Evaluation: While the Anti-Shake system cannot solve every
possible problem, I found it to be valuable with every situation that I encountered
during extensive testing. When shooting outdoors at night with a 35mm focal
length (52mm equivalent), I was able to make many sharp images at a 1/10 sec
exposure time. With a longer zoom at 200mm (300mm equivalent), I was consistently
able to make razor-sharp images at a shutter speed of 1/80 sec; over half of
my shots made at 1/40 sec are equally sharp. These tests confirmed that the
Anti-Shake system provides at least a two-step advantage over a camera/lens
without a stabilizer. The primary benefit? We can work at much lower ISO settings
for superior image quality, without worrying about blur from camera shake.
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The DiMAGE Master Lite converter software provides a wealth of
options for optimizing MRW format images. This program offers
extensive control over contrast, white balance, hue, saturation,
exposure, lightness, color temperature, sharpness (with Unsharp
Mask) plus features including Curves, dust removal, and 8- or
16-bit conversion.
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Hint: To be absolutely certain of sharp images, assume that
the Anti-Shake system provides a two shutter speed step advantage. For long
exposures—especially when the Anti-Shake system is operating at maximum—brace
the camera against some firm support.
Image Quality
The 5D offers three JPEG size and quality options plus raw capture for recording
data from the CCD sensor in a proprietary MRW format. Images made in JPEG capture—at
the camera’s default settings—exhibit moderately high sharpness,
snappy contrast, and rich color saturation with particularly vibrant reds and
blues. (All three factors can be adjusted in camera if desired.) When using
a polarizer—which I recommend for most outdoor photography—saturation
is sometimes excessive in the deepest red hues. The test sample camera tended
to overexpose bright scenes by about 2/3 EV, easily solved with exposure compensation.
In JPEG Large/Extra Fine mode, image quality is first rate: suitable for making
gorgeous 11x17” prints or very good 13x19” glossies. Because compression
is minimal, there’s no evidence of JPEG artifacts or jagged edges even
at 200 percent magnification on a monitor. A higher compression ratio is used
in JPEG Fine mode, but image quality is still very good at 100 percent magnification
on a monitor or in 11x17” prints.
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The camera’s processing engine does a great job in controlling
high ISO digital noise, without making images appear to be “plasticky”
or “mushy.” My ISO 1600 images exhibit a visible noise
pattern, but it’s not particularly colorful or prominent
and it does not obliterate intricate detail. This level of performance
makes the Maxxum 5D competitive with the best cameras in its league.
(Large/Fine JPEG capture at ISO 1600; f/4 at 1/8 sec; full frame
and small portion of the image shown here; Victoria, British Columbia.)
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Switching to Raw Capture mode is useful, too, for the very finest image quality
and for the vast range of image correction possibilities before conversion to
TIFF. The bundled DiMAGE Master Lite software is surprisingly versatile and
sophisticated; it also produces better color quality than the older DiMAGE Viewer
and is acceptably fast. Anyone who shoots numerous raw images might want to
consider the optional DiMAGE Master 1.1 program or an after-market converter
for greater speed and even more extensive adjustment options.
Digital noise is very well controlled, making ISO 400 suitable for all-purpose
use in serious photography. The camera proved to be great for low-light shooting
as well, because ISO 800 images are surprisingly clean and richly detailed.
At the ISO 1600 that I used for some city scenes at night, colored specks are
visible only at high magnification; the Large/Extra Fine JPEGs made for fine
8.5x11” prints. An ISO 3200 option is available, too, and it’s quite
useable in spite of a prominent and colorful noise pattern. For the best results
at ISO 3200, shoot in Raw Capture mode and activate noise reduction in the converter
software.
Evaluation: The 5D offers a full slate of overrides, and yet, it often produced
pleasing photos at the default settings. Auto WB worked well in many outdoor
situations, but the camera includes a multitude of options for adjusting the
color balance, including some that are complicated and unnecessary. When using
the Presets (for specific conditions) and the Custom WB option (for unusual
artificial lighting) I was able to achieve any desired effect. Photographers
who absolutely must get perfect WB might want to try the new WB Bracketing feature.
When selected, the camera takes one shot and makes three copies, each with a
slightly warmer or cooler effect.
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On a calm day, I waited for a long time for a puff of wind to
unfurl the flags. At that moment, I really appreciated the very
quick response provided by the Maxxum 5D. It was quick to wake
from “Sleep” mode and very fast to focus and take
this shot. That level of responsiveness also makes it a fine choice
for capturing a fleeting gesture in candid people pictures. (Aperture-Priority
Autoexposure mode at f/10; ISO 100; Hoya polarizer; Large/Extra
Fine JPEG capture; Toronto, Ontario.)
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Final Assessment
Priced to compete in the entry-level category, the 5D offers excellent value
with its built-in Anti-Shake mechanism. More affordable than the 7D, the newer
model is a fast and convenient digital SLR that’s easy to use in point-and-shoot
modes. This is definitely a more suitable camera for families than the 7D and
yet, it’s a fine choice for serious photographers, too, due to a remarkable
versatility. Offering the best of both worlds, this Konica Minolta model deserves
to become a best seller.
For more information, contact Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc., 725
Darlington Ave., Mahwah, NJ 07430; (800) 285-6422, (201) 574-4000; http://konicaminolta.us.
A long-time “Shutterbug” contributor, stock photographer Peter
K. Burian (www.peterkburian.com)
is the author of several books, including “Magic Lantern Guides to the
Maxxum 7D and Maxxum 5D” (Lark) as well as “Mastering Digital Photography
and Imaging” (Sybex). He is also a digital photography course instructor
with BetterPhoto.com.
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