Konica Minolta Photo Imaging’s new compact DiMage Z5 digital camera offers a built-in 12x optical mega zoom lens, anti-shake system, 5-megapixel CCD, rapid autofocusing and two-inch LCD screen.

The 12x optical zoom lens and 4x digital zoom combine for a total 48x zoom. Its CCD-shift anti-shake system is particularly effective at such high zoom ranges. It allows photographers to shoot with shutter speeds four to eight times longer. It also provides steady, shake-free images with evening or other dimly lit shots, which otherwise may be susceptible to blur because of their slow shutter speed.

The rapid AF operates at approximately 0.2 second at wide angle and 0.3 second at telephoto. The camera also features a fast startup, short shutter release time lag, Ultra-High-Speed Continuous Advance, Progressive Capture and Real Motion monitor for smooth display on the LCD. These features combine to let photographers capture any subject, no matter how fleeting, on the spur of the moment. The camera can also film high-resolution VGA movies.