Advanced Exposure System
The DiMAGE 7i features an advanced automatic exposure system with Programmed AE, Aperture-Priority AE, Shutter-Priority AE and manual modes. Five pre-set digital subject programs are available, including Portrait, Sports/Action, Sunset, Night Portrait, and a Text mode designed for accurately exposed black text on a white background. Metering options include Center-Weighted, Spot, and a 300 Multi-Segment mode which integrates autofocus, color and luminance values for precise exposure calculations. We shot primarily in the Aperture-Priority AE mode with Multi-Segment metering, are received great results. We did take advantage of the camera's exposure bracketing capability (± 2EV in 1/3-stop increments) under a few difficult lighting conditions, and it worked flawlessly. The DiMAGE 7i includes a unique Digital Effects Bracketing feature that also lets you bracket color saturation and contrast, as well as two new color modes not found on the original DiMAGE 7; Vivid (as opposed to "Natural") Color and Solarization (which partially reverses the tones in an image). While many photographers will choose to make these adjustments using Photoshop or other post-capture imaging software, it's nice to have the option of dialing in these effects (and viewing the results) before taking the picture.
The camera also offers considerable control over white balance, and lets you set ISO equivalency to Auto, or 100, 200, 400 or 800.
The DiMAGE 7i features an advanced, built-in pop-up electronic flash offering two metering modes: 1) Advanced Distance Integration (ADI), which uses distance information, from the AF system and a separate pre-flash to calculate exposure; and 2) Pre-Flash TTL, which only uses the pre-flash for exposure calculation. The camera also has a hot-shoe for use with Minolta's powerful 5600HS(D) and 3600HS(D) external flash units. A versatile wireless/remote function enables multiple, off-camera use of these two units which will function as slaves when triggered by the built-in flash.
One of our minor gripes with the original DiMAGE 7 had to do with its electronic viewfinder (which Minolta calls a "Digital Hyper Viewfinder"), particularly when shooting under low-light conditions. Whatever you call it, we're pleased to report that is has been improved markedly with the new model. It still takes a bit of getting used to (as compared to a conventional optical finder), but we especially like the fact that it can be tilted between 0° and 90° for convenient shooting at low angles.
And because the finder is shielded from ambient light, it's a much better choice than the color LCD when shooting under bright lighting conditions. Speaking of the DiMAGE 7i's 1.8-inch color LCD, Minolta says it, too, has been significantly improved over that on the DiMAGE 7 (although the monitor on the original model seemed fine to us).
Comfortable, Intuitive Handling
The sleek, magnesium-alloy body is compact and lightweight, and very comfortable to hold, thanks to a soft contoured grip. At first glance, the camera's myriad of dials and buttons may seem imposing. With a minimum of practice, however, everything becomes familiar thanks to the logical layout of shooting controls surrounding the grip area.
This full-featured camera really does double duty: It offers a wide array of sophisticated features that will enable the experienced photographer to handle just about any assignment with ease, and rivals the capabilities of much more expensive professional digital SLRs. Yet the camera is so lightweight and compact that you can put it in a full auto mode and hand it to a beginner to be used as a fancy snapshot camera. Regardless of how you use the new DiMAGE 7i, one thing is certain: you can expect to receive very good results.
For more information, contact Minolta Corporation, 101 Williams Dr., Ramsey, NJ 07446. You can also access Minolta's PHOTOFAX at 800/528-4767 or visit their website at www.minoltasusa.com.
