Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D 6MP Digital SLR w/ Anti-Shake Technology & AF 28-100mm f/3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens

Other products by Konica-Minolta

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 4.2 inches ; 2.5 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 5 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00068TBOW
• Item model number: 7D
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #7,405 in Camera & Photo (See Bestsellers in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: October 14, 2004

Product Description

From the Manufacturer
The Maxxum 7D is the world's first digital SLR camera with body-integral Anti-Shake Technology and CCD Shift Mechanism, bringing an exciting new level of performance to Maxxum AF SLR lenses including macro, wideangle, zoom, telephoto, and super telephoto focal lengths.

This new technology reduces unintentional image blur caused by camera shake when taking photos with slow shutter speeds in dimly lit or twilight scenes, in natural light with a telephoto lens, and with macro shots, without relying on a higher ISO setting or the aid of a flash or tripod. Anti-shake instantly and precisely shifts the CCD to compensate for camera motion, responding quickly to erratic shaking caused by the photographer's hands as well as broad, slow-swaying motions of the camera body.

The Maxxum 7D's award winning anti-shake technology was selected as "European Photo Innovation of the Year 2004-2005" by EISA and provides the equivalent correction effect of a shutter speed 2 to 3 steps faster. The anti-shake function can be switched on or off as desired. When active, an anti-shake indicator is displayed in the viewfinder.

High-Definition, 2.5-inch Color LCD Monitor
The 2.5-inch LCD monitor's large screen and ultra-fine 207,000-pixel resolution make it easy to check the details of images after shooting. Capable of simultaneous image and histogram display, the monitor can also be set to display images with overexposed and underexposed areas highlighted for quick identification. In addition, automatic focus-point detection with 10x enlargement makes it easy to check for correct focus, and you can simultaneously display all of the frames in an auto-exposure-bracketing series to facilitate "best shot" selection.

CxProcess III Image Optimization
Konica Minolta's exclusive CxProcess III technology brings out the best from the Maxxum 7D's 6.1-million effective pixel APS-C size CCD. CxProcess III optimizes color saturation, edge sharpness, and highlight/shadow contrast to ensure that colors are rendered true-to-life. CxProcess III also suppresses noise during slow-shutter imaging, and assures rich textural detail and spatial perspective for vivid yet natural reproduction of skin tones, clouds, and other subjects with delicate surface textures.

High-Performance, High-Speed Autofocusing
The Maxxum 7D incorporates a central, cross hair type, 9-point and 8-line AF sensor array providing high-precision autofocusing and high-performance subject tracking of moving subjects. This wide-area coverage gives you great creative flexibility in how you frame your subject. The AF system features both Predictive Focus Control and Omni-Dimensional Subject Tracking for high-speed focus adjustment, making it ideal for fleeting moments or sports photography.

Four focusing modes ensure optimum performance in a wide range of situations--AF-S for single-shot AF, AF-C for continuous AF, and AF-A that automatically switches from single-shot to continuous AF when it detects subject movement. In addition, the Maxxum 7D features the same AF/MF control layout featured on the Maxxum 7. Another focusing option that is particularly useful for macro and portrait photography is the Maxxum 7D's Direct Manual Focus, which combines the advantages of AF operation with the ability to focus manually whenever the shutter button is pressed halfway down.

Advanced LSI Image Processing
A newly developed Advanced LSI (Large Scale Integration) image processing engine in the Maxxum 7D enables high-speed processing of large quantities of data and improves image processing at high-sensitivity settings, ensuring reduced image noise while retaining high picture quality. This combination also helps ensure a handling response similar to the smooth-shooting rhythm associated with conventional 35mm film SLRs.

High-Performance, Through-the-Lens Viewfinder
A spherical acute matte focusing screen is used for accurate and bright critical focusing assessment. The optical glass pentaprism viewfinder features a 0.9X magnification and 95% field-of-view for easy scene evaluation and composition, even when using small-aperture telephoto lenses.

Menu & Navigation Display
The LCD monitor also works as a Navigation Display enabling seamless operation with clear, concise camera settings displayed along with comprehensive shooting information indicated in large, easy-to-read text. The display automatically switches from horizontal to vertical format camera position change and switches off as you look into the viewfinder.

Intuitive Operation with Dial-&-Lever System
The Maxxum 7D inherits its dial and lever operation system from the world-renowned Maxxum 7, a 35mm AF SLR highly regarded for its user friendliness. The Maxxum 7D's intuitive operation makes it ideal for users moving up to the new, digital model from its 35mm predecessor. The exposure compensation dial and easy to use exposure mode dials are also borrowed from the Maxxum 7, making it comfortably familiar and helping users respond quickly to changing shooting conditions or picture opportunities. A separate white-balance dial is provided for quick, easy white balance control.

High-Speed Continuous Advance with 128MB Buffer Memory
The Maxxum 7D enables high-speed continuous shooting of up to nine consecutive frames at up to three frames per second in both RAW and RAW+JPEG modes. Additionally, the 7D allows continuous shooting of up to twelve 3008x2000 JPEG images at the extra-fine image quality setting and fifteen JPEG images the same size at the fine image quality setting. These high-speed shooting capabilities are ideal for capturing momentary expressions, sports, or fleeting action shots while retaining high picture quality.

RAW+JPEG Simultaneous Recording
The Maxxum 7D can shoot either RAW or JPEG images or both combined with the simultaneous RAW+JPEG dual-format capture mode for improved, post-shoot workflow. Simultaneous RAW and JPEG data recording gives you much greater freedom in how you process your images. By saving the image in both formats, you can quickly display the JPEG version as a reference when you edit and process the RAW data for final output as a beautiful gallery-quality print suitable for framing and permanent display.

Comprehensive Image Adjustment Controls
The Maxxum 7D offers a wide array of image adjustment capabilities that will satisfy even the most demanding digital imaging enthusiast.

Image Correction is a five-step fine control adjustment for sharpness, contrast, color saturation, and hue. White Balance settings include a full auto mode plus six fine-tunable presets, as well as three custom settings for precise white balance in difficult lighting conditions. The Maxxum 7D gives photographers a professional level of color control with numerical setting of color temperature over a range from 2500K to 9900K in 100K increments. Finally, the 7D's Zone Matching is a new technology that allows the precise reproduction of tonal gradations in highlights and shadows; this is essential in difficult shooting conditions with predominant highlights and it also helps ensure noise-free low-light images.

Three Metering Systems
The Maxxum 7D gives you a choice of 14-segment honeycomb-pattern metering, center-weighted average metering, and spot metering. The 14-segment honeycomb pattern metering is particularly versatile, and employs new metering algorithms to ensure beautiful results in extremely high-contrast or backlit situations. Additionally, exposure compensation can be set in 1/3- or 1/2-step increments, offering even finer control.

Six Exposure Modes
In addition to aperture-priority, shutter-priotiry, and manual exposure modes, the Maxxum 7D features three user-programmable memory settings the store a wide range of settings for instant recall. Its Green Program setting offers full-auto shooting ease, while the standard Program combines the convenience of programmed AE and creative control with instant access to aperture-priority (PA mode) or shutter-priority (PS mode).

Advanced Distance Integration (ADI) Flash Metering
Advanced Distance Integration is available with any Maxxum D-Series lens. By comparing information obtained from the lens' built-in distance encoder with pre-flash metering data, ADI calculates the optimum exposure settings and flash brightness needed to obtain a beautiful image--even if your subject is standing in front of a very dark, light, or reflective background.

Powerful, Versatile, and Creative Flash Performance
The Maxxum 7D supports full-featured flash photography with the built-in flash as well as Konica Minoltas D-series flash units like the 3600HS(D) and 5600HS(D) allowing you to take advantage of TTL flash, bounce flash, and rear-curtain flash synchronization as well as wireless, high-speed flash for advanced off-camera setups for pro-level flash shooting.

Mirror Lockup Shutter-Release Delay
When using long shutter speeds with the camera mounted on a tripod, this highly sought-after SLR feature delays shutter release for 2 seconds after mirror lockup to eliminate the effect of vibration caused by pressing the shutter-release button or during mirror lift.

Depth-of-Field Preview
Another very desirable SLR feature is the Maxxum 7D's depth-of-field preview. This gives you the ability to evaluate the zone of sharp focus within your image at a given lens aperture; making it easy to check subject and background focus or see the extent of sharp detail in macro photography.

Highly Durable and Reliable Magnesium-Alloy Body
The Maxxum 7D is compact and stylish as well as ruggedly built. The robust magnesium-alloy front body panel and base plate enhance the camera's durability and reliability.

Optional Vertical Control Grip
The dedicated VC-7D Vertical Control Grip connects to the camera body and has a dedicated shutter-release button, front and rear control dials, AF/MF control button, AE lock button, and AF area selector button, for comfortable handling and confident operation in either horizontal or vertical shooting situations. Additionally, the VC-7D allows two lithium-ion batteries to be used simultaneously for an enhanced power supply. And for optimum convenience and versatility, the VC-7D allows AA batteries or standard AA Ni-MH batteries to be used. (This accessory is not included and must be purchased separately.)

Complete Line of Maxxum AF Lenses
The greatest advantage of an SLR camera lies in the ability to change lenses to suit a particular subject or shooting style. The Maxxum 7D is engineered to take full advantage of the superior optical technologies and powerfully versatile focal lengths incorporated into the Maxxum system of interchangeable AF lenses. Aspherical optics, AD (Anomalous Dispersion) glass, and multiple lens coatings, for example, all contribute to the beautifully crisp, high-contrast images Maxxum lenses are known for.

This kit comes with the AF 28-100mm f3.5-5.6 zoom lens. This compact and lightweight 3.5x standard zoom lens covers from a wide-angle focal length of 28mm to a focal length of 100mm. It delivers high image quality by employing a single aspheric element.

Complete Line of Maxxum SLR System Accessories
The Maxxum 7D is truly a digital camera you can grow with. A broad range of Maxxum system accessories are available including powerful D-series flash units, macro flash units, remote cords, diopter correction, angle viewfinder, magnifier, an external battery pack, and more, adding versatility for all shooting styles and enhancing flexibility for any photographer's needs. (These accessories are not included and must be purchased separately.)

Optional DiMAGE Master Software
DiMAGE Master is optional software to improve creative workflow for advanced users. Diversified tools for classifying and comparing images boost work efficiency of selecting the best shots. A newly developed RAW processing program enables more accurate color reproduction.

Bundled with DiMAGE Viewer
DiMAGE Viewer supports the latest generation of Konica Minolta digital cameras. The Viewer complements the camera by allowing the images to be processed and edited on a computer. It lets you view images, thumbnails, and EXIF data, and greatly simplifies image file moving, copying, renaming, and printing. It also enables you to add and edit comments, and to make basic tone curve, level, and color adjustments. The DiMAGE Viewer can edit and process numerous common image-file formats and is not limited to Konica Minolta cameras.

DiMAGE Remote Transfer Software (free download)
DiMAGE Remote Transfer Software, available as a free download from the Konica Minolta website, makes it possible to transfer images directly to a PC's hard disk drive as you shoot. In addition to allowing you to review your images on the PC's monitor, it lets you shoot a large number of high-resolution images without worrying about memory capacity.

What's in the Box
Maxxum 7D camera body, wide strap (WS-4), remote cord clip, eyepiece cap II, eyepiece cup (FC-1400), shoe cap (SC-1000), body cap (BDC-1000), video cable (VC-500), USB cable (USB-2), LCD monitor protect panel (MPP-1000), Lithium-ion battery (NP-400), Lithium-ion battery charger (BC-400), DiMAGE software CD-ROM (includes DiMAGE Viewer); AF 28-100mm f3.5-5.6 zoom lens

Product Description
The Maxxum 7D is the premiere digital SLR camera from Konica Minolta. Drawing on the tradition of technical expertise that gave birth to the Maxxum 7000 - the world's first body-integral autofocus SLR, the RD-175 - one of the world's first consumer-use digital SLRs, and the world's first washless photofinishing system - the NPS-1 Mini Lab, the Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D represents a culmination of the optical and photo-imaging expertise of two of the most respected names in photography. The 7D also inherits the intuitive operating ease of the award-winning 35mm Maxxum 7 AF SLR, and maintains full compatibility with the Maxxum system of lenses and accessories.Equipped with a large, 2.5-inch LCD monitor that brings a new standard of image reviewing to digital SLR photography, plus the powerful new implementation of a CCD-Shift Anti-Shake system designed for the camera's 6.1 megapixel CCD, the Maxxum 7D assures you of the beautiful results you've always wanted.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

155 of 159 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Camera, December 17, 2004

By	F. Carnahan "photogfr1" (Nixa, Missouri USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I am a professional photographer and have shot Minolta since the advent of the first auto focus, the Model 7000. As the years went by, Cannon and Nikon seemed to kill them with lens selection and features. I still hung in there. I had about $11,000 in lenses alone and was more than a little pleased with the new Maxxum 9 when it came out. What a great camera! However, digital was rapidly becoming king.

About the time I decided to chuck it all for a new Cannon digital system, I heard rumors of a Minolta digital. This was previously stated to NEVER happen. Minolta would not build a digital body. Thank God for Konica! Shortly after the purchase of Minolta by Konica, the probability of a digital was rumored. I decided to hold out and am glad I did.

The camera is packed with an enormous array of features that can pretty much be found on most upper end Digital's. However, three main things have made me absolutely ecstatic with this camera:

1. The image viewing screen is absolutely huge compared to others. I can actually do legitimate critical proofing with this thing. I don't think you could even fit a bigger screen on it without making the camera larger.

2. The anti shake body is impressive...very impressive This is not new technology for Minolta. They have had this incorporated into their fixed lens digital for a while now. Bottom line is that it works! I sat it on the hood of a running car with the stabilizer on and then off (300mm 2.8 lens). The two photos were unbelievably different. One was blurred, one wasn't. That simple.

3. It shoots the same way my Maxxum 9 does. When I turn it on, it is ready to shoot. No waiting. The buffer size allows me to shoot continuously without missing important photos while waiting for the camera to catch up to me. This is extremely nice and not what I am used to.

When I heard of the possibility of this camera being introduced (more than a year before it actually finally hit the market) I purchased an Olympus E20 to get me by for the time. I have been very happy with the Olympus in the studio. However, the screen was too small to proof with and I was always waiting on the camera. It is now my back up. I LOVE this new Minolta and can't wait until they put their 8 meg chip in another model. Perhaps a 9D?
Hmm I hope so.

At any rate, I am impresed. I will now be purchasing another as my back up.

Thank you very much, Konica/Minolta...Finally

106 of 113 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Minolta's first digital SLR, November 14, 2004

By	Jay Williams (Tacoma, WA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D is a digital SLR (DSLR) which is built on Minolta's Maxxum 7 body in terms of buttons, knobs, and layout. In terms of build quality, it is more like the Maxxum 9 professional 35mm film body. It has an APS-size CCD as its image sensor which crops an image by 1.5X in comparison with its 35mm film counterpart. The 7D has a large, high-resolution LCD, matched by only two other DSLRs, as of this writing: the Nikon D2H and D2X, both of which are twice the price of this camera. It has a maximum ISO of 3200, matched by few other cameras. Even the Canon 1Ds has a maximum ISO of only 1250 and the Canon 1D Mark II of only 1600. The 7D has a resolution of 6 mega pixels, which some might find disappointing, given the plethora of new digital cameras which have come out over the past year having a resolution of 8 mega pixels. The big news, of course, is the built-in image stabilization, introduced in the Minolta A-1 prosumer camera. While Canon users, and, more recently and to a lesser degree, Nikon users, have had to choose a lens here and a lens there on which to spend their hard earned cash if they wanted image stabilization, owners of the 7D will pay a fair price for it once and will then gain the benefits of it with every lens in their arsenal; wide, long, macro, or special effect (e.g., soft focus). This is something that was impossible with film. It really is a brilliant idea.

Although there are some caveats, this is an excellent digital SLR with great features, handling, and performance. Please read my full review on my website.

http://www.jpwphoto.com/

42 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very Good Camera, November 1, 2005

By	D. Fletcher (Austin, Texas, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

It's really a no-brainer if you already have some Minolta AF lenses, but even if you don't have an SLR kit this camera should give you something to consider. The Canon 20D is a fine choice, too, but although it has a higher resolution sensor I'd rather have the 7D if I were just beginning to put a system together.

Why? The Minolta is a shooter's camera. The ergonomics are absolutely brilliant. Near perfect, even. Plus, the viewfinder is a whole lot better than Canon's or any other body in its range that I know of. That may not sound like a big deal, but it's very, very nice to have, especially if you do any macro work or need to focus manually for whatever reason. Everybody needs to see what they're shooting! I don't know why the other manufacturers don't realize this. Another great feature of the 7D is the large LCD that automatically orientates itself when you shoot vertically.

Then there's Minolta's anti-shake thing. It really does work as well as advertised, so if you know how to hold the camera you can really bend the rules with low-light shooting. The flexibility is awesome. Now, it won't work miracles. Don't expect it to give you a sharp photo if your subject's moving and you're shooting at 1/4". And you'll still want to use a tripod with that 300mm unless it's really bright out. But, say you have Minolta's great 50mm f1.4 mounted on the camera. You really can get away with handholding at 1/4" in a lot of situations (provided, of course, that you have good technique). That's what AS is for.

The 7D isn't quite perfect, though. Hopefully they've addressed this issue, but a lot of the early 7Ds (mine included) had to be sent back to KM to repair a backfocus problem. In some cases they had to be sent back more than once (mine included again). To their credit, KM has great customer service. They're fast, attentive, and will pay for your shipping if you're unhappy. They've also been known to give away batteries and such to people who've had trouble with their new 7D. And it should be said that Minolta isn't the only company who has had problems like this. Canon had it on their 10D (and may have had it with the 20D for all I know).

Other than that, it's hard to find complaints. When I got mine, it cost a little more than its competition and that kind of hurt when I bought it. Now that I've had the camera for eight months, though, I can say it was definitely worth it. I'm very happy with my choice and I wasn't even compelled to go with Minolta because I had a bunch of their glass. If I had Canon or Nikon glass I probably would've stuck with them...I'm not sure that it's worth several thousand dollars to switch over (unless you have money to throw around).

But do keep in mind that this is a long term decision. I've alluded to the fact that lenses are the real investments in photography, not bodies. In the long run you'll want to go with a brand that makes the glass you'll want to use. If you're going to be a pro photographer, it may be best to stick with Canon or Nikon because they offer up a little broader selection of lenses than Minolta.

But there's still another way of looking at it. How often are you going to need something strange like a tilt-shift lens? They're so expensive and so rarely used it doesn't even make sense for most people to buy one. You can rent them if you need to, though, and you can also rent the body to go with it. So I don't know if I'd be too afraid to go with a 7D if that's what I wanted.

Anyway, if that review kind of rambled you have my apologies.