Compact Quality (Minolta Dimage Xt)

Member Name: DocDan3

Product:	Minolta Dimage Xt
Date:	05/08/09 (30 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Quality, Good Pictures, Videos, Size + Weight, Very Capable

Disadvantages: Zoom Isn't Great, Video Quality

I have had this camera for a couple of years now and it has been great the whole time. The only problem is that the battery has degraded over time. This happens when you don't let the battery wear down fully before recharging it. Constantly recharging the battery tires it out even quicker so I can now only have it on for about 10-15 minutes after recharging it fully.

The camera I have is silver, but as shown in the image above, you can get a black one too. It's meant to be a compact camera, and it really is. It's just 0.8 x 2.8 x 3.4 inches in dimensions and weighs only 4.2 ounces, which is nothing. It's tiny size and lightweight makes it ideal for carrying around.

Although it's a very compact camera, it has an amazing 3x optical zoom due to a clever mechanism built into the camera. The camera is of a 3.2 mega pixel resolution and gives great pictures. The zoom isn't excellent but it is still adequate considering the size of the camera

On the front of the camera is the Dimage Xt logo. On the top right is the camera lens, which has the chrome cover slide down once you switch it on. To the left is a viewing tunnel as well as a sensor and flash light. There is a microphone at the bottom as well as speakers on the back to replay videos and audio. On the side of the camera is a bit you can lift up. You can insert your SD card here by clicking it in. It is released by clicking it again before taking it out. I personally have a 256MB card, which is ok but you could always get a bigger one.

On the back of the camera is a 4cm screen to view the camera. Below are 4 buttons to control the camera. Above is a wheel, which is turned to go to the camera, viewing section, video recorder and setup options. To the right of this is a button that can be pushed up and down to zoom in and out, with buttons either side to scroll through the menus.

The flash is quite effective and you can also use some other effects for the picture including a black and white one. On the top of the camera is an ON/OFF button as well as the capture button used to take photos and record. You press it half way and then fully to take a picture or begin recording. The camera comes with a black plastic charger, which the camera sits on. This has a power cable running to the mains to feed electricity to the battery. This works quite well but sometimes it's tricky to exactly position the camera on the charger.

You can probably get this camera for under £100 anowadays, as it's not as widely available and new as before. It's worth it if you can as it's an excellent compact little camera and full of good technology. It has many options and you can take photos as well as videos. It is very small and lightweight so ideal for carrying around and it even comes with a strap to keep it round your wrist and held in your hand.

Thanks for reading,

Dan ©

Summary: A great little camera, ideal for carrying around on holidays

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