Konica Minolta Maxxum Digital 5D
Conventional wisdom held that Konica Minolta would not equip its lower-priced DSLR with its sensor-based Anti-Shake system—but there it is on the $600 Maxxum 5D, stabilizing shots taken with any lens. We call that a steady bargain.
Ease of Use: The 5D is squared-off and chunky like the Maxxum 7D, but smaller and neater, with far fewer dials and switches. Excellent shutter position and good location of rear controls. More functions relegated to menus—not a good thing. But the function button gives you quick access to a limited menu of frequently used controls, and the big-type 2.5-inch LCD monitor doubles as a control panel. We love the automatic LCD shutoff when you raise the camera to your eye—a trick more camera makers should adopt. An obtrusive preflash now replaces an AF-assist lamp. Rank: 1
Control: It offers a number of color spaces and numerous image controls, combined RAW + JPEG capture, flash-output control, depth-of-field preview and full compatibility with the KM flash system (the pop-up unit doubles as wireless controller). The 9-zone AF system is the fastest of this group and works down to EV –1, very dim light indeed. The Anti-Shake works exceptionally well—count on a gain of at least two stops' hand-holdability—and the viewfinder indicates the amount of shake, a kind of biofeedback to steady yourself. Rank: 4
System Flexibility: Konica Minolta offers a vast array of lenses, including superspeeds, superteles, and goodies like the unique 500mm f/8 autofocusing mirror lens, as well as digital-only DT lenses that deliver fine performance at rock-bottom prices. (And with a few exceptions, all can be image-stabilized by the 5D.) Plus, KM has a great flash system, which pioneered wireless TTL automation with single or multiple units. Rank: 3
Quibbles: We wouldn't mind the Maxxum-only dedicated hot-shoe so much if the 5D had a PC terminal. So to sync it with studio flashes, you'll need a Konica Minolta PCT-100 flash adapter—at $90 (street).
Surprises: The convenient stand-alone white-balance dial is odd for a camera with pared-down exterior controls.
Best For: Any kind of casual or enthusiast shooting, but the low-light performance (both AF and noise control) and Anti-Shake are ideal for available-light fans.
Bottom Line: Given the price and the capability, a truly exceptional deal—the best bang for the buck of these five.
Test Results: Resolution: Extremely High (1570Vx 1550Hx1370D lines). Color accuracy: Excellent (Avg. Delta E: 7.74). Noise: Low at ISO 100 and 400, Very Low at ISO 200, Moderately Low at ISO 800, Moderate at ISO 1600. Image quality: Extremely High at ISO 100–800; Very High at ISO 1600. AF Speed: EV 12: 0.32 sec; EV 10: 0.33 sec; EV 8: 0.41 sec; EV 6: 0.57 sec; EV 4: 0.59 sec; EV 2: 0.86 sec; EV 1: 0.87 sec; EV 0: 0.93 sec; EV -1: 1.85 sec. Price: $600 body only; $650 with 18–70mm f/3.5–5.6 D AF-DT lens. CIPA battery rating: 550 shots. Size/weight: 5.2x3.7x2.7 in., 1.5 lb with card and battery. Card: CompactFlash Type I and II. Info: konicaminolta.us; 877-462-4464.
Viewfinder accuracy: 96% (Excellent).
Viewfinder magnification: 0.91 X (Excellent).
Image Quality: Higher contrast blows out some details in skin tones, which are otherwise very accurate. Color saturation is high and especially noticeable in the red pillows, dress, and backdrop of test scene. Slightly lower detail in shadows and highlights than with the similar-resolution Nikon D50, but better than Pentax *ist DS2. Good for making prints up to 10x15 inches at 200 ppi. Rank: 4
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