Konica Minolta Dynax 7D pricing and availability revealed
Read the press release:
Konica Minolta Dynax 7D
If you've been holding your breath for that long-awaited Konica Minolta DSLR - we have the details!
First thing this morning we were able to publish official press details of not only the Konica Minolta Dynax 7D (called the Maxxum 7D in the Americas) digital SLR body, but also a matching
battery grip and
two new lenses.
UK pricing and availability has just arrived on our newsdesk and here it is:
Price and Availability Information
| Model | Guide Price | Availability
|
| Konica Minolta Dynax 7D Body Only | £1,149.99 | Late October
|
| Konica Minolta 17-35mm f2.8-4 (D) | £419.99 | Late October
|
| Konica Minolta 28-75mm f2.8 (D) | £349.99 | Late October
|
| Konica Minolta VC-7D | £149.99 | Late October
|
| DiMAGE Master Software | £99.99 | December
|
| DiMAGE Transfer (Download from www.konicaminoltasupport.com) | FREE | January 05
|
So what do you think?
Is a six megapixel entry into the market enough at this stage? And is a body-only price tag of £1149 the right price? We haven't been informed, so far, of any kit deals so it looks like the 7D plus the new 17-35mm f/2.8-4 (25.5-52.5mm equiv.) adds up to £1569.98. Of course a lot of Konica Minolta's target customers will already have a gadget-bag stuffed with Minolta-fit lenses.
The shift factor
Undoubtedly, the one feature of the Dynax 7D that interest will focus on is its moving CCD sensor anti-shake system. By making the CCD move there is no need to build expensive moving elements into lenses and, in theory, all Minolta AF lenses will benefit to varying degrees from the system. It has certainly worked to great effect on the Konica Minolta
Dimage A1 and
A2 fixed-lens cameras.
Big LCD
The 7D has a uniquely large monitor screen
A welcome feature in the new 7D is the over-size (2.5 inch) LCD monitor, which from memory makes it easily as the largest DSLR monitor yet. Hopefully other DSLR makers will follow this lead.
Build quality
Our information is that the body has magnesium alloy front panels and base. That doesn't sound to me like it's a full magnesium alloy chassis, so we'll try obtain clarification on that.
Zone matching
An interesting-sounding 7D innovation is something called Zone Matching. Konica Minolta describes this as 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." In other words, it's designed to preserve the dynamic range of your images when both extreme highlights and dark shadows are present.
Much of the rest of the 7D specification is fairly conventional and it's clear that this camera is a high-end amateur to low/mid spec, pro offering. It's not going to affect Canon EOS-300D or Nikon D70 sales, but is certainly pitched at the Olympus E-1, Pentax *ist D, Canon 10D and 20D and the Fujifilm FinePix S2 Pro.
We had a lot of response when we first brought news of the 7D back at
PMA in Las Vegas in March. So now you know the facts and figures are you pleased or disappointed? Share your
thoughts with us and we'll publish some selected responses.
Order your Konica Minolta Dynax/Maxxum 7D from Adorama in the US or from Amazon:
or through
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