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August 7, 2003
Minolta's New Offerings--Have You Been Busy Lately?
Looks like Minolta has been busy. They have just announced a bunch of new digital cameras. The most exciting ones among the bunch are the DiMAGE A1 and DiMAGE Z1.
The DiMAGE A1 is probably the most exciting new release. It features a 5.0 megapixel progressive scan CCD, faster write speed (1.5x than the previous model 7Hi), 7x optical zoom (28 to 200mm equivalent), and fast shutter speed (30 to 1/16,000 seconds), and RAW image mode.
However, the best feature is the new image stabilization feature (Minolta calls it "Anti-Shake"). Rather than stabilizing the lens elements, this system stabilizes the CCD. We will have to wait and see how effective this new system will be though.
The DiMAGE Z1 offers a 3.2 megapixel CCD and a 10x zoom (38 to 380mm). It has a unique LCD monitor called the Real Motion Monitor that operates at 60 fps. The viewfinder has Minolta's unique Switch Finder that lets you see live view at all times as well. The Z1 stores its images on SD/MMC cards. Unfortunately, the Z1 doesn't come with any image stabilization system.
Looks like the A1 is a winner given a wide-view lens (28mm) and a decent zoom (200mm) with the Anti-Shake system. Check out the Minolta page.
Posted by Ken in Photography
Comments
Thanks for sharing this post!
Posted by: Frank at January 18, 2004 10:03 AM