Press Release: Sony and Konica Minolta to Jointly Develop Digital
SLRs
Tokyo (July 19, 2005)- Konica Minolta Photo
Imaging, Inc. and Sony Corporation have reached an agreement to jointly develop
digital Single Lens Reflex (SLR) cameras. Taking full advantages of their
respective imaging technologies and key devices, the two companies will develop
and commercialize new digital SLR cameras based on and compatible to
"Maxxum/Dynax lens mount system.*1"
Konica Minolta has superb autofocus auto-exposure
technologies nourished through development of "Maxxum/Dynax series" from the age
of film cameras, mechanical electronics technologies indispensable for SLR
cameras, and sixteen million units of lens shipped worldwide. In addition,
Konica Minolta has enthusiastically innovated cutting edge features, such as,
for the first time, incorporating a CCD shift-type body-integral Anti-Shake
technology for the Camera Grand Prix awarding "a-7 DIGITAL. *2"
Sony has numerous technologies and devices essential
for digital imaging equipment, such as CCD and CMOS imaging sensors, image
processing technologies and lithium ion batteries. Moreover, Sony's strength in
product planning, total design and high-density mounting have created a series
of breakthrough compact and light digital imaging products. With products such
as "Handycam" video cameras, and "Cyber-shot" digital still cameras, Sony has
greatly contributed to expanding the digital imaging market.
Both companies, utilizing respective unique
technologies, will begin joint development of advanced and feature-rich digital
SLR cameras. According to recent CIPA (Camera &Imaging Products Association)
data, the digital SLR camera market reached 2.5 million units in 2004, and is
expected to further expand to 3.6 million units in 2005. Konica Minolta and Sony
see great opportunities and will aggressively promote their businesses in this
growing market.
*1 Konica Minolta's original lens mount system to
connect camera body and lens adopted in its "Maxxum/Dynax series" SLR
cameras.
*2 "a-7 DIGITAL" is marketed as "Maxxum 7D" in North America and
"Dynax 7D" in other regions.
" Sony has powerful devices and technologies
essential for digital cameras," said Tsuyoshi Miyachi, President and Chief
Executive Officer of Konica Minolta Photo Imaging, Inc. "I am extremely excited
to work with Sony. Together with Sony, we will endeavor to create new value in
the field of imaging through increasing attractiveness of digital SLR cameras
where we are strongly focused."
"We are excited to co-develop new products with Konica
Minolta's advanced camera technologies represented by its "Maxxum/Dynax series"
and our digital audio visual technologies," said Yutaka Nakagawa, Sony's
Executive Vice President and Personal Audio Visual Network Company NC President.
"Sony will further strengthen its digital imaging business through creating new
market opportunities with the digital SLR camera field."
Posted: Tue - July 19, 2005 at 10:19 AM