A-DIGITAL-EYE (21ST CENTURY DIGITAL CAMERAS, PHOTO PRINTERS, PAPERS, CAMCORDERS, IMAGING SOFTWARE, DIGITAL EQUIPMENT, REVIEWS AND MORE!) KONICA MINOLTA A200 8 MEGAPIXEL DIGITAL CAMERA PREVIEW PAGE 
KONICA MINOLTA PRESS RELEASE
KONICA MINOLTA ADDS TO THE AWARD-WINNING
LINE OF DiMAGE A DIGITAL CAMERAS
The new high performance 8.0 megapixel SLR-Type DiMAGE A200 provides superb image quality and features Konica Minolta's Anti-Shake Technology, unique new Vari-Angle LCD monitor, and built-in 7x optical zoom lens
Mahwah, NJ (September 15, 2004) - Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc. introduces today the new DiMAGE A200 8.0-megapixel Single Lens Reflex (SLR)-type high-performance digital camera that is perfect for all levels of photographic experience from advanced amateur to creative beginner. Equipped with Konica Minolta's Anti-Shake technology featuring a unique CCD-shift mechanism that offsets handheld shaking, it is easy to capture sharp images with the DiMAGE A200, even in low lighting and without the use of a tripod.
In addition, the camera's rotating 1.8-inch TFT Vari-angle LCD monitor allows photographers to get a clear viewpoint for shooting artistic angles or taking flawless self-portraits. And, the Konica Minolta DiMAGE A200's simplified operation means that all photographers can benefit from its advanced specifications, thus maximizing their photography experience.
"The new DiMAGE A200 digital camera is designed to meet the needs of even the most discriminating photographers," said Todd Schrader, vice president of marketing for Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc. "Thanks to the built-in Anti-Shake technology and other innovations, this versatile new model allows even novice photographers to transform ordinary snapshots into professional looking photographs that they'll treasure for years."
The camera's 2/3-inch CCD with 8.0 million effective pixels and the high-performance Konica Minolta GT APO lens combine to produce incredibly faithful smooth-toned colors. With its proprietary new advanced LSI engine and CxProcess™ III image-processing technology, the DiMAGE A200 provides high-speed and stress-free image processing with low power consumption. And, its ability to suppress noise and provide exceptionally accurate color reproduction means that users get high-quality images every time.
And, thanks to Konica Minolta's proprietary Anti-Shake technology that employs a unique CCD-shift mechanism, even entry-level photographers can avoid blurry pictures. This internal stabilizing system is connected directly to a CCD sensor that quickly responds to camera shake, thus rendering sharper images in dim lighting as well as hand-held telephoto shots. Especially helpful when using the 4x digital zoom (28 to 800mm) and high-performance built-in 7x optical zoom (28 to 200mm) for landscapes, close-ups, and at sporting events, the DiMAGE A200's Anti-Shake technology is activated with the simple touch of a button. Combined with its three focusing areas - wide focus area, 11-point selectable AF area, and flex focus point - the DiMAGE A200 ensures that photographic subjects are always in perfect focus.
The camera's newly employed vari-angle, TFT color LCD monitor can be rotated up to 270° vertically and 180° horizontally, allowing photographers unrestricted shooting at high and low angles. The included multi-functional wireless remote control makes it easier to take self-portraits and movies whenever and wherever. And, because the LCD provides high-speed, real-time viewing at 60 frames per second, there is minimal lag time between the on-screen display of moving images and the press of the shutter release, so there's no need to worry about missing a photo opportunity.
The new DiMAGE A200 enables users to
record movies in VGA mode (640 x 480 pixels at 30 frames per
second) for smooth, true-color playback that rivals TV quality,
and SVGA mode (800 x 600 pixels at 15 frames per second), which
is ideal for viewing movies or movie stills on large PC screens.
This gives users the freedom to choose the screen size and frame
rate that suits their needs. Recording high-quality movies is
even easier when the camera's Anti-Shake technology is enabled
to minimize image blurring.
About Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc.
Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc., headquartered in Mahwah,
NJ, is the North American sales and marketing subsidiary of Konica
Minolta Holdings, Inc. (Tokyo, Japan). On August 5, 2003 Konica
Minolta Holdings, Inc. was formed to enhance both the competitive
business capabilities and earning capacities of Konica Corporation
and Minolta Co., Ltd.
Consumers around the world have come to know and trust the Konica and Minolta brands for all their imaging needs. Since the earliest days of the photo industry, Minolta and Konica have applied their talents and resources to create products and services that are essential to the world of imaging. Today, these efforts concentrate on the most important aspects of imaging: the quality of the images, the tools and methods for creating images, and the creation of environments for the application of images.
This focus on the essentials of imaging ties together the company's key business and consumer product lines. Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc. is a leading manufacturer and marketer of 35mm and Advanced Photo System film, single-use cameras, digital and 35mm film cameras, accessory lenses, binoculars, photographic and color measurement meters. In addition the company offers color print photo papers, inkjet photo paper, digital minilabs, digital film scanners, optical instruments, software and advanced imaging and sensing technologies. Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc. also provides wholesale photofinishing services and Internet imaging services. It is a complete imaging company, from input through output. For more information about Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc., its products and services, visit www.konicaminolta.us.
All brand names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
Backgrounder
New Konica Minolta 8.0-Megapixel Digital
Single Lens Reflex (SLR)-Type Camera:
The DiMAGE A200
Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A.,
Inc.'s new DiMAGE A200 digital camera joins the award-winning
DiMAGE A line of digital cameras - delivering clear, crisp images
with the intricate detail that DiMAGE photographers have come
to expect.
Product Highlights
· 8.0-megapixel resolution and Konica Minolta all-glass
GT APO lens give photographers high-quality pictures
· Anti-Shake technology with CCD shift mechanism enables
even novices to capture clearly focused pictures without a tripod,
and with an approximately 3-step slower shutter speed
· Vari-angle LCD monitor allows you to easily take self-portraits
as well as high- and low-angle shots with freer and easier angles
· Newly advanced LSI and CxProcess™ III image-processing
technology give high-speed image processing and sharp, true-to-life-color
images
· Fast 60-frames per second live view for incredibly smooth
viewing of recorded images
· Included wireless remote control adds convenience for
both shooting and viewing
· 28x digital/optical zoom and Konica Minolta Anti-Shake
technology make it possible to shoot high-quality moving pictures
· Sure-grip, ergonomic body makes it easy to carry and
use anywhere
· Extensive optional accessories: wide-angle converter,
telephoto converter, close-up lens, and external flashes
Features
8.0-Megapixel 2/3-inch Interlace Scan CCD
The new Konica Minolta DiMAGE A200 has an 8.0-megapixel, 2/3-inch
interlace scan CCD. With 8 million effective pixels, photographera
can take subtle, expressive images that capture even individual
hairs or the stitches of a suit in sharp detail. These incredibly
detailed images can then be transferred and printed onto 10.9
x 8.1 inch paper at 300 dpi.
CCD Shift-Type Anti-Shake Technology
Konica Minolta's Anti-Shake technology gives photographers a
highly effective way to deal with handheld shaking - a major
cause of substandard images, especially with telephoto and dimly
lit shots. Users can expect better images in low light conditions
without relying on a higher ISO setting or a tripod. The new
DiMAGE A200 features a CCD-shift mechanism to stabilize images
by offsetting the shaking pattern of the user's hand. This gives
unrivalled stability at up to 3 shutter speeds slower than on
digital cameras without Anti-Shake technology. The CCD shift
mechanism also allows for more freedom in the mechanical layout
of the camera's interior, which keeps it compact. Anti-Shake
technology can offset two kinds of shaking-high-frequency shaking
of muscles and low-frequency shaking of the body.
Vari-Angle LCD Monitor
The 1.8-inch TFT LCD monitor rotates 270° vertically and
180° horizontally, allowing photographers to hold the camera
in a comfortable position at high- and low-angle shots while
still viewing the LCD straight on. And, because photographers
can view the LCD while they get in just the right position for
a self-portrait, the DiMAGE A200 is great for taking shots from
a variety of different angles.
Newly Advanced LSI and Konica Minolta
CxProcess™ III Image Processing
The advanced LSI engine reduces power consumption and suppresses
camera noise, while optimizing color reproduction with exceptional
accuracy. Konica Minolta's CxProcess™ III image-processing
technology helps reproduce shadows and highlights with outstanding
accuracy, so images look natural and true-to-life. The new DiMAGE
A200 also introduces a new sRGB color mode (Portrait sRGB) that
brings out beautiful skin tones in portraits.
Konica Minolta GT Lens and Anomalous
Dispersion (AD) Glass
Designed specifically for digital photography, the GT lens is
an all-glass apochromatic (APO) zoom lens. The benefits for the
user include sharp and clear pictures absent of any color aberration,
even when using the large aperture setting. The lens is the heart
of the camera and this GT lens has 16 elements in 13 groups.
The anomalous dispersion (AD) glass contributes to things like
suppressed distortion, and reduced flare and chromatic aberration,
while aspheric glass elements work to make the lens compact.
The camera's improved optical low pass filter and the logical
arrangement of the lens make for higher productivity and quality-assurance
in the manufacturing process, ensuring that the lens is suitable
for an 8.0-megapixel CCD.
60 Frames Per Second High Speed Live
View
Both the LCD and EVF give a fast 60-frames per second live view
(for still recording; 30 frames per second for movie recording),
making for incredibly smooth viewing of recorded images. It also
reduces the time lag in tracking moving subjects so users can
easily capture those crucial fleeting moments.
Included Wireless Remote Control
Photographers can also take self-portraits using the camera's
remote control. And, they can also connect the DiMAGE A200 to
a TV and control the images with the remote control. This allows
users to sit back and enjoy the pictures and movies they took
that same day.
Digital Zoom
The 4x digital zoom gives up to a 28x total zoom when combined
with the optical zoom, providing a maximum focal length of 800mm
(35mm equivalent), which is perfect for distance shots or sporting
events. And, even shots at a focal length of 800mm are free of
jerky movements thanks to Konica Minolta's Anti-Shake technology.
Photographers can choose from two digital zoom modes: image interpolation
(in which the number of pixels doesn't change) digital zoom and
normal mode (cropped into 2 megapixels). The digital zoom can
also be accessed from any point of the optical zoom using the
handy digital zoom lever on the rear panel.
High-Quality Movie Recording
The DiMAGE A200 incorporates a true VGA movie (640 x 480 pixels)
mode. This allows users to record high-quality movies at 30 frames
per second giving images rivaling those seen on TV. Users can
also take high-quality SVGA (800 x 600 pixels) movies at 15 frames
per second, which look good even on a large PC screen. The DiMAGE
A200 lets photographers use both the digital and optical zoom
when recording movies, allowing them to capture images at a maximum
focal length of 800mm (35mm equivalent). And, the Night Movie
function makes subjects highly visible even in dark settings.
The DiMAGE A200 also comes bundled with fun-to-use video software,
Video Studio 8 SE by ULEAD, which lets users import and edit
images and then output them to video CDs.
Sure-Grip, Ergonomic
Despite its pro-level picture quality and features, the Konica
Minolta DiMAGE A200 is compact and weighs just 17.8 ounces, making
it easy to take on vacations and day-trips. And although it's
small, the DiMAGE A200's grip makes it easy to hold when taking
pictures.
Various Autofocus (AF) Mode
Wide Focus Area mode informs photographers of focused points
by flashing them when the shutter is pressed halfway down. Predictive
Focus Control keeps moving subjects in focus.11-Point Focus Area
is perfect for switching the AF point instantaneously on the
main positions in the frame. Flex Focus Point is perfect for
higher-precision auto-focusing. These features are very effective
for capturing action in unusual lighting.
Ultra High-Speed Continuous Shooting
When photographers really need to fire off as many shots as possible
in a limited amount of time, select the UHS (Ultra High Speed)
mode on the menu to set the camera to capture images at a continuous
advance of 40 frames at 10 frames per second. For convenience,
these images can be captured in VGA format.
Real-Time Histogram Display
The LCD monitor is equipped with a convenient histogram function
that will help the user see the overall brightness of the scene
when it's difficult to determine the exposure compensation within
the image. The histogram supplies the information users need
to adjust the exposure more accurately. It also incorporates
a luminance limit display on the playback screen.
Direct Manual Focus (DMF)
DMF allows users to frame their shot. By simply turning the focusing
ring on the lens barrel while the shutter is half-pressed, photographers
can control the focus on a particular shot even when the AF is
locked. Try using DMF during macro imaging to be sure that a
specific part of a subject stays in focus. When users target
an image area, it is automatically enlarged for easy focusing.
Easy Operation from the Rear Panel
The buttons used most often are set on the DiMAGE A200's rear
panel, where users can access them easily without looking away
from the camera's LCD monitor. A digital zoom lever on the rear
panel allows photographers to easily operate the digital zoom
from any focal point. A shift button provides operational shortcuts,
while function buttons on the rear panel make it easy to adjust
color mode, metering mode, ISO, and digital effect settings.
Optional Converter Lenses for Additional
Range (sold separately)
The 1.5x Telephoto Converter gives users an optical zoom range
to 300mm and the 0.8x Wide-angle Converter gives provides an
optical zoom range of 22mm. The Close-up lens renders even better
pictures at close range. And, the Anti-Shake technology covers
all focal lengths to ensure that photographers always get clearly
focused pictures.
DiMAGE Viewer
As part of the DiMAGE series of digital cameras, the DiMAGE A200
is equipped with the user-friendly Konica Minolta DiMAGE Viewer
software. This intuitive software makes it easy to manage, edit,
and perform many other tasks with digital images. It displays
thumbnails for quick confirmation, plus Exif data and any comments
the photographer has included. Users can copy, move, or rename
images as they please. Image compensation tools include tone
curve and histogram for still images and flicker reduction for
movie clips. RAW data can be imported, giving users the option
to make fine adjustments on uncompressed image data. The DiMAGE
Viewer also supports various color spaces and Color Management
using an ICC Profile.
Direct Printer Connection
By directly connecting the DiMAGE A200 to a PictBridge*-compliant
printer, printouts can be made easily without going through a
computer. Photographers can check the camera's LCD monitor for
the image they want to print.
*PictBridge is an industry standard established by the Camera & Imaging Products Association (CIPA).
KONICA MINOLTA DiMAGE A200 DIGITAL CAMERA
Specifications
Number of Effective pixels 8.0 million
CCD 2/3-type interlaced primary-color CCDTotal pixels: 8.3 million
A/D Conversion 12 bit
Camera Sensitivity Auto, ISO 50, 100, 200, 400, 800 equivalents
Focal Length 7.2 - 50.8mm (35mm equivalent: 28 - 200mm)
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 Wide-angle position:11.8 - 23.6 in. (30 - 60
cm) from CCD8.3 - 20 in. (21 - 51 cm) from front of lensTelephoto
position:9.8 - 23.6 in. (25 - 60 cm) from CCD5.1 - 19.7 in. (13
- 50 cm) from front of lens
Maximum Magnification 0.18x (Equivalent to 0.7x 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)
Viewfinder LCD 0.44-inch TFT liquid-crystal microdisplayTotal
pixels: 235,000 pixels
LCD Monitor 1.8-inch TFT color, Vari-angle LCD monitorTotal pixels:
134,000
Automatic Monitor Amplification Activates in low light.
Field of View EVF: Approximately 100% External LCD monitor: Approximately
100 %
Display-mode Switch Electronic-viewfinder display, External LCD-monitor
display
Diopter Control -5 ~ +2 m-1
Eye Relief 22 mm at -1 m-1
Shutter CCD electronic shutter and mechanical shutter
Shutter Speed Range 30 - 1/3200 second (30 - 1/1600 second in
S, M - mode)Bulb (maximum 30 seconds)
Autofocus System Video AF
Autofocus Areas Wide focus area, 11 point selectable, Spot focus
pointFlex Focus Point control is available with the spot focus
point.
Focus Modes Autofocus: Single-shot AF, Continuous AF, Full-time
AF, Manual focus orFlex Digital Magnifier (FDM), Automatic-magnification
Focus Lock By pressing shutter-release button partway down.
Metering Multi-segment, Center-weighted, Spot (center or with
Flex Focus Point)
Multi-segment Metering 256 segments
Exposure Control Range Programmed AE and aperture-priority modes:Wide:
EV -1 - 18 Telephoto: EV -0.5 - 18 Shutter-priority and manual
modes:Wide: EV - 2 - 18 Telephoto: EV - 1.5 - 18
Exposure Modes Programmed AE (with program shift), Aperture priority,
Shutter priority, Manual
Digital Subject Programs Portrait, Sports action, Sunset, Night
portrait/Night View
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 Automatic and 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 - 3.0m)(Camera sensitivity:
auto)
Flash Modes Fill-flash, Red-eye reduction, Rear flash sync, Slow
sync
Flash Recycling Time Approximately 5 seconds
Flash Compensation ± 2 EV in 1/3 increments
Flash-sync Speed All shutter speeds
External Flashes Auto-flash metering with Program/Maxxum Flash
2500 (D), 3600HS (D), 5600HS (D), Macro Twin Flash 2400,* Macro
Ring Flash 1200.**Macro Flash Controller is necessary.
Continuous Advance - UHS continuous advance: 10 frames per second
(640x480)- High-speed continuous advance: Maximum 2.3 frames
per second- Standard continuous advance: Maximum 2.0 frames per
second Actual speed may vary depending upon the subject and camera
settings.Approximate number of frames that can be captured at
one time in standard continuous advance: 3264x2448 2560x1920
2080x1560 1600x1200 640x480
RAW 5 frames - - -
Extra fine 5 frames 5 frames 5 frames 5 frames 5 frames
Fine 5 frames 5 frames 5 frames 5 frames 5 frames
Standard 5 frames 5 frames 5 frames 5 frames 5 frames
*Actual number of images 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 White balance *changeable increments
Self-timer Approximately 10 seconds, 2 seconds
Remote-control Included
Movie - Standard movie mode: Maximum 15 minutes- Night movie
mode: Maximum 15 minutes
Color Modes Natural Color (sRGB), Vivid Color (sRGB), Portrait
(sRGB), Adobe RGB (ICC), Black and white (neutral and toned)
White-balance Control Automatic Preset; Daylight, Tungsten, Shade,
Cloudy, Flash, and Fluorescent(1, 2) settings Custom (two settings)
Sharpness Settings Three levels (Soft, Normal, Hard)
Digital Effect Control Color saturation, Contrast compensation,
Filter
Noise Reduction Available (ON/OFF selectable)
Digital Zoom Normal mode and interpolate mode selectable. Normal
mode: 2x (maximum) / Interpolate mode : 4x (maximum)
Data Imprinting Year/month/day (Format can be changed.)Month/day/hour:minute
Image-quality Modes RAW, RAW +JPEG, Extra fine, Fine, Standard
Number of RecordedPixels (Still Images) 3264 x 2448, 3264 x 2176
(in 3:2 mode), 2560 x 1920, 2080 x 1560, 1600 x 1200, 640 x 480
Number of Recorded Pixels (Movie Clips) 320 x 240 in standard
and night movie modes (15 frames per second / 30 frames per second
selectable )640 x 480 in standard and night movie modes (15 frames
per second / 30 frames per second selectable )800 x 600 in standard
and night movie (15 frames per second)
Menu Languages Japanese, English, German, French, Spanish, Simplified
Chinese, Italian, Swedish
Storage Capacity Approximate storage capacity of a 128 MB CompactFlash
card: 3264x2448 3264x2176 2560x1920 2080x1560 1600x1200 640x480
RAW 10 frames - - - - -
RAW+JPEG 9 frames 9 frames 9 frames 9 frames 10 frames 10 frames
Extra fine 19 frames 22 frames 32 frames 49 frames 79 frames
390 frames
Fine 31 frames 35 frames 50 frames 78 frames 122 frames 558 frames
Standard 62 frames 69 frames 97 frames 150 frames 229 frames
781 frames
Movie 5 minutes 55 seconds with 320x240 images at 15
fps
** Actual number of images may vary depending upon the subject
and memory card used.
File Formats JPEG, Motion JPEG (MOV), RAW, WAVEDCF 2.0-compliantDPOF-compliant
(Supported by printing functions in version 1.1)Exif 2.21
Printing Output Control Exif Print, PRINT Image Matching IIPictBridge
Recording Media Type I and Type II CompactFlash cards Microdrive
Computer Interface USB Full-speed 12Mbps data transfer available
with USB 2.0 compatible computer
AV Output NTSC, PAL (selected on the camera)
Batteries One NP-800 lithium-ion battery
Battery Performance(Playback) Approximate continuous playback
time: 330 minutes with NP-800 lithium-ion battery, External LCD
monitor on, EVF off.
Battery Performance(Recording) Approximate number of recorded
images: 260 frames (Conforming to CIPA, included NP-800 lithium-ion
battery)
External Power Source 6V DC with specified AC adapter (sold separately)
Dimensions (WxHxD) 4.49 x 3.15 x 4.53 in. (114 x 80 x 115 mm)
Weight Approximately 17.8 oz. (505 g) without batteries or recording
media
Operating Temperature 32-104 ºF (0-40 ºC)
Standard Accessories Neck Strap NS-DG8000, Lens Cap (49mm) LF-1349,
Accessory Shoe Cap SC-10, AV Cable AVC-500, USB Cable USB-3,
DiMAGE Viewer, ULEAD Video Studio 8 SE, Lens Shade DLS-3, Lithium-ion
Battery NP-800, Wireless Remote Control RC-D1, Lithium-ionBattery
Charger BC-900
Optional Accessories AC Adapter AC-11, Leather Neck Strap NS-DG1000,
DiMAGE Neck Strap (Indigo) NS-DG2000, DiMAGE Neck Strap (Gray)
NS-DG3000, Accessory Shoe Cap SC-1000, External High Power Battery
Pack Kit EBP-100, Step Up Adapter 49mm - 62mm, CompactFlash Adapter
for SD Memory Cards SD-CF1, Telephoto Converter ACT-100, Wide-angle
Converter ACW-100, Close-up Lens CL49-200, DiMAGE Master DMA-100
System Requirements
IBM PC/AT compatible computers with Windows XP Home, Windows
XP Professional, Windows
Me, Windows 2000 Professional, Windows 98*, or Windows 98 Second
Edition* and with a USB
port as standard interface.
Apple Macintosh computers with Mac OS
9.0 - 9.2.2, Mac OS X v10.1.3-10.1.5, or v10.2.1 - 10.2.8,
v10.3 - 10.3.4 and with a USB port as standard interface.
· The computer and operating system must be guaranteed
by their manufacturers to support
USB interface.
· Problems may be encountered depending on what other
USB devices are being used in
parallel with this product.
· Only a built-in USB port is supported. Problems may
be encountered when the camera is
connected to a USB hub.
· Normal operation may not be possible even when all the
system requirements are met.
* Users with Windows 98 and Windows 98 Second Edition must install
dedicated driver software
included in the DiMAGE A200 package.
Specifications, accessories and system requirements are subject to change without notice.
# # #
DiMAGE, CxProcess are trademarks or
registered trademarks of Konica Minolta Camera, Inc. Windows
is
either a registered trademark or a trademark of Microsoft Corporation
in the United States and/or other
countries. Macintosh is a trademark or registered trademark of
Apple Computer Inc. Other corporate names and
product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective companies.
