Minolta Co., Ltd. is proud to announce that its DYNAX 5 35 mm SLR camera and DiMAGE X digital compact camera have been selected for the "Best 35mm SLR Camera in Europe" and "Best Design in Europe" awards, respectively, part of "The Best Photo Products in Europe, 2002-2003" awards selected by the TIPA. TIPA (Technical Image Press Association) is an organization of representatives from professional camera and imaging magazines in Europe.

Dynax 5
Minolta's Dynax 5 takes the concept and technologies from the award-winning and groundbreaking Dynax 7 to create a new SLR that packs high-level AF technology, powerful film drive, fast shutter speeds and a multitude of creative features into the world's smallest camera body(1). Sophisticated performance has never been this easy to use.
The Dynax 5 was built to offer the highest level of AF performance in its class. This and Predictive Focus Control assure effortless focusing. The 7-point AF system with a central cross-hair sensor also makes flexible framing possible. Another first-time feature in this class of camera is a viewfinder with LED-illuminated superimposition technology. This indicates the point of focus, confirming at a glance that a subject is in focus - an advantage for both beginners and serious photographers.

TIPA says: "The Minolta Dynax 5 is an excellent SLR camera for beginners and hobbyists alike. The camera combines ease of use and a very light-weight body with a wide array of features, including several easy shooting modes and full manual control. All camera controls are well placed, making the Dynax 5 a real pleasure to use."

DiMAGE X
With the DiMAGE X Minolta has more or less created a new genre of digital camera - the lifestyle product. A revolutionary design makes the DiMAGE X the world's smallest, lightest and thinnest 2-megapixel, 3x optical zoom digital camera(2). The slim, stylish body turns this digital camera into a genuine lifestyle product. Easy slipped into any pocket or handbag, the DiMAGE X is the ideal camera for instant images at important moments - any time, any place.

TIPA says: "Innovation is essential for the digital camera designer who chooses to incorporate the broadest specification into the most compact possible form. To achieve this with the ultra-slim DiMAGE X, Minolta designers conceived a radical new lens design and internal component layout which allows a true 3x optical zoom to be housed within this remarkably small camera".

This is the seventh time for Minolta to receive an award from TIPA. The Minolta DYNAX 700si won in 1994, the DYNAX 600si Classic in 1995, the VECTIS S-1 in 1996 ("TIPA Special Award"), the DYNAX 505si in 1998, the VECTIS 2000 in 2000, the DYNAX 7 and DiMAGE 7 in 2001, making a total of nine awards for Minolta.

TIPA consists of representatives of 31 professional camera and imaging magazines from 13 European countries. Since 1991, the association has given awards annually for the best photographic and imaging products of the year. The awards ceremony will be held during the Photokina in Cologne, Germany, at the end of September.

Minolta is dedicated to enhancing and strengthening its reliable technologies and diverse product line-ups, providing "essential" products, services, and solutions for both film and digital image applications.