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Konica Minolta DiMAGE E500 Announced

Mark Goldstein | Digital Compact Cameras | May 9, 2005 | 19 Comments |

Konica Minolta DiMAGE E500Konica Minolta DiMAGE E500 is introduced today. The Konica Minolta DiMAGE E500 is a compact 5 megapixel digital camera with a 3x optical lens equivalent to 32-96mm in 35mm format. The E500 features a 2 inch LCD screen with an easy to view menu system. The Konica Minolta E500 has 12Mb built-in storage, 5 Digital Subject Program modes and uses Secure Digital (SD) memory cards. The Konica Minolta DiMAGE E500 will cost £149.99 and is available in May.

Konica Minolta UK Press Release

Konica Minolta introduces the affordable new 5 Megapixel DiMAGE E500 digital camera. Featuring a 5 Megapixel CCD, large 2-inch LCD, and 3x optical zoom lens, the compact and lightweight DiMAGE E500 is small enough for photographers to take anywhere and stylish enough to show everyone.

This very affordable and very uncomplicated DiMAGE E500 provides photographers with unparalleled value in a 5 Megapixel digital camera featuring a 3x optical zoom lens. Its point-and-shoot simplicity makes it easy enough for the whole family to use.

For greater ease of operation the thin and lightweight DiMAGE E500 reveals easy-toview menus thanks to its large 2-inch LCD. Additional features include five Digital Subject Program modes (Program, Portrait, Landscape, Sports, and Night modes), 12 MB built-in memory for image storage, PictBridge support, remote camera function, QVGA movie, and AV out (NTSC/PAL –The camera utilises Secure Digital (SD) memory cards and runs on easily accessible AA batteries.

Konica Minolta DiMAGE E500Number of effective pixels Approximately 5.0 million
(**2584 x 1936)
CCD 1/2.5-inch CCD
**Total pixels: 5.2 million
A/D conversion 12bit
Lens construction 6 elements in 5 groups
Focal length 5.4 - 16.2mm (equivalent to 32 - 96mm in 35mm format)
Maximum aperture f/2.8 - f/4.8
Focusing range 1.6 ft. (0.5m) to infinity (from front of lens)
Macro:
Wide-angle: 2.4 inches (0.06m) to infinity (from front of lens)
Telephoto: 14 inches (0.35m) to infinity (from front of lens)
Maximum magnification:
Wide-angle: 0.081x (equivalent to 0.502x in 35mm format)
(with a focal length of 5.4 mm. Distance at 2.4 inches.)
Area covered at maximum magnification: 71.7 x 53.4 mm
Telephoto: 0.042x (equivalent to 0.262x in 35mm format)
(with a focal length of 16.2 mm. Distance at 14 inches.)
Area covered at maximum magnification: 137.6 x 102.5mm
Zooming method Extending power zoom
Digital zoom Recording mode: 1x to 4x (Up to 12x zoom is possible when combined with optical zoom. Digital zoom can be disabled.)
Playback mode: 1x to 4x
Recording media SD (Secure Digital) Memory Cards (up to 512MB), Internal storage (approximately 12MB)
File format DCF1.1-compliant, Still Image: JPEG, DPOF-compliant
(supported by printing functions in version 1.1), Exif 2.2. Movie:
AVI
Number of recorded pixels 2560x1920, 2048x1536, 1280x960, 640x480
Image quality modes Fine, Normal, Economy
Aspect ratio 4:3
Delete function Single or all frames can be deleted.
Lock function Single or all frames can be locked.
Format function Available
Viewfinder type NA
LCD monitor 2.0-inch low-temperature polysilicon TFT color
Total pixels: Approximately 130,000
Field of view: Approximately 90%
Autofocus system Video AF
Autofocus area Centre focus area
Focus mode Single-shot AF only
Focus lock By pressing shutter-release button partway down
Exposure mode Programmed AE
Digital Subject Program
Selection
Program, Portrait, Landscape, Sports, Night
Metering Centre-weighted, Spot (Auto mode is Centre-weight, P, Portrait, Landscape, Sport, Night Scene Mode are both selectable)
AE lock By pressing shutter-release button partway down
Exposure compensation +/-2 EV in 1/3 increments
Camera sensitivity Auto, ISO 50, 100, 200 equivalent
Shutter CCD electronic shutter and mechanical shutter
Shutter speed range 1/1 - 1/2000 second (Night scene mode, the slowest is 2 seconds)
Flash metering Pre-flash TTL
Flash mode Autoflash, Autoflash with red-eye reduction, Fill-flash (Forced Flash), Flash cancel (No Flash)
Guide number 6 (in meters at ISO 100)
Built-in flash range Wide-angle: Approximately 2 - 7.9 ft. (0.6 - 2.4m) from front of lens
Telephoto: Approximately 2 - 6.9 ft. (0.6 - 2.1m) from front of lens
(Camera sensitivity: Auto)
Built-in flash recycling time Approximately 6 seconds
White balance control Automatic, Preset (Daylight, Cloudy, Sunset, Tungsten, Fluorescent
Bracketing (Exposure) Exposure: +/-0.7 EV, Number of brackets: 3 frames
Continuous advance Approximately 1.0 frame per second (Maximum 3 frames 2560x1920 Fine)
Self-timer 10 seconds, 2 seconds, 10+2 seconds
Color modes Full Colour, B/W, and Sepia
Image correction Sharpness (Low, Medium, High), Saturation (Low, Medium, High)
Other recording functions Focus mode (Auto Focus, Macro (Wide-end: Approximately 2.4 inches to infinity, Tele position: Approximately 14 inches to
infinity), Infinity, Date imprinting
Playback functions Single-frame playback, Index playback (Thumbnail, 9 frames),
Enlarged playback (1x to 4x), Slide show
Audio signals Tone indicates operation: (on or off)
Printing output control Exif Print, PictBridge
Movie recording functions
(format)
Motion JPEG (AVI)
Number of recorded pixels
(movie)
320 x 240
Frame rate 20 frames per second
Audio for movie Monaural audio
Movie recording time Until the Memory Card is full (depends on the recordable space of memory card or battery performance.)
Battery 2 AA batteries (alkaline batteries, Ni-MH rechargeable batteries)
External power source 3V DC (with specified AC adapter)
Battery performance Approximately 80 frames
(Conforming to CIPA*1 (included AA alkaline batteries, SD
memory card)) *1 CIPA: Camera & Imaging Products Association
Approximately 200 frames (Based on Konica Minolta’s standard
test method: (Ni-MH batteries (2300 mAh), SD memory card)
PC interface USB (Full-speed 12Mbps data transfer available with USB 2.0 compatible computer)
AV output PAL / NTSC
Supported operating system Windows XP (Professional/Home Edition), Windows Me, Windows 2000 Professional, Windows 98, Windows 98 SE, Mac OS 9.0.- 9.2.2, Mac OS X v10.1.3-10.1.5, v10.2.1-10.2.8, v10.3-10.3.8
Dimensions (WxHxD) 3.6 x 2.4 x 1.1 inches (91 x 61 x 27mm)
Weight Approximately 4.6 oz. (130g) without batteries and the SD memory card
Operating temperature 32-104 degrees Fahrenheit (0 - 40 degrees Celsius)
Operating humidity 30 - 90 % (non-condensing)
Standard Accessories 2 AA alkaline batteries, Hand Strap, AV Cable, USB Cable, Software CD-ROM
Startup time Approximately 3.0 seconds (From when the camera is turned on to when the image is displayed.)
Shutter-release time lag Approximately 0.05 seconds (From when the focus is locked to when the exposure starts)
Autofocusing time Approximately 1.5 seconds (From when the camera starts Autofocusing from infinity to when it locks focus on a subject at
magnification of beta =1/40 (35mm equivalent). At telephoto position.)
Capturing interval Approximately 1.0 second (with single-frame advance)

Specifications and accessories are based on the information available at the time of printing and are subject to change without notice.

System Requirements
Compatible computers when the camera is used as mass storage device:
IBM PC/AT compatible computers with Windows XP (Home/Professional), Windows Me, Windows 2000 Professional, Windows 98*, or Windows 98 Second Edition* and with a USB port as standard
interface.
Apple Macintosh computers with preinstalled Mac OS 9.0 – 9.2.2, Mac OS X v10.1.3-10.1.5, v10.2.1-10.2.8, v10.3-10.3.8 and with a USB port as standard interface.
* Users with Windows 98 and Windows 98 Second Edition operating systems must install dedicated driver software included in the DiMAGE X50 package.
Minimum system requirements for the remote camera function:
Computers IBM PC/AT compatible computers with a USB port as standard interface
CPU Pentium II 300MHz or later processor (*1)
Operating systems Windows XP (Home/Professional), Me, 2000 Professional, or 98 Second Edition
RAM 128 MB of RAM. 256 MB with Windows XP. (*1)
Hard-disk space Approx. 200 MB of free hard-disk space
Monitor 800 x 600 monitor capable of displaying 16-bit colour quality.
Tested applications Microsoft NetMeeting, Windows Messenger (*2)
Other CD-ROM drive
*1 The CPU and RAM must satisfy the requirements of the operating system.
*2 The application software must be guaranteed by the manufacturer to work with the operating system.
• The computer and operating system must be guaranteed by their manufacturers to support USB interface.
• Problems may be encountered depending on what other USB devices are being used in parallel with this product.
• Only a built-in USB port is supported. Problems may be encountered when the camera is connected to a USB hub.
• Normal operation may not be possible even when all the system requirements are met.

System requirements are based on the latest information available at the time of printing and subject to change without notice.

DiMAGE, CxProcess are trademarks or registered trademarks of Konica Minolta Photo Imaging, Inc.

Windows is either a registered trademark or a trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Macintosh is a trademark or registered trademark of Apple Computer
Inc. Other corporate names and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.



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Your Comments

19 Comments so far | Newest Oldest first | Post a comment

#1 Garry Ladou

Hi;

Recently purchased the dimage E500. It's easy to use and at 5 Million pixels photos are clear even at 10 by 15. The 3Xfocus is ok although I wonder about the utility of having a further 4X numeric since I could do all that zooming on my pc. at any rate, the screen is small and hard to see in certain lights, i.e. too bright or too dark and at a high rate of magnification it is hard to center the picture since you cannot see the focus zone. Basically it is point and shoot and hope. It is also slow so your first point and shoot has to be right since a second shot will be much later and the scene may change.

I knew what I was getting into so I am happy with this camera for its intended use, i.e. sending things over email, snaps during walks etc. It is a bit chunky and plasticky as well but it gets by.

Overall I was not made unhappy by a bad buy or surprised that I had gotten something more than I hoped for. I would recommend this for any beginner or for anyone interested in light use. I am scared to drop it.

6:20 pm - Wednesday, September 28, 2005

#2 gus

A brilliant camera,but i've got a problem with the LCD screen, when i close it some area becomes black and after several seconds it turns off, is it a malfunction?Does anyone knows sth about it?

9:13 pm - Monday, October 31, 2005

#3 angel gabriel comagon

I purchased my dimage e500 last april 2006 and have been using it eversince...

a couple of days ago--when I opened it (pushed the on button) no image on the LCD screen appeared - just black--and nothing at all... I checked all the features from the manual but I still can not see anything on the LCD screen-- will I bring it to the shop now for repair or does anyone know what I will do to make it work again...

Good and handy camera--but I do not know if the above is a malfunction--too... thanks...

Angel Gabriel

4:47 am - Sunday, November 19, 2006

#4 Juri Semjonow

The LCD screen on my Konica Minolta Dimage E500
is broken, how do I fix it ?

7:20 pm - Friday, December 8, 2006

#5 Collin

I have owned the E500 for less than a year and the first problem was the LCD screen appeared black. I sent it back to the manufacturer and they fixed it. When I got it back it would not focus, so it went back again. I finally have my camera back, it worked great for less than a month, and the LCD is black again. I am upset and would like a new camera. This camera is a peice of shit.

9:29 pm - Wednesday, December 13, 2006

#6 Juri Semjonow

I just wanted to add that I found my Minolta E500 in the trashroom in our building.

11:12 pm - Wednesday, December 13, 2006

#7 Skitz

I recently bought one of these second hand, as it was second hand -- it didnt come with any batteries, but i was told that standard alkaline batteris (AA) will work in the camera, does anyone know if this is correct??

1:40 am - Friday, January 12, 2007

#8 Halona Wily

I have the same problem with the black screen and I was hoping that someone would know what to do about it.

5:37 am - Thursday, May 3, 2007

#9 TRD Terror

I am also on the hunt to figure out this black LCD ... I am extreemly upset, even more so now that I see it is a common problem.. I have been missing many great pictures over the last few weeks because of this..

Anyone have a fix? SONY is now handling all the Konica Minolta support now as they have moved away from cameras and into buisness support or sumthin,

Regards,

10:15 am - Monday, May 21, 2007

#10 june rusby

love the new dimage e500, but don,t have the installation cd so i can put my pics onto my computor...can anyone help thanks

9:14 pm - Sunday, July 1, 2007

#11 Jay

Go to Amazon.com for lots of negative comments. Do not buy this camera. Requires high power rechargable batteries to power the LCD. Inconsistent focus ability. Have a handful of batteries ready at all times.

I will sell mine for $50 with all manuals, cords, SD card, box, etc.

5:20 pm - Friday, July 20, 2007

#12 benett

i do have the same problem of black screen with E500 Dimage.. guess this is getting more prominent... any fixes for this..please share..

4:50 am - Monday, August 20, 2007

#13 karen hineline

I'll buy it for 50.00 if it is perfect working condition. I just gave mine to my nephew and he dropped it and the lcd is dead. All else works but I cannot seem to find repair for it. He is so heartbroken.

1:08 am - Tuesday, August 21, 2007

#14 david dodd

Hi

We have had the Konica Dimage E500 for about 18 months now and have got to the point where it is a waste of time using it as we only seem to get between 8 to 10 frames before the batteries go dead.Even rechargeable /high performance batteries do not fare any better.
Is this normal for the camera or do we have a fault that needs rectifying?
Thanks

12:41 am - Wednesday, December 26, 2007

#15 Konica Minolta

Photo aparats from Konica Minolta are one of the best it is seed that they not produces any more of them :( I have personaly one of tham smile there are great

12:07 am - Sunday, December 30, 2007

#16 Kimi Caramelo

I bought my Konica Minolta Dimage E500 in 2006, and I had the same problem with the LCD screen. I tried to get it repaired but they told me that the problem was the "obturador" (in spanish, don't know how to say it in english...) and thy couldn't replace it, because Konica Minolta dosn't produce them any more. I've read that many people had the same problem...
I also had problems with the batteries.. it's a shame, i really liked taking pictures every day

1:57 am - Friday, July 17, 2009

#17 Ron

I have almost the same problem.
But the screen is not broken. I can still watch the pictures that I took when the camera was working fine.
Only when I want to take a picture, the screen is black.

obturador = shutter

1:07 pm - Wednesday, November 11, 2009

#18 boucher

quand j'ai ouvert il ( poussé sur le bouton ) aucune image sur l'écran LCD semble - tout noir - et rien du tout ... J'ai vérifié toutes les fonctions dans le manuel mais je ne vois rien sur l'écran LCD que peut faire

6:30 pm - Saturday, August 7, 2010

#19 Berecz József

A véleményem az ,hogy Magyarországon nem lehet még usb csatlakozót sem a minoltához.

1:06 pm - Wednesday, November 2, 2011

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