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Konica Minolta DiMAGE A2 review

Started Jan 10, 2009 | User reviews
dptazzz New Member • Posts: 4
Konica Minolta DiMAGE A2 review

OK< i have used this camera heavily for about 3 years. I have done several photo shoots, a wedding, fireworks, reunions, etc. This has been a remarkable camera. Yes, comparatively speaking, it still in my opinion, holds its own on many fronts with the newer mega mega zooms ( this is only 7x), and ultra MP cameras, ( this is 8mp, vs 10-12mp zoomers ). It has a few special effects NOT in most newer cameras, that have given me some unique shots you just cant get with out it, and photoshop cant rescue or create it, it has to be done "in camera". You can use Minoltas top of the line digital flash, for some incredible range and power, AND use it wirelessly as well.

I have only just now had an issue develope, which you can read below. On the whole, this camera should rate higher than even when dpreview rated it when it first appeared. Only on ultra technical issues and resolution does it let you down, and those are items even 90% of pro's not only dont encounter, they are pretty meaningless.

Noise, yes, it has noise at over 400 iso, but, there and under it is minimal, and the 64 iso is close to Kodachrome. throw on the "vivid color" option, and it IS Kodachrome, or more like Fujichrome Velvia.

If i saw this used, i would still buy it ! !.
I have many many fine photos from this camera, and printed up some really nice glossy shots,, I have to rate this really high across the board, only slight mark down, is you do have a semi steep learning curve, but, the controls are in good spots, you find them easy enough, even in the dark, and placement and size are good.

Problems:

OK, issues first, not problems. It doesnt have high capacity recognition of 8GB compact flash cards.
thats about it.
Noise at high iso is pretty harsh, relative to newer cameras. That is just the digital world. Some good filter and noise reducers do a decent job. I am not an ultra low light shooter with digital, and wont be for some time anyway, NOBODY has a camera out there you can shoot 30 minutes open shutter, nobody, i dont care how much you spend, unless you are NASA or HUBBLE space telescope.
My image stabilizer just kinda quit on me, right after i finished a wedding ( thank goodness ), when I turn camera on, it vibrates badly, and the image stabilization icon flashes. It still takes pics, but, the image stabilization is now hit and miss.

Thats it, the only actual issue, the image stabilizer. And I have bounced this camera while horseback riding several times, exposed it to heat and dust many a times at riding arenas, and one issue has cropped up.

Not just a whole lot to complain about.

Konica Minolta DiMAGE A2
8 megapixels • 1.8 screen • 28 – 200 mm (7.1×)
Announced: Feb 12, 2004
dptazzz's score
4.7
Average community score
4.4
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