Konica Minolta DiMAGE X1: more pixels than most

Konica Minolta has announced the DiMAGE X1, a compact digital camera that trounces other manufacturers' 5-, 6- and 7-megapixel cameras with an 8-megapixel CCD. This puts it near the peak of the resolution mountain, at an altitude normally only reached by dSLRs and serious-photographer compacts.

The other interesting thing about the DiMAGE X1 is that it uses a new Anti-Shake system that enables you to take handheld, wide-angle shots at shutter speeds as slow as 1/6 second. This makes it great for capturing the sunset over the Himalayas, the candlelit interior of your tent, and your romantic, rehydrated, boil-on-primus dinner. Konica's system tilts the entire optical unit, together with the CCD, to counter the image-blurring effects of your tired and trembling hands.

Beyond that, the X1 measures 95 by 68 by a slim 20mm. It has a 37-111mm lens that uses folded optics to zoom within the camera body, so there are no protrusions even when it's turned on. Most of the back is given over to the 64mm (2.5-inch) LCD, which is used for framing and reviewing your images. The X1 comes in three colours -- silver, black and wine red -- and ships with a docking cradle that makes it easy to recharge the battery and/or connect it your computer, TV or printer.

The DiMAGE X1 should be on sale in September and will cost £300. Watch out for a full review when we get back from the mountains. -ML