Konica Minolta Dynax 7D
The Konica Minolta Dynax 7D ( North America : Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D , Japan : Konica Minolta α-7 Digital , official model name: DG-7D ) is a digital single-lens reflex camera from the Dynax family from Konica Minolta .
Equipment features
Other special features of this camera model are a particularly large image display, large viewfinder image, particularly ergonomic operation with six easy-to-grip handwheels (with accessory handle: eight wheels) instead of endless submenus in the LC display.
CCD sensor with a resolution of around 6.1 megapixels with exposure indices from ISO 100 to 3200, a format factor of around 1.5 compared to the 35mm format due to the image sensor in APS-C format, and compatibility with all Minolta AF lenses . (The focal length of a full-format 35mm lens must be divided by 1.5 to achieve the same angle of view: on the APS-C sensor, the same angle of view is achieved with 200 mm as with a 300 mm focal length on a full-frame sensor) .
The Dynax 7D has a 9-point autofocus.
The images can be saved in JPG format in three different resolutions (3008 × 2000, 2256 × 1496 and 1504 × 1000 pixels in three quality levels each: extra-fine, fine and standard) or in RAW and RAW + JPEG format. Particularly fast CF memory cards (such as Sandisk Extrem-III ) are supported. This means that extremely fast image sequences can be generated without overflowing the internal buffer memory.
White balance can be done automatically or manually in many options. The camera has three freely programmable memories to quickly switch between preset complex camera settings. This means that at a wedding, for example, the photographer can calmly test the most important pre-settings for the expected picture situations (mixed light dark, flash light and daylight light) and then call them up quickly.
Image stabilizer integrated in the housing
The Dynax 7D is the first digital SLR camera with an image stabilizer integrated in the housing. Before that there were image stabilization systems in individual lenses ( Canon IS, Nikon VR, Sigma OS); By moving lens elements, they counteract the blurring caused by the restless hand of the photographer .
In Konica Minolta's anti-shake system , a motion sensor in the camera housing detects these movements ; taking into account the focal length setting reported by the lens, the CCD recording sensor is adjusted accordingly. Advantage: Effect with all attached lenses (few exceptions), therefore versatile and inexpensive. Disadvantage: The Dynax 7D's already relatively large and heavy housing has become a little heavier. The anti-shake system can be switched off when using a tripod . The market launch took place at the end of 2004.
equipment
Vertical handle
The vertical handle (designation: VC-7D ) is connected to the bottom of the camera via the tripod thread and allows the use of one or two rechargeable batteries (designation: NP-400 ) or six AA batteries or rechargeable batteries (one The tripod can still be used). The handle allows fatigue-free long work with a camera swiveled vertically by 90 ° (portrait format images). The second battery also has enormous advantages if, for example, many pictures are to be taken in a row without interruption. The AA adapter allows a kind of "emergency operation" with standard batteries or accumulators; Due to the high power consumption, however, they are empty very quickly. The shutter release (two-stage), AEL lock , both handwheels (front and rear) for program and exposure shift , AF / MF switch, AF area are electronically transferred to the camera. In order to avoid incorrect operation in "normal operation", these buttons can be deactivated with an on / off switch.
In vertical operation, the camera with the VC-7D lies very comfortably in the hand and thus effectively reduces shaking caused by muscle tremors after many pictures. For users with large hands, the additional handle is also a significant relief in normal operation: if large lenses are used together with the already heavy camera, the vertical handle makes it much easier to hold. Here, too, the blurring is significantly reduced.
Lightning Minolta
The 7D can be connected to a Minolta system flash via a Minolta center contact. With the ADI (TTL) exposure measurement (distance information from the autofocus of the lens), the flash output can be controlled automatically according to the distance with aperture and exposure time. Only the flash units of the "HS" series offer this function. Older Minolta flash units can only be operated in manual mode. The options are: fill-in flash , flash on 1st curtain or flash on 2nd curtain .
The SONY Flash HVL-F56AM is also 100% compatible, as it is identical to the earlier Minolta 5600HS (D) . Like its Konica Minolta predecessor, this Sony flash can also be triggered wirelessly (as an “ unleashed flash ”).
Lightning third party manufacturer
Special system flashes from the manufacturers Metz (via the Metz SCA system ), Sigma and Soligor can be used via the Minolta system contact. Some of them also allow almost the same functions as the original system flash Minolta 3600HS (D) ( guide number 36) and 5600HS (D) (guide number 56). The Soligor DG-420Z Zoom Flash (guide number 42) also allows Minolta ADI flash measurement. A model from Sigma is also comparable in terms of equipment.
Lightning connection PC contact
So-called PC contacts are used for studio flash systems, but this connection has nothing to do with a computer. It is a closing contact with which a studio flash system can be connected to the camera. An additional small adapter can also be used to connect a transmitter / receiver, which allows wireless flashing in the photo studio . Of course, automatic functions are not supported. You work with a flash exposure meter and operating mode "M" (manual).
Studio photography with USB 2.0
Using the USB 2.0 connection, the cable (max. Five meters long, more with special solutions) can be used to save directly to a PC hard drive with the included Minolta software instead of memory cards. The images can then be examined in full screen mode on a Windows PC or laptop with almost no delay . An interesting method in connection with the connection for studio flash systems.
Dynax range
In September 2005 Konica Minolta brought out the Dynax 5D, a slightly stripped-down version of the Dynax 7D . It is lighter, but also has fewer connection options.
Konica Minolta's discontinuation of consumer photography
Konica Minolta announced on January 19, 2006 the decision to concentrate entirely on the segment of office equipment ( copiers , printers , scanners , etc.). The production of Minolta cameras was given up in March 2006, the know-how was sold to Sony .
The announcement of the withdrawal caused prices for the high-quality digital SLR cameras to fall on the German market and stocks were reduced.
In the summer of 2006 Sony presented the first digital SLR camera with the Minolta-A bayonet. It was a revised version of the Dynax 5, which was launched under the name Sony α100 . Sony also presented new lenses with Zeiss optics at the same time . A large part of the existing Minolta lenses now bears the name Sony, but otherwise remained unchanged.
Series errors and goodwill
On February 3, 2007, Konica Minolta announced the existence of a serial error in the Dynax 7D and 5D models, which could result in the first picture (s) being black or severely underexposed (bluish tint) after long pauses. This error, known in the relevant forums under the name "Error 58", was repaired by Konica Minolta free of charge even after the warranty / guarantee had expired. However, this repair service has been discontinued since December 31, 2010. Another error is the failure to adopt the position of the camera when it is triggered (orientation flag). The Exif tag "Orientation", although the camera can detect the position (horizontal or vertical) is not set correctly, so that subsequent manual rotation of the images (in edgewise captured images) is required is. This error has not been corrected in firmware version 1.10 either.
See also
- Konica Minolta Dynax 5D
- Dynax / Maxxum / Alpha system from Minolta and Konica Minolta
- Alpha system (α) from Sony
literature
- Josef Scheibel, Robert Scheibel: Photos digital - Konica Minolta Dynax 7D - Camera practice / What is not in the operating manual / Tips and tricks / Background, basic knowledge / Reference work . 2nd revised edition, vfv Verlag, Gilching 2006, ISBN 3-88955-159-9 (176 pages, [1] , accessed on January 8, 2011).
- Klaus-Peter Bredschneider: Konica Minolta Dynax 7D . Point of Sale Gertfried Urban Verlag, Baierbrunn 2005, ISBN 3-925334-73-4 (223 pages).
- Peter K. Burian: Magic Lantern Guides - Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D / Dynax 7D . Lark Books, 2005, ISBN 1-57990-695-8 .
- Chris Weston: The PIP Expanded Guide to the Konica Minolta Dynax / Maxxum 7D . Photographers' Institute Press, 2006, ISBN 1-86108-475-7 (256 pages).
