DiMAGE 7Hi
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DiMAGE 7Hi
Minolta DiMAGE 7Hi Review
By Movable Type Admin


Full Review posted 10/11/02
![]() Click on the DiMAGE 7Hi to take a QuickTime VR tour
The DiMAGE 7Hi features a 2/3-inch CCD image sensor with 5-Megapixel effective resolution. The camera incorporates a 7x zoom apochromatic Minolta GT LENS with two anomalous dispersion (AD) glass elements for color accuracy and dual aspherical elements which, combined with a 2x digital zoom, provides a compact lens design with a wide image capture range. The optical zoom lens range 7.2mm - 50.8mm (equivalent to 28mm - 200mm in 35mm photography). The DiMAGE 7Hi's 3-point wide AF system assures fast, accurate focusing, and the Flex Focus Point gives you precise control over the focusing area. The Direct Manual Focus (DMF) feature allows for instant manual adjustments to the autofocus. The AF system is almost twice as fast as the original DiMAGE 7, and the capturing interval has been reduced to make it a more responsive camera. The DiMAGE 7Hi features Minolta's proprietary CxProcess, an image processing technology that provides clear and natural images. In image processing, too much emphasis on natural color produces flat color pictures. Overemphasizing the color range creates an unnatural color scheme. CxProcess balances both extremes by controlling sharpness, color reproduction, tonal gradation and noise to optimize results. The 12-bit A/D conversion provides a finer tonal gradation, with deep shadows, brilliant highlights and millions of colors, up to 4,096 levels in each RGB channel. Minolta's 12-bit A/D conversion provides exquisite details in portraiture: smooth complexion, rich shadows, and luminous highlights, as opposed to the standard 10-bit A/D conversion with its limited 1,024 levels per RGB channel.
![]() The Digital Hyper Viewfinder provides photographers with clear images, even under bright light. With its reflective ferroelectric Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) viewfinder and a visual resolution equivalent to almost 220,000 pixels, it's the first time such a sophisticated optical device has been used on a high-resolution consumer SLR-type digital camera. The variable position viewfinder can be tilted up to 90 degrees for added flexibility and creativity in shooting. The Digital Hyper Viewfinder allows the photographer to simultaneously monitor the image and camera settings. And in low-light situations the viewfinder signal is amplified so you won't miss any important shots. The DiMAGE 7Hi's 4x Electronic Magnification can enlarge the central area of the image in the viewfinder during manual focusing - an important feature when image sharpness is critical, especially with close-up photography. There are three exposure-metering modes: multi-segment, center-weighted and spot. The multi-segment metering technology uses both light values and color information to accurately calculate the exposure. With emphasis on the main subject, the luminance patterns on the CCD and AF information are used to accurately calculate the exposure. The camera's controls are optimally laid out for ease of use. Frequently used functions are placed in a simple, function-dial system. The Digital Hyper Viewfinder and the LCD monitor offer a graphic-user interface with a full array of shooting information. The pro-auto button allows users to easily reset the camera to fully-automatic operation. The eyepiece sensors detect if the Digital Hyper Viewfinder is being used, and switch the display between the viewfinder and the monitor accordingly.
![]() Under the stylish metal exterior is a solid alloy frame
DiMAGE 7Hi Features:
The Minolta DiMAGE 7Hi and DiMAGE 7i will be available side-by-side at retail at differing price points. The DiMAGE 7Hi is available now with an estimated street price of $1,299.
Physical Views
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![]() The DiMAGE 7Hi is smaller than most people imagine! |
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DiMAGE 7Hi Specifications
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