Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D

In low light situations a digital photographer has many choices to avoid camera shake, use a tripod, choose a larger aperture, boost the ISO, buy an expensive IS lens (image stabilization) or use the new Konica Minolta 7D. The 7D is the first DSLR with incorporated Image Stabilization anti-shake technology. With a 6 Mega Pixel chip and $1500 price tag you might question if it is really worth the money. Early reports by Popular Photography magazine and DPreview website suggest it might be worth looking at.

The Anti-Shake Technology developed by Konica Minolta actually moves the CCD to compensate for movement of the camera. Konica Minolta calls their little device the Smooth Impact Drive Mechanism. The camera sensor uses focal length, aperture, and subject distance to detect and alter for camera movement. This feature helps photographers hand hold longer shutter speeds with little to no camera shake.

Beyond the IS feature the 7D offers the large 2.5 inch LCD screen. This is one of the largest screens offered by DSLRs. In addition the camera has big rubber nobs for easy control with out going through software menus. The camera also features a decent 2.5 burst rate.

If you are a Minolta fan, like big LCD’s, and would appreciate hand holding the camera at 1/8 of a second then the 7D is just for you.

Cool Features:

• CCD-Shift Anti-Shake System
  
• High-Definition, 2.5-inch Color LCD Monitor
  
• CxProcess™ III Image Optimization
  
• High-Performance, 9-point and 8-line High-Speed Autofocusing
  
• High-Performance, Through-the-Lens Viewfinder
  
• Intuitive Operation with Dial-&-Lever System
  
• High-Speed Continuous Advance with 128MB Buffer Memory
  
• RAW+JPEG Simultaneous Recording
  
• Comprehensive Image Adjustment Controls
  
• Three Metering Systems
  
• Six Exposure Modes
  
• Advanced Distance Integration (ADI) Flash Metering
  
• Powerful, Versatile, and Creative Flash Performance
  
• Mirror Lockup Shutter-Release Delay
  
• Depth-of-Field Preview
  
• Highly Durable and Reliable Magnesium-Alloy Body
  
• Complete Line of Maxxum AF Lenses
  

It is also important to note that the Konica Minolta 7D won the 2005 DIMA shoot out award.