Konica Minolta is delighted to unveil the Konica Minolta Dynax7D/Maxxum7D. This groundbreaking new 6.1-million-pixel resolution, lens-changeable digital camera is the world’s first digital SLR boasting a body-integral CCD-shift, “Anti-shake” (camera-shake compensation) technology that combines enhanced picture quality, performance and improved handling characteristics. And the Dynax7D/Maxxum7D is compatible with the full range of Dynax/Maxxum AF lenses.

  The Konica Minolta Dynax7D/Maxxum7D is a lens-changeable digital SLR camera that inherits many of the high-specifications and performance from the Dynax/Maxxum series SLR cameras.
Introduced in 1985, the Minolta Maxxum 7000/Minolta 7000 boasted another world first; the first 35mm film SLR with a fully-fledged AF system able to use interchangeable AF lenses. The new model’s high technological standards and heritage make it an intensely appealing camera.

  The Dynax7D/Maxxum7D is a digital SLR created using a broad range of unique, sophisticated photographic technologies each developed with years of camera making experience for amateur and professional photographers alike.

  The unique, built-in CCD shift-type “Anti-shake” technology makes the new camera the first digital SLR to feature a body-integral Anti-shake function. The key benefit of Anti-shake being it can support all Konica Minolta 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.

  Another key to the new camera’s performance are its 6.1-million effective pixels, housed on a large size CCD plus Konica Minolta’s proprietary, CxProcess™ III image processing technology that delivers high-definition, natural-looking images.

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

  The camera also boasts a large, easy-to-view, high-definition 2.5-inch color LCD monitor housed on it’s back-plate, the large screen handles the tasks of menu navigation and image display, also providing shooting information and camera setting displays.

  In keeping with its acclaimed Dynax/Maxxum film SLR counterpart, the Dynax7D/Maxxum7D inherits a similar, simple to use dial and lever operation system. Enhancing handling further, the new model also features a superbly-bright, easy-to-view, high-performance viewfinder designed to be comfortable and easy to use.

  In addition, the new digital SLR offers a comprehensive function set, designed to meet a diverse range of photographic challenges and user needs, complemented by a broad range of Dyanx/Maxxum accessories that give 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 compatible interchangeable AF lenses^*2.
2. Stunning picture quality derived from a high resolution, 6.1-million-pixel (effective) CCD and original CxProcess™ III image processing technology.
3. A large, easy-to-view 2.5-inch high-definition color 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/Maxxum range of film SLRs. Upgraded, high-end shooting and versatile imaging functions designed to satisfy any photographer’s needs, whether they are amateur or enthusiast.
5. Excellent system back-up and accessories to cater to a broad range of shooting styles and conditions.

Features

1. The world’s first^*1 digital SLR with body-integral Anti-shake Technology and CCD Shift Mechanism, including compatibility with Minolta A-Mount optics and allowing all Konica Minolta interchangeable AF lenses to be used.^*2
2. The award winning Anti-shake technology was selected as “European Photo Innovation of the Year 2004 – 2005” by EISA^*4 and provides the equivalent correction effect^*3 with 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, 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, slow-swaying motion of the camera body and the higher frequency shaking typical of camera shake caused by the photographer’s hands.
   The Anti-shake technology can be switched on or off via a dedicated switch on the camera’s back and when active, an Anti-shake indicator is displayed on the viewfinder to keep the user informed when it’s active.
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, and a combination of Konica Minolta’s expertise in photosensitive materials and exposure control technologies. Each is integrated here in the new model to ensure superb picture quality and to help make the most of any attached AF optic.
   • 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 for the Dynax7D/Maxxum7D that enables high-speed processing of large quantities of data and 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 an 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 Konica Minolta’s long years of experience in this field. It ensures clear and crisp pictures, natural skin tones and packs in detail, ideal for shooting landscapes or macro subjects.
4. Large, easy-to-view monitor that works as both the menu Navigation Display and image playback/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 color monitor. It quickly and clearly displays captured shots for fast image appraisal. Image histogram data can be overlaid without obscuring the displayed image and thanks to its large size, it can 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, 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 that inherits design features and ease of use from its Dynax7/Maxxum7, 35mm film SLR camera heritage.

   • Intuitive Operation with Dial-&-Lever System

     The new model inherits the dial and lever operation system from the Dynax7D/Maxxum7D, a system highly regarded by owners of that system for its user friendliness. It offers intuitive operation, making it particularly good for users moving up to the new, digital model from the silver halide SLR predecessor. The exposure-compensation dial and easy to use exposure-mode dials is also borrowed from the Dynax7D/Maxxum7D, 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 the ease of use still 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 a 0.9X magnification factor and 95% field of view for easy scene assessment and composition.

   • Highly Durable and Reliable Magnesium-Alloy Body

     The new camera is compact and stylish with a combination of metal paneling body covering. It has a robust build quality thanks 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 high-end 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 providing 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 fleeting moments or 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 thanks to a large 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, color 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 color temperature, which gives photographers a higher degree of color 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.

     c) Zone Matching:
     New technology that allows the precise reproduction of tonal gradations in highlights and shadows, essential in difficult shooting conditions with predominant highlight and helps ensure noise-free low-light 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 in a 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 Dynax7D/Maxxum7D connects to the camera body and provides a reassuringly firm grip on the camera, it enhances easy, upright camera control and overall ease of use, particularly when shooting upright, portrait-format shots.
     a) Comfortable operation and handling for vertical shooting
     The VC-7D’s sure-hold grip gives confident handling characteristics and 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 attached at once
     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 before worrying about recharging the batteries.
     c) AA batteries can also be used
     Adding still more versatility, standard AA Ni-MH batteries can also be used.
   • A broad range of Dynax/Maxxum-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 of selecting the best shots. Newly developed RAW processing program enables more accurate color reproduction.

NOTES:

*1

As a lens-changeable digital SLR camera

*2

With the camera’s AF macro-zoom 1X - 3X specialist lenses and Anti-shake function turned off.

*3

Anti-shake picture blur correction effect amount varies with shooting conditions and lenses used.

*4

The European Imaging and Sound Association, publishing 50 major photography and AV magazines in 20 European countries.

Konica Minolta also introduces two new zoom lenses

Each designed to provide optimum image quality when used with the new digital SLR, the first is the Konica Minolta AF ZOOM 17 – 35 mm F2.8 – 4 (D) and the second Konica Minolta AF ZOOM 28 – 75 mm F2.8 (D).

Features

1. Large aperture zoom lens and wide-angle zoom lens with stunning performance. Both new zoom lenses offer superior handling characteristics making them ideal in a diverse range of shooting situations.
2. Beautiful defocused image thanks to a circular aperture. Using a round aperture enhances the defocused image with smooth gradations and depicts natural scenes perfectly.
3. Distance encoder incorporated for accurate, high-precision ADI* flash metering
   When attached to the Dynax7D/Maxxum7D, the new lenses provide additional information on in-lens focus distance calculations, which is used to further enhance the flash lighting performance and exposure accuracy when using either the built-in flash or the external flash units such as the “Program Flash 5600HS(D),” “Program Flash 3600HS(D),” or the “2500(D).”
   * ADI (Advanced Distance Integration)