MinoltaZ1-Operation

Hi,
I have just purchased the Minolta Z1 and am going to admit I am not a photographer by any means. I purchased the Z1 for its 10X optical Zoom but I find that when I set everthing to auto and zoom in I get the 'shaky' hand message thingy but I am supporting my shooting with a railing. Does this camera require a tripod when attempting to use the Zoom to its extent.
the Manual? doesn't give much information on the various settings available with the camera either.
Any hints or tips would be apprecieated.
Also I own the HP812 digital camera and was wondering if the USB camera connectors can be used with either camera or do you have to use the cameras own USB cable?
Thanks JIm

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Originally Posted by JimMac

I purchased the Z1 for its 10X optical Zoom but I find that when I set everthing to auto and zoom in I get the 'shaky' hand message thingy but I am supporting my shooting with a railing. Does this camera require a tripod when attempting to use the Zoom to its extent.

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The general rule is that you should never handhold at a shutter speed greater than the focal length. For example, at 200mm the shutter speed should be faster than 1/200. This might mean that you'll need a tripod in dimmer light at maximum extension.

The camera shake alert will likely appear...ALL THE TIME. If the camera is being moved or vibrated even a little...and I mean a little bit then the camera will pick it up and alert you to it. This doesn't mean that the picture you take will be blurry. I've used my Z1 for a while now and it always gives me the shake alert unless I have it perfectly steady on a tripod, but very few of my pictures turn out blurry due to camera shake. Michael is right about the shutter/focal length rule. I don't advise using the Z1 zoomed all the way out wihtout a tripod...haven't had the best of experience with that. About the USB...I have no clue. Thanks.
--Tubaman