Other Key Features As mentioned earlier, the DiMAGE A2 is the fifth in an evolutionary line of DiMAGE prosumer cameras, and Konica Minolta has thankfully retained some of the best features of earlier models; not the least of which is the terrific Anti-Shake System introduced in the A1. This CCD-shifting technology significantly minimizes the effect of camera movement, thereby enabling you to achieve sharp hand-held images under conditions that would otherwise require the use of some form of camera support. Thanks to the Anti-Shake System, we found we could easily shoot at three shutter speeds slower than we would ordinarily use for hand-held photography. In other words, 1/25 with the lens set at the 200mm telephoto position. While the application for this technology under low-light conditions is obvious, we also found it useful under brighter conditions when we wanted to stop down the lens to achieve maximum depth of field. Speaking of the optics, this fine 7.2–50.2mm (28–200mm equivalent) zoom is the same highly touted lens found in all earlier versions of this camera—apart from the slight tweaking that was needed to optimize it for use with the A2's 8-megapixel CCD. The lens utilizes 16 elements in 13 groups (with two AD and two aspheric elements) to deliver outstanding results throughout its wide 7X zoom range. The camera's macro mode is available at either end of the zoom range, with a comfortable working distance of 5.1 inches when taking close-ups at the 200mm position. The minimum focusing distance is 8.3 inches when using the macro mode at the 28mm wide-angle setting. The maximum reproduction ratio is equivalent to 1:1.43 in the 35mm format. Exposure Options The DiMAGE A2 offers a variety of exposure options to suit the needs of advanced photographers as well as less experienced shooters. Novices will appreciate the camera's four Digital Subject Program modes, in which the camera automatically sets the appropriate exposure and image processing controls for specific shooting conditions and subjects. Choices include Night Portrait and Sunset modes as well as a standard Portrait mode optimized for warm skin tones with a light defocusing of the background, and a Sports/Action mode for photographing fast-moving subjects. For more advanced photographers who prefer to make some (or all) of the exposure decisions themselves, the A2 offers a choice of Aperture-Priority AE, Shutter-Priority AE, Programmed AE, and manual modes. Metering options include Spot, Center-Weighted, and a reliable 300-segment metering system that seemed just about foolproof in a variety of difficult lighting situations. As this line of cameras has evolved, each successive model seemed to offer better power management, and the A2 is no exception. One of our few gripes with the earlier models was that they seemed to devour the four AA cells used to power the camera. Thankfully, since the DiMAGE A1 the AA cells (which were located under the lens) were replaced with one high-capacity propriety 1500mAh rechargeable lithium-ion pack housed in the camera's handgrip. This modification not only dramatically improved battery life, but enhanced the balance of the camera as well. For maximum shooting time per charge, Minolta offers an optional vertical battery grip that doubles battery capacity by using two of the lithium-ion packs (and provides added grip area and a convenient vertical shutter release). An added advantage of the grip is that it is supplied with an insert that enables you to power the camera with six AA batteries (rechargeable or disposable) instead of the lithium-ion packs. The proprietary batteries deliver far better performance, but sooner or later you're likely to find yourself in a situation where the ubiquitous AA batteries will come in mighty handy. The Bottom Line We raved about the earlier DiMAGE A1, and we liked the significantly upgraded A2 even better. With a street price of $999, it offers a wide variety of advanced features, great optics, the unique Anti-Shake System, and yes, that 8-megapixel CCD that (at least for today) is tops in the prosumer digicam category. For more information contact Konica Minolta Photo Imaging USA, Inc., 725 Darlington Ave., Mahwah, NJ 07430. You can also read about the A2 online at www.konicaminolta.us. Camera: Konica Minolta DiMAGE A2 Category: AF Prosumer Digicam AF Performance ***** Metering Performance ***** Feature Set ***** Ease of Use **** Ergonomics ***** Value ****