This
Minolta DiMAGE Xt Review is based on a production
model. All sample images are unretouched, except
where specified.
1/500
sec., F2.8 and ISO 50
The
Minolta DiMAGE Xt is a well-built and beautifully
crafted all-metallic ultra compact digital camera.
Its target audience is those who desire a quality
digital camera they can carry with them at all
times. With its small dimensions and light weight,
the Xt easily fits in a shirt pocket, a small
fashion purse, or in the front pocket of a pair
of jeans. An ingenious design that puts its 3x
optical zoom lens inside the camera body
means that there is no lens protrusion and gives
the Xt its stunning flat design.
The
Xt is very intuitive to use. Its functions are
divided between push buttons, the mode dial and
the LCD menu, all located on the back of the camera.
Though small, the buttons and dial are precise
and have a responsive feel to them. The menu is
well laid out using three tabs and are easy to
navigate. It is obvious that a lot of thought
has been put into the user interface aspect of
the Xt providing a user-friendly and intuitive
camera to use.
The
dreaded shutter lag is thankfully not present
in the Xt. With its internal lens mechanism, there
is no waiting time for the lens to extend on power
up. Shot to shot time is also quite fast so there
is no waiting time between shots.
A
very convenient accessory included in the kit
box is the battery charger which also serves as
a camera stand. By leaving the charger plugged
in, it is very convenient to just drop the camera
in to recharge between use, ensuring a fully charged
camera before each use.
Due
to its small size, the Xt is understandably not
suitable for those who have big hands, find fiddling
with small buttons difficult, cannot hold a small
camera steady, and/or do not have a light touch
with the shutter release. If you fit the above
user profile, you will almost certainly suffer
from camera shake, resulting in lots of blurred
pictures.
However
if you have no problem with the above and desire
a quality digital camera in your pocket at all
times, the Xt may be just the right one for you.
If you are in the market for a quality ultra compact
point-and-shoot digital camera, I recommend that
you take a good look at the Minolta DiMAGE Xt.
With its quality Minolta construction and lens,
3.2 megapixels resolution, extreme pocketability,
and a design that will turn heads, the Xt is sure
to be a serious contender for a digital camera
that you can put into your pocket or purse and
bring to those occasions you do not want to be
encumbered by a larger camera. See if you fit
the Xt User Profile below:
Minolta
DiMAGE Xt
User Profile
•
Desire a quality 3+MP
resolution point-and-shoot digital camera
capable of producing prints of up to
8x10 in.
•
Want an ultra compact,
JeansPocket™
Certified digital camera (shirt
pocket, small fashion purse, jeans pocket).
•
Have no problem with small
buttons and dial as long as they are
precise and responsive.
•
Able to hold a small camera
steady and gentle with shutter release.
•
Like the WOW! Factor:
this camera makes a fashion statement
and will be as well (or even better)
elegantly dressed than you'd ever be
at formal dress occasions.
•
Do not need more exposure
flexibility and are quite happy with
the limitations of a point-and-shoot.
