Product Description

onica Minolta updates it's Dimage A1 with the 8-megapixel SLR-type Dimage A2, featuring a fast, innovative new 3D autofocusing (AF) system, anti-shake function for still images and VGA-quality videos, and a continuous advance of 7 frames per second. The Dimage A2 also offers a 7x optical zoom, high-quality, 30 fps video, high resolution electronic viewfinder, and a wide range of professional photographic features--from RAW image recording to live histogram readout and in-camera color management.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #11835 in Camera & Photo
• Brand: Minolta
• Model: 2720-301
• Dimensions: 3.35" h x 4.61" w x 4.47" l, 1.32 pounds
• Display size: 1.8

Features

• 8-megapixel sensor captures enough detail to create photo-quality 16-by-22-inch enlargements
• Konica Minolta 7X optical zoom GT lens combines with a 2x digital for a 14x total zoom
• Tilting 1.8-inch LCD monitor; 11-point autofocus; anti-shake function minimizes blurring
• Store images on type I or II Compact Flash memory cards or Microdrive; connects to PC via USB 2.0
• Powered by 1 NP-400 lithium-ion battery

Amazon.com Product Description
Amazon.com Product Description Konica Minolta updates it's Dimage A1 with the 8-megapixel SLR-type Dimage A2, featuring a fast, innovative new 3D autofocusing (AF) system, anti-shake function for still images and VGA-quality videos, and a continuous advance of 7 frames per second. The Dimage A2 also offers a 7x optical zoom, high-quality, 30 fps video, high resolution electronic viewfinder, and a wide range of professional photographic features--from RAW image recording to live histogram readout and in-camera color management.

The A2's 1.8-inch high-contrast color LCD monitor can tilt between 20 and +90 degrees.

Optics and Resolution
Designed for maximum image quality, the Dimage A2 is built around a high-precision electro-optical system starting with an 8 megapixel, 2/3-type interlace scan CCD that can capture even individual hairs or the stitches of a suit in sharp detail. It features a maximum 3264 x 2448 pixel resolution as well as the following lower resolution modes: 2560 x 1920, 2080 x 1560, 1600 x 1200, and 640 x 480.

The f/2.8 -- 3.5, 7X optical zoom is an apochromatic (APO) lens employing anomalous dispersion (AD) glass to minimize chromatic aberration at all focal lengths and produce sharp, high-contrast images. With a focal range of 7.2 -- 50.8mm, it is equivalent to a 28 -- 200mm zoom lens in the 35mm format.

Video and Audio
The Dimage A2 can record video with audio at 544 x 408 pixels at 30 frames per second--providing a smooth, seamless picture when viewed on your TV. A Night Movie function makes subjects highly visible even in dark settings. Additionally, the Dimage A2 comes bundled with fun-to-use video software, Video Studio 7 SE by ULEAD, for video editing from analog and digital image import, outright editing, and output to video CD.

You can record up to 15 seconds of sound with the Voice Memo feature immediately after a shot has been taken. The Audio Caption feature records simultaneously during playback and you can record up to 180 minutes of audio (depending on your memory card size).

The Dimage A2 features a CCD-shift mechanism, outlined above in green, to stabilize images by offsetting the shaking pattern of the user's hand. Below, a photo with Anti-Shake off (right) and the same subject with Anti-Shake on (left).

More Features
The Anti-Shake feature provides a highly effective way to deal with camera shake--a major cause of substandard images, especially with telephoto shots and when shooting in dim lighting. The Dimage A2 features a CCD-shift mechanism to stabilize images by offsetting the shaking pattern of the user's hand, providing stability at up to 3 shutter speeds slower than on digital cameras without an Anti-Shake function.

The high-density display developed for the Dimage A2 uses four times as many pixels as the previous EVF of earlier models. The A2's 922,000-pixel TFT LCD delivers clear images and sharp, contoured information. Additionally, it can be viewed at up to a 32-degree angle, so one glance gives you all the information you need to take the perfect picture. This new VGA EVF provides numerous benefits including subject visibility in dark places, the ability to check exposure and other settings before shooting, the ability to check various data points when composing your picture, and tilting for low-angle photography.

With continuous autofocusing, the Dimage A2 uses 3-D Predictive Focus Control to track the subject right up to the moment the exposure is made, ensuring optimum focus. This predictive focus control continuously follows the subject through three-dimensional space, regardless of direction, not only to give the sharpest images possible but also to reduce focusing time to catch the perfect moment.

The Flex Focus Point single crosshair sensor can be placed anywhere within the field-of-view. With the camera on a tripod, simply use the controller's four-way key to position the flex focus point on the subject; the AF system will use that point for each exposure. The spot metering area can also be switched between a center spot and the flex focus point.

Other features include:

• RAW and JPEG image capture
• Flash modes: Fill-flash, Red-eye reduction, Rear flash sync, Wireless/Remote flash
• Two Adobe RGB options are available for color management applications so that the image can be captured with or without the Adobe RGB profile embedded
• Ultra-High Speed (UHS) Continuous Advance mode to set the camera to capture images at approximately 7 frames per second
• 12-bit A/D conversion can distinguish up to 4,096 levels in each color channel
• Real-time histogram shows the luminance distribution of the image before it is captured
• Output photos directly to a PictBridge-compliant printer without having to go through a personal computer

CxProcess II Image Processor
Konica Minolta's newest image processing technology, CxProcess II, is used to bring out the best in the 8 megapixel CCD. CxProcess II controls the essential image qualities of color, contrast, and sharpness while minimizing noise. Brilliant, saturated color remains vibrant without becoming unnatural. Subtle contrast is rendered to retain the richness and depth of the subject while preserving details in the highlights and shadows. Sharpness is controlled to show fine detail while minimizing hard, unnatural edges.

Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on CompactFlash cards (Type I/II), and it supports Microdrives. The Dimage A2 does not come with a memory card. It connects to Macs and Windows-based PCs via USB 2.0 connectivity.

Power and Size
The camera is powered by a proprietary rechargeable lithium-ion battery (NP-400), which has 11.1 Wh of energy and can shoot approximately 280 images on a single charge. The Dimage A2 measures 4.6 x 3.4 x 4.4 inches and weighs 19.9 ounces without battery or recording media.

What's in the Box
This package contains the Dimage A2 digital camera, rechargeable lithium-ion battery (NP-400), battery charger, neck strap, lens cap, lens hood, accessory shoe cap, USB and A/V cables, and a CD-ROM with Dimage Viewer software.

From the Manufacturer
In response to user needs for higher picture quality and greater shooting comfort, Konica Minolta is proud to release the Dimage A2 SLR-type digital camera, a camera that inherits the quality and performance of the Dimage A1. The Dimage A2 comes equipped with an 8-megapixel 2/3-type progressive primarycolor CCD with 8.0 million effective pixels for super-high-resolution. The Konica Minolta 7X optical GT lens ensures that light gets to the CCD sensor with maximum fidelity. Plus, the CxProcess II image processing technology ensures that the colors come out just the way you see them.

In addition, the new Super Fine EVF provides sharp and clear viewing thanks to the high-density display composed of 922,000-pixels, 4 times as many as the previous model. The Dimage A2 is also equipped with the same Anti-Shake function as the Dimage A1 where the CCD shifts to minimize the effect of camera shake up to 3 shutter speeds. Konica Minolta's Anti-Shake function delivers a highly effective way to take high-quality images with low-ISO hand-held shooting under telephoto and low lighting situations.

The Dimage A2 also features high-quality movie recording at 544 X 408 pixels with audio at 30 fps, resolution that looks great when viewed on a TV screen. And the bundled video editing software turns you into a movie maker. The Dimage A2 is packed with cutting edge technology that delivers high-picture quality, AF performance and ease of operation with advanced technology.

Features:

• Superior Picture Quality
  • 8.31 million pixels (8.0 effective), 2/3-type interlaced primary color CCD
  • Improved image processing technology "CxProcess II"
  • Minolta GT lens 28~200mm, F2.8/F3.5, APO
  • 12-bit A/D processing
  • Extra Fine JPEG compression mode
  • Easily set pixel count to photographic situation: 8M/5M/3M/2M/VGA
  • Incorporates 3:2 aspect ratio mode (8M only)
• Wide Image Range and Flexibility
  • High speed shutter - 1/4000 sec
  • 28~200mm high magnification lens
  • 7X Optical zoom with 2X Digital
  • World's fastest AF speed (January 2004) among SLR-type digital cameras
  • 3-D Predictive AF Control with Subject Tracking
  • Flex Digital Magnifier (FDM) 3.3X for manual focus
  • Versatile shooting functions commonly found on SLR film based cameras
  • Compatible with Maxxum AF-SLR accessories
  • Macro capability at Telephoto and Wide angle
• Convenience that is only available on a Digital Camera
  • VGA-size EVF incorporating 922,000 pixels
  • 100% field-of-view
  • Variable viewfinder adjustment between 0 and 90°
  • Full information display in the viewfinder/LCD
  • 1.8" high-contrast color LCD monitor that can be tilted from –20 to +90°
  • Digital Effects Control & Digital Enhanced Bracketing
  • Digital Subject Program Selection (Portrait, Sports Action, Sunset, Night Portrait)
  • Simultaneously records RAW & JPEG files
  • Versatile White-balance control (Auto, Daylight, Tungsten, Shade, Cloudy, Flash, Fluorescent, and Custom)
  • Camera sensitivity: Auto ISO 64, 100, 200, 400, 800
  • Creative Color Control (Vivid sRGB, Natural SRGB, Adobe RGB, B&W, Solarization)
  • ICC profile embedded in output file (except RAW files)
  • Real time histogram
  • Selectable Grid & Scale screens
  • Movie recording with audio at 30fps in 544x408 size
  • VGA time lapse movies
• Superb Operability
  • 11 point Area AF with center cross hair sensor
  • Anti-Shake Function minimizes blurring effect of handheld camera shake.
  • Flex Focus Point (spot metering area can now be linked to FFP)
  • DMF (Direct Manual Focus)
  • Continuous Advance of 1.8fps @ 3264x2448
  • High-speed Continuous Advance of 2.7fps @ 3264x2448
  • UHS Continuous Advance of 7fps @ 640x480
  • All playback functions enabled in QV mode
  • Available Program Shift (PA & PS modes)
  • Aperture settings can be adjusted in 1/3 stop values up to F11
  • External battery pack for dedicated lithium ion batteries or 6AA's
  • Comfortable operation with 2 control dials on front and back
  • Built-in sync terminal for non-dedicated flash units or studio lighting
  • Addition of Custom Key (CUST), users can assign any one of six functions to this key
  • Separate buttons for frequently used functions
  • Data Imprinting
• Satisfying Camera Appearance
  • Classy black exterior
  • Magnesium case
  • Newly designed grip with enhanced texture for easy handling

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Customer Reviews

Most helpful customer reviews

42 of 43 people found the following review helpful.
Wow, what an upgrade.
By R. Lanthier
I should preface this review by saying that I am not an expert, rather a moderately experienced digital camera user who wants to learn more.

This camera has it all (read the stats), but some of the unique features include the viewfinder (best on the market - almost like looking through the lens on an SLR), manual zoom, and "anti-shake" which gives some protection against shaky hands. I have only had the camera for a few days. I find it to be rather easy to use, even though it is a different brand from my prior digicam (the Canon PowerShot S30). Got outside today and the results were stunning - fast focus, great zoom, impeccable detail, true color (not the "bling bling" color some cameras produce that just aren't real). The prints (from the Canon 860) are gorgeous. Indoor shots were typical digicam shots, difficult to take good ones, though we have had terrible light in the house the past few days.

It is heavy, for a digicam, but fits my hands well. There are lots of buttons and dials but they feel intuitive to me, again, even though I used to a different brand of camera. I think it would be a hard camera for someone who has never used digital or done much photography, but for moderately experienced digital or film user, it will be a dream. It uses compact flash (none included, I would get a 512 at least) and a proprietary battery (which seems to last very well, much better than my Canon did).

I give it five stars after two days. I might revise my review as I continue to use it, and uncover weaknesses. This camera has an infinite array of features - I know, not literally true -and can do most anything you might ever want to do.

Highly Recommend - Enjoy!

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful.
Use ISO 64 Setting
By A Customer
Having a Konica Minolta DiMage X with which I am very happy, I decided to get this camera when I wanted an 8MP camera with better zoom capability. At first I was unpleasantly surprised with the amount of noise (color specks) showing in the pictures. Later I discovered that by putting the ISO setting on 64 instead of Auto, the noise is greatly reduced. Now I'm basically happy with the camera, but it seems that they should mention this in the documentation. Pictures at the highest ISO settings (400 and 800) are really bad - I guess these settings are there only for extreme low-light situations.

The electronic viewfinder is amazing. I'm nearsighted and have trouble with the LCD display, but I can easily see everything in the viewfinder (including menus and playback of pictures). I just keep the LCD off all the time.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful.
Ideal for serious photographer
By A Customer
If you are interested in taking black-and-white photographs for creative photography, A2 is the perfect choice! As compared to other competitors at the similar price and resolution (8 MP), A2 has the following good features. 1. It has a black-and-white mode. 2. The file can be saved as TIFF for artistic editing without losing resolution after repeated saving. 3. The battery function is satisfied. 4. A2 has a rapid focusing and antishake device.

See all 26 customer reviews...