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Konica Minolta DiMAGE A1 Digital CameraThe DiMAGE A1 is SLR-type digital camera from Minolta. Taking the best from the DiMAGE 7 series, the DiMAGE A1 was redesigned for...
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The DiMAGE A1 is SLR-type digital camera from Minolta. Taking the best from the DiMAGE 7 series, the DiMAGE A1 was redesigned for contemporary digital photographer. This is a camera for those who demand the highest imaging quality and versatility in a compact, easy-to-use package. The DiMAGE A1 exploits the power of digital imaging by providing the tools to express your creativity and solve visual problems. And above all, the DiMAGE A1 is a joy to use.
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23 Reviews from Shopping.com
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Everything you could want in a great prosumer package!
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Pros: 7x optical zoom, antishake, 5 megapixel, VGA video at 30fps, swivel viewfinder/LCD, long battery life
Cons: steep learning curve to master all the features
The Bottom Line:
Serious photographers wanting everything in one camera should consider this camera. The trade-offs are few, the price is reasonable, and it'll take great pictures in most situations.
Though I bought digital cameras previously, I studied the market for years before I bought the A1. For much of that time I was waiting for the upgrade to the Fuji S602 Zoom but when I finally bought the Fuji S7000 I was disappointed with the pictures, though the camera was great to handle.
All the while I had been watching the A1 out of the corner of my eye. The AntiShake technology, the pixel count, and the optical zoom were all very appealing. I wasn't sure how I'd like handling it since it's so feature rich but I took the leap and bought it, after returning the S7000.
Well, I loved it. Some of the features that really appeal to me are the swivel viewfinder, the pivot LCD, the smooth zoom, the relatively powerful flash, and the long battery life. Since there are so many features its taken quite a while to be able to operate it instinctively, but I'm getting there. My favorite subjects to shoot are my daughters in sports: soccer, swimming, gymnastics, etc. The powerful optical zoom, the large appiture, and the antishake work together great for these situations. Also, with support for 640x480 at 30fps video and a 1 gig CF microdrive you can take great little movies at these events too.
The accessories I bought and would recommend are an extra Lithium Ion battery (NP400), the Battery Pack with Grip (BP400), and the wireless flash (3600HS). Two accessories I would tell you to stay away from are the teleconverter (ACT100) and the wideangle converter (ACW100) both of which require locking in the macro mode and thereby going to fixed focal length, that is, losing your ability to zoom.
If you're serious about digital photography and don't want lug around a tonne of lenses then cameras in this class are what you want ... and the A1/A2 are excellent choices.
Good luck! Travis
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