Konica Minolta today announced the two new ultra-compact 'X'-series digital cameras, the three megapixel DiMAGE X31 and the five megapixel X50. As with previous 'X'-series digital cameras both of these new models utilize a 'folded optics' zoom lens mounted within the camera body. The X31 appears to be fairly similar in design to the older DiMAGE X20 and is aimed squarely at a lower price point than the DiMAGE Xg. The X50 looks quite different to previous 'X'-series, its folded optics lens mounted horizontally providing 2.8x zoom with a sliding lens cover on the front which doubles as a power switch.

Press Release:

KONICA MINOLTA INTRODUCES THE
DiMAGE X50 DIGITAL CAMERA

New compact and stylish 5.0 megapixel camera features
a large 2.0-inch LCD screen, enhanced speed and other design improvements

Mahwah, NJ (July 7, 2004) - Konica Minolta introduces the new DiMAGE X50 5-megapixel digital camera that takes the DiMAGE X series' concept of "thin, fast and stylish" and adds increased speed. Compact and lightweight enough to take anywhere and stylish enough to show everyone, the DiMAGE X50 adds the fastest-in-class* startup time, 2.8x non-protruding optical zoom, 5-megapixel CCD, and large 2-inch LCD, to a high quality digital camera in a sleek, compact package.

"The idea behind the design of the new DiMAGE X50 digital camera is to make it fast, easy and fun for anyone to take beautiful, high-quality pictures anywhere, anytime," said Jon Sienkiewicz, vice president of marketing, Konica Minolta's Camera Division. "The camera's 5 megapixel resolution ensures that even amateur photographers can share their casual snapshots as great enlargements."

With its non-protruding zooms lens, the compact Konica Minolta DiMAGE X50 fits neatly in a shirt pocket and is ready in an instant-thanks to the approximately 0.5-second startup time-to take those spur-of-the-moment shots and ensure that users never miss a photo opportunity. The camera's Automatic Digital Subject Program Selection automatically selects the optimum-shooting mode for the subject at hand, allowing photographers to take beautiful photos that match the needs of the particular photographic scene.

The DiMAGE X50's 5-megapixel CCD and proprietary Konica Minolta CxProcess™ II image processing technology combine to provide photographers with high quality images- pictures that reproduce the natural colors as faithfully as they see them with their own eyes. The camera's zoom lens range covers everything from wide-angle shots to close-ups that are clearly focused as near as 4 inches from the subject, without the need to switch to macro mode. If a photographer needs to get even closer, the DiMAGE X50 also features a Super Macro mode to take extreme close-ups as near as 2.4 inches.

While still as thin and light as previous X-series Konica Minolta cameras, the new DiMAGE X50 incorporates a larger 2-inch LCD screen with easy-to-view menus for greater ease of operation. And the camera's new sliding cover protects the lens, so there's no need to worry about putting the camera inside a pocket or purse.

* As of April 2004, for 3x optical zoom digital cameras.

Press Release:

KONICA MINOLTA INTRODUCES STYLISH
NEW 3.2-MEGAPIXEL X-SERIES DIGITAL CAMERA

Compact, easy-to-use and affordable new DiMAGE X31 features
super-fast start-up speed and a 12x zoom range

Mahwah, NJ (July 7, 2004) - Konica Minolta introduces a new member to the X-series of DiMAGE digital cameras - the new DiMAGE X31. This 3.2 megapixel digital camera combines a fast startup speed, thin and stylish design, and intuitive operation in a very affordable entry-level digital camera model.

The new Konica Minolta DiMAGE X31 is a user-friendly, compact digital camera equipped with Konica Minolta's proprietary non-protruding 3x optical zoom that keeps the camera thin, even when the zoom is activated. This new digital camera features 3.2-megapixel high picture quality and is one of the slimmest and lightest cameras in its class. In addition, the camera features a versatile 4x digital zoom in combination with the 3x optical zoom to take pictures at up to 12x total zoom, as well as the ability to take photos as close as 3.9 inches to the subject without having to switch to a separate macro mode.

"Whether photographers are inspired to capture everyday memories or those once-in-a-lifetime shots, the affordable new DiMAGE X31 provides them with a simple snapshot experience with fashionable style," said Jon Sienkiewicz, vice president of marketing, Konica Minolta's Camera Division. "The DiMAGE X31 also allows users to quickly and easily access a wealth of fun picture-taking functions with just the press of a few intuitive menu buttons."

When users turn the DiMAGE X31 on, the camera is responsive and ready to take pictures in approximately 1.0 second-one of the fastest in the 3-megapixel digital camera category. And with only a 0.1 second shutter release time lag, photographers will never miss a photo opportunity.

The camera's Graphical User Interface (GUI) icon-based menu has a launcher type quick-reference control panel, providing users with intuitively simple operation. And the camera's independent playback button lets users preview their pictures instantly.

Additional in-camera features include versatile image editing functions for adding frames (Framing Features) or combining two photos (Side by Side). And, for even greater creativity, XR (Extended Recording) movie lets users record digital movie clips up to the duration of their card's remaining storage capacity.

Weighing only 4.1 ounces, the stylish and compact DiMAGE X31 digital camera fits right into a jacket or shirt pocket so users can bring the camera with them wherever they go.