The A2 delivers the image quality youd expect from
an 8-megapixel camera. Its fast /2.8-3.5 zoom lens covers
the 28-200mm (35mm equivalent) range and creates sharp images.
Like other compact 8-megapixel cameras, the A2 is a bit noisy
at ISO 400 and above. At lower ISOs, however, it produces
stunning photos. Carefully made, tripod-mounted images look
good even when interpolated to 16x20 inches.
A built-in image stabilizer reduces the effects of camera
movement in handheld photography. Using the stabilizer, I
found I could use speeds several stops slower than I usually
would, or shoot from positions I couldnt have managed
otherwise.
The camera focuses and fires quickly. It also boots up very
quickly because of advanced circuitry, and the A2s manual
zoom ring eliminates the need to extend the lens during startup.
(As an SLR shooter for nearly three decades, I really appreciated
the feel of that mechanical zoom ring as well as its marked
focal-length indications.)
All controls, including separate dials for -stop and
shutter speed, are logically laid out and fall right under
your fingers. Theyre easily manipulated even with the
camera held up to your eye.
The A2s tiltable, 922,000-pixel electronic viewfinder
(EVF) approaches the performance of a D-SLRs ground
glass while providing full information on white balance, -stop,
shutter speed and more. It even can display a live histogram,
so you can ensure your exposures are perfect before you press
the shutter. The EVFs histogram is especially advantageous
because its shielded from the stray light that strikes
rear-panel LCD monitors outdoors. The finder also allows you
to locate your AF target anywhere within the frame, which
is useful with macro work or anytime the camera is tripod-mounted.
SPECIFICATIONS
Resolution: 8 megapixels
(3264 x 2448 pixels)
Lens: 28-200mm (35mm equivalent)
/2.8-3.5
Viewfinder: 922,000-pixel
EVF
LCD Size: 1.8 inches
Media Type: CompactFlash
Shooting Modes: Program,
Aperture- and Shutter-Priority, Manual, plus Portrait, Sports
Action, Sunset and Night Portrait
Exposure Compensation: ±2
EV in 1/3-stop increments
Metering System: Multi-Segment
(Evaluative), Center-Weighted or Spot (in center or at focus
point)
Focus Modes: Single-Shot
AF, Continuous AF, Full-Time AF, Subject Tracking AF and Manual
(with 3.3x magnifier). Wide Focus Area or Spot Focus Point,
which is movable anywhere within the frame.
Shutter Speeds: 30-1/4000
sec.
Apertures: /2.8-3.5
to 11
ISO Equivalency: 64 to 800
Power Source: Li-ion battery
Size: 4.6x3.4x4.5-inches
Weight: 19.9 ounces
Estimated Street Price: $999
Contact: Konica Minolta,
(877) IMAGING, www.konicaminolta.com/dimage
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