Sony to Produce DSLR Cameras Compatible with Minolta Lens Mount

Konica Minolta in addition to yesterday's press release announcing their plans to discontinue in the camera and photo business, also issued another press release detailing plans to turn portions of their DSLR technology over to Sony.

The press release states, "Under this agreement, on March 31 2006, Sony will receive certain assets from Konica Minolta PI that are necessary for the development, design, production and so forth of digital SLR cameras compatible with Konica Minolta PI’s “Maxxum/Dynax lens mount system”. Sony will accelerate development of new digital SLR cameras based on and compatible with the Maxxum/Dynax lens mount system with a view to marketing these models this summer."

This means that current owners of Maxxum/Dynax 7D and 5D cameras won't be "left out in the cold" when Konica Minolta exits the camera business. Konica Minolta will continue producing camera bodies and lenses for Sony to be used in their new DSLR cameras.