Minolta also enhanced the operation of their flagship digicam by offering a choice of color-space options. Because the original DiMAGE 7 used a proprietary Minolta color space, the best way to achieve an accurate color balance with that camera was to shoot Raw files and process them with the DiMAGE Viewer software. The DiMAGE 7i added a more conventional color mode closely approximating sRGB, resulting in more natural looking colors when shooting JPEGs or TIFFs. Better yet, the new 7Hi provides you with the choice of sRGB, sRGB Vivid, and the Adobe RGB color space that many graphics professionals prefer because of its wider gamut. The DiMAGE 7Hi also lets you attach the camera's ICC profile to the image file for more precise color matching with the specific monitor and applications you use.
Great Optics
The new Minolta DiMAGE 7Hi uses the same 7.2-50.8mm f/2.8-3.5 zoom lens found in the two earlier models. That's a very handy focal range equivalent to 28-200mm in the 35mm format (in fact, the lens barrel actually carries the 28-200mm nomenclature). This wide-to-tele apochromatic lens utilizes 16 elements in 13 groups (including two AD and two aspheric elements) and delivers outstanding resolution, contrast and color rendition throughout its 7X range.
The lens offers macro capabilities, with a reproduction ratio that's equivalent to 1:1.43 in the 35mm format. Interestingly, you can utilize the macro mode at either end of the focal range. With the lens set at the 7.2mm position you can focus as close as 8.3 inches from the front of the lens. In the extreme telephoto position the close focusing distance is a comfortable 5.1 inches.
The DiMAGE 7Hi features an extremely advanced automatic exposure system (as did the two earlier models), with a choice of Aperture-Priority AE, Shutter-Priority AE, Programmed AE, and manual modes. Metering options are varied as well. We did most of our shooting in the Aperture-Priority mode with the metering system set to the 300-segment mode which integrates autofocus, color and luminance values for precise exposure calculations (other metering options include Center-Weighted and Spot).
The camera also provides a choice of five pre-set subject program modes, including Sports/Action, Portrait, Sunset, Night Portrait, and a Text mode designed for capturing accurately exposed black text on a white background.
The camera's electronic viewfinder—Minolta calls it the "Digital Hyper Viewfinder"—is vastly improved over that in earlier models. It can be tilted between 0° and 90° for convenient shooting from a variety of camera angles, and, like the color LCD on the back of the camera, can be set to display a variety of camera settings, exposure information and warnings. Even though the 1.8-inch color LCD is recessed to partially shield it from ambient light, the electronic viewfinder is a much better choice for composing your shots under bright lighting conditions.
The Bottom Line
We liked the earlier DiMAGE 7i a lot (in fact, we own one and use it regularly), but the new 7Hi is a significantly improved camera—especially for advanced shooters who will appreciate the built-in PC cord socket, the ability to shoot in the Adobe RGB color space, and the new Extra-Fine JPEG mode that provides results comparable to TIFFs without the large file sizes. And, with a street price of $1199 that's $300 less than the original model, this vastly superior machine is a good deal as well.
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.minoltausa.com.
Camera: Minolta DiMAGE 7Hi
Category: Prosumer Digital Camera
AF Performance ****
Metering Performance *****
Feature Set ****
Ease of Use ****
Ergonomics *****
Value ****
