The F100 offers 3x optical zoom, with a range covering the equivalent of 38mm to 114mm on a 35mm film camera. When you've reached the limit of the optical zoon, the F100 then shifts into its digital zoom, providing an added 2.5x magnification--for a total of 7.5x zoom and a telescopic 285mm (equivalent) focal length.

The F100 features area AF (autofocus), which automatically follows the movement of your subject within the autofocus area, switching the active focusing block to make sure the subject stays sharp. Camera response is further enhanced by rapid autofocusing via to the ultrafast ASIC circuitry, a sophisticated focusing algorithm, and quick lens adjustment. You'll get focusing speeds of approximately 0.35 seconds at the widest lens angle and approx. 0.5 seconds in telephoto (1 meter).

More Features
A movie mode captures video clips with sound. Depending upon resolution, these clips can last up to 35 seconds. Movie files are recorded in JPEG format (320 x 240 pixels). The limited length and resolution of these clips guarantees that this feature won't replace your camcorder, but it's perfect for when you just want to capture a quick movie and e-mail it to a friend or relative.

The F100 is also equipped with audio-only recording, which can be a convenient tool for taking notes. A single clip can be 30 minutes long, and is stored as an 8-bit uncompressed wave file. Playback is not included.

Keep a record of where and when you took a particular shot by adding an audio caption to it. Captions are recorded after image capture, and can be 5 or 15 seconds long.

The built-in flash features a TTL (through-the-lens) flash metering system, and has a variety of selectable flash modes. When the camera is set to auto, you have four modes to choose from: auto, manual fill-flash, red-eye reduction, and flash cancel.

Power
The included CR-V3 lithium battery provides power. You can also use a pair of AA batteries.

We recommend getting a set or two of rechargeable nickel metal-hydride (NiMH) batteries and a charger. A digital camera is power intensive, especially if you're using the camera's LCD display, so they aren't recommended except in a pinch. To ensure you'll always be ready for action, we recommend having two sets of rechargeables so you can always have one set in the camera and the other set in the charger.

Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on Secure Digital memory cards. Consider the included 16 MB card a starter capacity, since its 14-picture limit means you'll need to return to your computer often to transfer images and free up the card for more pictures. A 64 MB card will store nearly 60 images taken in standard mode at a 1,600 x 1,200 resolution.

To transfer images to your computer, simply attach the included USB cable between your PC and your camera. Your computer should automatically recognize your camera and let you move the pictures to your hard drive.

Size
The DiMAGE F100 is easy to carry around on all your photo expeditions, coming in at just 4.4 by 2.2 by 1.3 inches and 6.5 ounces.

Contents and Recommended Accessories
The package includes the DiMAGE F100 camera, CR-V3 battery, AV and USB cables, hand strap, software suite, and 16 MB Secure Digital memory card.

Everything you need to get started is included in the box, but we strongly recommend the addition of a larger memory card, an extra set of rechargeable NiMH batteries and battery charger, and a compact carrying case (for protection and to keep pocket lint out of the viewfinder).

Customer Reviews:

1 out of 5 stars both of them are broken.......2005-07-28

I owned this camera and I used one at work. Both of them malfunctioned after about 1 year (lens extension motor stuck open). Also, battery life was terrible. Constantly changing out batteries even when using 2300 NiMHs. LCD viewfinder was useless outdoors.

4 out of 5 stars Great camera for the price.......2005-02-27

This camera takes great pictures and I love the Area Auto Focus that lets you tell the camera where to focus.

My major problem with it is that the selector dial sticks out and can turn when you put the camera in your pocket. This has happened several times and I think it damaged something because the focus stopped working after 4 months of ownership.

Other than that, it is very slow but takes great pictures.

3 out of 5 stars it broke.......2004-11-10

i love the quality of the pictures, and it'sfun to use, but the motor broke beyond repair right after the warantee was over. wouldn't buy another one.

1 out of 5 stars One of the most frustrating cameras I have ever owned!.......2004-09-11

I have owned several cameras but this was my first (and last)Minolta and the worst camera in my experience. I really thought that the Minolta name implied a certain degree of high quality - I was wrong. What good are 4 Megapixels if the camera can't be used in normal circumstances. (Stick with Canon, Nikon, Olympus and even Kodak)
Pros
--Excellent clarity and true colors at close range (outdoors in good lighting only)
--Almost always excellent photo quality outdoors in daylight
--True flesh tones and colors

Cons
Battery life is horrible - Even with the expensive enclosed battery I operated the camera for about 30 pictures before wiping it out.I wound up buying 8 rechargable AA batteries (2100ma) and constantly had to change them out
--digital display had to be kept off in order to save battery life
--impossible to use in low light for subjects beyond 6 feet
--camera took over 10-15 seconds to adjust itself for dim indoor use - you will miss a lot of shots (People posing for these shots always wound up with a look of irritation that the shots were taking so long to take.)
--terrible photo quality (clarity and color) results indoors or outdoors in dim light. Camera can't focus and adjust beyond 6'
--The lens takes forever to telescope in and out when turning it on or shutting it down.
--Terrible preset adjustments don't improve performance - almost always make it worse
--Manual settings are very difficult to set due to the maze or menus you have to navigate through
--Anything above a 100 ISO setting produced so much noise thatthe pictures were rendered usless
-- very long refractory time between shots - takes forever for it to recharge itself between pics
-- takes a very long time to save each pic

3 out of 5 stars Great stills, but non-Windows compatible video format.......2004-07-07

This is a good camera for awesome still photos, but don't get too close; tend to be blurry. And even in macro mode, you have to be perfectly still (tripod) as well as your subject. The lens did get stuck once, but has worked fine since.
My biggest pet peeve is that the video only records in .mov format. Only RealOne can play that. I cannot use it with Windows Movie Maker, as only Macs can. I wish it could have an option to record in .avi or .mpg formats.
So, when my husband lost it a month ago, I was a bit upset, but glad that now I can get a camcorder that records in a Windows compatable format and that takes stills as well. I will not buy any Minoltas until they offer those formats. It is very important to me; I have 3 children that are growing fast.
And I also have one more pet peeve: everytime your batteries die or you remove them, you have to reset your date and time. VERY annoying! No memory battery to keep data you entered. This camera is good, but with a few minor improvements, it can be awesome.

Electronics:

  1. Oregon Scientific DS6310-R 3MP ThinCam Digital Camera with Cradle (Red)
  2. Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC70 4MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom
  3. HP PhotoSmart R607xi - digital camera ( L1834A#ABA )
  4. PenCam II VGA
  5. Vivitar Vivicam 4000 6MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom
  6. HP Photosmart M407 4MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom & M-Series Dock
  7. Largan Chameleon XP Digital Camera
  8. Sigma SD10 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)
  9. HP PS320 2 MP Digital Camera
  10. Olympus E-20 5MP Digital Camera w/ 4x Optical Zoom

Electronics

Electronics

Consumer Electronics

Digital video recorder TMD104 4-CH embedded

Planar PT191MU 19'' Touch-Screen LCD

Akai DVDRW120 Progressive-Scan DVD Player/Recorder

Compaq Armada E500 - PIII 600 MHz - RAM : 64 MB - HD : 12 GB - CD - Win2000 - 14.1" TFT 1024 x 768

RCA EP-096FL; Hitachi VM-BP67A Equivalent Camcorder Battery

ViewSonic VA1912WB 19" Widescreen LCD Monitor

Acer 01.12887.000 CMOS Battery

Compaq Armada 1750 - PII 366 MHz - RAM : 64 MB - HD : 6.4 GB - CD - Win95 - 14.1" TFT 1024 x 768