After weeks of rumours, dodgy product shots and their own teaser website, Konica Minolta have at last officially announced their first DSLR, the 6.1 megapixel Dynax 7D (Maxxum 7 in the USA). No news yet on pricing.

Konica Minolta Press Release 15/09/08

KONICA MINOLTA DYNAX 7D

Unterfohring, September 2004

The World’s first*1 Digital SLR camera with revolutionary, body-integral, Anti-Shake technology

Konica Minolta is delighted to unveil the Konica Minolta Dynax 7D. This groundbreaking 6.1 Megapixels resolution, interchangeable lens digital camera is the World’s first digital SLR to contain a body integral CCD-Shift, “Anti-Shake” (camera shake compensation) technology that enhances picture quality, performance and improved handling characteristics.

The Dynax 7D is compatible with the full range* of Dynax AF lenses.

The Konica Minolta Dynax 7D is an interchangeable lens digital SLR camera that inherits many of the high specifications and much of the Award winning performance from the Dynax Series SLR cameras.

Introduced in 1985, the Minolta 7000; the first 35mm film SLR with body integrated AF system designed to use interchangeable AF lenses.

The new model’s high technological standards and heritage make it an intensely appealing camera.

The Dynax 7D is a digital SLR created using a broad range of sophisticated photographic technologies each developed with years of camera making experience and expertise.

The unique built-in CCD-Shift type “Anti-Shake” technology endows the new camera the first digital SLR to feature body-integral Anti-Shake function. The key benefit of Anti-Shake is it can support all Dynax AF lenses. *2 Anti-Shake technology allows photography with reduced blur due to camera shake, even when shooting dimly lit scenes or when using telephoto lenses and shooting macro subjects without the aid of flash or a tripod.

Other key contributors to the new camera’s performance are its 6.1 million effective pixels, housed on an APS-C size CCD and the Konica Minolta proprietary CxProcess? III image processing technology, that delivers high definition, natural looking images.

High speed image processing is achieved through the all new Advanced LSI Engine, designed to help provide fast data handling for improved camera responsiveness and control.

The camera also sports a large, easy to view, high definition, 2.5-inch colour LCD monitor housed on its rear panel. The large screen provides a large clear display for menu navigation and image display. It also displays relevant shooting information and camera settings.

In keeping with its acclaimed Dynax film SLR counterpart the Dynax 7D inherits a similar, simple to use Mode Dial and Lever Operation system. To enhance handling further the new model also features a superbly bright, easy to view, high performance optical viewfinder.

In addition, the new digital SLR offers a comprehensive function set designed to meet a diverse range of photographic challenges and user needs. The Konica Minolta Dynax 7D is complemented by a broad range of Dynax accessories that offers photographers a complete system back up.

Product Highlights

1. World’s first*1 digital SLR to be equipped with a body integral, CCD-Shift camera shake compensation. Anti-Shake technology that supports all genuine Dynax interchangeable AF lenses. *2
2. Excellent picture quality derived from a high resolution 6.1 million pixels (effective) APS-C size CCD and original CxProcess? III image processing technology
3. A large easy to view 2.5-inch high-definition colour LCD monitor that combines menu navigation with image and data display.
4. Combines simple operation in a stylish, compact package inheriting the product ideals of the Dynax range of film SLRs. Versatile imaging functions designed to satisfy any photographer’s needs, whether they are an amateur or enthusiast.
5. Excellent system back up and accessories to cater to a broad range of subject genres and conditions.

Dynax 7D Features

1. The World?s first*1 digital SLR with body integral Anti-Shake Technology and CCD-Shift Mechanism. Providing simple compatibility with Dynax A Mount optics and allowing all Dynax interchangeable AF lenses to be used.*2

2. Konica Minolta award winning Anti-Shake technology has been selected as ?European Photo Innovation of the Year 2004 ? 2005? by EISA*4 and provides an equivalent correction effect*3 allowing the use of a shutter speed 2 - 3 steps slower.

Now it?s possible to reduce blur caused by camera shake. Even when taking photos in dimly
lit or twilight scenes or in natural light with a telephoto lens, as well as macro shots ? without relying on a higher ISO setting, the aid of a flash or tripod.

Anti-Shake responds quickly to both broad, low velocity slow-swaying motion of the camera body and the higher frequency movement typical of camera shake caused by a photographer?s muscle.

The Anti-Shake technology can be switched on or off via a dedicated switch on the camera?s
back. When activated an Anti-Shake indicator is displayed in the viewfinder to keep the user
informed how much shake is being detected.

3. Consistently high picture quality is ensured by the 6.1 Million (effective) pixel APS-C size CCD, the unique CxProcess? III image processing technology. This is delivered by a combination of Konica Minolta?s expertise in photosensitive materials and exposure control technologies. Each is integrated here in this new model to ensure superb picture quality and to help make the most of any attached Dynax AF lens.
? A large 6.1 Million effective pixel APS-C size CCD allows shooting of high-resolution images that have a wide dynamic range but with reduced noise, in highlight and shadows.
? A newly developed Advanced LSI image processing engine designed for the Dynax 7D enables high-speed processing of large quantities of data and has been designed to improve image processing at high-sensitivity settings, ensuring reduced image noise while retaining high picture quality. This combination also helps ensure a handling response similar to the smooth shooting rhythm associated with 35mm film SLRs.
? CxProcess? III is a Konica Minolta original, image processing technology designed to provide impressive and natural looking images. CxProcess? III achieves these stunning, natural looking images by integrating a broad range of photographic
technologies gained from the Konica Minolta experience in this area. It ensures clear and crisp pictures, natural skin tones and packs in detail ideal for recording faithfully landscapes or macro subjects.

4. A large, easy to view monitor that works as both the menu Navigation Display and Image Review Screen.
? Easy to view 2.5-inch High Definition LCD Monitor mounted on the camera?s back-plate is the large, easy to view 2.5-inch, high resolution 207,000-pixel colour monitor. It quickly and clearly displays captured shots for fast image appraisal. Image histogram data can be overlaid without obscuring the displayed image Thanks to its large size, it can also display up to a 16-frame thumbnail index display.
? Menu and Navigation Display
The LCD monitor works as a Navigation Display allowing seamless operation with clear and concise camera settings displayed with comprehensive shooting information, indicated with large and easy to read text. Aiding ease of use further, the display automatically switches from horizontal to vertical format when shooting in the upright ?portrait? format.

5. Simple operation and a stylish design ethos inherits design features and ease of use from its Dynax 7, 35mm film SLR camera predecessor.
? Intuitive Operation with Mode Dial and Lever System
The new model inherits the dial and lever operation system from the Dynax 7, a system highly regarded by owners or its user-friendliness. It offer?s intuitive operation making it particularly familiar to users moving up to the new digital model from the silver halide SLR predecessor. The exposure compensation dial and easy to use exposure mode dial is also inherited from the Dynax 7, making it familiar and helping users respond quickly to changing shooting conditions or rapidly changing picture opportunities. A separate white balance lever is provided for fast white balance control, enhancing ease of use even further.
? Easy to view High Performance Viewfinder
A spherical acute matte focusing screen is used in the viewfinder for accurate, bright, critical focusing assessment. The new model incorporates an optical glass pentaprism viewfinder with 0.9X Magnification Factor and 95% Field of View for easy scene assessment and composition.
? Highly Durable and Reliable Magnesium Alloy Body The Dynax 7D has a robust build quality due to its magnesium alloy front body panel and base. The tough build also enhances camera reliability.

6. Enhanced shooting functions and versatile control designed to satisfy photographic enthusiast and amateur users.
? High Performance - High Speed AF
The new model incorporates a central cross hair type 9-point and 8-line AF sensor array. This provides high precision AF and high performance subject tracking of moving subjects within the frame. The AF system enables both Predictive Focus Control and Subject Tracking for high speed focus adjustment of moving subjects making it ideal for capturing fleeting moments or use in sports photography.
? RAW+JPEG Simultaneous Recording
You can choose to shoot either JPEG or RAW images or both combined with the simultaneous RAW + JPEG Dual-format Capture Mode for improved post-shoot workflow.
? High-Speed Continuous Advance and Image Processing with Large Capacity Image Buffer
The new model allows high speed continuous shooting of up to 9 consecutive frames at up to 3-frames per second in both RAW or RAW+JPEG modes due to the inclusion of a high capacity image buffer. Additionally it also allows continuous shooting of up to twelve 3008x2000 JPEG images at the extra-fine image-quality setting and fifteen JPEG images the same size at the fine image-quality setting. These high-speed shooting capabilities are ideal for capturing momentary expressions, sports or fleeting action shots, while retaining high picture quality throughout.
? Comprehensive Image Adjustment and Control for Creative Picture Capture
a) Image correction: 5-step fine control adjustment for sharpness, contrast, colour saturation and hue.
b) White balance (WB) setting: In addition to the auto mode the new camera has six presets for WB plus a custom mode for precise white balance settings in difficult lighting conditions. This model also features numerical setting for colour temperature which gives photographers a higher degree of colour temperature matching. Fine-tuning is possible over a range from 2500K to 9900K in 100K increments providing a broader range than with the Auto White
Balance or Preset White Balance alone. This feature also allows precise control when directly input from accurate measurements calculated by the Konica Minolta Colormeter IIIF.
c) Zone Matching: A new technology that allows the precise reproduction of tonal gradations in highlights and shadows; essential in difficult shooting conditions with predominant highlights and helps ensure noise free lowlight images. The Zone Matching system permits effective control of high and low key tone capture; the former important for highlight capture in shots such as white of a of wedding dress; the latter for low light situations.

7. A wide variety of system accessories are also available adding versatility for all shooting styles and adding flexibility for any photographer?s needs.
? The dedicated VC-7D Vertical Control Grip for Dynax 7D connects to the camera body and provides a reassuringly firm grip on the camera. It enhances, upright camera control and overall ease of use, particularly for portrait format shots.
a) Comfortable operation and handling for vertical shooting
The VC-7D?s sure-hold grip gives confident handling characteristics. The grip has a dedicated shutter-release button, front and rear control dials, AF/MF control button, AE lock button and AF area selector button, thereby delivering comfortable and reassuring handling characteristics to the camera in either horizontal or vertical shooting situations.
b) Dual lithium-ion batteries can be inserted and used in tandem
The VC-7D allows two lithium-ion batteries to be used simultaneously for an enhanced power supply. This allows photographers to take advantage of shooting many more images without worrying about recharging batteries.
c) AA batteries can also be used
Adding still more versatility, high capacity AA Ni-MH batteries can also be used.
? A broad range of Dynax system accessories are available including D-Series flash units, remote cords and an angle viewfinder. The D-Series flash and D-Series lenses, which include built-in focus distance calculation, the new model gives improved exposure accuracy. Combined with high-precision ADI flash metering the camera provides high-precision lighting control that answers the most demanding and diverse needs.
? DiMAGE Master is optional software to improve creative workflow for advanced users. Diversified tools for classifying and comparing images boost work efficiency in of selecting the best shots. A newly developed RAW processing program enables more accurate colour reproduction.

NOTES:
*1) As an interchangeable lens digital SLR camera
*2) Use of Anti-Shake with some specialist lenses may be subject to particular usage conditions.
*3) Anti-Shake picture blur correction effect amount varies with shooting conditions and lenses used.
*4) The European Imaging and Sound Association who publish 50 major photography and AV
magazines in 20 European countries.

About Konica Minolta Photo Imaging
Konica Minolta Photo Imaging Europe GmbH is a leading provider of consumer and commercial photographic materials, photographic equipment such as analogue and digital cameras, and measuring instruments. With operative bases in 14 countries in Europe the company covers the three business areas of photo imaging, cameras and measuring. Konica Minolta Photo Imaging Europe is a subsidiary of Konica Minolta Photo Imaging, Inc., headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. With a total workforce of 7,200 employees world wide, Konica Minolta Photo Imaging is aiming for net sales of ? 2.1 billion in fiscal 2006. Building on its strong core of optical technologies developed over many years as a camera manufacturer, Konica Minolta Photo Imaging aims to be a corporation offering products and services that are essential to all areas of digital imaging.

Website: http://www.konicaminoltaeurope.com/

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