An 8 MP, SLR-type digital camera with Anti-Shake and other advanced features
Taking the best from the A1, the DiMAGE A2 was redesigned with an 8 megapixel CCD to become one of the most complete high-performance digital cameras on the market today. This is a camera for those who demand the highest imaging quality and versatility in a compact, easy-to-use package.
KEY FEATURES
8 Million Effective Pixels
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. The pixel resolution of this CCD will produce A3-sized prints at 200 dpi. The high pixel count also means unprecedented power for digital zoom and clarity of trimmed prints.
7X Optical APO GT Zoom Lens
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. This lens encompasses the most used focal lengths in photography today, ranging from wide angle for landscapes and interiors to telephoto for portraits and details of distant landmarks.
Anti-Shake
Konica Minolta’s Anti-Shake function 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. Users can expect better images in low light conditions without relying on a higher ISO setting or a tripod. The DiMAGE A2 features a CCD-shift mechanism to stabilize images by offsetting the shaking pattern of the user’s hand. This gives unrivaled stability at up to 3 shutter speeds slower than on digital cameras without an Anti-Shake function.
Super-Fine Electronic Viewfinder (VGA EVF)
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° 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 information when composing your picture, and tilting for low-angle photography.
3-D Predictive Focus Control with Subject Tracking
All cameras experience a minute delay from when the shutter-release button is pressed until the image is captured. Especially at long focal lengths, this slight delay can be significant with fast-moving subjects. 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. As a result, the DiMAGE A2 delivers the fastest AF speed in its class as of December 1st, 2003
CxProcess II™ Image Processing
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.
High-quality Movie Recording
The DiMAGE A2 has a movie recording function that allows you to shoot in a variety of scenes and lighting conditions, and at all focal lengths with the Anti-Shake function. Plus, with the ability to record at 544 x 408 pixels with audio at 30 fps, resolution looks natural even when viewed on a TV screen. 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.
Advanced LSI Gives Optimal Images
Because every scene is different and requires a different kind of image processing, the DiMAGE A2 is equipped with an advanced LSI circuit that optimizes white balance, contrast, and color reproduction with exceptional accuracy, while effectively suppressing noise that tends to occur in the low-contrast areas of digital images. The LSI circuit’s energy efficiency also extends battery life.
12-Bit A/D Conversion
The DiMAGE A2 uses 12-bit A/D conversion to record the richness and infinite subtleties of light. 12-bit A/D conversion can distinguish up to 4, 096 levels in each color channel.
Real-Time Histogram
The DiMAGE A2’s real-time histogram shows the luminance distribution of the image before it is captured. Displayed with the live image, the histogram allows subject brightness and contrast to be evaluated to optimize the camera’s exposure and contrast controls. The luminance distribution of recorded images can be checked with the playback histogram.
Tele/Wide Macro System
This dual-focal macro system allows the lens to be set at the wide-angle or telephoto position to take advantage of different focal lengths. At the wide-angle position, the larger field-of-view and depth-of-field create a strong perspective and a sense of space. The telephoto position isolates the subject and minimizes distortion with a narrow field-of-view and shallow depth-of-field.
Flex Focus Point
Flex Focus Point adds unlimited versatility to the AF system. It is a single crosshair sensor that 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.
Direct Manual Focus (DMF)
The DiMAGE A2 incorporates Direct Manual Focus, which is found in professional-level 35mm AF SLR film cameras like the award-winning Maxxum 7. After the AF system has focused and locked on the subject, the focus can be fine-tuned manually without switching to a manual focus mode.
Flex Digital Magnifier (FDM)
The Flex Digital Magnifier can enlarge a section of the live image by 3.3X so sharpness can be judged in manual focus or when using DMF. The FDM marquee can be moved to frame the section of the image to be enlarged. Once enlarged, the live image can be scrolled so the entire image area can be examined.
Ultra High-Speed (UHS) Continuous Advance
When you really need to fire off as many shots as possible in a limited amount of time, select UHS Continuous Advance mode to set the camera to capture images at approximately 7 frames per second. UHS images can be captured in JPEG or VGA format.
Raw + JPEG Function for Editing on a PC
A RAW image for best picture quality and a JPEG image for viewing can be recorded at the same time, making for better handling of large images on a PC or LCD monitor. Because RAW images containing large amounts of data cannot be enlarged and displayed on a PC or LCD monitor, the JPEG image recorded at the same time is used to display the enlarged image. This function is very convenient for checking focus.
Digital Effects Control & Digital Enhanced Bracketing
The Digital Effects Control (DEC) is an image-processing center built into the camera. Contrast, color, and saturation can be adjusted before the image is captured to maximize image data at the scene. The Filter effect controls the overall color of the image, making it cooler or warmer in eleven levels. When used with black & white images, the filter creates a warm- or cool-toned image similar to sepia or gold toners with photographic prints, as well as the unique tones of magenta and green. Ten tones are available.
To ensure that the correct level of adjustment is made with the digital effects control, a Digital Enhanced Bracket – a series of three images with a slight increase and decrease in the quality selected – can be made.
Digital Subject Programs
Digital Subject Programs optimize exposure and image-processing controls for specific shooting conditions and subjects. Simply select the appropriate Digital Subject Program and the camera is ready to shoot. Four subject programs are available:
* Portrait: reproduces warm, soft skin tones and slightly defocuses the background.
* Sports Action: makes clear, sharp images of fast-moving subjects.
* Sunset: reproduces the rich, warm colors of sunsets.
* Night Portrait/Night View: for deep, subtle night scenes. When used with the built-in flash, the subject exposure is balanced with the background.
Creative Color Control
In addition to natural color and black & white, the DiMAGE A2 has color modes for creative control. Vivid Color increases the saturation to produce vibrant color images. Solarization creates a partial reversal of image tones to produce unique imaging effects. 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.
Automatic and Manual ISO Settings
The automatic sensitivity gain function built into the DiMAGE A2 improves image quality with dark scenes or during flash photography. If you wish to set sensitivity manually, you can choose from ISO 64, 100, 200, 400, and 800.
Rapid Data Transfer – USB 2.0
Konica Minolta has kept pace with the advances in IT technology by bringing the high speed data transfer protocol of USB 2.0 to the DiMAGE A2. This data transfer system is a fast, convenient way to upload large amounts of image data into your PC as quickly as possible.
Direct Camera-to-Printer Printouts
The DiMAGE A2 can output photos directly to a PictBridge-compliant printer without having to go through a personal computer. PictBridge is an industry standard established by the Camera & Imaging Products Association (CIPA).
Flexible Image Processing
The DiMAGE A2 features a wide range of image-quality and image-size settings. Select RAW, TIFF, Extra Fine, Fine, or Standard; plus 8, 5, 3, or 2 megapixels to match the final use of the image with the optimum resolution to maximize storage space on the memory card. A 640 x 480 (VGA) image size is also available for web images.
Powerful Flash Capabilities
The DiMAGE A2 is compatible with the accessory Maxxum Flash 3600HS(D), 5600HS(D), and 2500(D). These powerful flash units can be used directly on the camera. The 3600HS(D) and 5600HS(D) feature a zoom head that automatically adjusts as the camera’s lens is zoomed in and out; the zoom head can also be tilted for bounce illumination. The 5600HS(D) also features a swivel head and its flash output can be controlled with power ratios. The 2500(D) is a compact, automatic flash unit with a tilting head and an affordable price.
For close-up photography, Konica Minolta offers a high-quality macro lighting system. The Macro Flash Controller can be coupled with the Micro Ring Flash 1200 or the Micro Twin Flash 2400 lighting sets. Both systems give considerable control over lighting in confined spaces at close working distances.
Optional Converter Lenses
New accessories, the 1.5x Tele Converter and the 0.8x Wide Converter, provide an optical zoom range of 24.4 to 400mm. The camera’s Anti-Shake function covers all focal lengths to ensure ease of use.
Bundled with User-Friendly DiMAGE Viewer
The DiMAGE A2 is equipped with the user-friendly DiMAGE Viewer. This intuitive software makes it easy to manage, edit, and perform many other tasks with your images. It displays thumbnails for quick confirmation, plus EXIF data and any comments you've included. You can copy, move, or rename images as desired.
Various image compensation tools are provided, such as tone curve and histogram for still images, along with flicker reduction for movie clips. RAW data can be imported, giving you the option to make fine adjustments on uncompressed image data. The DiMAGE Viewer also features advanced color management tools to ensure faithful color reproduction of each and every shot. Accurate color conversion is possible with monitors, printers, and application software that support ICC profiles.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
Number of effective pixels: 8.0 million
CCD: 2/3-type unterlaced primary-color CCD
Total pixels: 8.3 million
A/D conversion: 12-bit
Camera sensitivity: Auto, ISO 64, 100, 200, 400, 800 equivalents
Focal length: 7.2 – 50.8mm (35 mm equivalent: 28 - 200 mm)
Lens construction: 16 elements in 13 groups (includes two AD glass elements and two aspheric elements)
Maximum aperture: f/2.8 – f/3.5
Minimum focus distance: 1.6 ft. (0.5m) from CCD
Macro focus range:
At 7.2mm:
11.8 – 23.6 in. (30 – 60 cm) from CCD
8.3 – 20 in. (21 – 51 cm) from front of lens
At 42.7 – 50.8mm:
9.8 – 23.6 in. (25 – 60 cm) from CCD
5.1 – 19.7 in. (13 – 50 cm) from front of lens
Maximum magnification:
0.177x (1: 5.65)
Equivalent to 0.7x (1: 1.43) in 35mm format
Area covered at maximum magnification: 2.05 x 1.54 in. (52 x 39 mm)
Optical zooming control: Manual zooming ring
Filter diameter: 49mm
Viewfinder type: EVF (Electronic viewfinder)
Variable-position: 0-90º
Viewfinder LCD: 0.44 inch (11mm) TFT liquid-crystal microdisplay. Total pixels: 922,000 pixels
LCD monitor: 1.8 inch (46mm) low-temperature polysilicon TFT color. Variable-position: -20- 90º Total pixels: 118,000
Automatic monitor amplification: Activates in low light.
Field of view: EVF: Approximately 100%
External LCD monitor: Approximately 100%
Display-mode switch: Auto-display, Electronic-viewfinder display, External LCD-monitor display
Diopter control: –3.5 ~ +1.5 m-1
Eye relief: 19.5mm at -1 m-1
Shutter: CCD electronic shutter and mechanical shutter
Shutter speed range: 30 - 1/4,000 second
Bulb (maximum 30 seconds)
Autofocus system: Video AF
Autofocus areas: Wide focus area, Spot focus point. Flex Focus Point control is available with the spot focus point.
Focus modes: Autofocus: Single-shot AF, Continuous AF, Full-time AF, Subject Tracking AF.
Manual focus with 3.3x Flex Digital Magnifier (FDM) with 3.3x
Full-time AF: With the spot focus point or Flex Focus Point. Full-time AF can be disabled.
Subject Tracking AF: With continuous AF. Subject Tracking AF can be disabled.
Focus lock: By pressing shutter-release button partway down.
Subject lock: With Subject Tracking AF by pressing shutter-release button partway down.
Metering:Multi-segment, Center-weighted, Spot (center or with Flex Focus Point)
Multi-segment metering: 300 segments
Exposure control range:
Programmed AE and aperture-priority modes:
Wide: EV –1.7 – 20
Telephoto: EV –1.2 – 20.7
Shutter-priority and manual modes:
Wide: EV –2 – 21
Telephoto: EV –1.4 – 19
Exposure modes: Programmed AE (with program shift), Aperture priority, Shutter priority, Manual
Digital Subject Programs: Portrait, Sports action, Sunset, Night portrait
Exposure compensation:± 2 EV in 1/3 increments
AE lock: With AE-lock button or by pressing the shutter-release button partway down
Flash control: ADI, Pre-flash TTL, Manual flash control
Flash range:
Wide: Approximately 1.6 – 12.5 ft. (0.5 - 3.8m)
Telephoto: Approximately 1.6 – 9.8 ft. (0.5 - 3m)
(Camera sensitivity: auto)
Flash modes: Fill-flash, Red-eye reduction, Rear flash sync, Wireless/Remote flash
Flash recycling time: Approximately 5 seconds
Flash compensation: ± 2 EV in 1/3 increments
Flash-sync speed: All shutter speeds
Continuous advance:
UHS continuous advance: 7 frames per second
High-speed continuous advance: Maximum 2.7 frames per second
Standard continuous advance: Maximum 1.8 frames per second
(Actual speed may vary depending upon the subject and camera settings)
Exposure bracketing: Three-frame bracket in 0.5 and 0.3 EV increments
Digital Enhanced Bracketing: Three-frame contrast, color saturation, or filter bracket in fixed increments.
Self-timer: Approximately 10 seconds, 2 seconds
Movie:
Standard movie mode:
Maximum 15 minutes at 30 frames per second with monaural audio
Night movie mode:
Maximum 15 minutes at 30 frames per second with monaural audio
(Automatic selection function between standard and night movie modes available)
Time-lapse movie mode: no audio and played back at 4 frames per second
Audio:
Voice memo:
Maximum 15 seconds monaural audio with still image
Color modes: Natural Color (sRGB), Vivid Color (sRGB), Adobe RGB, Embedded Adobe RGB, Black and white (neutral and toned), Solarization
Camera color spaces: sRGB, Adobe RGB
White-balance control: Automatic, Preset (Daylight, Tungsten, Shade, Cloudy, Flash, and Fluorescent settings) with fine adjustments in seven levels, Custom (three settings)
Sharpness settings: Three levels (Soft, Normal, Hard)
Digital Effects Control: Color saturation, Contrast compensation, Filter
Noise reduction: User selectable dark noise reduction
Digital zoom: 2x with still images
Data imprinting: Year/month/day (Format can be changed.)Month/day/hour:minute
Text:Text and serial numbers
Imprinting can be disabled.
Custom functions: Control dial customization.
User-selectable function can be assigned to the function dial.
Image-quality modes: RAW, TIFF, Extra fine, Fine, Standard
File formats: DCF 2.0-compliant
DPOF-compliant (Supported by printing functions in version 1.1) Exif 2.21
Printing output control: Exif Print, PRINT Image Matching II
Recording media: Type I and Type II CompactFlash cards IBM Microdrive (170MB, 340MB, 512MB, 1GB)
Computer interface: USB (2.0 High Speed)
AV output: NTSC, PAL (selected on the camera)
Batteries: One NP-400 lithium-ion battery
Battery performance (Playback): Approximate continuous playback time: 240 minutes with NP-400 lithium-ion battery, External LCD monitor on, EVF off.
Battery performance (Recording): Approximate number of recorded images: 280 frames with NP-400 lithium-ion battery, EVF on, External LCD monitor off, Full-size images (3264 x 2448), Fine image quality, No instant playback, No voice memo, Flash used with 50% of the frames.
External power source: 6V DC with specified AC adapter (sold separately)
Dimensions (WxHxD): 4.61 x 3.35 x 4.47 inches (117 x 85 x 113.5mm)
Weight: Approximately 19.9 oz. (565 g) without batteries or recording media
Operating temperature: 32-104 F (0-40 C)
Standard accessories: Neck Strap NS-DG4000, Lens Cap (49mm) LF-1349, Accessory Shoe Cap, AV Cable AVC-400, USB Cable USB-500, DiMAGE Viewer, ULEAD Video Studio 7 SE, Lens Shade DLS-2, Lithium-ion Battery NP 400, Lithium-ion Battery Charger BC-400
