Minolta DSLR - Real NEWS !!!!

[andre]

Hi Guyz,

for those who wait on Minolta DSLR,

I had sent email to Minolta UK about minota DSLR. Here is their reply and also there is a questionnaire about DSLR. I think they will launched the DSLR quite soon, but still waiting for the market. for those who want to join the questionnaire, please copy the bottom section and sent it to : photohelp@Minolta.co.uk

email section, start here:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks for your e-mail concerning the possibility of a digital body for
existing AF system lenses and accessories.

Recent announcements from Canon, Fuji, Nikon and Sigma have sparked a
great
deal of interest in this type of product. This is good news for the
industry, so long as customers are prepared to make the investment
required
in a camera of this type.

Please be aware that because these cameras utilise image sensors that
are
smaller than a 35mm exposure area, there will be a magnification factor
on
the focal length of the lens and a drop in optical quality caused by the
lens not being matched to the exposure area.

Minolta does have a very serious commitment to the digital marketplace,
this has been witnessed by the sudden impact of Minolta DiMAGE cameras
and
film scanners. Minolta did not make as quick a transition to digital
as
some manufacturers and as such has not had the experience that others
have.

Cameras such as DiMAGE 7/7i/7Hi are a platform to test technology on,
and
gain experience on optical requirements, metering, operating firmware
and
systems as well as all other factors that a digital camera relies upon.

I would like to form a database of interested parties for such a product.
I
would also like to know what your expectations of a digital SLR are,
together with what equipment you have and what you would like to
additionally invest in.

Please copy and paste the section of this e-mail below and answer as
many
questions as you can.

Thanks,
Paul Genge
Sales and Marketing Assistant - Digital
Minolta (UK) Limited

Questionnaire.

1) How many pixels do you hope to have in a digital SLR camera?

2) Are you prepared to make the sacrifice of losing wide angle
capability
without the additional expense of an ultra wide angle?

3) What price do you anticipate a digital SLR to be, body only?

4) What Minolta equipment do you have presently?

5) What additional equipment do you anticipate buying?

6) What experience have you had to date with either digital cameras or
film
scanners?

7) Do you use photography for your living? If so, what improvements to
your
business will a digital SLR offer?

8) If you have already had a digital camera what type of digital memory
are
you using and what is your maximum card capacity?

If you wish to add any additional feedback please do.

 

[sulhan]

Hi Andre.....

THis is a good one and i hope ALL......minolta users here in CS will help provide the info.

I have suspected this theory as 7i/7hi series was released on a "low volume" build.

This makes alot of sense as this will help to control resource and test algorithms.

The 7Hi....to me is an ideal camera for now...but too bad the lens is not interchangeable.

SO hopefully,.......they will build the next DSLR...based on this benchmark!!!

Regards,
Sulhan

 

[Zerstorer]

Does this also mean that they have nothing concrete at present and would take at least a year or more before something pops up?

 

[clive]

Does this also mean that they have nothing concrete at present and would take at least a year or more before something pops up?

i think so

 

[ninelives]

bump. :gbounce:

 

[nivlek28]

Hi guys...I'm a sucker for Minolta lens...having bought all the stories my uncle have sold me abt the "lengendary" qualities of Minolta lenses when I was younger. I feel that Minolta has produced some excellent bodies as well and in Europe they are no doubt among the leading brands for consumers.

However, it is abit fustrating that they have sat out the digital "war". It has caused one too many Minolta users to switch camp. While that really has no bearing on me, I feel that the longer they don't stick their arse in, the more they're going to slip. That means less friends to share lens with and discuss Minolta with (Uhmm...forum mates dun count)

My take is that it will probably take 2 years to release their DSLR, if ever.

 

[synapseman]

Given that they are only asking for feedback NOW means that their DSLR will take quite some time before it comes out. At the rate digital photography technology is progressing, let's hope that they don't produce something obselete by the time the camera does hit the market. I don't think it's unreasonable to expect a DSLR with specs like the EOS1Ds or DCS14n at 10D prices in 2 years time.

Quite disappointing really. It's not that Minolta's a new player in the digital arena, and they certainly have produced (I think) two DSLR models in the past. What's really holding them back, I wonder? Even Sigma and Pentax have got DSLRs now!

I'm eagerly awaiting, but not holding my breath!

 

[reno77]

I guess Minolta doenst make much profit from their camera business so instead of investing in Digital camera R&D they prefer to let the others set the standards then once things are stabilised they collaborate(like Sigma and Foveon) and release a good DSLR which does not become outdated in a year.

 

[synapseman]

Heh. DSLR, not outdated within a year? I doubt it, lar. Digital technology still got a looong way to go (if what they want is to catch up, and exceed 35mm quality). That's why I told Minolta that in 24 months time, I don't think it's too far fetched to expect a double-digit megapixel full-frame CCD DSLR at today's EOS10D prices.