Transcript
NPI MINOLTA Dimâge EX Series Dimâge EX ZOOM 1500 and Dimâge EX WIDE 1500 The World of High-Speed Megapixel Shooting is Closer than Ever Minolta is pleased to announce a new digital camera series that redefines high-performance; the Dimâge EX ZOOM 1500 and WIDE 1500. Incorporating a detachable 3X zoom lens (ZOOM 1500) and a bright wide-angle lens (WIDE 1500) on respective lens units, the Dimâge EX series boasts a resolving power of over 300 lines/mm, 1.5 million pixel CCD, the superior 3.5 fps megapixel burst capture, and Minolta’s unique Digital Subject Program Selection. The ultra-compact body packs a wide assortment of useful functions and holds the potential for marvelous expansion. Only the Dimâge EX series offers the performance one expects from a silver halide based camera on a digital a platform. With Dimâge EX ZOOM 1500, there is no need to compromise productivity when capturing megapixel images. Photo-realistic pictures are easily captured by a 3X zoom lens with the super-fine resolving power of more than 300 lines/mm* and Sony’s 1.5 million pixel progressive scan Wfine CCD™ with a primary color filter. Minolta’s world-renowned AF and AE expertise established in the silver halide arena and accumulated digital imaging know-how can deliver razor sharp images with brilliant colors. Superlative image quality can be obtained at a superior speed of 3.5 fps in Burst capture type, the continuous-drive function. Unlike the stressful slowness of megapixel cameras, the Dimâge EX series’ perfect integration of the innovative DCAM-101™ CPU, large-capacity memory, and Digita™ Operating Environment allows real-time shooting. In addition, Minolta’s Digital Subject Program Selection provides the optimum exposure setting, flash mode, white balance, and image processing that best matches the type of subject. Furthermore, the EX Digital Bus and Digita™ Operating Environment promise great expansion possibilities now and throughout the future, from accessory attachment and firmware upgrade to customizing capability. The concept of a digital camera with detachable lenses allows for the future development of higher resolution CCD lens units which can be easily added by owners of the current body. * ZOOM 1500: resolving power at the center of the optic at 7mm focal length more
2
The Dimâge EX WIDE 1500’s lens unit incorporates a 5.2mm f 1.9 wide-angle lens (35mm camera equivalent: approx. 28mm) with a resolving power of more than 300 lines/mm. The optical viewfinder on the detachable lens units allows 35mm camera-like framing. Unmatched features such as megapixel resolution, Minolta’s reliable imaging technique, silver halide like capture speed, expansion capabilities, and versatile functions make the Dimâge EX series the perfect choice for advanced photographic and commercial users who value quality.
Main Features
1.5 Megapixel, Photo-Realistic, Ultimate High-Quality Image Super-High-Resolution Optical Lens; ZOOM 1500 and WIDE 1500 The ZOOM 1500 and WIDE 1500 realize more than 300 lines/mm* resolving power in a compact lens unit, a combination only Minolta can provide. Minolta’s world-renowned optical technology, that has been nurtured through decades of rigorous examination and testing, is manifested in the ultra-compact ZOOM 1500, packing aspheric surfaces and a 7-21mm 3X zoom ratio (35mm equivalent: approx. 38115mm). In addition, the macro capability lets the user to take a full-frame picture of a business cardsize subject. Another milestone is the ultra wide-angle 5.2mm lens; the WIDE 1500. This revolutionarily bright lens of f 1.9 broadens image capturing dimensions. Sony’s Wfine CCD™; The World’s Most Advanced CCD The Dimâge EX series uses Sony’s progressive scan Wfine CCD™ with a resolution of 1.5 million pixels. Adopting a progressive scanning method, and without use of a mechanical shutter or frame memory, the Wfine CCD™ offers a full-framed still image. Since signals from all pixels can be output independently, vertical resolution is 2 times greater than conventional resolution. In addition to the supreme resolution, a primary color filter retains high color fidelity to the original scene.
more
3
Minolta’s AE and AF Expertise from Silver Halide Arena The Dimâge EX series uses the autofocus information for autoexposure. Using 25 multi-pattern segments, the autoexposure system distributes optimum metering sensitivity, detects low-lighting condition and back-lit subjects to give proper flash exposure every time. For fast and accurate focusing, the autofocus system incorporates external passive autofocus, the same reliable method used in Minolta’s highest-quality lens-shutter camera, the TC-1.
Real-Time, High-Speed Image Capture The Dimâge EX series changes the conventional wisdom with a megapixel camera that capturing quality pictures takes hours of valuable time. Current megapixel digital cameras have to sacrifice image quality in the quest for high-speed continuous capture. However, the Dimâge EX series Burst capture type realizes the amazing top speed of 3.5 fps for continuous capture (up to 8 frames), with megapixel resolution (1,344 x 1,008 pixels) and with the ease and comfort of silver halide photography. Three sophisticatedly integrated factors enable the camera to operate to its ultimate capability; the large capacity buffer, multi-task capability by Digita™ Operating Environment, and the LSI Logic Corporation’s innovative DCAM-101™. Especially, Minolta exercised its superior camera development and photographic expertise, gained from decades of experience, during a joint technical support with LSI Logic Corporation to develop the DCAM-101™ chip. Minolta contributed to the development with in-depth product specification.
Digital Subject Program Selection Optimize the camera’s capturing settings for specific scene types using the Digital Subject Program Selection. Merging the know-how from both the silver halide and digital imaging fields, Minolta has successfully achieved optimizing the exposure metering, flash mode, white balance, and image processing that best matches the type of subject. In addition to the default automatic setting, users can select scene capture settings for landscapes, portraiture, evening twilight, night scenes, and even a setting for slow-sync. more
4
Landscape is ideal when shooting nature subjects or architecture. By sharpening the image, the camera faithfully reproduces the fine texture of the subjects like leaves and bricks. Portrait reduces noise, and softens the edges of the image to produce a smooth, fine gradation of the subject’s complexion. In Evening, the best white balance and exposure is selected to capture the natural sunset color. Night processes pictures of night scenes into glamorous images, with smoother, noise-free dark areas and vivid color. Slow Sync sets a slower shutter speed, as low as 2 seconds, to synchronize it with the flash. Minimal noise appears in the background while keeping the subject in proper exposure. The flash is fired at the end of the ambient light exposure so the trace of the moving subject appears natural Ample Expansion Capability EX Digital Bus In order to provide enhanced hardware expandability, Minolta has further cultivated the concept of detachable lenses of the Dimâge V to produce a highly advanced digital bus; the EX Digital Bus. Drawing a hint from extension slots on personal computers, Minolta engineers have successfully materialized the idea of giving the camera capability to accept a variety of attachments; both a wide selection of currently available accessories and those developed in the future. For instance, the WIDE 1500 lens unit is an ideal attachment for users who need a wider angle of view, offering quality image far superior to converter-type lenses. The WIDE 1500 is extremely bright, with amazing speed of f 1.9. The Lens Extension Cable can also be connected to the bus, enabling the lens unit to be detached from the camera. The camera can remain in one hand while the lens unit is in the other, allowing the user to capture images over the heads of crowds, around corners, or in confined areas. The data is transferred in digital format, in which images are not affected by a longer cable. more
5
Another example of the Dimâge EX’s superior concept is the ability to attach future lens units that contain a higher resolution CCD. This enables users to keep the Dimâge EX in pace with technical developments by simply changing the camera lens. Furthermore, the flash adapter will join the accessory lineup in the future. This versatile adapter, scheduled to be introduced in the near future, allows the use of a large external flash or additional external light source. Firmware Upgrade of Digita™ Operating Environment The Dimâge EX series features the Digita™ Operating Environment, designed specifically for digital cameras. The Digita™ Operating Environment provides great possibilities for expansion of functions and performance through firmware update. The firmware, incorporated in flash memory, can be updated easily from a Compact Flash Card. New functions and additional performance will be added to meet the demand for more versatile operation and higher performance. Versatile Customizing Capability For the ultimate camera control, the camera settings and functions can be customized according to user needs, preferences, and specific tasks. The Dimâge EX series incorporates an innovative software development language; the Digita™ Script. This fantastic scripting capability automates workflow and expands the camera functions to dramatically increase users’ productivity.
Versatile Camera Functions Using the new generation Digita™ Operating Environment, The Dimâge EX series offers more exciting features and excellent operation. Excellent Graphic User Interface The friendly, graphical interface on the camera’s LCD monitor highlights simple, basic functions for the non-technical user. However, advanced imagers will not be disappointed; they will find the professional imaging features they require.
more
6
The camera’s simple operation means novice users can easily perform the basic camera functions. First-time photographers will enjoy the point-&-shoot ease of the capture mode and the simplicity and intuitive design of the playback mode. Use the mode switch on the camera body to put the camera in Record mode, then start shooting! All the major camera functions, such as flash and white balance, are in automatic mode. To view images on the camera’s LCD monitor, switch the camera to Play mode, then use the arrow buttons to scroll through the shots. It’s that easy. The camera is also designed to give the more advanced user maximum control. Using a variety of well laid out menus for camera functions, users can select such features as exposure bracketing, self-timer, and Digital Subject Program Selection - a feature that optimizes the capture settings for specific scene types. The handy menus offer quick and easy access for users to select the image size, compression quality, and other features, protecting and deleting images. Timelapse The timelapse feature allows the user to take a series of images at pre-set time intervals. Setting the camera to timelapse capture and selecting the interval time is made simple through the easy-tonavigate menus. Users can capture the opening of a rose bud with minimal camera operation. Bracketing The bracketing feature gives users access to professional SLR-style exposure control. Simply select 1/2-stop or full-stop exposure bracket to be able to make three exposures; normal, under, and over. Flash Modes The flash settings users have grown accustomed to seeing in their lens-shutter cameras are comfortably included in the Dimâge EX series. The default flash setting is Auto, but users can choose Fill, Off, Red-eye fill, and Red-eye auto. Flash settings are selected with easy-to-understand icons using the center soft key on the camera while in record mode. Category Organize captured images into a number of categories. The images are marked with icons representing the type of scene or subject, like landscape, vacation, friends, and family.
7
Dimâge EX Series Technical Details Type:
Compact digital camera with autofocus (AF), autoexposure (AE), auto white balance (AWB), detachable lens unit, built-in LCD, Digita™ Operating Environment, and built-in flash
CCD:
1/2 inch, square pixels, progressive scan Wfine CCD™ with primary color filter Total number of pixels: approx. 1,500,000 pixels Number of effective pixels: approx. 1,450,000 pixels
Lens Unit ZOOM 1500:
Lens: 7-21mm f/ 3.5 - 5.6 (35mm camera equivalent: approx. 38-115mm), with macro capability Construction: 5 element, 5 group zoom including 3 aspheric surfaces Foucsing range: 0.5m-infinity, 0.35-0.5m in macro mode Viewfinder: real-image optical viewfinder
WIDE 1500:
Lens: 5.2mm f/ 1.9 (35mm camera equivalent: approx. 28mm) Construction: 9 elements in 8 groups Foucsing range: 0.3m-infinity Viewfinder: real-image optical viewfinder
Image storage:
Recording Media: Compact Flash Cards File format: Exif 2.0 (JPEG) Number of Pixels: 1,344 x 1,008 / 672 x 504 pixels Image compression: S.FINE, FINE, STD., ECON. Storage capacity (4 MB Compact Flash Card): S.FINE: approx. 1 image, FINE: approx. 7 images, STD.: approx. 20 images, ECON.: approx. 40 images (in Full Size; 1,344 x 1,008 pixels)
Autofocus:
External passive AF system (focus aid available in macro mode)
8
Exposure:
Programmed AE Exposure compensation (+/– 2 EV in 1/3 EV increments) Metering: 25-segment metering ISO equivalent: approx. 125 Shutter speed: 1/4,000 sec. - 2 sec.
White Balance:
Automatic, manual setting available (daylight, tungsten, fluorescent)
Flash:
Mode: auto, red-eye auto, fill, red-eye fill, off Automatic flash metering
LCD:
2.0 inch low temperature poly-silicon color TFT-LCD module
Burst Capture:
Max. 3.5 frames per second (in 1,344 x 1,008 pixels, up to 8 frames)
Self-timer:
Approx. 10 second delayed release
Timelapse:
Set to capture at user-selected intervals up to approx. 60 minutes 1 second - 60 seconds: selectable by seconds 1 minute - 60 minutes: selectable by minutes
Video output:
NTSC, PAL
Interface:
Serial: RS-232C (for PC Connection Cable) IrDA
Power:
Four AA-size alkaline batteries (AA-size Ni-Cd, AA-size Ni-MH, AA-size lithium batteries usable), external AC adapter
Dimensions (WxHxD):
Dimâge EX ZOOM 1500: 127.5 x 67.5 x 58.5mm Dimâge EX WIDE 1500: 127.5 x 67.5 x 62.5mm
Weight:
Dimâge EX ZOOM 1500: 310g (with lens, without batteries) Dimâge EX WIDE 1500: 340g (with lens, without batteries)
9
Standard Accessories:
Camera Case, Hand Strap, Video Cable, Compact Flash Card, AA alkaline battery, PC Connection Cable, Macintosh Adapter, CD-ROM for Dimâge EX
Optional Accessories:
ZOOM 1500 (3X zoom lens), WIDE 1500 (wide-angle lens), Lens Extension Cable, AC Adapter, Compact Flash Card, PC Card Adapter
Specifications are based on the latest information available at the time of printing and are subject to change without notice.
10
System Requirements PC/AT CPU:
i486DX2 66MHz or later for Windows 95® Intel Pentium 75MHz or later for Windows 98® and Windows NT® 4.0
Operating System:
Intel Pentium or later is recommended. Windows 95® Windows 98® Windows NT ®4.0
Memory:
A minimum of 16 MB (megabytes) of RAM for Windows 95®and Windows 98® A minimum of 32 MB of RAM for Windows NT® 4.0
Hard Disk Space: Monitor:
32 MB or more of available hard disk space Minimum VGA (640 x 480 pixels) capable of displaying at least 256 colors. 32,000 colors or more is recommended
Interface:
RS-232C, IrDA (only available for Windows 95® and Windows 98®)
Drive:
CD-ROM
Macintosh™ CPU:
68040 or higher, Power PC is recommended
Operating System:
System 7.6 - 8.1 (QuickTime™ 2.5 or later is required. QuickTime™ 3.0 is required to play Slide Show.)
Memory:
A minimum of 16 MB of RAM
Hard Disk Space:
32 MB or more of available hard disk space
Monitor:
Minimum 13 inch (640 x 480 pixels) monitor capable of displaying at least 256 colors. 32,000 colors or more is recommended.
Interface:
Serial port (modem port, printer port)
Drive:
CD-ROM
*Dim‚ge is the registered trademark of Minolta Co., Ltd. *Windows®, Windows 95®, Windows 98®, and Windows NT® are trademarks or registered trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation. *Macintosh™ and QuickTime™ are trademarks or registered trademarks of Apple Computer Inc. *DCAM-101™ is a trademark or registered trademark of LSI Logic Corporation. *Wfine CCD™ is a trademark or registered trademark of Sony Corporation. *Digita™ , Digita™ Script are trademarks or registered trademarks of FlashPoint Technology Inc. *Other corporate names and product names are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
System requirements are based on the latest information available at the time of printing and are subject to change without notice.
