Following the release of the diminutive X50 in 2004, Konica Minolta has announced its successor, the 5MP DiMAGE X60, and an entry-level digicam the E500.

Following the release of the diminutive X50 in 2004, Konica Minolta has announced its successor, the 5MP DiMAGE X60, and an entry-level digicam the E500.
While retaining the folded optical design of the X50, the X60 features a 3x zoom lens instead of the 2.8x optical zoom of its predecessor, in a slim protrusion-free body 22mm deep. Another advancement since the X50 is the LCD screen, which has increased in size from 2.0 to 2.5-inches.
Incorporated into the camera is CXProcess III technology, which has been designed to produce high-quality images, while the noise-reduction feature counters graininess.
Six scene modes are incorporated into the Automatic Digital Subject Program Selection, including portrait, landscape, sports action and sunset, while Super Macro mode can focus as close as 5cm.
The Dimage X60 promises a half a second start-up time and a 0.08-second shutter-release. Other features include a fast USB 2.0 transfer, PictBridge support, 30fps movie mode and 15Mb internal memory.
Featuring a 5MP CCD and 2-inch LCD screen, the E500 is designed to be easy to operate and reasonably priced. Optics come in the form of a f/2.8 ? 4/8 3x optical zoom lens, other features include five Digital Subject Program modes and 12Mb of storage.
The DiMAGE X60 will retail at £229.99 and the E500 will cost £149.99. Konica Minolta has also announced a drop in price of its first Digital SLR ? the Dynax 7D will cost £899.99 for the body or £999.99 for the kit. Find out more at www.konicaminolta.co.uk or by calling 0208 751 6121.