Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D

The Konica Minolta Dynax 7D ( North America: Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D, Japan: Konica Minolta α -7 Digital, official model name: DG- 7D) is a digital SLR camera from the Dynax family by Konica Minolta.

Features

Other features of this camera model is a particularly large screen display, large viewfinder, especially ergonomic operation through six easy-grip hand wheels (with accessories handle: eight wheels ) instead of endless sub-menus on the LCD display.

CCD sensor with approximately 6.1 -megapixel resolution with 100-3200 ISO sensitivity, a conditional by the image sensor in APS-C format factor of about 1.5 compared to the small screen as well as compatibility with all Minolta AF lenses. ( The focal length of a full- KB - lens must be multiplied by 1.5: From 200 mm to be so by the smaller sensor 300 mm effective focal length). The Dynax 7D has a 9- point autofocus.

The images can in JPG format in three different resolutions ( 3008 × 2000, 2256 × 1496 and 1504 × 1000 pixels in three quality levels: extra fine, fine and standard) or in RAW and RAW JPEG format are saved. Particularly fast CF memory cards (such as Sandisk Extreme III ) are supported. This extremely fast image sequences can be generated without overflow the internal buffer memory.

The white balance can be done automatically or manually in many options. The camera has three programmable memory to quickly switch between preset complex camera settings. This allows the photographer to (dark mixed light, bright flash and daylight), for example, at a wedding for the expected image situations test the most important preferences in peace before and then retrieve it quickly.

Integrated image stabilization in the housing

The Dynax 7D is the first digital SLR with an image stabilizer is integrated in the housing. So far there is image stabilization systems in individual lenses ( Canon IS, Nikon VR, Sigma OS); they act by moving lens elements contrary to shake by the hand shake by the photographer.

When designated as an anti -shake system from Konica Minolta, a motion sensor detects the camera body these movements; into consideration data reported by the lens focal length setting of the CCD image sensor is adjusted accordingly. Advantage effect for all lenses attached ( with few exceptions ), can be versatile and inexpensive. Disadvantage: The already relatively large and heavy case of the Dynax 7D has become even slightly heavier. The Anti- Blur system can be switched off when using a tripod use. This was launched in late 2004.

Accessories

Vertical Handle

The vertical handle ( name: VC- 7D) is connected to the camera via the tripod thread on bottom and allows the use of one to two batteries (name: NP -400 ) or via a supplied adapter six pieces of AA batteries or rechargeable batteries ( a tripod can be used anyway). The handle permits fatigue-free working longer with a 90 ° tilted camera vertically (portrait images). The second battery also has enormous advantages, for example, if many images are to be consecutively done without interruption. The AA adapter allows a kind of " emergency operation" with standard batteries; due to the high power consumption but they are very quickly. The Shutter release ( two-stage), AEL Lock, both hand wheels ( front and rear) for program and exposure shift, AF / MF switch, AF Area is transmitted electrically to the camera. To prevent erroneous operation in "normal mode ", these buttons can be disabled with an on / off switch.

In the vertical mode the camera with the VC- 7D is very good in the hand, and thus effectively reduces camera shake caused by muscle tremors after many pictures. For users with large hands of the auxiliary handle is in normal operation as a substantial improvement: together with the heavy camera in itself still uses large Objektvive, so is it with the vertical handle much better in the hand. Again, the jitter is reduced considerably.

Minolta flash

The 7D can be connected via a Minolta - center contact with a Minolta flash. In this way, with the ADI (TTL) exposure metering ( distance information from the autofocus of the lens) programmatically set the flash output to match the distance with aperture and shutter speed are automatically controlled. This function but offer only the flashes of the "HS" series. Older Minolta flash units can be operated in manual mode. Options are: Fill-flash, flash on 1.Vorhang or flashes on 2.Vorhang.

The SONY HVL- F56AM flash is also compatible to 100%, as identical with the earlier Minolta 5600HS (D). This Sony flash can also, like its predecessor, the Konica Minolta wireless ( as " unleashed flash " ) are triggered.

Lightning foreign manufacturer

It can be used on the Minolta system contact special system flashes the manufacturer Metz ( Metz -SCA on the system ), Sigma and Soligor. Some of them also allow almost the same features as the original system flash Minolta 3600HS (D ) ( guide number 36) and 5600HS (D ) ( guide number 56). The Soligor DG- 420Z Zoom Flash ( Guide Number 42) also allows the Minolta ADI flash metering. A model of Sigma is also comparable in the equipment.

Flash Connection PC Contact

For studio flash units, so-called PC contacts are used, this connection has nothing to do with computers. It is a closed contact, with which a studio flash unit can be connected to the camera. Via an additional small adapter it is also a transmitter / receiver can be connected, allowing wireless mode in the photo studio. Automatic functions are not supported of course. Man working with flash meter and mode "M " (manual).

Studio Photography with USB 2.0

The USB 2.0 port (up to five meters long, with special solutions more ) are stored with the accompanying Minolta software rather than on memory cards directly to a PC's hard drive directly over the cable. The images can then be examined on a Windows PC or laptop with almost no lag in full screen mode. In conjunction with the terminal for studio flash systems an interesting method.

Konica Minolta's discontinuation of consumer Photography

Konica Minolta announced on 19 January 2006 the decision to focus entirely on the office equipment ( copiers, printers, scanners, etc.) segment. The production of the Minolta cameras was abandoned in March 2006, sold the expertise to Sony.

The announcement of the withdrawal lowered the prices for the high quality digital SLR in the German market, stocks were reduced.

In summer 2006, Sony introduced the first digital single-lens reflex camera with the Minolta A-mount before. These were a revised version of the Dynax 5, which was launched under the name Sony α100. Also, Sony at the same time with new lenses with Zeiss optics. Much of the existing Minolta lenses now bears the name Sony, but remained otherwise unchanged.

Dynax series

In September 2005, Konica Minolta brought out a slightly scaled-down version of the Dynax 7D with the Dynax 5D. It is lighter, but also has fewer connection options.

Series error and goodwill

On February 3, 2007 Konica Minolta announced the existence of a series defect in the models Dynax 7D and 5D known, which can lead to the first ( n ) recording (s) may be black or severely underexposed after longer breaks ( bluish ). This in relevant forums under the name " Error 58 " has become known error was repaired free of Konica Minolta even after the expiry of the guarantee / warranty. This repair service is however set since December 31, 2010. Another mistake is the lack of acceptance of the position of the camera in the induction ( orientation -flag ). The Exif tag "Orientation", although the camera's position (horizontal or vertical) can detect not properly set so that subsequent manual rotation of the images ( in edgewise captured images ) is required. This error is not cleared in firmware version 1.10.