Review First Posted: 04/18/2002, Updated: 05/29/2003
MSRP $699 US
*
4.0 megapixel CCD yields images as large as 2272 x 1704
pixels
*
3x optical zoom lens, with range equivalent to 38-114
mm
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Unusually sophisticated 5-zone autofocus system
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Full auto mode plus wide range of manual exposure options
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Manufacturer Overview Minolta made a strong showing last year in the consumer digicam market,
with its Dimage 5 & 7 rocking the high end of the market when they were
introduced in late spring. The innovative design and excellent optics of these
models (and the fact that the Dimage 7 was the first five megapixel consumer
digicam from any manufacturer) drew notice and high praise from all corners.
This year, Minolta appears to have a few more tricks up their corporate sleeve, the first of which was their remarkable ultra compact Dimage X, which I reviewed a little while ago. Now, they're breaking new ground with the Dimage F100, a compact four megapixel model with some really unusual features, in the form of "intelligent" autofocus that responds to your subjects directly, and a nifty automatic "scene mode." Although at this point I've only seen a late-model prototype, the F100 also seems to take nice photos, and is very nicely styled, with a compact, all-metal body and fully retracting lens design that makes it easy to take along on outings. While Minolta was a little slow entering the digital fray, they now seem to be more than making up for it with interesting innovations and excellent lens design. Read on for all the details on the new Dimage F100!
High Points
4.0-megapixel CCD delivering image resolutions as high as 2,272 x 1,704 pixels.
3x, 7.8-23.4mm lens, equivalent to a 38-114mm lens on a 35mm camera.
Maximum aperture of f/2.8 at full wide-angle and f/4.7 at full telephoto.
Automatic and manual focus control, adjustable focus area.
Subject Tracking AF system.
Intelligent Area AF focusing system.
As much as 2.5x digital enlargement.
Real-image optical viewfinder and 1.5-inch color LCD monitor.
Auto and Manual exposure control.
Shutter speeds from 1/1,000 to 4 seconds, with maximum 15-second Bulb setting.
Program AE, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual exposure modes.
Built-in flash with four operating modes.
Adjustable White Balance with six settings, including a Custom setting.
Multi-Segment and Spot metering modes.
Light sensitivity equivalents of ISO 100, 200, 400, and 800, plus an Auto setting.
