Konica Minolta and Sony Agree to Jointly Develop Digital SLR Cameras

Konica Minolta and Sony have today announced that they have agreed to jointly develop digital SLR cameras. Sony look like they have most to gain from this move, as they don’t currently have any DSLRs in their product line-up, whereas Konica Minolta introduced their second model, the Dynax 5D, only last week. Both companies are set to “begin joint development of advanced and feature-rich digital SLR cameras” based on Konica Minolta’s Maxxum/Dynax lens mount system. It’s probably safe to say that Sony will not be joining the Four Thirds camp, which Olympus and Panasonic have pledged support to.

Konica Minolta / Sony Press Release

Tokyo (July 19, 2005) – Konica Minolta Photo Imaging, Inc. and Sony Corporation have reached an agreement to jointly develop digital Single Lens Reflex (SLR) cameras. Taking full advantages of their respective imaging technologies and key devices, the two companies will develop and commercialize new digital SLR cameras based on and compatible to “Maxxum/Dynax lens mount system.*1”

Konica Minolta has superb autofocus auto-exposure technologies nourished through development of “Maxxum/Dynax series” from the age of film cameras, mechanical electronics technologies indispensable for SLR cameras, and sixteen million units of lens shipped worldwide. In addition, Konica Minolta has enthusiastically innovated cutting edge features, such as, for the first time, incorporating a CCD shift-type body-integral Anti-Shake technology for the Camera Grand Prix awarding “α-7 DIGITAL. *2”

Sony has numerous technologies and devices essential for digital imaging equipment, such as CCD and CMOS imaging sensors, image processing technologies and lithium ion batteries. Moreover, Sony’s strength in product planning, total design and high-density mounting have created a series of breakthrough compact and light digital imaging products. With products such as “Handycam” video cameras, and “Cyber-shot” digital still cameras, Sony has greatly contributed to expanding the digital imaging market.

Both companies, utilizing respective unique technologies, will begin joint development of advanced and feature-rich digital SLR cameras. According to recent CIPA (Camera & Imaging Products Association) data, the digital SLR camera market reached 2.5 million units in 2004, and is expected to further expand to 3.6 million units in 2005. Konica Minolta and Sony see great opportunities and will aggressively promote their businesses in this growing market.

*1 Konica Minolta’s original lens mount system to connect camera body and lens adopted in its “Maxxum/Dynax series” SLR cameras.
*2 “α-7 DIGITAL is marketed as “Maxxum 7D” in North America and “Dynax 7D” in other regions.

“Sony has powerful devices and technologies essential for digital cameras,” said Tsuyoshi Miyachi, President and Chief Executive Officer of Konica Minolta Photo Imaging, Inc. “I am extremely excited to work with Sony. Together with Sony, we will endeavor to create new value in the field of imaging through increasing attractiveness of digital SLR cameras where we are strongly focused.”

“We are excited to co-develop new products with Konica Minolta’s advanced camera technologies represented by its “Maxxum/Dynax series” and our digital audio visual technologies,” said Yutaka Nakagawa, Sony’s Executive Vice President and Personal Audio Visual Network Company NC President. “Sony will further strengthen its digital imaging business through creating new market opportunities with the digital SLR camera field.”

Published: Tuesday, July 19, 2005

Reader Comments

1. Interesting, at least they'll be better adherance to joint/shared standards.
   
   Unless of course Microsoft tries to muzzle into this market too...
   
   XXX OOO

   Cathy Manners at 04:25pm on Tuesday, July 19, 2005

2. I believe that Fuji's 5th generation Super CCD and processor that is in their new F-10 camera, is the ubderlying reason Sony decided to go DSLR.
   
   About 6 months ago a Sony VP was interviewd and stated their F-828 was at the end of its life cycle and a replacement is being developed and its completion will take more time.
   
   He also stated that they would not likely enter the DSLR market.
   
   Perhaps Sony feels that they can't beat Fuji's new small (P&S;, Prosumer) chip and can best compete with their larger DSLR chips.
   
   This is all very interesting.

   Nicholas at 06:15am on Wednesday, July 20, 2005

3. I have been a minolta customer for over 30 years. I waited to transition into the digital world for 2 years, waiting on the 7D. I love the camera about 9 out of 10 times I use it. I wouldn't go back to film, except when the 7D is being serviced.
   I feel that the companies coming together can only be for the good. I struggle from going the same direction as my cohorts, and purchase Nikon, Canon, or Fuji systems. Hopefully, the merge of the three (Konica, Minolta, and Sony) they will contiue to develope awesome products that we will continue to want to upgrade to.

   www.stevisonphoto.com at 08:18pm on Sunday, July 24, 2005

4. I have owned both the Sony 717 and the 828, now I have the Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D. I loved both my Sonys but no one can hold a candle to the 7D. I can only see good come from this joining of technologies.

   Marianne Venegoni at 04:39am on Monday, July 25, 2005

5. Looks like it will be worth waiting a bit lomger before I change from my 500si. I was thinking about the 5D, but I will be interested to see what comes out in the near future. Hopefully things will follow Moore's law and prices will start to drop, as the technology improves

   Dave Leask at 08:58pm on Wednesday, August 17, 2005

6. Konica/Minolta's Max 7 camera is everything they claimed, a great camera, but what they have done to their retail suppliers and customers in Canada is criminal.
   
   To shut down and pull out of the country with little or no support for the product a disgrace. As to their warranty don't hold your breath on it being honoured. We can only hope that if service in needed that even if we have to pay full price that Konica/Minolta in the USA will service the product.
   
   They could have a least set up a photo distributer to handle the sale of parts and lens and cameras instead thinking they might set up a web site to buy from. To simply say that no longer will we sell to Canada.
   
   This is one of the worst Corportate decesions I have seen. Should we trust what they will do if merging with Sony or will Sony say we will not sell to Canada either.
   
   Since Konica/Minolta has said that they will continue to supply the rest of the world one would take it that you get better service in
   Antartica.

   b mcmillan at 09:18pm on Wednesday, November 30, 2005