New digital cameras from Konica Minolta

Konica Minolta Photo Imaging USA today launched two new digital cameras -- the DiMAGE Z5, a 5.0-megapixal CCD camera with "Mega Zoom" features and anti-shake technology; and the DiMAGE Z20, a 5.0-megapixel digital camera with an 8x optical zoom for taking better close-up portraits.

The DiMAGE Z5 features a 12x-optical "Mega Zoom" lens, an "anti-shake" system, rapid autofocus and a 2-inch LCD screen for easier viewing of photos. The 12x optical zoom can combine with the camera's 4x digital zoom to create 48x of total zoom. Other features include a high-performance GT APO lens, Konica Minolta's CxProcess III image processing technology, and a fast startup and short shutter release time. Users can also take VGA movies with the camera, Konica Minolta says.

The DiMAGE Z20 also includes rapid auto-focus, predictive focus control and a 0.5-second startup (pretty cool to start up the camera that quickly) for unexpected photo moments. The Z20 features 8x optical zoom and 4x digital zoom (for 32x of total zoom); and a 1.5-inch LCD screen. Another feature touted by the company is its power efficiency -- the Z20 can take up to approximately 450 frames with the four AA alkaline batteries. Konica Minolta says that is "more shots than any other digital camera in its class." The 10.6-oz. camera can also record movie clips in VGA mode.

Pricing and availability of the new cameras were not announced. More details are available at the Konica Minolta Web site.