Konica Minolta Maxxum 5D SLR Review

Click on the MAXXUM 5D to take a QuickTime VR tour

The Konica Minolta MAXXUM 5D (called the Dynax 5D in other market areas) digital Single Lens Reflex (SLR) camera is a 6.1-million-pixel, interchangeable lens digital camera. This high-performance interchangeable-lens digital SLR camera inherits the revolutionary technology of the award winning Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D - the world's first digital SLR with built-in Anti-Shake technology and CCD Shift mechanism that is compatible with all Maxxum autofocus (AF) lenses including Konica Minolta's recently introduced Digital Technology "DT" lenses.

The Maxxum 5D combines Konica Minolta's advanced technologies and greater ease of use into an even smaller and more lightweight design. The Maxxum 5D enhances camera reliability through its strong build quality. The body is constructed using sturdy glass fiber plastic, making it lighter and smaller than the Maxxum 7D by about 22% in volume. Rubberized grips make it highly tactile and easy to handle and hold. The camera's high-performance functions will satisfy the demanding and creative techniques of photography enthusiasts and its ease of use and familiar lever and knob operation makes it ideal even for casual digital photographers looking for their first step up to digital SLR photography.

The Maxxum 5D ensures photo-imaging excellence using Konica Minolta's proprietary Anti-Shake Technology, which employs an exclusive CCD-Shift mechanism to compensate for blurring caused by camera shake - even when taking photos in dimly lit scenes, in natural light with a telephoto lens, or in macro shots where extra stability is vital for a sharp shot. This innovative Anti-Shake Technology not only provides the equivalent correction effect with a shutter speed 2 to 3 stops slower, but also compatibility with any Maxxum system AF lenses.

The Maxxum 5D provides exceptional quality images with a large, 6.1-megapixel (effective) CCD sensor, an Advanced LSI engine for high-speed image processing, as well as Konica Minolta's CxProcess™ III image processing technology, an original technology highly acclaimed for rendering fine image detail and stunning color rendition. Offering a better view for better pictures, the camera also boasts a large 2.5-inch color LCD viewing screen that provides simple navigation through easy-to-use on-screen menus and set-up options. The LCD makes camera control even easier, displaying detailed camera settings as well as captured images.

For even greater convenience and ease of use, the Maxxum 5D includes a Digital Subject Program Selector which automatically designates an optimum exposure and image- processing program for five commonly used photo scenes. The Maxxum 5D also offers a comprehensive range of easy-to-use functions that allow precision adjustments of all camera settings whatever the shooting situation.

MAXXUM/Dynax 5D Features

• 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 pentaprism and interchangeable focusing screens
• Recording choice of 3 levels of JPEG, RAW, or RAW plus Fine JPEG
• 9-point AF sensor array with high-precision Predictive Focus Control and high-speed Subject Tracking
• Adobe RGB and sRGB color space selection
• Image adjustments: Contrast, Color saturation, Sharpness
• Shooting modes: Full-auto, Programmed AE, Aperture priority, Shutter priority, metered Manual and 5 Scene modes
• TTL metering: 14-segment honeycomb-pattern, Center-weighted or spot metering
• White Balance: Auto, six presets and Manual color temperature (2500-9900°K in 100° increments).
• Capture up to 10 frames at 3 frames per second (in Fine JPEG mode)
• Shutter speeds: 30 to 1/4,000 seconds, 1/160 sec. flash sync
• AE bracketing with 3 frames or White Balance bracketing
• 2.5 inch, color TFT LCD, 115,000 pixels, adjustable brightness
• Playback histogram, up to 5x image zoom, 4/9/16-thumbnail index
• ISO Range: 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600 and 3200 (with ISO speed extension)
• Built-in TTL popup flash with red-eye reduction.
• Hot shoe for Minolta Program Flash
• CompactFlash Type II card slot, Microdrive and FAT32 compatible
• USB 2.0 (full speed) interface for image downloads
• 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

MAXXUM 5D Specifications