New scanner features 5400dpi resolution, a new Quick Scan function, 16-bit A/D conversion, high speed data transfer, and Applied Science Fiction™'s Digital ICE™ technology

Ramsey, NJ (May 12, 2003) - The new Minolta DiMAGE Scan Elite 5400 offers professional quality scans even for those new to film scanning and digital image processing. Minolta's stylish new 35mm film scanner combines incredible 5400dpi resolution with advanced features such as Digital ICE image restoration technology from Applied Science Fiction, 16-bit A/D conversion, USB 2.0 connection, a new Quick Scan function and easy-to-use controls. The DiMAGE Scan Elite 5400's high resolution capability can easily make up to full-frame 24 inch photo-quality prints.

"High quality film scanners play an increasingly important role for film-based photographers seeking to convert their important photographs into the digital realm," said Jon Sienkiewicz, vice president of marketing, Minolta Corporation's Consumer Products Group. "Now, with the introduction of the new DiMAGE Scan Elite 5400 film scanner, Minolta once again establishes the high water mark in both quality and ease of use. Not to mention the fact that the design of this unit looks so gorgeous, users will be proud to add it their workstation."

With 16-bit A/D conversion, the new Minolta DiMAGE Scan Elite 5400 will reproduce the rich variations in tone and color of an original film image. 16-bit A/D conversion is able to distinguish 65,536 tonal gradations for each color channel - capturing the depth and subtly of the original film image.

Advanced Technology
The new Minolta DiMAGE Scan Elite 5400 incorporates several advanced image enhancing technologies allowing users to get the best results possible from their pictures without the need for any complicated software procedures. Featured in this new scanner, Applied Science Fiction's award winning Digital ICE technology which automatically reduces the appearance of dust and scratches as well as other film surface contamination such as fingerprints.

Minolta's unique Grain Dissolver reduces the affect of film grain in the scanned image. And, Minolta's Pixel-Polish tab makes improving picture quality simple. Automatic image-processing corrections are made by clicking on the parameters which best describe the picture; the DiMAGE Scan Utility will instantly show the result. For critical control over image sharpness, the scanner can be manually focused. A large manual focus dial on the scanner unit allows fine adjustments to be made.

Versatility
The DiMAGE Scan Elite 5400 is easily connected to either a PC or Macintosh computer using an IEEE1394 (FireWire) or USB 2.0 interface. Both interfaces have fast data transfer rates, which is important for handling the large image files that can be created with the DiMAGE Scan Elite 5400.

Stylish Design
The outward appearance of the scanner reflects the sophisticated technology used in the DiMAGE Scan Elite 5400. The stylized metal body is the antithesis of the usual drab featureless design of computer products. The slim, vertical design creates a small footprint to minimize clutter around the computer. And the supplied stand can be used to stabilize the scanner unit.

Based on the designs used with Minolta's top-of-the-line DiMAGE Scan Multi PRO, the DiMAGE Scan Elite 5400's film holders use a hinged cover to hold filmstrips and mounted slides. The slide mount holder allows a single slide to be changed without having to eject the holder from the scanner.

Simplified Scanning
The scanner's new Quick Scan function makes initializing the scanner and software as easy as pressing a button. Quick Scan permits the selection among the standard DiMAGE Scan Utility, the Easy Scan Utility, or the Batch Scan Utility as well as setting a short cut to a specific application. The Batch Scan Utility allows large volumes of film to be scanned without having to make individual settings for each image. By simply pressing the scan button on the front of the DiMAGE Scan Elite 5400 a user can activate the utility for each batch of film.

The scanner's Easy Scan Utility simplifies the scanning procedure for users who are new to film scanning and image processing. Simply select the film type, the pictures to be scanned, and how the images are to be used; the scanner will do the rest. Automatic image processing can also be applied. The images can then be saved directly to the computer or printed out on a printer.

Minolta Corporation
Minolta Corporation, headquartered in Ramsey, New Jersey, is the largest subsidiary of Minolta Co. Ltd. of Osaka, Japan, a leading manufacturer of cameras, business equipment, radiometric instruments and planetariums. Minolta Corporation's Consumer Products Group (CPG) markets 35mm film and Advanced Photo System cameras, digital cameras, binoculars, accessory lenses, photographic light meters, 35mm and Advanced Photo System film scanners and other consumer products.

The corporation's Business Products Group (BPG) markets digital and analog office equipment. Products include black-and-white copiers, digital black and white printer/copiers, plain-paper laser facsimile machines, digital color printer/copiers, micrographic systems, document management software, and related office equipment.

For more information, visit Minolta's Web site located at www.minoltausa.com or access Minolta's PHOTOFAX at 800-528-4767.

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