The A2 delivers the image quality you’d expect from an 8-megapixel camera. Its fast ƒ/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 couldn’t have managed otherwise.

The camera focuses and fires quickly. It also boots up very quickly because of advanced circuitry, and the A2’s 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 ƒ-stop and shutter speed, are logically laid out and fall right under your fingers. They’re easily manipulated even with the camera held up to your eye.

The A2’s tiltable, 922,000-pixel electronic viewfinder (EVF) approaches the performance of a D-SLR’s ground glass while providing full information on white balance, ƒ-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 EVF’s histogram is especially advantageous because it’s 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) ƒ/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: ƒ/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