Konica Minolta DiMAGE A2Konica Minolta updates their top-end electronic SLR with a higher resolution sensor, much-improved electronic viewfinder, a faster 3D autofocusing system, and high-speed USB 2.0 connectivity, among other improvements.<<Image Storage & Interface :(Previous) | (Next): Test Results & Conclusion>> Page 11:Video, Power, SoftwareReview First Posted: 07/13/2004 |
Video Out
The
DiMAGE A2 provides a video output jack with an accompanying video cable. The
signal timing can be set to NTSC or PAL via the Setup menu. The Video output
duplicates the contents of the LCD in all modes, permitting it to be used as
an auxiliary viewfinder.
Power
The DiMAGE A2 uses
an NP-400 rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack for power, or the optional AC
adapter. The camera comes with a battery and charger and shows excellent battery
life, but I highly recommend picking up a spare and keeping it freshly charged
at all times.
Here are the power-consumption numbers I measured for the DiMAGE A2 in the
lab, along with estimated run times, based on a single lithium-ion cell:
| |
(mA @?v) |
(One 1500mAh lithium-ion pack) |
| Capture Mode, w/LCD | |
142 |
| Capture Mode, w/EVF | |
191 |
| Capture Mode, EVF off | |
342 |
| Half-pressed shutter w/LCD | |
153 |
| Half-pressed w/EVF | |
129 |
| Memory Write (transient) | |
|
| Flash Recharge (transient) | |
|
| Sleep | |
(1800 hours) |
| Image Playback | |
218 |
Overall, these are very good battery life numbers, although not as good as those of the previous DiMAGE A1 model. I do still highly recommend purchasing a second NP-400 battery pack, but the DiMAGE A2 has somewhat better than average battery life.
The A2 has an optional power grip available as an accessory, shown above. The grip accepts inserts holding either six AA cells or two NP-400 LiIon packs. The grip works with either ordinary alkaline AAs for emergency backup power, or NiMH AA cells for low-cost rechargeable operation. (Although it should be pointed out that a set of six high-capacity NiMH AAs only provides about 35% more power than does a single NP-400 carried inside the camera body itself. NiMH AAs might make sense as a backup solution, or as a cheaper, lower-performance alternative, but if you're really interested in maximum run times with the A2, think in terms of multiple NP-400 packs. They're very compact, and pack a load of power.) The shot above shows the earlier A1 perched atop the BP-400 battery grip. (The same grip fits both models.)
In the Box
The DiMAGE A2 ships with the following items:
- Lens shade DSL-2
- Lens cap with strap
- Neck strap NS-DG4000
- Video cable AVC-400
- USB cable USB-500
- NP-400 lithium-ion battery pack and charger BC-400
- DiMAGE Viewer v2.3.2 CD-ROM
- Ulead VideoStudio 7 SE VCD CD-ROM
- Instruction manual and registration information
Recommended Accessories
- Camera case
- Additional battery
- AC adapter
- BIG memory card
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