The new Dynax 3L shares the same incredibly compact body design as the Dynax 5 and Dynax 3/4, but is the lightest in the series. The Dynax 3L provides the benefits of the high image quality, and interchangeable lenses and accessories of an SLR with the effortless operation of a compact camera.

The Dynax 3L is designed to be extremely portable. While retaining the classic appearance of a single-lens reflex camera (SLR), the internal configuration and components are designed to minimize the size of the body while maximizing the efficiency of the entire system. There is no lighter or smaller 35mm SLR anywhere. (1)

The simple control layout and classic silver finish give the Dynax 3L a sophisticated, elegant appearance. This camera will complement all facets of a varied lifestyle.

Nothing is more important than the camera's ability to focus quickly. The Dynax 3L has a fast, responsive autofocus system. The autofocus is driven by a high-power motor and controlled by a fast microprocessor. The AF system is 1.7 times faster than the Dynax 303si and its performance to follow moving subjects is almost doubled.
To be able to capture action requires a camera not only to focus on the subject, but also the ability to follow that subject as it moves. All SLR cameras suffer from a delay when taking pictures because the mirror must be lifted out of the optical path. Especially with telephoto lenses, this slight delay can be significant with fast moving subjects moving toward the camera. The Dynax 3L predictive focus control continues to track an approaching subject from when the shutter-release button is pressed until the exposure is made ensuring optimum focus.

Discerning photographers have always known the benefits of a bright, accurate viewfinder. The Dynax 3L is equipped with the same high-quality spherical acute matte focusing screen found in the top-of-the-line Dynax 9 and Dynax 7. This focusing screen provides bright, clear images, which is very important when working under low-light conditions or with slow lenses. The 0.75X viewfinder magnification allows comfortable viewing.

The Dynax 3L employs ADI (Advanced Distance Integration) metering, a sophisticated system for controlling flash exposures. With conventional flash metering, dark or highly reflective subjects can deceive the metering system and cause over or underexposure. To reduce influence from subject or background reflectance, ADI metering employs distance information from Minolta D series lenses with TTL (through the lens) metering to control the flash output. ADI metering is employed with the camera's built-in flash and the powerful Minolta 5600HS(D) and 3600HS(D) flash units.

The wireless/remote flash function gives even more control over flash photography by allowing multiple off-camera Minolta flash units to be fired simultaneously by the camera. Minolta 5600HS(D) and 3600HS(D) flash units can be placed around the subject to create attractive side lighting. By using the built-in flash, the camera controls the output of the off-camera flash units for perfect exposures.

The Dynax 3L focus and exposure are fully automated and the flash will automatically pop up and fire in low-light or back-light situations. Just simply point and shoot.

For more demanding subjects, the exposure and focus systems can be instantly set with the press of a button. The subject-program button simply and quickly optimizes the camera systems for specific situations. Five subject programs are available: portrait, landscape, close-up, sports action. night portrait

The Dynax 3L quartz-date model allows the time and date to be imprinted on photographs when they are captured. The optional IR remote control RC-3 can be used with the quartz-date model to release the shutter from up to 5m (16ft) away for self-portraits and group shots.

(1) Among 35mm SLR cameras with interchangeable lenses and a built-in flash as of February 1st, 2003.