Konica Minolta announces cheaper digital SLR

Konica Minolta has announced the coming of the Maxxum 5D, an $800-ish (body only) digital camera set to compete with the recent lower-priced digital SLR offerings from Nikon, Pentax, and Olympus. The press conference revealed that the camera will feature anti-shake technology. The company initially plans to produce about 50,000 units a month.

Click on the headline for the press release from Konica Minolta

Konica Minolta Introduces Maxxum 5D; New High-Performance and Easy to Use 6 Megapixel Digital SLR Camera Features Body-Integral Anti-Shake Technology, a Large 2.5-Inch LCD Monitor and Built-In Flash

MAHWAH, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 15, 2005--Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc. introduces the latest edition to the Maxxum line of digital Single Lens-Reflex (SLR) cameras - the Maxxum 5D. This high-performance interchangeable-lens digital SLR camera inherits the revolutionary technology of the award winning Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D - the world's first(*1) digital SLR with built-in Anti-Shake technology and CCD Shift mechanism that is compatible with all Maxxum autofocus (AF) lenses(*2) including Konica Minolta's soon to be introduced Digital Technology "DT" lenses.

"The new Maxxum 5D combines Konica Minolta's advanced technologies and greater ease of use into an even smaller and more lightweight design," said Paul Zakrzewski, Director of Product Management for Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc. "While the camera's high-performance functions will satisfy the demanding and creative techniques of photography enthusiasts, the core of this new camera is its ease of use and familiar lever and knob operation with a basic level of control that makes it ideal even for casual digital photographers looking for their first step up to digital SLR photography."

The Konica Minolta Maxxum 5D ensures photo-imaging excellence using Konica Minolta's proprietary Anti-Shake Technology, which employs an exclusive CCD-Shift mechanism to compensate for blurring caused by camera shake - even when taking photos in dimly lit scenes, in natural light with a telephoto lens, or in macro shots where extra stability is vital for a sharp shot. This innovative Anti-Shake Technology not only provides the equivalent correction effect with a shutter speed 2 to 3 stops slower(*3), but also compatibility with any Maxxum system AF lenses(*2).

The new Maxxum 5D provides exceptional quality images with a large, 6.1-megapixel (effective) CCD sensor, an Advanced LSI engine for high-speed image processing, as well as Konica Minolta's CxProcess(TM) III image processing technology, an original technology highly acclaimed for rendering fine image detail and stunning color rendition.

Offering a better view for better pictures, the camera also boasts a large 2.5-inch color LCD viewing screen that provides simple navigation through easy-to-use on-screen menus and set-up options. The LCD makes camera control even easier, displaying detailed camera settings as well as captured images.

And for even greater convenience and ease of use, the Maxxum 5D includes a Digital Subject Program Selector which automatically designates an optimum exposure and image-processing program for five commonly used photo scenes. The Konica Minolta Maxxum 5D also offers a comprehensive range of easy-to-use functions that allow precision adjustments of all camera settings whatever the shooting situation.

Boasting more than high performance, this new digital SLR camera also features a comfortably-contoured, compact design with a high-quality, stylish, and lightweight construction. Rubberized grips make it highly tactile and easy to handle and hold.