Click on the MAXXUM 7D to take a QuickTime VR tour

The Konica Minolta MAXXUM 7D (called the Dynax 7D in other market areas) digital Single Lens Reflex (SLR) camera is a 6.1-million-pixel, interchangeable lens digital camera, it's compatible with virtually any MAXXUM AF lens. The MAXXUM 7D is the world's first digital SLR featuring a body-integral CCD-shift, Anti-Shake (camera-shake compensation) technology that combines enhanced picture quality, performance and improved handling characteristics.

Specifically designed to match the performance requirements of the camera's imager, the MAXXUM 7D's built-in Anti-Shake technology instantly and precisely shifts the CCD to compensate for camera motion. Photographers can shoot at shutter speeds up to three steps slower than what they could use without it. And because the mechanism is integrated directly into the camera body, it works with virtually any MAXXUM AF lens – a major advantage for photographers when compared to bulky and expensive lens-based optical stabilization systems.

The MAXXUM 7D also features a large, easy-to-view, high-definition 2.5-inch color LCD monitor housed on its back-plate. The large screen handles the tasks of menu navigation and image display, also providing shooting information and camera setting displays. In keeping with its acclaimed MAXXUM film SLR counterpart, the MAXXUM 7D inherits a similar, simple-to-use dial and lever operation system. Enhancing handling further, the new model also features a superbly-bright, easy-to-view, high-performance viewfinder designed to be comfortable and easy to use.

The MAXXUM 7D incorporates a central, cross hair type, 9-point and 8-line AF sensor array providing high-precision AF and high performance subject tracking of moving subjects within the frame. The AF system enables both Predictive Focus Control and Subject Tracking for high-speed focus adjustment of moving subjects, making it ideal for fleeting moments or sports photography.

Thanks to the large 128MB image buffer the MAXXUM 7D allows high speed continuous shooting of up to 9 consecutive frames at up to 3-frames per second in both RAW or RAW+JPEG modes. Additionally, it allows continuous shooting of up to twelve 3008x2000 JPEG images at the extra-fine image-quality setting and 15 JPEG images the same size at the fine image-quality setting. These high-speed shooting capabilities are ideal for capturing momentary expressions, sports or fleeting action shots while retaining high picture quality throughout.

The MAXXUM 7D is sturdy, compact and stylish featuring a magnesium alloy front body panel and base. Power is supplied by a high-capacity rechargeable Li-ion battery and an optional vertical grip can accomodate two of these batteries. Image data can be transferred rapidly to the host computer via a USB 2.0 interface. Image storage is accomplished with CompactFlash Type I or II cards including Microdrives and any capacity card can be used.

MAXXUM/Dynax 7D Features

• Lightweight and durable magnesium alloy body

• Minolta-A bayonet lens mount, 1.5x focal magnifier

• 6-megapixel CCD sensor for images up to 3008 x 2000 pixels

• CCD-Shift Anti-shake system with LED indicator in viewfinder

• 95% coverage viewfinder with true pentaprism and interchangeable focusing screens

• Recording choice of 3 levels of JPEG, RAW, or RAW plus Fine JPEG

• 9-point AF with Wide, Spot and Focus Area Selection

• Adobe RGB and sRGB color space selection

• Image adjustments: Contrast, Color saturation, Sharpness, Hue (5 levels)

• Shooting modes: Full-auto program, Programmed AE with program shift, Aperture priority, Shutter priority and metered Manual

• Interval recording (30s-60m, 2-240 frames)

• TTL metering: 14-segment honeycomb-pattern, Center-weighted or spot metering

• White Balance: Auto, six presets and Manual color temperature (2800-10,000°K in 100° increments).

• 3fps high-speed continuous shooting, 128MB buffer, up to 15 frames Large/JPEG (9 frames in RAW mode)

• Shutter speeds: 30 to 1/4,000 seconds, 1/160 sec. flash sync

• Eye-level pentaprism viewfinder, 95% coverage with diopter adjustment, illuminated AF points, depth-of-field preview and detailed information display.

• AE bracketing with 3 or 5 frames

• 2.5 inch, color TFT LCD, 207,000 pixels, adjustable brightness

• Playback histogram and up to 4.7x image zoom

• ISO Range: 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1,600 (3200 with ISO speed extension)

• Built-in TTL popup flash with red-eye reduction.

• Hot shoe for Minolta Program Flash and PC flash sync connector

• CompactFlash Type II card slot, Microdrive and FAT32 compatible

• Video Out with selectable NTSC or PAL timing

• Powered by NP-400 Li-ion battery pack, rapid charger included

• Exif Print, PRINT Image Matching II, PictBridge compatible

• Optional VC-7D Battery Grip doubles battery power and adds vertical grip, shutter release and controls

A broad range of existing MAXXUM-system accessories is also available for use with the MAXXUM 7D including D-series flash units, remote cords and an angle viewfinder. The D- series flash and D-series lenses, which include built-in focus distance calculations, when used in combination with the new MAXXUM 7D, provide improved exposure accuracy. Combined with high-precision ADI flash metering, the camera provides high-precision lighting control that answers the most demanding and diverse needs.

DIWA Gold Medal Award

9. March 2005 - Digital Imaging Websites Association (DIWA), an international organisation of websites focusing on digital imaging, today announced a DIWA Gold Award to Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D. The gold medal represents the highest level of performance and is a summary of numerous rigorous tests conducted by DIWA camera experts.

With the Maxxum 7D, Konica Minolta makes their debut into the fast growing market of digital system cameras. Founded on a long history as high quality camera and optical manufacturers, the high performance Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D comes as no surprise.

It continues the legacy of the highly successful and reputed analogue Maxxum SLR cameras, with distinct design resemblance to make the conversion from film to digital as smooth as possible for any experienced Maxxum enthusiast. Supporting the full range of existing AF lenses, the Maxxum 7D also eases the financial aspect.

Regardless of its background, the Maxxum 7D makes an impressive performance, all by itself. Its exterior is robust and solid as a professional camera, introducing a huge 2.5” LCD screen with an innovative, rotating camera settings display. Professional is also the 6.1 Megapixel resolution with RAW or RAW+JPEG file formats. Yet, the most revolutionary feature is the built-in CCD Anti-Shake image stabiliser, the first ever in any SLR camera. Add to this a highly efficient AF system, fast overall camera response and burst shooting, as well as the new CxProcess™ III image processor for outstanding image quality.

The conclusion from the DIWA experts is that Konica Minolta’s late D-SLR debut was well worth waiting for. Fierce competition is no threat to the Maxxum 7D. It stands out from the crowd and is bound to win many new friends.

Winner of the Prosumer/Professional Digital SLR category