Langenhagen, April 2003 - The DiMAGE Scan Elite 5400 offers professional quality scanning capabilities for users new to scanning and image processing. Minolta's latest 35mm-film scanner strategically combines advanced imaging features with straightforward controls to create the most incredible 5400dpi digital photographs.

With a resolution of 5400dpi, the DiMAGE Scan Elite 5400 captures all the subtle details in today's high-resolution film, and can easily make full-frame 24" (60 cm) photo-quality prints.

Its 16-bit A/D conversion enables the DiMAGE Scan Elite 5400 to match and reproduce the rich tone and colour variations of the original film image. Minolta's newest scanner includes 16-bit A/D conversion specifically to distinguish 65,536 tonal gradations for each colour channel. Its ability to accurately capture the depth and subtlety of the original film image is simply amazing.

The DiMAGE Scan Elite 5400 incorporates trademarked, advanced technology that enables users to easily produce premium images without complicated procedures. Integrating Applied Science Fiction's award winning Digital ICE™ into the scanner ensures the virtual elimination of the affect of dust, scratches, and fingerprints, as well as other surface contaminants. In addition, Minolta's own unique Grain Dissolver minimises the affect of film grain in the scanned image.

A large manual focus dial on the scanner enables fine adjustments to critically control image sharpness, and complements the precision of the software control.

The DiMAGE Scan Elite 5400 is connected to a computer through an IEEE1394 (FireWire) or USB 2.0 interface. Connecting the two is as simple as plugging in a cable. Both interfaces have fast data transfer rates, an important feature allowing the DiMAGE Scan Elite 5400 to create large image files.

The sophisticated external appearance reflects the advanced technology found within the Elite 5400. The stylish metal body is the antithesis of the standard, featureless design of the majority of computer products. The slim, vertical design has a small footprint maximising its space efficiency around the computer. Packaged with the scanner, the corresponding stand can also be used for further stability and convenience.

The Quick Scan function initialises the scanner and software with the simple press of a button. Quick Scan also allows a user to select functionality between standard DiMAGE Scan Utility, Easy Scan Utility, or Batch Scan Utility, as well as short cutting to a specific application. The Batch Scan Utility enables large volumes of film to be scanned without needing to adjust individual settings for each image. Just press the scan button on the front of the DiMAGE Scan Elite 5400 to activate the utility for each batch of film.

Designed on Minolta's DiMAGE Scan Multi Pro, the Elite 5400's film holders use a hinged cover to securely hold filmstrips and mounted slides. For even increased convenience, the slide mount holder allows a single slide to be changed without having to completely eject the holder from the scanner.

The Easy Scan Utility truly simplifies scanning procedures for those inexperienced with scanning and image processing. Either choose Automatic processing, or simply select the film type, identify the negatives to be scanned, decide how the images are to be used, and let the scanner do the rest. The images can then be saved directly on the computer or printed out on a printer.

The Pixel-Polish tab makes finishing touches and picture quality improvements simple. Clicking on the parameters that most accurately describe the picture facilitates automatic image-processing corrections. The results are instantly reflected on the DiMAGE Scan Utility.

About Minolta
In its 75th year, Minolta Co., Ltd. is a leading provider of image information and optical products with operative bases in 33 countries around the world. The Minolta Group consists of 95 companies with a total of 22,000 employees. Group sales for the period ended March 2002 totalled €3.9 billion, 80% from sales outside Japan. Minolta places major emphasis on the business of photocopiers and printers, especially in the field of colour output, and is strategically promoting alliances with other industries. Building on its strong core of optical technologies developed over many years as a camera manufacturer, Minolta aims to be a corporation offering products and services that are essential to all areas of digital imaging. In August 2003 Minolta will join the Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc.

Website: http://www.minoltaeurope.com/

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