Specialists In Astrophotography

 Precise
Versatile
Expandable

The Maxxum 800si gives you greater freedom of expression than ever before. With a wide selection of custom functions, including improved memory capacity, you can personalize camera operations to shoot your own shooting style, then make delicate adjustments based on specific conditions. The 800si truly becomes your camera, with a unique combination of precision, power, and performance.

Features
 
High-power, Built-in Flash
The Maxxum 800si features the world’s most powerful, built-in zoom flash with a guide number of 20 meters (65.6 ft) in tele. This powerful guide number is equivalent to that of some of the smaller dedicated flash units. The flash covers 24-80mm focal lengths.

Rear-flash Sync
With slow shutter speeds (below 1/90), rear-flash sync creates a natural and pleasing effect with moving subjects by producing traces behind the subject (exposed by the ambient light), and sharply exposing the subject itself. At high shutter speeds, rear-flash sync gives the same results as conventional front-flash sync. When the shutter speed is over 1/90, the 800si’s flash fires at the front-flash sync even if rear-flash sync is selected. Rear-flash sync is not functional with red-eye reduction or wireless flash operation.

Screw-type PC Terminal
The Maxxum 800si uses a screw-type, PC terminal to securely attach the flash cord when operating external flash units.

Built-In, Intelligent Card Functions
Many functions from Maxxum’s exclusive Creative Expansion Card System have been built into the Maxxum 800si. Exposure bracketing, flash bracketing, multiple exposure, photographic data memory, subject program selection (sports, portraits, close-ups, landscapes, night portraits), plus 16 customized settings allow photographers to personalize the camera settings to their own preferences.

By integrating the card functions, the Maxxum 800si offers more than one function at one time, and eliminates the need for the cards themselves.

High-Performance Autofocus
The Maxxum 800si features a multi-dimensional, continuous/predictive autofocusing system with four AF sensors for optimum subject detection and accuracy. The AF system is integrated with the autoexposure system, and can maintain precise focus on the main subject even in extremely low light or when the subject is moving fast or erratically.

The Maxxum 800si can maintain precise focus on objects moving in any direction, and track even rapid acceleration or deceleration with ease. It can accurately predict where the subject will be at the exact moment of exposure, and will make even the most minute adjustments accordingly.

Autofocus Mode Selection
The Maxxum 800si allows the photographer to select the autofocus mode which best suits the subject. Single-shot AF locks the focus when the shutter-release button is pressed partway down. Continuous AF maintains focus on a moving subject until the picture is taken. With Automatic AF Selection, the 800si continues to focus when the subject is moving and locks focus when the subject is still.

High-Performance Autoexposure
The 800si’s silicon photocell is divided into 14 segments - thirteen in a honeycomb array, plus the background. The metering system uses autofocus information to determine the subject’s location, and constructs an appropriate metering pattern around it. The uniform size, shape, and distribution of each segment results in precise control of the metering pattern and therefore, the exposure. Slight subject movement results in slight adjustments to the weighting of segments within the pattern. If subject movement becomes great enough to affect the exposure, the metering pattern shifts smoothly to compensate. As a result, the Maxxum 800si is able to set a beautifully-accurate exposure even in very tricky lighting conditions.

Metering Index
A sophisticated metering index located in the viewfinder’s data panel makes checking exposure very easy and comfortable, even in the dark. The index shows the exposure compensation setting in P, A, and S modes. In M mode, it indicates the difference between the metered value and the value that has been set. In AE lock, the metering index shows the difference between the locked value and the value of the currently centered area.

Multiple Memory Function

Multiple Memory is a personalized program feature which enables the photographer to set the 800si for a specific photographic situation or according to personal preference. The Maxxum 800si can store three groups of settings. Once stored, the photographer can recall a setting at any time by dialing the lever and pressing the memory-recall button.
 
 
 

Diopter Correction

A diopter correction dial allows adjustment within -2.5 to +2.5 diopters. If additional correction is required, a Maxxum Eyepiece Corrector can be attached to the viewfinder eyepiece.

Backlit, On-body LCD Data Panel
The Maxxum 800si’s LCD data panel is always easy to see. The backlit, on-body panel lets the user quickly recognize the camera settings, which may prevent mistakes while photographing in low-light situations.

Full Auto Mode with Expert Program Selection
Full Auto mode gives the user the freedom to concentrate completely on the subject or scene by giving the camera full control over focus and exposure. Maxxum’s exclusive Expert Program Selection analyzes subject distance and movement, scene brightness, and lens focal length, then automatically sets the optimum aperture/shutter speed combination for the subject and situation.

PA/PS Creative Exposure Control
Once Expert Program Selection has chosen an exposure combination, the photographer can quickly select a different shutter speed or aperture without affecting the original exposure.

Subject Program Selection
In addition to full auto mode with Expert Program Selection, the Maxxum 800si offers five different subject program modes. Each mode is designated by a separate, easily recognizable icon in the data panel that illustrates the type of subject or scene for which it is best suited.

Portrait Mode is best suited for full-frame photographs of people. In this mode, the 800si favors larger apertures which will soften the background, making the main subject stand out.

Landscape Mode can be used to photograph sweeping vistas or friends and family in front of famous landmarks. This mode maximizes depth of field by favoring small apertures. The camera continuously monitors and adjusts the shutter speed to prevent camera shake.

Close-Up Mode helps capture detailed macro photographs with ease. It is best when used with Minolta's 50mm or 100mm AF Macro lenses. This mode selects the optimum aperture/shutter speed combination for maximum depth of field with extreme close-ups.

Sports/Action Mode uses fast shutter speeds to capture fast action. Continuous AF tracks moving subjects and predictive AF maintains precise focus between frames.

Night Portrait Mode, when used with flash, synchronizes the flash with a slow shutter speed to balance the flash exposure on the subject with the background’s ambient light. When used without flash, this mode can be used to capture long exposures of night scenes.

Creative Exposure Control
In addition to fully automatic program mode with Expert Program Selection, the photographer has the additional creative versatility of Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual exposure control modes.

In Aperture Priority mode, the photographer selects a desired f/number and the camera’s exposure system automatically selects the correct shutter speed. Likewise, in Shutter Priority mode, the photographer can select a shutter speed and the 800si sets the appropriate lens aperture. In Manual mode, the photographer can take full creative control over the image-making process, by selecting both the shutter speed and the aperture, while referring to the viewfinder’s exposure indicators and metering index.

Center-Weighted and Spot Metering
In addition to 14-segment honeycomb-pattern exposure metering, the 800si also offers center-weighted and spot metering modes. Center-weighted average metering concentrates 80% of the meter’s sensitivity into the center three segments. The remaining 20% comes from the rest of the honeycomb array. Spot metering concentrates all of the meter’s sensitivity into the middle segment - approximately 2.7% of the image area.

Continuous Film Advance
In continuous drive mode, the Maxxum 800si can shoot action-stopping sequences at up to 3 frames per second, as long as the shutter-release button is held all the way down. Autofocusing adjusts quickly and smoothly to maintain image sharpness between frames.

Wireless Remote Off-Camera Flash Control
The 800si can control off-camera 5400HS, 5400xi, or 3500xi flash units without accessory cords or connectors. Flash control signals are sent from the camera’s built-in flash or an attached 5400HS, 5400xi, or Wireless Remote Flash Controller. Accessory flashes may be placed as far from the camera as 16.4 feet. For optimum convenience and placement versatility, Maxxum 5400HS, 5400xi, and 3500xi flash units include Maxxum’s accessory Mini Stand MS-2 with 1/4-20 tripod socket.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Extra-Bright Viewfinder
The Maxxum 800si’s acute-matte focusing screen provides extremely bright images and allows easy manual focusing.

Depth-of-Field Preview
Pressing the depth-of-field preview button closes the lens aperture to the selected f-stop, so the photographer can preview the zone of sharp focus as it will appear in the photograph.

Exposure/Flash Bracketing
The Maxxum 800si can bracket either aperture and shutter speed settings or flash exposures, depending on whether or not flash is used. A three, five, or seven-frame bracketing series can be exposed in 0.3, 0.5, or 1.0EV increments.

Exposure Compensation
Can be set within a range of +/- 3 EV in 1/2-stop increments.

Flash Compensation
Can be set within a range of +/- 3 EV in 1/2-stop increments.

Multiple Exposure
Up to 9 exposures can be made on one film frame in multiple exposure mode. Single-frame advance, continuous advance, or self-timer operation can be used.

Long Eye Relief
The 800si’s entire viewfinder frame can be seen from 22.9mm away from the eyepiece glass, and 18.9mm from the eyepiece frame. This makes the camera very comfortable to use while wearing eyeglasses.

Slow Shutter Sync
Pressing the AE lock button when the flash is on activates slow-shutter sync. The camera selects a slow shutter speed to balance the flash illumination on the subject with the background’s ambient light. Because this mode activates a slow shutter speed, a tripod should be used to prevent blurring caused by hand-held camera shake.

Optional Multi-Function Vertical Control Grip
The optional Vertical Control Grip VC-700 provides a choice of battery power, a comfortable hold, and full camera control when shooting vertically-framed pictures. The grip features a shutter-release button, front and rear control dials, AE lock button, grip control switch, tripod socket, and a threaded PC terminal. The grip can accept either one 6V 2CR5 lithium battery, three AA-size 1.5V alkaline manganese, or three rechargeable 1.2V nickel-cadmium batteries to power both the camera and grip.
 
Specifications
 
Type:
35mm SLR with built-in flash and microcomputer-controlled autofocus and autoexposure.
 
Lens Mount:
A-type bayonet mount.
 
Compatible Lenses:
All Minolta AF/Maxxum Lenses.
 
Autofocus Type:
Minolta’s through-the-lens (TTL) phase-detection system with four CCD sensors; activated by eye-start operation or when the shutter-release button is pressed partway down.
 
Focus Modes:
Autofocus/manual focus selection.
 
Focus Areas:
Wide focus area; selectable 4-point spot area.
 
AF Mode Selection:
Single-shot AF, continuous AF, or automatic selection of continuous AF or single-shot AF (focus locks when shutter-release is pressed partway down if camera determines subject is still).
 
AF Speed:
3 frames-per-second AF sequence; 12mm/sec. maximum image speed at the film plane; omni-dimensional subject tracking.
 
Eye-Start AF:
Selectable; activated when the eye is detected and hand is on grip sensor.
 
AF Sensitivity Range (at ISO 100):
EV -1 to 19.
 
Focus Lock:
Focus locked in single-shot AF and automatic AF selection modes by pressing the shutter-release button partway down, AF button. Focus locked while focus-hold button on Minolta AF/Maxxum lens is pressed.
 
Built-In AF Illuminator:
Built-in LED; automatically activated in low-light/low contrast conditions; when used with dedicated flash, flash’s AF illuminator activates when needed.
 
Autoexposure Modes:
Programmed AE (P mode) with Expert Program Selection, aperture-priority programmed AE (PA mode), shutter-priority programmed AE (PS mode), aperture-priority AE mode (A mode), shutter-priority AE (S mode), manual (M mode) with BULB setting and metering index. Subject Program Selection for portraits, landscapes, close-ups, sports, night portraits/night view.
 
Manual Setting:
Shutter speed: 0.5-stop increments; aperture: 0.5-stop increments.
 
Metering:
TTL-type; 14-segment honeycomb-pattern silicon photocell (SPC); second SPC for direct TTL flash metering of dedicated flash unit.
 
Metering Modes:
Honeycomb-pattern metering with fuzzy logic control, spot metering (2.7% of viewfinder, 5.5mm diameter), center-weighted average metering.
 
Metering Range (at ISO 100, f/1.4):
Honeycomb-pattern metering: EV 0 to 20; spot metering: EV 3 to 20.
 
Film-Speed Setting:
Automatic setting for DX-coded ISO 25 to 6400 films; manual setting from ISO 6 to 6400 in 1/3-stop increments. Recommended range with flash: ISO 25 to 1000.
 
AE Lock:
Autoexposure locks in all metering modes when AE-lock button is pressed; AF/AE lock by pressing shutter-release button partway down.
 
Exposure Compensation:
+/- 3 EV in 1/2-stop increments.
 
Flash Compensation:
+/- 3 EV in 1/2-stop increments.
 
Exposure/Flash Bracketing:
3, 5, or 7 frames in 0.3, 0.5, or 1.0 EV increments. When built-in flash is down or attached accessory flash is off, brackets Av or Tv; when built-in flash is up or attached accessory flash is on, brackets flash exposures.
 
Shutter:
Electronically-controlled, vertical-traverse, focal-plane shutter. Range: 1/8000 to 30 seconds, plus BULB.
 
Flash Sync:
1/200 sec. or slower (with 5400HS: up to 1/8000 sec.)
 
Flash:
Built-in, manual pop-up flash with guide number 45.9 - 65.6 feet (at ISO 100); coverage for 24-80mm focal length; recycling time approx. 3 sec.; pre-flash for red-eye reduction available; fill flash, fill flash with red-eye reduction, rear flash sync available. Rear flash sync also available with all usable dedicated flashes. Wireless remote off-camera flash control available.

Dedicated Flash:
High-speed sync flash available with 5400HS; flash sync possible through full shutter-speed range; HSS flash sync: 1/250 - 1/8000 sec.; wireless/remote flash control possible with 5400HS, 5400xi, and 3500xi; flash sync with wireless/remote control: 1/60 sec.; flash sync with ratio control: 1/45 sec.; wireless/remote control range: 16.4 ft.
 
P, A, S, M Mode Flash:
Flash always fires when built-in flash is up or dedicated flash is on; flash canceled when built-in flash is down or dedicated flash is off.  Autoflash mode available in P mode with custom setting selection.
 
Slow Sync:
Available when AE-Lock button is pressed during shutter release.
 
Viewfinder:
Eye-level fixed pentaprism with acute-matte focusing screen (G); service changeable focusing screens: matte-field with grid (L) and matte field with vertical/horizontal scales (S). Field-of-view: 92% vertical and 94% horizontal.
 
Magnification:
0.75x (with 50mm lens at infinity).
 
Viewfinder Diopter:
-1; built-in diopter adjustment from -2.5 to +0.5 diopters (stepless); Maxxum eyepiece corrector lenses optional.
 
Eye-Relief:
Long eye-relief viewfinder with protective glass; distance from eye to eyepiece frame: 18.9mm; distance from eye to protective glass: 22.9mm.
 
Depth-of-Field Preview:
Lens closed to selected aperture while pressing depth-of-field preview button; AF and AE locked; shutter release available.
 
Film Transport:
Automatic with built-in motor drive; auto threading, auto advance to first frame. Drive modes: single-frame advance, continuous advance up to 3 frames/sec., self-timer, exposure bracketing, flash bracketing, multiple exposure. Automatic rewind (approx. 23 sec. - 36 exp.) after last frame on roll is exposed; manual start of rewind available; high-speed rewind (approx. 12 sec. - 36 exp.) available by pressing rewind button during film rewind.
 
Multiple Exposure:
Maximum of 9 exposures on one film frame.
 
Self-Timer:
Electronic with 10-second delay; cancelable by sliding main switch from on to lock; LED blinks while in operation.
 
Displays:
Body LCD data panel displays metering mode icons, film-cartridge mark, film-transport signal, battery-condition indicator, HSS indicator, self-timer indicator, ISO mark, shutter-speed / film sensitivity / focal length / aperture / exposure compensation / flash compensation display, manual focus indicator, portrait icon, landscape icon, close-up icon, sports icon, night view/portrait icon, frame counter / number of multiple exposures display. Viewfinder (inside screen) displays focus frame, spot-metering area, spot focus area, wide focus area, spot metering circle. LCD (outside screen) displays flash-on indicator, HSS indicator, flash signals, wireless flash indicator, focus signals, shutter-speed/film speed display, AE-lock indicator, aperture display, metering index.
 
Power:
One 6V 2CR5 lithium battery pack; automatic battery check when camera is turned on; battery condition indicated by four-stage indicator in body data panel.
 
Battery Performance:
Flash Use  68o        -4o
0%             50 rolls 20 rolls
50%           20 rolls 10 rolls
100%         13 rolls  5 rolls
 
Special Features:
Remote-release terminal, screw-type PC terminal, backlit body LCD panel (automatically illuminated in low light), customized functions (16 items), multiple memory (3 settings), data memory function (9 rolls with 40 exp.).
 
Accessories:
Vertical Control Grip accepts three AA-size alkaline-manganese or nickel-cadmium batteries or one 6V 2CR5 lithium battery to power both camera and grip. Grip includes shutter-release button, on/off switch, PC terminal, AE lock button, front and rear control dials.
 
Dimensions:
6 x 4.2 x 2.8 in.
 
Weight:
22.2 oz.
 
NOTE: Specifications subject to change without notice.