Imaging giants Konica Minolta and Sony have announced plans to jointly develop digital SLR cameras.
A statement released concurrently on both companies? websites stated that they ?will develop and commercialize new digital SLRs based on and compatible to ?Maxxum/Dynax lens mount system?.?
Konica Minolta and Sony will utilise ?respective unique technologies? to develop the SLRs. Including Sony?s CCDs, CMOS sensors, lithium-ion batteries and image-processing technology; and Konica Minolta?s Anti-Shake technology and autofocus auto-exposure technologies.
The announcement comes as recent CIPA data shows that the digital SLR market is on the increase; in 2004 it reached 2.5 million units and is predicted to rise to 3.6 million in 2005.
Tsuyoshi Miyachi from Konica Minolta comments: ?Sony has powerful devices and technologies essential for digital cameras? Together with Sony, we will endeavour to create new value in the field of imaging through increasing attractiveness of digital SLR cameras where we are strongly focused.?
Yutaka Nagagawa from Sony comments: ?We are excited to co-develop new products with Konica Minolta?s advanced technologies represented by its ?Maxxum/Dynax series? and our digital audio visual technologies.?
Read the full press release on http://konicaminolta.com/releases/2005/0719_01_01.html or http://www.sony.net/SonyInfo/News/Press/200507/05-0719E/