Minolta mount DSLR confirmed but you will have to wait
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The Konica Minolta DSLR prototype revealed
Image courtesy of www.letsgodigital.org
The recently merged Konica Minolta company announced at the PMA show, here in Las Vegas, that their long hoped-for digital SLR actually does actually exist. Indeed, there is one in a cabinet on the Konica Minolta show booth. This report was written before I, personally, had the opportunity to visit the booth and, sorry, no pictures of the new DSLR were supplied with the press release handed out at this morning's press launch event.
If you are raring to get your hands on the new Dynax 7 Digital (Maxxum 7 Digital in the US), you will have to be patient – it won't ship until the autumn and there is no indication of expected price.
Of the little information made available about the new camera, we do know it will take current A mount Minolta AF lenses and it will incorporate an adaptation of the interesting 'moving image sensor' image stabilisation system debuted in the Dimage A1 and the brand new 8 megapixel A2, also launched here today.
Konica Minolta representatives were being tight-lipped about the specification of their new baby, preferring to refer to A1/A2 image stabilisation system would be featured and the sensor it will stabilise will be a conventional 6 megapixel APS-C sensor size, just like Nikon, Pentax and Fujifilm DSLRs.
That novel anti-shake system, as Konica Minolta prefers to call it, should come into its own on the Dynax 7 Digital as it will be effective with any lens mounted to the camera, rather than a limited selection of specially-developed (and expensive) image stabilised lenses.
One aspect of the camera that does look odd is the rather crowded front face of the pentaprism housing – in the limited space available it has to accommodate 'Konica Minolta' in rather smaller letters. It should be noted that when the Konica Minolta merger took place last year that the name 'Konica' was not going to crowd the Minolta style on cameras like the Dynax 7, but it looks like that the corporate newly-weds have had a change of heart on that one.
Lots of sensible questions were put to a high-ranking panel of Konica Minolta management, like how much would the new DSLR be, would a range of lenses designed specifically for the digital requirements of the camera be introduced, etc., but no useful answers were forthcoming.
In fact there was a sense of déjà vu – a year previously, Olympus announced the E-1 DSLR formally at PMA, promised a summer launch and wouldn't say a lot else about the camera itself.
Are you a Minolta SLR user dying to get your hands on the Dynax 7 Digital? Click
here to let us know what your hopes are for the new Konica Minolta DSLR.
To see the comments we have already received, click
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Responses
Your views on Konica Minolta's DSLR announcement
Feel like adding to the debate? Click
here to let us know what your hopes are for the new Konica Minolta DSLR.
Here is a selection of responses we have received to the news that, finally, there is confirmation that a digital SLR for users of Minolta SLR system lenses is on the way – even if it might not go on sale until the end of the year.
A cynical Laurence Harvey writes:
Why oh why are Minolta going to ship their top of the range digital SLR camera with a 6 mega-pixel CCD when they already have 8 megapixel technology in their A2 model.
Presumably, 6 months after the DSLR launch, a new 8 megapixel version will appear, just to annoy us patient long suffering customers who can't wait for a Minolta DSLR, and jump in ASAP.
Call me cynical.....
Ian says: Minolta doesn't make its own CCD sensors. The 8 megapixel sensors now featured in the Dimage A2, among others, all come from Sony. These sensors are unrelated to the 6MP sensors used in digital SLRs. In fact they are 2/3rd inch devices, some six times smaller in area than most DSLR sensors. I'd be surprised if Sony didn't supply Konica Minolta with the sensor for the DSLR and that, currently, only exists in 6MP form.
Richard K comments:
1) The Konica Minolta logo looks silly. Minolta makes cameras and Konica makes photocopiers.
2) There doesn't seem to be a housing to the pop up flash. Notice you can see the yellow plastic covering the flash tube. This could be damaging to the flash mechanism if it gets caught or snagged whilst in a camera bag. Can't this be designed as it is in a normal Dynax 7 or even the A1/A2, where the flash closes down into the camera body.
3) I've waited long enough for this and I don't really need anti shake as all my shots are taken from a tripod. So waiting till autumn maybe too long. And if I do wait then I don't expect to be buying a 6MP camera when all the other manufacturers may be producing 8MP DSLRs.
4) I need to use wide angle lenses for interiors and landscapes so I hope the focal length magnification is somehow kept to a minimum.
Ian says: I have to agree that the sudden change of stated policy from retaining the Minolta logo for camera-related products, to the long-winded 'Konica Minolta' logo is not ideal. It rather seems like there is some internal politicking going on inside the new company. I can't believe the design we saw at PMA, locked away in a plastic case, is representative, to the finest detail, of what will eventually ship and I'm sure the flash unit will not be vulnerable to the design oversight you fear.
I suppose higher resolution consumer DSLRs may appear before the end of the year, but six megapixels is far from deficient. You must be very dedicated to your tripod! I'm sure most users will find a use for the clever built-in ant-shake facility. And as for the focal length shift factor, as the stated sensor size is APS-C, the same size as all the Nikon DSLRs, the Fujifilm S-series DSLRs and the Pentax *ist D, then the factor will be the same – 50%, making a 100mm lens, for example, deliver a field of view similar to that of a 150mm 35mm system lens.
Demetrios Toskas is a real Minolta SLR fan:
Expectations which are possible and can put Minolta back on top:
I Love my Maxxum 7, I won't go on and on about it. All I can say is if the Maxxum 7D will follow in the footsteps of the film version my expectations will be high. Keep it the same, or improve it, model the digital version based on the thought that was designed into the Maxxum 7. Designed for people and photographer friendly.
Make sure the sensor is a real working winner, but do not start at 6M just to push a camera out, then improve a year later, us die-hard fans will feel ripped off. We have waited way too long so do it right the first time even if we have to wait just a little more. The anti-shake must be flawless and make Nikon and Canon take notice. LEAD, DO NOT FOLLOW. DO THIS AND YOU WILL SEE THIS COMPANY RETURN TO THE FORMER GREATNESS IT ONCE SHARED. Most loyalists are pretty much about to give up hope if they haven't already, so this has to be the big come back. Minolta may even win back from the other two biggies if they do it right.
Make sure the new ultrasonic motor lenses as well as current Maxxum lenses are going to do what they say, and are not altered by the digital sensor specs. Example 100MM=100MM on the image, there has to be 100% compatibility.
Make the body light but hardy, titanium alloy perhaps in other words one drop and it won't break, Digital or not. Also the body must be more weather and dust resistant. There was rumour that the sensor would have some sort of keep clean mechanism this will be a real winner.
I considered the new lenses from Minolta but with the uncertainty the investment would not make sense. Now with the anti-shake perfected the new amazing lenses will be an excellent choice but the cost is a big problem. Why not have Minolta do something the other companies don't do. For example, reduce the prices of their lenses to make it more attractive not only to keep customers, but gain new converts as well. Offer people who have Maxxum 7's an incentive when purchasing the M7D. Sell the camera with an option to choose one of the new lenses at an incredible price, just to get back into the game. With everything I mentioned here you will see people throwing their cameras away and lining up at the Minolta dealers. I may add this will also make those dealers happy after a long dry spell with anxiety. It will go a long way to form an amazing partnership once again. Loyalty and word of mouth should never be underestimated, but the company must learn to make people understand how amazing and innovative they are, their marketing can improve, but if you focus on the product it to will speak for itself.
Minolta or Konica Minolta you sat back and waited and even lost considerable ground, but now it has offered you an opportunity to gain it all back, sitting and waiting could work for you and us, but NOW is the time to stun everyone and take over the leadership role once again :) Okay so I got passion, this is good isn't it?
Ian says: It's good to have passion, of course, but let's keep our feet on the ground. Konica Minolta merged for one key reason – to survive! I doubt the new DSLR will be particularly radical, apart from the moving sensor anti-shake system that appears to work well in the A1/A2. As it has been confirmed that the sensor dimensions will be similar to much of the competition, there is no way that any existing Minolta or Minolta-fit lenses will avoid the penalty of a 50% increase I apparent focal length. Pentax and Nikon are both developing smaller image circle lenses designed specifically for the smaller sensor size – maybe this is what you are asking of Minolta? It would definitely be the sensible direction.
Steve, from Los Angeles has some hopes:
I would hope that the new digital SLR offering from Minolta will support Compact Flash Type II cards, up to and including the new 8GB High-speed cards that have recently been announced. I would also look for full backwards compatibility with the existing line of Minolta AF lenses, flashes, and other equipment.
I'd also hope for (though not expect) 8 FPS bursts up to 40 or 50 frames, at full resolution, and quick cycling back to a ready state to repeat. As a sports and outdoor photographer, a large buffer and high-speed bursts are very important, as are predictive auto-focus, and a shutter lag that rivals existing film cameras. Long battery capacity and quick recharge times; firewire and/or USB 2.0 support; compatibility with existing Minolta wireless and remote shutter releases.
Needless to say, picture quality, great control over in-camera processing, are also extremely important.
I guess what I want is what most photographers want: the most performance possible out of their tools. As a Minolta user for over 15 years, and someone who has been using Canon "pocket" digitals (such as the S50) for the past five years to supplement their film arsenal, I would hope that it has been worth my while to remain loyal to Minolta, to not have sold my existing inventory of glass, and that we will finally have a Minolta product that equals or betters the specifications and performance of current DSLR competition from Canon and others, while not rendering our existing investment in Minolta products obsolete.
Otherwise, I will be selling my glass, my flashes, and switching to a different brand, as I do anticipate moving to completely digital in the near future.
Thanks for the opportunity to comment.
Ian says: It's our pleasure, Steve. I'm always wary about high expections in situations like this. Minolta, sorry – Konica Minolta – has a very tough task ahead of it. It needs to produce a camera that will sell in decent numbers. If it produces a very high-specification model that few can afford, it would be shooting itself in its corporate foot. But your wants of large media capacity support (FAT32 compatibility), USB 2.0 connectivity and a number of features that are already present in the film SLR system, should not be difficult to deliver.
Liam Condon says, rather concisely:
About time. I use a very nice Canon G-2, but want to get back to an SLR with interchangable lenses. I have a Maxxum so want to use those lenses with a digital SLR. So far the new Canon Digital Rebel leads the way. If Minolta can match it in performance I can wait, but not too long.
Ian says: Liam, you may have to wait until Christmas to get your hands on the new camera. Practically nothing has been revealed about its final specifications and price category. I very much doubt, from what we have seen, that it will be an entry-level model like the Canon EOS-300D, at least to start with.
R Levy simply wants:
Something to prevent dust from being attracted to the sensor when lenses are being changed.
Ian says: The Olympus E-1 idea of an ultrasonic filter in front of the sensor appears to work well. But Olympus might well have the sole rights to this idea, but if Minolta does have access to this feature, it would be a handy one to adopt.
Jim Judd says:
After reading the specs for the new K-M Model A2 camera I would like to see the Max 7 Digital incorporate the 8 MP capability the A2 has and would expect the price to be competitive with the Cannon Digital Rebel as well as the Nikon A70.
Ian says: I don't know. Just a personal point of view, but 8MP seems like overkill to me – especially in the new breed of 8MP consumer cameras. These universally suffer from limited usable ISO speed because of high noise levels indicative of very small photodiodes in their cramped sensors. Admittedly, 8MP would be much more logical in a DSLR as these cameras have much larger sensors than their compact siblings. The 8MP DSLR is already here in the form of the Canon EOS-1D Mark II, though this has a larger sensor than the APS C-type sensor Konica Minolta has stated it will use.
Andrej Bastarda hopes the new camera will be a classic:
I am a proud owner of classical Dynax7 , and am really glad to hear that its digital version is on the way. Classical Dynax 7 has one of the best price/performance ratio of all today's analog SLRs. It is very solid built, light and ergonomic and has a great flash system. I really hope, digital version will keep this attributes. I also expect image quality to be better than A1's, and to be comparable with Nikon 100D or Canon Eos10D. And the price? Under 1000$ would be nice, around $1200 stil acceptable...
Ian says: It's no easy task to hit the right spot when it comes to features and price with a first model. Pentax seems to have got it right with the *ist D even though it's pricey for what it offers compared to some rivals. Olympus, with its E-1, has been criticised for producing a camera that isn't quite professional enough in specification, yet commands a professional price tag. However, as they introduced a brand new system, buyers couldn't just buy a body on its own, saving the cost of a lens. At least, like Pentax, Minolta has the comfort of knowing that it has a loyal and enthusiastic market in place.
Jure Nastram, all the way from Slovenia, is another with high hopes:
I'm a Minolta SLR user from Europe, from Slovenia and for the last two years I was expecting to hear something about new digital SLR Minolta.
And now it happened.
Hopes for the new Konica Minolta DSLR?
Let's wait and we will see.
Ian says: Wise words indeed!
Peter Graves knows what he wants:
My hopes for a Minolta Digital SLR would incorporate the following abilities:
• The ability to use previously released versions of Minolta’s AF lens
• Use the flashguns previously available on earlier versions of the SLR camera range (700 si upwards)
• Mirror lock up facility to make this one of the first digital SLR’s to be used for astro photography
I previously enquired (only 2 mths ago) of Minolta and they advised they had no plans for the foreseeable future in Digital SLR’s, so I am surprised this now comes to press with an Autumn release date, as this would indicate they were aware of this for some time. I’m only glad now that I did not dispose of all my Minolta equipment, as I am a loyal user of this brand and their entry into the marketplace will make me stall purchase until they have released (partly for economic reasons but mainly for brand loyalty)
Some commitment from Minolta that this venture will not be a ‘one trick pony’ would be welcome, as if intended DSLR users are to gain some benefit from delaying purchase until Autumn then it would be good to know that this won’t be the only DSLR they intend to launch, but instead be the first of many into an area which is gaining massive interest, and upon which they wish to recapture brand loyalty.
Ian says: I'd say you are probably a prime target for the new camera when it comes ou and I don't see that any of your hopes are unreasonable or unwarranted.
Maurizio Rocco has a short list of requests:
The Minolta’s Logo only.
A kind of dimage capture in bundle.
Iso range from 100 to 1600-3200 (not from 200 iso!).
Ian says: About the ISO range, this should be interesting as if the sensor comes from Sony, it's likely the lowest ISO setting will indeed be 200. Minolta's logo only? I doubt it – buy switching from Minolta to Konica Minolta it would be a farce to switch back again.
Here are few aspirations from Ed Prest in Montreal:
What I hope for is a digital version of a Maxxum 7 camera. I have lenses I like (i.e. paid for). I have a film version and I want:
Digital
PC flash connector without stacking up 2 adapters on top of each other
Reasonable simple operation excellent full frame sensor
$1000 bucks or less
Ian says: Digital is taken for granted! I'd be very surprised if a PC flash socket wasn't offered. Full frame sensor, no way – Konica Minolta has already let it be known it will be an APS-sized sensor. $1,000 or less – presumably you mean in US$? I'd be surprised, but you never know.
Kaan Verdioglu has already defected to Nikon, but he admits that he could be tempted back:
Well I already switched to Nikon but stiil keep my Minolta gear. I have good lenses and I would like to use them in 1x1 range! The most important thing is we must use our lenses normaly. No multiply..it should have a good buffer for a serial shots!
Ian says: Sorry Kaan, the focal length equivalence multiplier is definitely going to be a factor. Does that mean you won't switch back?
Guntis Bukalders is one of those very patient Minolta loyalists that the new Konica Minolta company owes a lot to:
I am owner of Minolta Dynax 800Si, and I was waiting for announcement of new Minolta Digital SLR long long time... Actually, I almost lost any hope to see it. Wow, it's exciting to read that they will introduce that, although now they are chasing train's last wagon...
I am excited to read that Anti-Shake will be part of DSLR too. Here's what I'd like to see:
• 8 mega pixels (not just 6).
• At least 14-bit A/D converters.
• Something like Neat-Image image noise processing algorithm built in for noise reduction for JPG files (activate via custom function).
• Possibility to shoot in RAW, but then convert RAW into JPG (with user-selectable resolution) in camera (leaving RAW for later processing). Sometimes you need to give someone just taken picture, but you cannot give RAW file to ordinary folks, while I would prefer to shoot only in RAW.
• Choice of combined or separate histograms for RGB channels (select via custom function) right after the picture has been taken. And not just small, but normal size.
• Ultrasonic AF motor for lenses.
• High resolution LCD display (at least 210.000 pixels) on the back.
• Firewire and USB 2 interfaces for fast file transfers.
• Vertical hand grip, maybe even special model with vertical had grip integrated, like Nikon D1 cameras have.
Ian says: I hope Minolta read your requests – they all look good to me!
John Cameron knows what he wants:
1) Available soon!!!
2) No or little noise at higher ISO’s
3) High burst rate 4-5 fps with large buffer.
4) Same AF and exposure system as Maxxum 7 including control layout.
5) No more then 1.3 crop factor.
6) Full compatibility with “D” lenses.
7) Full wireless flash compatibility with existing HS (d) flashes.
8) Lose the Konica name on the camera badge…truly ugly!!
9) $1100-$1300 retail.
Ian says: It looks like the new camera will be very similar in layout and user-control functionality as the Maxxum 7. The crop factor will be 1.5, sorry. I can't see the Konica name being dropped even though it does look silly. Low noise? The Sony chip that I'm betting Konica Minolta will use already has a good record for low noise in such cameras as the Pentax *ist D.
Robert McCutchan writes:
I'm not concerned about megapixels (I have Olympus E-20: awesome 16x20 prints), I just want Minolta to release something so I can put my $3000 worth of lenses to use again!! They have excellent pro glass. Mine are in storage right now. (I'm not going back to film). Almost sold all my Minolta gear earlier this year 'til I heard a rumor about Minolta going DSLR. If it is not true, then I will sell everything that has the word "Minolta" on it and never buy again!!
Ian says: I agree with you – 6 megapixels is already a very usable level of pixels, equivalent to a 2100ppi film scan resolution – indeed, I feel even superior to that as film has anomalies to cope with, like grain and image quality erosion introduced by the film scanning process.
Pete seems to be quite relieved at the news, but still has some concerns:
At last at last at last
Anti shake is very good news – but what is the ISO range ?? I work in available light theatre photography so this is absolutely the number one consideration.
6 Meg is a bit mean
Not a Fotovision type tri-pack is disappointing
But a digital body for my system and the chance to use my fast lenses as they were intended.
Grrrrreeeattt..
But how much ?
Ian says: It's interesting that you recall the original hybrid sensor digital 'Vectis' camera Minolta produced. That made Minolta an early player in the digital camera stakes. But the camera didn't sell and, effectively, Minolta got its fingers burned. But time is a great healer and the new DSLR should be a safer bet.
Ole Vinther has a lot of detailed suggestions as to how Konica Minolta should present their new DSLR:
Hey dear folks at dpnow.
Its a nice thing that we, the customers, have this opportunity to a wishlist. Thankyou for that. But do Konica Minolta ever see it? I hope so.
My wishlist is as follow:
The Layout:
a) The autofocus buttons has to be moved further down, I use the VC 7 grip, and when in portrait/vertical hold i can't reach the buttoms. Very irritating.
b) And the button is very hard. Maybe making them out of a sort of rubber could solve that "little" problem.
c) The DOF button's placement isn't very good.
d) An eye-piece cap built in the camera (for night-shooting)
This are the only "complaints" about the layout. Anything else is magnificent with this camera.
Now the Digital:
a) Why not take the step up to 8 or 10 MP. Is it too expensive in APS size CCD chip? Within a year i think it is common with 10MP chips.
BUT if you can make it with interchangeable CCD, i would be pleased with 6 MP. Otherwise i think it is a horrible waste: The whole house, mirror, prism, etc....
b) Same noise-level as in Canon's CMOS cameras. If you can't with CCD, then use CMOS.
c) It would be nice with full-frame sensor.( too expensive to buy?- then make them yourself within KONICA MINOLTA)
d) Is it possible to make a new digital back piece, something like Leica R8, R9. Then we can keep our beloved camerahouse(DYNAX 7), and change
back-pieces when it is necessary and within reach economically????!!!
e) AS function of course!
Don't forget some sort of dust protector!
Model name : DiMax 7 (all over the world)
Thats all for now Folks.
Thankyou
Ian says: As I have already commented earlier, The odds are that Konica Minolta will get its sensor from Sony, meaning it will be a CCD chip, not a CMOS one, but the Sony chip has good noise characteristics. I would be shocked if Konica Minolta had the resources to develop their own sensor. And forget the possibility of a removable back – it's just not going to happen. But I do wonder about the possibility of an interchangeable sensor. As the camera looks like getting the same anti-shake technology as the A1/A2, maybe some kind of removable sensor module might be developed, if only primarily for easy servicing? Who knows?
Joe Galluzzi certainly sighed with relief:
FINALLY!
I could never understand why it took so long, after they came out with the dynex7 I'd figured a DSRL would be next, anyway I'm glad. I'm also happy that my lens will fit on the new camera I only hope the price will be reasonable.
Tennyson is typical of many long-suffering Minolta SLR users:
I've got a lot of desires for the new Maxxum DSLR, but I've already excluded the full frame wishes. See all the posts on this photo.net thread marked Captain Cudjoe.
http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=0076mB
It's not that long.
Thanks in advance.
And last, but not least, Ismael Ramos sees that his investment in Minolta lenses won't go to waste after all:
Since I had a few Minolta SLR cameras and lenses, I am very interested on buying a Minolta DSLR.
In fact, it is the only reason I had not sold my Minolta SLR cameras and my lenses, to buy a Canon.
I was hoping for a 8MP's sensor, but a 6MP's is acceptable as long as the price is competitive with the other 6MP's DSLR available when they finally decide to sell them.
The problem is that by the time the Minolta DSLR is ready to be released the Canon 10D, the Nikon D-100, and the Pentax *ist may have been replaced by 8MP's versions.
Ian says: If there is one thing that seems to be commonly requested, it is a boost to the common DSLR resolution of 6MP to 8MP… Konica Minolta, are you reading this?!
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