Specialists In Astrophotography

Precise
Versatile
Expandable

If you’re looking for an easy-to-use AF SLR camera that can help you become a better photographer, focus on the Maxxum STsi Panorama DATE. The Maxxum STsi Panorama DATE is an SLR that does it all, or  lets YOU do it all.  With fully automatic operation, subject program selection, plus complete creative control, it’s a camera you can use right now and it’s a camera you can grow with. Plus, the switchable panorama format lets you take super-wide scenics, and selectable date and time imprinting lets you remember when the special moments happened.

Features

The Advantages of an SLR (single-lens reflex) Camera
The Minolta Maxxum STsi Panorama DATE offers some major advantages over even the most advanced point & shoot compact camera. The first is versatility. The Maxxum STsi is part of the world-renowned Maxxum system of autofocus SLR cameras, lenses, and accessories. The STsi can accept any Maxxum or Minolta AF lens, ranging from ultra wide-angle 16mm fisheye to 600mm super telephoto, including zoom and macro lenses. This interchangeable lens versatility enables a quality, diversity, and style of photography that is not possible with any type of point & shoot camera. Additionally, the STsi can accept Maxxum’s high-power accessory flash units, which provide the extensive and flexible flash coverage that’s also impossible with a point & shoot camera.

Another SLR advantage is through-the-lens (TTL) viewing. You see just what the lens sees. There is no need to make approximate parallax adjustments when framing the image. What you see is what you get. And because you’re looking through the lens, you see the autofocusing as fast as it happens, so you know your subject will be sharp.

A third SLR advantage is higher performance. The Maxxum STsi has a much more sophisticated autofocus and autoexposure system than a point & shoot camera, and this sophistication can easily be seen in the resulting photographs. Plus, because of the autoexposure system’s flexibility, the STsi can accept the widest choice of 35mm films imaginable (ISO 25 - 5000, print or slide film, color or black & white). There is a wealth of information available on the uses and advantages of different film speeds and types.

The Maxxum STsi will allow you to expand your photographic capabilities with lenses, flashes, and accessories as your interest in photography grows. It is a camera you’ll want to keep for years to come.

Small Size for Easy Portability
Unlike other SLR cameras which tend to be bulky and heavy, the Maxxum STsi Panorama DATE measures only 5.3 x 3.5 x 2.3 inches and weighs 12.3 ounces without the battery, making it easy to carry and comfortable to use. The control layout is designed for quick, positive access by a variety of hand sizes, and men and women alike will appreciate the camera’s smooth lines and good looks.

Complete Ease of Use
The Minolta Maxxum STsi Panorama DATE is very easy to use. It handles and operates just like a fully automatic point & shoot camera, but provides the high-quality end results and system flexibility that only an SLR camera can offer. The design is simple and straightforward; controls for the novice user are in pushbutton form, and the advanced SLR functions are centralized on the large function dial. With a push of the P button, the STsi is automatically set to fully automatic programmed operation, allowing the user to concentrate completely on the subject and scene.

Continuous Predictive Autofocusing
The Maxxum STsi Panorama DATE features a wide focusing area with a large CCD sensor. This wide AF area makes it easy to maintain precise focus on the main subject even if the subject is off-center in the viewfinder. With moving objects, the STsi’s continuous autofocusing tracks subject movement, and predictive focus control adjusts the focus between each exposure to maintain image sharpness.

Focus Hold
If the photographer wants to take a picture with the main subject outside the focus frame, focus hold can be used to keep the subject sharp. To lock the focus, place the viewfinder’s focus frame on the main subject, then press and hold the shutter-release button partway down. Wait for the focus-lock signal to appear in the viewfinder, recompose the picture as desired, then press the shutter-release button all the way down to take the picture. (NOTE: focus will not lock if the subject is moving.)

8-Segment Honeycomb-Pattern Exposure Metering
The Maxxum STsi Panorama DATE automatically sets the proper exposure even in difficult lighting conditions. The AF-integrated, 8-segment honeycomb-pattern metering system measures light levels in seven symmetrical segments of the image frame, plus the background area. Because the exposure system is integrated with the autofocus system, the STsi is able to identify the main subject and bias the exposure accordingly.

Fully Automatic Program Mode
In fully automatic program (P) mode, the Maxxum STsi Panorama DATE analyzes subject movement, distance, and lens focal length, as well as subject and background brightness, then sets the optimum exposure automatically. Simply place the viewfinder focus frame on the main subject, press the shutter-release button partway down to activate autofocus, then press the shutter release button all the way down to take the picture. If the light is low, the built-in flash will pop up and fire automatically to provide the proper subject illumination.

Subject Program Selection
In addition to fully automatic program mode, the Maxxum STsi Panorama DATE offers five specialized subject programs; each designated by a separate, easily recognizable data panel icon that illustrates the type of subject or scene for which it is best suited. Subject program selection allows the user to fine-tune the camera’s automatic systems to capture a particular effect or unique image quality.

Portrait Mode is ideal for close-up shots of people. In this mode, the STsi favors larger lens apertures, which soften the background so that the main subject stands out.

Landscape Mode should be used when photographing sweeping scenics or people positioned in front of famous landmarks or points of interest. This mode maximizes depth-of-field by favoring small apertures. The STsi continuously monitors and adjusts the shutter speed to avoid blurring caused by hand-held camera shake.

Close-Up Mode helps capture sharp photographs of small objects such as flowers, and is best when used with Minolta’s 50mm or 100mm AF Macro lenses. This mode selects the optimum aperture and shutter speed combination to capture the subject’s intricate details.

Sports Action Mode favors fast shutter speeds to capture fast action. Continuous AF tracks moving subjects and predictive AF adjusts focus between exposures to maintain image sharpness.

Night Portrait Mode is ideal for photographing a person in front of an illuminated night scene, or at sunset. When used with flash, this mode synchronizes the flash with a slow shutter speed to balance the flash illumination on the subject with the background’s ambient light. Without flash, this mode can be used to capture long exposures of night scenes such as city skylines. Because night portrait mode uses a slow shutter speed, a tripod should be used to prevent camera shake.

A/S/M Creative Exposure Control
For full creative control, the Maxxum STsi Panorama DATE offers Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual exposure control modes. This allows users to choose the aperture, shutter speed, or both, to obtain the kind of image that they envision in their minds. Once the photographer has learned how adjustments to aperture, shutter, and overall exposure will affect the final image, he or she can apply this knowledge to creating personalized photographs that reflect a particular vision or style.

All three modes use the camera's AF-integrated 8-segment honeycomb-pattern metering system. In Aperture-Priority mode, the photographer can select apertures in 1/2-stop increments; and the camera's exposure system will automatically select the correct shutter speed. Likewise, in Shutter Priority mode, the photographer can select shutter speeds in one-stop increments, and the STsi will automatically set the optimum 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 exposure indicators in the viewfinder.

Selectable Panorama Mode
A convenient panorama mode selector switch enables photographers to take both standard and panorama format pictures on the same roll of film. When panorama mode is selected, the film gate is automatically masked. If data imprinting is used, the imprint automatically changes for the new format.

Quartz Data Back
The built-in quartz data back imprints the date or time right onto each photo. Data imprinting can be switched on or off whenever desired, and is very useful for cataloging photographs or keeping photo records of important events such as birthdays, weddings, graduations, etc. Data imprinting is available for both standard and panorama formats.

Exposure Compensation Control
Exposure compensation is very useful for fine-tuning the exposure to suit a particular subject, highlights or shadows, or tricky lighting situations. The exposure compensation control allows changes in half-stop increments for up to 3 stops over or under normal exposure.

Exposure Bracketing
Exposure bracketing is especially noticeable with slide films, and is very useful for shooting a series of photos in situations where the "correct" exposure setting might not be the "best" exposure setting. In this mode, a three-frame bracketing series is exposed in 0.5 EV increments in the order of normal (+/-0 EV), under (-0.5 EV), and over (+0.5 EV).

Remote Release Terminal
This feature allows the STsi’s shutter to be released from a distance, using an optional Maxxum Remote Cord. When using slow shutter speeds, remote shutter release is especially helpful in preventing camera shake if used in conjunction with a tripod.

Spot Metering/Slow Shutter Sync
A conveniently located SPOT/AE LOCK button on the back of the camera lets the user take and hold a precise spot reading of the central 2.3% of the viewfinder image. Spot metering is very helpful in unusual lighting situations where select area exposure is critical.

Double-Exposure Mode
This feature allows two separate exposures to be taken on a single frame, for creative special effects.

Built In, Pop-Up Flash
The Maxxum STsi Panorama DATE features a built-in, pop-up flash (Guide number 39 ft. at ISO 100) which provides coverage for lenses as wide as 28mm. The flash has four modes: AUTO, OFF, FILL-IN (manual fill-flash), and WIRELESS/REMOTE. In AUTO mode, the flash will pop up and fire whenever needed. For greater flash output and versatility, high-powered Maxxum flash units are available as optional accessories.

Red-Eye Reduction Mode
To reduce the red-eye effect caused by the flash reflecting off the inside of the subject’s eyes, this mode fires the built-in flash several times to close down the subject’s pupils before the exposure flash is fired and the picture is taken.

Wireless Off-Camera Flash Control
The Maxxum STsi Panorama DATE can control off-camera Maxxum 5400HS, 5400xi, or 3500xi flash units without accessory cords or connectors, allowing greater flexibility in flash placement (up to 16-1/2 feet from the camera) and freedom from cable troubles or tangles. Flash control signals are sent from the camera’s built-in flash. In addition, a 2:1 ratio can be selected, where the off-camera unit provides 2/3 of the light while the built-in flash provides the remaining 1/3 of the light needed for proper subject exposure.

AF Illuminator
If the built-in flash is set to AUTO or FILL-IN and the camera detects that the scene is too dark to focus accurately, the flash will automatically fire a short stroboscopic burst to provide the light necessary for the camera to detect and focus on the subject. The AF illuminator ensures precise focusing even in total darkness.

Continuous Film Advance
This action-catching mode advances the film at up to 1 frame 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 each exposure.

Self-Timer
The self-timer provides a 10-second shutter-release delay, allowing the user to set up the shot and appear in the photo. A blinking LED on the front of the camera indicates countdown.

Fully Automatic Film Operation
Film handling is quick and easy with the Maxxum STsi Panorama DATE. All you do is insert the film cartridge and position the film leader. The camera sets the film speed (for DX-coded ISO 25-5000 films) then threads, advances, and rewinds the film automatically. Power rewind can be selected at any time.

Full Line of Lenses and Accessories
The Maxxum STsi Panorama DATE is part of the world-renowned Minolta Maxxum System of Autofocus SLR Cameras, Lenses, and Accessories. The STsi can accept any Maxxum or Minolta AF lens, ranging from ultra wide-angle 16mm fisheye to 600mm super telephoto, including zoom lenses and macro lenses. Other accessories like the Maxxum HS and xi flash units and various camera/lens cases let you expand your STsi system as your interest in photography grows.

Specifications are based on the latest information available at the time of posting and are subject to change without notice.

Specifications

Type:
35mm SLR with built-in flash, autofocus (AF), and autoexposure (AE)

Lens:
Accepts Minolta Maxxum AF lenses; power zoom and power focus possible when AF zoom xi and AF Power Zoom lenses are used

Autofocus System:
TTL-phase detection system

Sensor:
One CCD line sensor

AF Sensitivity Range:
BV -6 - 13; EV -1 - 18 (ISO 100)

AF Control:
Continuous AF/focus lock selected automatically according to subject movement

Focus Modes:
Autofocus/Manual Focus selectable

AF Illuminator:
Built-in flash type; automatically activated in low light and low contrast situations. Range: approx. 3.2 – 16.4 feet (with 50mm f/1.4). With a dedicated flash unit, the unit’s AF illuminator (LED) will be activated automatically

Focus Lock:
Pressing shutter-release button partway down

Predictive AF:
Works with image speed on the film plane at 4mm/sec. maximum

Autoexposure System Modes:
Program AE (P mode), Subject Program Selection, Aperture priority (A mode), Shutter priority (S mode), Manual (M mode)

Subject Program Modes:
Portrait, Landscape, Close-Up, Sports Action, Night Portrait

Manual Setting:
Shutter speed: 0.5EV increments; Aperture: 0.5EV increments

Metering Types:
TTL metering; 8-segment honeycomb-pattern metering; spot metering; direct TTL OTF metering for flash

Metering Cell:
Multi-segment honeycomb-pattern SPC; flash-metering SPC for flash

Metering Range:
Honeycomb-pattern: EV1 – 20; Spot metering: EV4 – 20 (ISO 100, f/1.4 lens)

Film:
Automatic setting for DX-coded films from ISO 25 - 5000 in 1/3EV increments; manual setting from ISO 6 - 6400 in 1/3EV increments; automatic setting with flash ISO 25 – 1000. Non-DX-coded films set at previous ISO setting

AE Lock:
AF and AE locked automatically by pressing shutter-release button partway down; Spot AE Lock with Spot AE Lock button

Exposure Compensation:
+/- 3EV in ½ increments available by turning the control dial while pressing the exposure compensation button

Exposure Bracketing:
3 exposures, ½ EV increments

Shutter:
Electronically-controlled, vertical-traverse, focal-plane type

Range:
1/2000 – 30 sec; BULB

Flash Sync Speed:
1/90 second or slower (1/45 sec. or slower with wireless flash)

Flash:
Built-in, automatic pop-up, manual push-down

Guide Number:
39 feet (at ISO 100)

Minimum Distance:
3.28 feet

Coverage:
28mm angle-of-view

Recycling Time:
Approx. 3 seconds

Red-Eye Reduction:
Pre-flash

Flash Control:
P mode/Subject Program modes: Automatic pop-up, autoflash (fill flash/flash cancel selectable); A/S/M modes: fill flash with flash up, flash cancel with flash down

Flash Modes:
Autoflash, Autoflash with Red-Eye Reduction, Fill Flash, Fill Flash with Red-Eye Reduction, Flash Cancel (by pressing the flash-mode button), Wireless Remote Flash accessed through the control of the function dial, control signals to off-camera flash via built-in flash; ratio control available

Viewfinder:
Eye-level fixed pentaprism

Pentaprism:
Roof mirror type

Focusing Screen:
Acute Matte

Field-of-View:
90% x 90%

Magnification:
0.75x (with 50mm lens at infinity)

Eye Relief:
16mm from the eyepiece glass, 13mm from eyepiece frame

Diopter:
-1 diopter

Eyepiece Cup:
Soft type

Film Transport:
Automatic threading, auto advance to the first frame, auto frame advance, auto rewind; manual start of rewind selectable (countdown display); rewind time approx. 20 seconds (24-exposure roll)

Drive Modes:
Single frame; continuous advance (1 fps); self-timer; double exposure

Flash Use   68ºF       15ºF
None         40 rolls    30 rolls
 50%           17 rolls   13 rolls
100%          11 rolls     8 rolls

(Based on Minolta’s standard test methods.)

Self-Timer:
Approx. 10-second delay of shutter release, indicated by blinking LED; cancelable

LCD Panel Display:
On-body LCD panel displays exposure mode, cartridge mark, film-transport signals, battery condition, self-timer operation, flash mode, red-eye reduction, wireless/remote flash, manual focus, frame counter, drive mode, and subject program indicators.

Viewfinder Display:
Inside image area displays focus frame; outside image area displays focus signals, flash signals, shutter speed display, exposure compensation indicator, aperture/exposure compensation display, spot/AE lock indicator

Battery:
Uses two 3V CR2 lithium batteries. One CR2025 lithium battery for quartz date back

Dimensions:
5.3 x 3.5 x 2.3 inches

Weight (without battery):
12.3 oz

Specifications are based on the latest information available at the time of posting and are subject to change without notice.