Expectations for new lens lineup
Helberg: It was announced all lenses are enabled the Anti-Shake function.
Is the AF500mm f8 Reflex included too?
Ishizuka: Yes, we aim to incorporate that lens. We haven't fully completed
the compatibility testing yet, but logically it is proven suitable. To
confirm the operation with an actual body and entire Dynax lens
range is a considerable task, this is being undertaken at the moment.
Helberg: Indeed, the expectations for this camera add to its appeal, with
the wide variety of lenses as if being equipped with an Anti-Shake
system. Although the conventional lenses are all useable, we still
expect some new lenses exclusively designed for the Dynax 7
Digital. Are there any plans in the Development Centre for lenses
optimised for the APS-C size imaging circle to get the best image?
Ishizuka: Our lenses are compatible with both conventional film and digital
cameras at present, and it is natural to expect that such lenses
form part of our plan. We will try to release some information
as soon as possible. Within the premise that many of our consumers
still enjoy conventional film SLR photography, we have
to offer the best product line-up. There is an idea for the future,
that for customers of Digital SLRs we will propose an exclusively
designed APS based platform lenses that bring benefits for their
size, weight and so on.
Unification of Konica and Minolta
Helberg: Colour reproduction and Image Processing are important factors
in digital photography. Our customers expect something superior
from Konica Minolta, with the integration of traditional film manufacturer
and camera manufacturer, in comparison to other manufacturers.
Do you have any specific objectives in regard to this?
Ishizuka: Let me point out that in our plan, Dynax 7 Digital will be a
stepping-
stone toward our goal that I think may require three years to
achieve. Amongst many factors, image accuracy lies on not only
Firmware, but also hardware design.
Helberg: Yes.
Ishizuka: What we would like to realise with this first generation digital SLR
is, to fuse two different colour reproduction methods, one from a
film manufacturer and another from a camera maker, then to create
a new value. Two members from legacy Konica team have
joined the colour management team that was in place before the
merger. Intense discussions are taking place all the time.
Helberg: Have there been disagreements?
Ishizuka: Yes, naturally. Their way of thinking is totally different. The
principals
may be different from both platforms, but the end result needs
to be the same. It is rewarding for team members to ensure that
the end result is as accurate as possible. All staff members are
investigating both pros and cons, and working together to create
a new value that neither Konica nor Minolta could solely achieve.
Helberg: Can you please specify the difference in respect of colour
reproduction?
Ishizuka: The major difference lies between "colours of nature" and "colours
in the users memory". Camera manufacturers, especially legacy
Minolta, used to reproduce colours with fidelity, while film suppliers
seem to strongly emphasise colours in the users memory, or
the visual impressions that people recall. We are studying the
method of colour accuracy that results from the integration of
those two aspects. We are using a panel of external experts who
are able to judge things objectively.
Helberg: What Colourspace do you plan to adopt, sRGB and Adobe
RGB?
Ishizuka: Hmm. We cannot say with absolute certainty at present, however,
we are ready to respond to the general needs and expectations of
the market.
Helberg: Do you plan to create new Colourspaces?
Ishizuka: Colourspace affects not only the colours but also entire image
specifications. It also impacts on other camera operation systems.
Helberg: To speak of "colours of nature" and "colours in the users memory",
RAW file format must be indispensable. Can we expect this to
also be incorporated?
Ishizuka: Yes, but the at this time the exact specification cannot be
disclosed.
We aim to ensure that users gain maximum satisfaction
using it. Between now and launch we have only to refine it. The
Technological study has been completed, and the target is clearly
defined, we are working hard to achieve our target.
Helberg: What other specification aspects can you reveal?
Ishizuka: These remain embargoed until the product launch.
Helberg: Please.
Ishizuka: I feel image quality is a factor that most represents Konica Minolta,
as an integrated company. Konica, an expert in colour reproduction
with a long history in film manufacturing, is only satisfied by
the same high quality results from digital. Minolta, has the same
expectations, beyond being a leader in photo imaging it has also
been studying colour for instruments, e.g. colour meters. We are
able to offer products drawing on the expertise of both companies
established strengths.
Not EVF, or Monitor based Live View?
Helberg: One of the main advantages of a film SLR camera is the optical
viewfinder. Are you going to use the optical viewfinder for your
Digital SLR camera?
Ishizuka: Konica Minolta has not specified thus far. However the answer
is simple, as it succeeds the concept of the Dynax 7. Generally
for SLRs, the clarity of the optical viewfinder is one of the selling
points.
Helberg: So, could a monitor based live-view be an option for your future
Digital SLR development?
Ishizuka: Looking towards future developments, live-view function is a major
possibility for digital SLR, which requires alliance with a suitable
device supplier.
Helberg: Then, you have not given up on the possibility.
Ishizuka: We would not be positive about utilizing an EVF, but the live-view
is a possible feature for our future digital SLR development.
Helberg: Konica Minolta has achieved many advancements in the refinements
of the EVF quality through models of the DiMAGE 7 and
DiMAGE A series. Even though this concept will be not continued
in the digital SLR, there are expectations of Konica Minolta about
the viewfinder quality.
Ishizuka: The product concept decides the specification. For instance, if
someone wants to create a new interchangeable lens digital camera
with a totally different concept, the specification will change.
If thinking of the best solution, you firstly have to think how it will
benefit our customers.
Helberg: That's right. As long as it fits within the Dynax brand, it must be
a camera that conventional Dynax users wish for, and the Anti-
Shake and other beneficial functions adds value. Consumers are
happy with their Dynax.
Ishizuka: Yes, that is what we aim to achieve. We have achieved good
reputations
for Dynax 7 and 9. Thanks in part for its viewfinder quality,
and consider it very important to do the same with this digital SLR.
Konica Minolta aims to give priority to the intended photographers
requirements. We always want we improve through communication
with our customers to decide our direction.
Pricing
Helberg: Over the past year, the inexpensive Digital SLRs increased share
in the market, and more models are expected to join in this autumn.
Which price range do you target for the Dynax 7 Digital?
Ishizuka: Sorry, whilst we understand that this is a matter of great interest
to the reader it is an exceptionally sensitive matter within the
market. The main aim of this camera is to provide good value for
money, through offering excellent picture quality, and to satisfy
customers who enjoy using well-engineered cameras and producing
outstanding images. The price will be reflective of the market
conditions for products of this status and specification, our exclusive
feature is Anti-Shake.
Helberg: There was display material at the PMA show, in which the Dynax 7
Digital features with other SLRs behind it. Do you plan announcing
more models in future?
Ishizuka: You have excellent vision; it is fair to say that the Dynax 7 Digital
is the first of a new generation of Digital SLR cameras. But the
timing of any future introductions cannot be discussed. The Digital
SLR market cannot withstand the rate of replacement nor the
mass of products that operate within the digital compact market.
Since the announcement of the camera at the PMA, there has been no of-
ficial information added to the initial information.
That Mr Ishizuka released this much information to Mr Helberg, is in our
opinion evidence that the development is making fast progress.
The interview provided new facts about the Dynax 7 Digital, but also clarified
two rumours about the Dynax 7 Digital that have been circulating. Firstly, the
live view of the Dynax 7 Digital and if Konica Minolta is currently planning to
release new models in the future.
Now it is certain that Konica Minolta is planning to release even more Digital
SLR models in the future.
We are now even more convinced that the Dynax 7 Digital will be an outstanding
camera, after learning about the preferences that Konica Minolta
has in respect to the target group of the camera.
We can be looking forwards with great excitement!
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