Z2 Vs. A2

[-7-]

Dear A2 + Z2 Users,

Was browsing through the threads...found no info. on why users choose A2 rather than Z2 or vice versa.

I had one time hands on experience on A1. Pretty coooool... (I'm a Dynax5 user :lovegrin: , by the way).

Let's leave A1 aside as nowadays, ppl are talking abt A2 adn Z2. Few threads are discussing Z2 performance. I'm just curious and wondering what are the reasons that some of you guys/gals choose Z2 over A2, as in functionality and picture quality :think: .

I'm in the progress of considering whether to get a SLR liked DigiCam in June '04 IT Fair soon... So your opinions and experiences are extremely influencial kidding..just wanna have some ideas from the existing users...

 

[chriszzz]

Dear A2 + Z2 Users,
Let's leave A1 aside as nowadays, ppl are talking abt A2 adn Z2. Few

The A1 is still a very capable camera, and I don't think you should just leave it aside. At 5MP, its still higher res than the Z2, and yet not as noisy as the infamous 8MP CCD used by the A2. The A2 is also excellent, but with the A1 available from US mail-order for USD600 ( approx S$1000 ), add another S$20 for shipping via VPOSTUSA ), and you've got a very good camera at a low price.

I own a A1, and after looking at the A2, I've felt no desire to uprade. Its ergonomics is fantastic. I've used Canon EOS 35mm SLRs for years, and Canon has always been quite good in ergnonomics. I currently also own a 300D. But the A1 feels "better" in my hands, better than the SLRs/DSLRs that I've owned in this price range ( < $2000 ), and everything's well laid out.

It's fast, responsive, produces sharp clean images, and cheap. It's also packed with features that lower end cameras like the Z2 costing just as much would not have, like selectable colorspace, live histogram, RAW mode, 28mm wide angle, vertical/battery grip, takes CF cards ( as opposed to the Z2's SD card ), Image stableliser, etc etc etc. The only Z2 advantage I see is size/weight.

I think its no contest between the A1 and Z2. Between the A1 and A2, its a thougher fight. The A2 has higher res (although higher noise too, esp at ISO 200 and above ), but costs much more than the A1 if you order A1 from US.

Think about it.

 

[-7-]

Morning Chriszz,

Thanks for the sharing... Personally, I love the feel of holding A1 as well. Moreover, it comes with the mechanical zoom ring :lovegrin: , which is cool And moreover moreover, it has the option of vertical grip!!!

I've read some reviews on A1 & A2. A2 seems like (not sure abt A1 as I found no relevant info. on this) a better choice for a longer term consideration. One of them is the memory card capacity support. A2 supports FAT32 format, which allows any CF memory medium with the size of >2G, as well as MicroDrive compatible. Frankly, this is one of my personal "look-into" item as I love to shoot in RAW format and have a full control on the photos shot later on, be it edition in PS or quality of the pictures. Hence, memory capacity size does matter. Any idea A1 support such feature as well?

Actually, the main reason for posting up this topic is simply confused by quite a lot of users out there chose Z1 / Z2 and there are more after this coming June IT Fair, I believe... So, I just want to have an understanding of the users as in the background of them before they bought Z Series and A Series. As a film SLR camera user, I personally would consider A1 / A2 instead of Z Series. But I'm not sure whether there are SLR users who prefer Z Series over A Series.

Cheers!!

 

[xaer]

Hi.

I Love the A1 too and I agree it feels alot better than the Z2 in handling and function wise. Although I am not too sure about the difference in the image quality between the 2 (except that A1 is 1 Meg Pix more than Z2), and that A1 has uncompressed format.

But I am finally going for Z2 because of the $$ :thumbsup: .

 

[-7-]

Hi xaer,

Thanks for the sharing Both are cool cam to own...G-Lense :thumbsup: ...hmmm... gotta buy more TOTO... kidding...

 

[TME]

The A and Z series are targetted at different users and so they are totally different in terms of capability and features.... the A series is aimed at the semi-pro user.... while the Z series aims at the amateur who wants some extra features... in a sense u cannot compare them at all...

 

[chriszzz]

A1 also supports FAT32.

People choose their cameras for different reasons. Choosing a Z2 just because others are doing so isn't very wise. Look at your own needs. From your post, it seems a A1/A2 is closer to what you need rather than a Z2.

Between A1 and A2, well, its price ( $1000 vs $1600 ) and resolution ( 5MP vs 8MP ) and noise level. Given this, I would take the A1, and spend the $600 difference on other goodies, like a 4GB Microdrive or a XSDrive.

 

[-7-]

A1 also supports FAT32.

People choose their cameras for different reasons. Choosing a Z2 just because others are doing so isn't very wise. Look at your own needs. From your post, it seems a A1/A2 is closer to what you need rather than a Z2.

Between A1 and A2, well, its price ( $1000 vs $1600 ) and resolution ( 5MP vs 8MP ) and noise level. Given this, I would take the A1, and spend the $600 difference on other goodies, like a 4GB Microdrive or a XSDrive.

Hi Chriszzz,

Cool!!! Totally agreed with you...SD$600.00 is really something. In fact, A Series is always my first priority...looking at its flexibility, functionality and excellency, can't help myself not to look at it, hold it and try to own it :devil:

Anyway, thanks guys (TME-xaer) for all the views... Appreciate them!

 

[xaer]

Hi.

Actually, -7-, I am on a learning curve here myself. I have been thinking about what I really want before making a purchase of a camera.

I discovered that I am not a very "technical" kind of photographer, so going for a high range camera will only put many capabilities in the dark. I only like to make nice composition (with abit of fun on Depth of Field) that pleases my eyes, and I am very particular about the quality of image that the camera produces so that (I am not asking for much here...) I can make nice 4R prints. I hope that Z2 can deliver what I want.

What say you TME/Chriss?

Thanks and hope you guys had a nice weekend. I did cause I went to shoot some pictures in the beautiful afternoon!

 

[-7-]

Hi.

Actually, -7-, I am on a learning curve here myself. I have been thinking about what I really want before making a purchase of a camera.

I discovered that I am not a very "technical" kind of photographer, so going for a high range camera will only put many capabilities in the dark. I only like to make nice composition (with abit of fun on Depth of Field) that pleases my eyes, and I am very particular about the quality of image that the camera produces so that (I am not asking for much here...) I can make nice 4R prints. I hope that Z2 can deliver what I want.

What say you TME/Chriss?

Thanks and hope you guys had a nice weekend. I did cause I went to shoot some pictures in the beautiful afternoon!

Hi xaer,

Some thoughts to share (although you did not ask for mine ;p )

I started with a Samsung 35mm compact film camera... managed to learn some basic things (slightly technical) and lived with it for abt 1 yr. Then bought my first digital compact-Canon Ixus 330, which allowed me to learn a little more especially the instant results of the trial an error (the luxury that digital form provides ). I reallised that I moved no further than that as both of them did not give me any creative setting, all AUTOMATIC P+S based. So I moved on with a system which gives me a total control (at least at my stage now) - Minolta Dynax5. Took almost 2 yrs for me to step on the stage of SLR (sigh). No doubts, there are more advance systems that I dream to own, but as of now, my technical level is still away from those systems, so I stick to mine now.

Looking at your own situation analysis, I'm pretty sure that you'll soon go into SLR camera (be it Digital or Film)...

In fact, for my case, getting a SLR typed digital camera is only a spare of mind for short trip-lightweight trips, candid shots... still in deep love with negatives and positives...

Cheers and happy shooting...

 

[xaer]

Yo Mate (-7-),

Thanks for the advise. I am sorry for not knowing that I was in the presensence of an experienced one... :sweat:

Anyway, it is quite unlikely that I will go too much into technicality in the near future. I may go into it when I am ready to retire or something like that, which is many many years from now.

But what I need now is an "all rounder" camera (hopefully is the Z2) that can deliver good image and colour reproduction and good 4R prints.

By the way, I did play (i.e. nothing serious) with SLR b4, many years back (a Minolta x700 which has gone through 2 servicing and now resting peacefully in my cupboard)/ I switched to digital both for convenience and work.

Oh.... side topic, I like admiring black and white photos too. I did shoot on film once or twice before, that's about it. But recently, I shot a series entitled "Living In Black and White" here: http://www.photonski.com/xaer please insert some of your valuable comments or else my photo page empty also quite boring lah. :bsmilie:

 

[The_Cheat]

Hey Gokuu,

There's no point in you getting a Z2, really... Let just say that your skill is already above what the Z2 could offer you.

Either look for a prosumer one, or wait for the dslr lah! It'll be a better investment for you!

 

[-7-]

Hi xaer,

First of all, I'm not an experienced guy, really. Black & White photos shot <20rolls up to today. Definitely and undoubtfully, I'm a newbie in SLR. So let's learn together, shall we...

Hi Adam (sorry, kinda weird to call you The_Cheat which I think Adam is far more better than The_Cheat ;p ),

"your skill is already above what the Z2 could offer you" :bigeyes: whhhhhua... I tell you what...the recent last May Day holiday, I went to Tioman with only an A2. I did not bring along my Dynax5 as everytime I'll only play with my Dynax if she is around although with the presence of A2 or any digital cam (ofcos not DSLR). And I could't get good pictures...it just didn't work at the beginning... Still love films, as I can use certain type of B&W negative to give certain mood I want... or certain slides to get certain saturation for landscape and portrait... :sweatsm:

So, to my personal standard, one can shoot good photos, needless to care or concern abt what system is placed in his hands... :devil: In other words, Z2 is still a great cam for me then... ;p

btw, got an e-quote from CP, share with you guys:

> Item1=Minolta A2 @ S$1,640.00
- Free with purchase while offer/ stocks last: 256 CF Card

> Item2=Minolta Z2 @ S$665.00

Cheers!!!

 

[TME]

Cost of A2 > 2x of Z2....