The DiMAGE A200 includes the CCD shift-based anti-shake mechanism we've seen in past A-series cameras, and has a newly designed body which forgoes the grip sensor of the A2, and now includes a 1.8" tilt/swivel LCD display, which at 134k pixels is slightly higher res than in the DiMAGE A2. The minimum ISO rating has been extended from ISO 64 in the A2 model to ISO 50 in the A200, and the new model returns to a lower-resolution (although still comparitively high-res compared to many of its rivals) 235k pixel electronic viewfinder. The new viewfinder also has a higher 22mm eye relief, and a greater diopter range of –5 ~ +2 m^-1. The maximum shutter speed has dropped from 1/4000 second to 1/3200 second in the A200, and the multi-segment metering system has 256 segments instead of 300. The A200 is a couple of ounces lighter than the A2, and has almost the same dimensions. Most other features are similar to that camera.

Pricing and availability have not been announced at this time. Courtesy of Konica Minolta, we have a "backgrounder" document on the A200 below, as well as full specs, product photos and the official press release.

New Konica Minolta 8.0-Megapixel Digital Single Lens Reflex (SLR)-Type Camera: The DiMAGE A200

Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc.'s new DiMAGE A200 digital camera joins the award-winning DiMAGE A line of digital cameras – delivering clear, crisp images with the intricate detail that DiMAGE photographers have come to expect.

Product Highlights

• 8.0-megapixel resolution and Konica Minolta all-glass GT APO lens give photographers high-quality pictures

• Anti-Shake technology with CCD shift mechanism enables even novices to capture clearly focused pictures without a tripod, and with an approximately 3-step slower shutter speed

• Vari-angle LCD monitor allows you to easily take self-portraits as well as high- and low-angle shots with freer and easier angles

• Newly advanced LSI and CxProcess™ III image-processing technology give high-speed image processing and sharp, true-to-life-color images

• Fast 60-frames per second live view for incredibly smooth viewing of recorded images

• Included wireless remote control adds convenience for both shooting and viewing

• 28x digital/optical zoom and Konica Minolta Anti-Shake technology make it possible to shoot high-quality moving pictures

• Sure-grip, ergonomic body makes it easy to carry and use anywhere

• Extensive optional accessories: wide-angle converter, telephoto converter, close-up lens, and external flashes

Features
8.0-Megapixel 2/3- inch Interlace Scan CCD

The new Konica Minolta DiMAGE A200 has an 8.0-megapixel, 2/3- inch interlace scan CCD. With 8 million effective pixels, photographera can take subtle, expressive images that capture even individual hairs or the stitches of a suit in sharp detail. These incredibly detailed images can then be transferred and printed onto 10.9 x 8.1 inch paper at 300 dpi.

CCD Shift-Type Anti-Shake Technology
Konica Minolta's Anti-Shake technology gives photographers a highly effective way to deal with handheld shaking – a major cause of substandard images, especially with telephoto and dimly lit shots. Users can expect better images in low light conditions without relying on a higher ISO setting or a tripod. The new DiMAGE A200 features a CCD-shift mechanism to stabilize images by offsetting the shaking pattern of the user's hand. This gives unrivalled stability at up to 3 shutter speeds slower than on digital cameras without Anti-Shake technology. The CCD shift mechanism also allows for more freedom in the mechanical layout of the camera's interior, which keeps it compact. Anti-Shake technology can offset two kinds of shaking—high-frequency shaking of muscles and low-frequency shaking of the body.

Vari-Angle LCD Monitor
The 1.8-inch TFT LCD monitor rotates 270° vertically and 180° horizontally, allowing photographers to hold the camera in a comfortable position at high- and low-angle shots while still viewing the LCD straight on. And, because photographers can view the LCD while they get in just the right position for a self-portrait, the DiMAGE A200 is great for taking shots from a variety of different angles.

Newly Advanced LSI and Konica Minolta CxProcess™ III Image Processing
The advanced LSI engine reduces power consumption and suppresses camera noise, while optimizing color reproduction with exceptional accuracy. Konica Minolta's CxProcess™ III image-processing technology helps reproduce shadows and highlights with outstanding accuracy, so images look natural and true-to-life. The new DiMAGE A200 also introduces a new sRGB color mode (Portrait sRGB) that brings out beautiful skin tones in portraits.

Konica Minolta GT Lens and Anomalous Dispersion (AD) Glass
Designed specifically for digital photography, the GT lens is an all-glass apochromatic (APO) zoom lens. The benefits for the user include sharp and clear pictures absent of any color aberration, even when using the large aperture setting. The lens is the heart of the camera and this GT lens has 16 elements in 13 groups. The anomalous dispersion (AD) glass contributes to things like suppressed distortion, and reduced flare and chromatic aberration, while aspheric glass elements work to make the lens compact. The camera's improved optical low pass filter and the logical arrangement of the lens make for higher productivity and quality-assurance in the manufacturing process, ensuring that the lens is suitable for an 8.0-megapixel CCD.

60 Frames Per Second High Speed Live View
Both the LCD and EVF give a fast 60-frames per second live view (for still recording; 30 frames per second for movie recording), making for incredibly smooth viewing of recorded images. It also reduces the time lag in tracking moving subjects so users can easily capture those crucial fleeting moments.

Included Wireless Remote Control
Photographers can also take self-portraits using the camera's remote control. And, they can also connect the DiMAGE A200 to a TV and control the images with the remote control. This allows users to sit back and enjoy the pictures and movies they took that same day.

Digital Zoom
The 4x digital zoom gives up to a 28x total zoom when combined with the optical zoom, providing a maximum focal length of 800mm (35mm equivalent), which is perfect for distance shots or sporting events. And, even shots at a focal length of 800mm are free of jerky movements thanks to Konica Minolta's Anti-Shake technology. Photographers can choose from two digital zoom modes: image interpolation (in which the number of pixels doesn't change) digital zoom and normal mode (cropped into 2 megapixels) . The digital zoom can also be accessed from any point of the optical zoom using the handy digital zoom lever on the rear panel.

High-Quality Movie Recording
The DiMAGE A200 incorporates a true VGA movie (640 x 480 pixels) mode. This allows users to record high-quality movies at 30 frames per second giving images rivaling those seen on TV. Users can also take high-quality SVGA (800 x 600 pixels) movies at 15 frames per second, which look good even on a large PC screen. The DiMAGE A200 lets photographers use both the digital and optical zoom when recording movies, allowing them to capture images at a maximum focal length of 800mm (35mm equivalent). And, the Night Movie function makes subjects highly visible even in dark settings. The DiMAGE A200 also comes bundled with fun-to-use video software, Video Studio 8 SE by ULEAD, which lets users import and edit images and then output them to video CDs.

Sure-Grip, Ergonomic
Despite its pro-level picture quality and features, the Konica Minolta DiMAGE A200 is compact and weighs just 17.8 ounces, making it easy to take on vacations and day-trips. And although it's small, the DiMAGE A200's grip makes it easy to hold when taking pictures.

Various Autofocus (AF) Mode
Wide Focus Area mode informs photographers of focused points by flashing them when the shutter is pressed halfway down. Predictive Focus Control keeps moving subjects in focus.11-Point Focus Area is perfect for switching the AF point instantaneously on the main positions in the frame. Flex Focus Point is perfect for higher-precision auto-focusing. These features are very effective for capturing action in unusual lighting.

Ultra High-Speed Continuous Shooting
When photographers really need to fire off as many shots as possible in a limited amount of time, select the UHS (Ultra High Speed) mode on the menu to set the camera to capture images at a continuous advance of 40 frames at 10 frames per second. For convenience, these images can be captured in VGA format.

Real-Time Histogram Display
The LCD monitor is equipped with a convenient histogram function that will help the user see the overall brightness of the scene when it's difficult to determine the exposure compensation within the image. The histogram supplies the information users need to adjust the exposure more accurately. It also incorporates a luminance limit display on the playback screen.

Direct Manual Focus (DMF)
DMF allows users to frame their shot. By simply turning the focusing ring on the lens barrel while the shutter is half-pressed, photographers can control the focus on a particular shot even when the AF is locked. Try using DMF during macro imaging to be sure that a specific part of a subject stays in focus. When users target an image area, it is automatically enlarged for easy focusing.

Easy Operation from the Rear Panel
The buttons used most often are set on the DiMAGE A200's rear panel, where users can access them easily without looking away from the camera's LCD monitor. A digital zoom lever on the rear panel allows photographers to easily operate the digital zoom from any focal point. A shift button provides operational shortcuts, while function buttons on the rear panel make it easy to adjust color mode, metering mode, ISO, and digital effect settings.

Optional Converter Lenses for Additional Range (sold separately)
The 1.5x Telephoto Converter gives users an optical zoom range to 300mm and the 0.8x Wide-angle Converter gives provides an optical zoom range of 22mm. The Close-up lens renders even better pictures at close range. And, the Anti-Shake technology covers all focal lengths to ensure that photographers always get clearly focused pictures.

DiMAGE Viewer
As part of the DiMAGE series of digital cameras, the DiMAGE A200 is equipped with the user-friendly Konica Minolta DiMAGE Viewer software. This intuitive software makes it easy to manage, edit, and perform many other tasks with digital images. It displays thumbnails for quick confirmation, plus Exif data and any comments the photographer has included. Users can copy, move, or rename images as they please. Image compensation tools include tone curve and histogram for still images and flicker reduction for movie clips. RAW data can be imported, giving users the option to make fine adjustments on uncompressed image data. The DiMAGE Viewer also supports various color spaces and Color Management using an ICC Profile.

Direct Printer Connection
By directly connecting the DiMAGE A200 to a PictBridge*-compliant printer, printouts can be made easily without going through a computer. Photographers can check the camera's LCD monitor for the image they want to print.

*PictBridge is an industry standard established by the Camera & Imaging Products Association (CIPA).

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Konica Minolta DiMAGE A200
Number of Effective pixels	8.0 million
CCD	2/3-type interlaced primary-color CCD Total pixels: 8.3 million
A/D Conversion	12 bit
Camera Sensitivity	Auto, ISO 50, 100, 200, 400, 800 equivalents
Focal Length	7.2 – 50.8mm (35mm equivalent: 28 - 200mm)
Lens Construction	16 elements in 13 groups (includes two AD glass elements and two aspheric elements)
Maximum Aperture	f/2.8 – f/3.5
Minimum Focus Distance	1.6 ft. (0.5m) from CCD
Macro Focus Range	Wide-angle position: 11.8 – 23.6 in. (30 – 60 cm) from CCD 8.3 – 20 in. (21 – 51 cm) from front of lens Telephoto position: 9.8 – 23.6 in. (25 – 60 cm) from CCD 5.1 – 19.7 in. ( 13 – 50 cm) from front of lens
Maximum Magnification	0.18x ( Equivalent to 0.7x in 35mm format)
Area Covered at Maximum Magnification	2.05 x 1.54 in. (52 x 39 mm)
Optical Zooming Control	Manual zooming ring
Filter Diameter	49mm
Viewfinder Type	EVF (Electronic viewfinder)
Viewfinder LCD	0.44-inch TFT liquid-crystal microdisplay Total pixels: 235,000 pixels
LCD Monitor	1.8-inch TFT color, Vari-angle LCD monitor Total pixels: 134,000
Automatic Monitor Amplification	Activates in low light.
Field of View	EVF: Approximately 100% External LCD monitor: Approximately 100 %
Display-mode Switch	Electronic-viewfinder display, External LCD-monitor display
Diopter Control	–5 ~ +2 m-1
Eye Relief	22 mm at -1 m-1
Shutter	CCD electronic shutter and mechanical shutter
Shutter Speed Range	30 - 1/3200 second (30 – 1/1600 second in S, M - mode) Bulb (maximum 30 seconds)
Autofocus System	Video AF
Autofocus Areas	Wide focus area, 11 point selectable, Spot focus point Flex Focus Point control is available with the spot focus point.
Focus Modes	Autofocus: Single-shot AF, Continuous AF, Full-time AF, Manual focus orFlex Digital Magnifier (FDM), Automatic-magnification
Focus Lock	By pressing shutter-release button partway down.
Metering	Multi-segment, Center-weighted, Spot (center or with Flex Focus Point)
Multi-segment Metering	256 segments
Exposure Control Range	Programmed AE and aperture-priority modes: Wide: EV –1 – 18 Telephoto: EV –0.5 – 18 Shutter-priority and manual modes: Wide: EV – 2 – 18 Telephoto: EV – 1.5 – 18
Exposure Modes	Programmed AE (with program shift), Aperture priority, Shutter priority, Manual
Digital Subject Programs	Portrait, Sports action, Sunset, Night portrait/Night View
Exposure Compensation	± 2 EV in 1/3 increments
AE Lock	With AE-lock button or by pressing the shutter-release button partway down
Flash Control	Automatic and Manual flash control
Flash Range	Wide: Approximately 1.6 – 12.5 ft. (0.5 - 3.8m) Telephoto: Approximately 1.6 – 9.8 ft. (0.5 – 3.0m) (Camera sensitivity: auto)
Flash Modes	Fill-flash, Red-eye reduction, Rear flash sync, Slow sync
Flash Recycling Time	Approximately 5 seconds
Flash Compensation	± 2 EV in 1/3 increments
Flash-sync Speed	All shutter speeds
External Flashes	Auto-flash metering with Program/Maxxum Flash 2500 (D), 3600HS (D), 5600HS (D), Macro Twin Flash 2400,* Macro Ring Flash 1200.* *Macro Flash Controller is necessary.
Continuous Advance	- UHS continuous advance: 10 frames per second (640x480) - High-speed continuous advance: Maximum 2.3 frames per second - Standard continuous advance: Maximum 2.0 frames per second Actual speed may vary depending upon the subject and camera settings. Approximate number of frames that can be captured at one time in standard continuous advance: 3264 x 2448 2560 x 1920 2080 x 1560 1600 x 1200 640 x 480 RAW 5 frames - - - Extra fine 5 frames 5 frames 5 frames 5 frames 5 frames Fine 5 frames 5 frames 5 frames 5 frames 5 frames Standard 5 frames 5 frames 5 frames 5 frames 5 frames *Actual number of images may vary depending upon the subject and camera settings.
Exposure Bracketing	Three-frame bracket in 0.5 and 0.3 EV increments
Digital Enhanced Bracketing	White balance *changeable increments
Self-timer	Approximately 10 seconds, 2 seconds
Remote-control	Included
Movie	- Standard movie mode: Maximum 15 minutes - Night movie mode: Maximum 15 minutes
Color Modes	Natural Color (sRGB), Vivid Color (sRGB), Portrait (sRGB), Adobe RGB (ICC), Black and white (neutral and toned)
White-balance Control	Automatic Preset; Daylight, Tungsten, Shade, Cloudy, Flash, and Fluorescent( 1, 2 ) settings, Custom (two settings)
Sharpness Settings	Three levels (Soft, Normal, Hard)
Digital Effect Control	Color saturation, Contrast compensation, Filter
Noise Reduction	Available (ON/OFF selectable)
Digital Zoom	Normal mode and interpolate mode selectable. Normal mode: 2x (maximum) / Interpolate mode : 4x (maximum)
Data Imprinting	Year/month/day (Format can be changed.) Month/day/hour:minute
Image-quality Modes	RAW, RAW +JPEG, Extra fine, Fine, Standard
Number of Recorded Pixels (Still Images)	3264 x 2448, 3264 x 2176 (in 3:2 mode), 2560 x 1920, 2080 x 1560, 1600 x 1200, 640 x 480
Number of Recorded Pixels (Movie Clips)	320 x 240 in standard and night movie modes (15 frames per second / 30 frames per second selectable ) 640 x 480 in standard and night movie modes (15 frames per second / 30 frames per second selectable ) 800 x 600 in standard and night movie (15 frames per second)
Menu Languages	Japanese, English, German, French, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Italian, Swedish
File Formats	JPEG, Motion JPEG (MOV), RAW, WAVE DCF 2.0-compliant DPOF-compliant (Supported by printing functions in version 1.1) Exif 2.21
Printing Output Control	Exif Print, PRINT Image Matching II, PictBridge
Recording Media	Type I and Type II CompactFlash cards, Microdrive
Computer Interface	USB (Full-speed 12Mbps data transfer available with USB 2.0 compatible computer)
AV Output	NTSC, PAL (selected on the camera)
Batteries	One NP-800 lithium-ion battery
Battery Performance (Playback)	Approximate continuous playback time: 330 minutes with NP-800 lithium-ion battery, External LCD monitor on, EVF off.
Battery Performance (Recording)	Approximate number of recorded images: 260 frames (Conforming to CIPA, included NP-800 lithium-ion battery)
External Power Source	6V DC with specified AC adapter (sold separately)
Dimensions (WxHxD)	4.49 x 3.15 x 4.53 in. ( 114 x 80 x 115 mm )
Weight	Approximately 17.8 oz. (505 g) without batteries or recording media
Operating Temperature	32-104 ºF (0-40 ºC)
Standard Accessories	Neck Strap NS-DG8000, Lens Cap (49mm) LF-1349, Accessory Shoe Cap SC-10, AV Cable AVC-500, USB Cable USB-3, DiMAGE Viewer, ULEAD Video Studio 8 SE, Lens Shade DLS-3, Lithium-ion Battery NP-800, Wireless Remote Control RC-D1, Lithium-ion Battery Charger BC-900
Optional Accessories	AC Adapter AC-11, Leather Neck Strap NS-DG1000, DiMAGE Neck Strap (Indigo) NS-DG2000, DiMAGE Neck Strap (Gray) NS-DG3000, Accessory Shoe Cap SC-1000, External High Power Battery Pack Kit EBP-100, Step Up Adapter 49mm – 62mm, CompactFlash Adapter for SD Memory Cards SD-CF1, Telephoto Converter ACT-100, Wide-angle Converter ACW-100, Close-up Lens CL49-200, DiMAGE Master DMA-100
System Requirements	IBM PC/AT compatible computers with Windows XP Home, Windows XP Professional, Windows Me, Windows 2000 Professional, Windows 98*, or Windows 98 Second Edition* and with a USB port as standard interface. Apple Macintosh computers with Mac OS 9.0 – 9.2.2, Mac OS X v10.1.3-10.1.5, or v10.2.1 – 10.2.8, v10.3 – 10.3.4 and with a USB port as standard interface.
More Photos
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The computer and operating system must be guaranteed by their manufacturers to support USB interface. Problems may be encountered depending on what other USB devices are being used in parallel with this product. Only a built-in USB port is supported. Problems may be encountered when the camera is connected to a USB hub. Normal operation may not be possible even when all the system requirements are met. Users with Windows 98 and Windows 98 Second Edition must install dedicated driver software included in the DiMAGE A200 package.