The DG-2, introduced in 2002, was built on Konica's earlier Genba Kantoku ('site supervisor') film camera series, featuring waterproofing, dust-proofing, and shock resistance.
This camera updates the first of the digital series DG-1, launched earlier in 1998, and was later replaced by the 3.24MP DG-3 (Digital 現場監督 DG-3Z) in 2003.
Tech specs include a 1/2-inch 2.1MP CCD sensor, a fixed f/2.8 Hexanon lens with a 38mm equivalent focal length (with digital zoom), a real-view optical viewfinder, a 1.8-inch TFT LCD screen, and CompactFlash storage.
Shutter speeds range from 2 to 1/750 second, the minimum focusing distance is 0.3 meters, and images are captured in 1600x1200, 1280x960, or 640x480 resolutions. The glove-friendly, fully automatic vintage camera is powered by 4 AA batteries, measures 139 x 77 x 53 mm, and weighs 425 grams.
The camera, essentially a point-and-shoot, is fun and easy to use. Images are very likable. Without the help of an instruction leaflet or PDF prints, however, coming to grips with the camera's functionalities may take time to comprehend and understand.
With the Power Switch set to Off, pressing the button beside the viewfinder will access the Display mode, where recorded images can be displayed and edited. To edit, press the button located above the Cross Keys, and access is given to Menu items including Erase, Thumbnail, Lock, Rotate, DPOF, Magnify, and Setup.
When the camera is switched on, the upper button activates the LCD as an image frame, allowing you to shoot with the camera at arm's length. Pressing the lower button will display a 3-icon menu for Zoom, Setup, and Review Off. Nudging the Cross Keys center button upward will initiate the digital zoom function.
With its 2.1MP sensor, which is very basic by modern standards, and its rather bulky size, it does come to mind that the DG-2 might not fit the 'Compact Comeback' category at all. It's retro, lo-fi digital images with high-contrast early-2000s CCD color science, however, may put the DG-2 as a selective 'CCD Resurgence' candidate.
And just as well, the Konica Genba Kantoku DG-2, and its film sibling, the Konica Genba Kantoku 28WB, are affirmed cult favorites, acknowledged for their extreme ruggedness, unique design, and simple functionality in harsh environments.
