Minolta Corp. in March introduced its newest digital camera for professional photographers, the Dimage 7i. The Dimage 7i is a more user-friendly version of its predecessor, the Dimage 7.

The single-lens-reflex Dimage 7i features a two-thirds inch-type charge-coupled device image sensor with 5-megapixel effective resolution and incorporates a 7x zoom apochromatic Minolta GT lens with two anomalous dispersion glass elements for color accuracy. Dual aspherical elements, combined with a 2x digital zoom provide a compact lens design with a wide image capture range. The optical zoom lens ranges from 7.2 mm to 50.8 mm.

The image formed on the CCD is enhanced by Minolta’s image processing technology, CxProcess, to optimize sharpness, color reproduction and tonal gradation to create clear, natural images. The wide dynamic range is provided by an improved electro-optical system with 12-bit analog-to-digital conversion to ensure natural color and tonal reproduction.

The Dimage 7i features a three-point wide auto-focus system for fast, accurate focusing and a Flex Focus Point for control over the focusing area. The camera also has Direct Manual Focus for making instant adjustments to the auto-focus. The AF system on the Dimage 7i is almost twice as fast as on the Dimage 7 and the capturing interval has been reduced to make a more responsive camera.

The automatic bracketing feature of the Dimage 7i enhances exposure, contrast and color saturation. There are four color modes for creating in-camera effects and two continuous advance rates let photographers capture all but the most fleeting action. The new camera also offers improved video and audio recording capabilities.

The Dimage 7i will be available for purchase in late spring with a price tag of $1,099. The Dimage 7, was first introduced in June 2001 and retails for $999.