The Maxxum 3 DATE is the world?s smallest and lightest AF SLR*, yet it is fully equipped for high performance with one of the fastest autofocus speeds in its class, 14-segment exposure metering, subject program selection, ADI flash metering, and wireless remote flash control. In addition, it uses the same type focusing screen as Minolta?s top-of-the-line Maxxums 9 and 7, for exceptionally bright and clear viewfinder images. Plus, the Maxxum 3 DATE accepts all Minolta/Maxxum AF lenses for outstanding photographic potential and image quality.Easy, Comfortable Operation
The Maxxum 3 DATE is designed to be very easy to use and comfortable to hold. The controls and dials are laid out for clear, intuitive operation. All shooting controls are placed around the grip area. The camera can be controlled with the thumb and index finger while maintaining a firm grip on the body. Additionally, a large LCD data panel on the top of the camera body and an illuminated viewfinder data panel clearly display camera status.
One of the Fastest Autofocusing Systems in its Class
The Maxxum 3 DATE tracks subject movement effortlessly and maintains precise focus on the subject right up to the moment the exposure is made. Improvements in this generation of Maxxum autofocusing include a high-power AF drive motor and high-speed microcomputer, making the AF system 1.7 times faster than the previous generation Maxxum QTsi and the subject tracking performance almost doubled.
Fully Automatic Program Mode
In the fully automatic Program mode, the Maxxum 3 DATE operates just like a point & shoot camera. The camera does all the work, leaving you completely free to concentrate on the subject and scene.
Predictive Focus Control
All AF SLR cameras experience 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. To ensure precise subject focus, the Maxxum 3 DATE uses Minolta?s Predictive Focus Control which continues to adjust focus after the shutter-release button is pressed until the exposure is made.
Spot AF
For creative image compositions, you can switch between the wide focus area and spot AF to single out a subject, such as a specific person in a group. The local focus area is selected using the spot AF button. This feature can be particularly valuable when photographing children at play.
Extra Bright Viewfinder
The Maxxum 3 DATE is equipped with the same top-quality spherical acute matte focusing screen found in the Maxxum 9 and Maxxum 7. This focusing screen provides a bright and clear viewfinder image, which is very important when working in low-light conditions or with ?slow? lenses. The 0.75X viewfinder magnification enhances viewing comfort.
14-Segment Honeycomb-Pattern Metering
The Maxxum 3 DATE?s state-of-the-art metering system delivers accurate exposures under a wide and diverse range of photographic conditions. 14-Segment metering measures light levels from 13 segments in a honeycomb pattern across the viewfinder frame, plus the background area, with emphasis on the segments surrounding the active AF sensor.
Built-In Flash
The Maxxum 3 DATE?s built-in pop-up flash provides coverage for lenses as wide as 28mm. Auto, off, fill-flash, red-eye reduction, and wireless remote flash control modes give you creative flash control without worries or fuss. For greater flash output and versatility, the high-powered Minolta flash units 3600HS (D) & 5600HS (D) are available as optional accessories.
Advanced Distance Integration (ADI) Flash Metering
When used with Minolta D lenses, the Maxxum 3 DATE?s ADI flash metering combines subject distance data and the light intensity measurement data from the pre-flash to determine and control flash intensity. ADI technology uses the AF CCD sensor (with the built-in flash), or 14-segment metering of the reflected pre-flash (with external flash units). ADI?s ability to utilize subject distance data achieves more accurate flash metering than ordinary TTL flash metering. With non-D lenses, pre-flash TTL metering is used.
Wireless/Remote Flash Control
This exclusive Maxxum feature lets you use multiple Maxxum HS (D) program flash units off-camera without cords or connectors. Models 5600HS(D) and 3600HS(D) may be used. Flash control signals are sent from the camera?s built-in flash.
Subject Program Selection
Subject Program Selection gives beginner photographers the ability to control the camera according to the subject, without a working knowledge of apertures and shutter speeds. Five modes are available, each ideally suited for a specific type of shot.
Portrait ? controls the aperture to produce a shallow depth-of-field to isolate the subject from the background.
Landscape ? controls the aperture to produce a deep depth-of-field so that the foreground and background are sharp. Ideal for travel photos.
Close-Up ? balances the depth-of-field with the image magnification to produce a sharp image of the subject with a defocused background.
Sports Action ? the AF system continually adjusts focus to follow the subject, and the AE system maximizes the shutter speed to freeze action.
Night Portrait ? the camera balances the flash exposure with the ambient background exposure so that both the subject and scene are accurately reproduced in the image. When the flash is turned off, beautiful pictures of night scenes can be taken.
Continuous Film Advance
For capturing action as it unfolds, select continuous film advance. The film advances at 1.7 frames per second as long as you hold the shutter-release button down.
Fully Automatic Film Operation
Loading film is simple and quick. All you do is insert the film cartridge, position the film leader, and close the camera back. The camera sets the film speed then threads, advances, and rewinds the film automatically. You can activate power rewind anytime.
A unique back cover design makes film handling more secure. Unlike other SLR cameras, the Maxxum 3 DATE?s back cover is hinged on the left side of the body. This allows greater access to the film chamber when inserting the film cartridge as well as a sure hold on the body because the cover does not interfere with the camera grip.
Date/Time Imprinting
The Maxxum 3 DATE imprints the date and time onto the photo, when desired. Data imprinting is very useful for cataloging photographs or keeping records of important events.
Wireless Remote Control
The optional IR remote control RC-3 can be used with the Maxxum 3 DATE to release the shutter from up to 16 feet away for self-portraits or group shots.
Optional Maxxum Accessories
The Maxxum 3 DATE is an AF SLR you can grow with. It is part of the Minolta Maxxum AF System and accepts all Minolta or Maxxum AF lenses plus Minolta Program HS (D) flashes, infrared remote control, AA battery pack, viewfinder accessories, eyepiece accessories, and Maxxum camera case.
