Konica Minolta DiMAGE A1 SLR Digital Camera (Konica Minolta-2782301)

Minolta DiMage A1

DiMAGE A1 SLR Digital Camera (Konica Minolta-2782301) Review, by Kalpana Ettenson February 24, 2004

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• Reviewed by: boatboy_srq

  Strengths: Excllent array of shooting options; degree of control; manual zoom; impressive anti-shake system; multiple text imprint options.

  Weaknesses: Standard 5MP resolution artifacts in images; proprietary batteries; complex.

  Overall: I've been using this camera for two years. So far I can say without reservation that it is a very impressive photographic instrument: it can take bright, sharp, clear images in a variety of settings, and can be made to produce most variations available to standard 35mm photography. I am particularly impressed with the amount and degrees of manual control: virtually any and every variable can be manually specified right down to full manual ISO/shutter speed/aperture/color balance/white balance/focus. The anti-shake tech Minolta used in this camera is also very impressive: it seems to be the most effective of any currently in the marketplace. I can only hope Sony will either incorporate it in its own cameras or sell the tech to Canon, Nikon or Panasonic.The only downsides that I have encountered so far have been the usual downside of 5MP resolution (you can only blow images up so far), the complexity of such a device (which is fairly standard for similar cameras from Canon, Nikon et al), and the use of proprietary tech for batteries and accessories. Anyone who owns these and wants to keep using it ought to stock up on batteries, flash unit, case etc. while these items are still available. Obviously this isn't a dSLR, and doesn't really pretend to be one, so comparisons there are moot: likewise comparisons to 35mm are awkward unless you discuss ISO 400 or 800, where the 5MP CCD actually performs about as well as film for color values and sharpness.Prior posters have commented on the spartan software, minuscule image storage, etc. provided with the A1. Given the trends in digital photography, I found the standard card a hindrance, and I'm actually surprised that anyone buying a camera such as this would not be purchasing a full-featured photo editor (such as Photoshop or PhotoPlus) along with it. Postproduction is often a necessity with digital photographs, and should be anticipated. Likewise, higher resolutions fill up memory very quickly - most professional reviewers recommended increased storage out of the gate for these cameras. I have yet to have my 1GB card filled before the battery needed recharging, and I've been on some marathon shoots hitting over 100 frames per day on a single charge. I do spend some time in postproduction refining the images, but I expect that with digital imaging and liken it to the fine-tuning a good photo shop does with film developing and printing. Often the ideal shot reaches photo paper through the judicious intervention of the lab just as much as through the careful efforts of the shooter. Many users forget that processing is often the difference between ok 35mm shots and exceptional ones, and that part of the advantage of digital photography is that we have the luxury of running our own darkroom after shooting the pictures.

• Reviewed by: tofman

  Strengths: Optics, color rendering, anti-shake, shooting performance and ergonomy. Versatility, battery life. Quality.

  Weaknesses: Images are slightly noisier than competition.Supplied CF card. Takes some time to get the best out of it : The manual is worth to be read.

  Overall: The things that made me choose this camera were the image stabilization, versatility of the 28-200 zoom, the shooting performance and ergonomy (don't need to go thru 20 menu to modify an option).Since I got it, I'm still impressed by the overall photo quality, the battery life and the performances of both the included flash as well as the image stabiliser's efficiency.Noise is noticable even at 100ISO, but with a bit of post processing result are simply GREAT. Even 800ISO is still usable (at the cost of more processing and smaller print). 8MP cameras can't go over 400ISO and are much noisier than the A1 at the 800ISO setting. All in all I never faced a situation where I can't find a solution to take the picture with this camera.Another feature worth to be noted : you can program your own presets for a given situation. An internal battery save these settings as well as the clock and can only be replaced by Minolta in the factory. (But without this battery you simply loose these settings but CAN STILL TAKE IMAGES).People are often disapointed with this camera because they often think that buying a great camera will correct their weaknesses as a photograf ; but pictures were never composed by any camera, and are only worth the operator.

• Reviewed by: spaceweasel

  Strengths: colors, image, adjustment latitude, optics, manual zoom, image stabilization in the body, function, quality, and feel

  Weaknesses: are usually operator caused

  Overall: There are many complicated cameras on the market, however, there are few, to one, whose features function, and whose features blend together. Better get one while you can, because when they are long gone, people will still be looking for them.

• Reviewed by: cmuston

  Strengths: Picture quality is superb. It has auto features that help it to accomodate non-technical users. I read the manual in under and hour, and was shooting right away.

  Overall: I researched this thoroughly and am very pleased with my decision. It is a complicated camera.. requires some familiarization to take full advantages of features. It's worth it though. Great value too!

• Reviewed by: jebsy64

  Strengths: I own a Minolta Maxxum 600si film camera witha 28-200mm lens and this camera is the digital equivilant and at half the size.

  Weaknesses: none found so far

  Overall: I can use my Minolta 5400HS flash and RC-100 with this camera. I have ordered Minolta's BP-400, which will extend my battery time and also give me a vertical grip.