Specialists In Astrophotography

Precise
Versatile
Expandable

A silver-metallic colored 35mm AF SLR with three-point crosscut autofocusing, 14-segment metering, and a host of high-performance features.

The ultra-compact and lightweight Maxxum XTsi raises the level of performance for autofocus SLR cameras in its class. A newly-developed, more precise autofocusing system, 14-segment metering, unique "eye start" operation, and the addition of other high-performance features makes the XTsi an ideal choice for hobbyist and amateur photographers. Plus, an enhanced cosmetic appearance with a silver metallic finish and leather-like grip coverings adds head-turning good looks.

Features

Improved Features for Higher Performance
The Minolta Maxxum XTsi raises the level of performance for AF SLR cameras in its class. A newly-developed, more precise autofocusing system, a more powerful film drive, Maxxum’s renowned 14-segment metering, plus the addition of other high-performance features makes the XTsi an ideal choice for both beginner and amateur photographers alike. Plus, an enhanced cosmetic appearance with a silver metallic finish and leather-like grip coverings adds value and provides an image of sophistication.

An AF SLR to Grow With
The Maxxum XTsi is an ideal AF SLR camera to grow with. Beginners will find their photography improving and their interest increasing, as they learn the fundamentals of SLR image-making. Control layout is simple and logical – the controls for beginners are located on the top right side of the camera body, and the function dial for the more advanced operations (for experienced photographers) is positioned on the top left. The user can switch from one mode to another instantly, and back again.

Three-Point Crosscut Autofocusing
The newly-developed three-point AF sensor configuration is able to catch and track a subject quicker and more precisely than the previous AF system used in comparable models. The new AF system is 2.7 times wider, and consists of two vertical side bars plus a central segment that is in the shape of crosshairs -- enabling it to focus accurately on both vertical and horizontal subject contrasts.

Improved AF Control
With the introduction of the Maxxum XTsi, three improvements were made to the autofocus control system. One affects the lens drive, making it smoother and more responsive. The second is in the AF fine-tuning, which now fine-tunes the focus during the split-second interval of time it takes for the shutter to release after the shutter-release button is pressed. The third improvement is a more powerful CPU which shortens focusing time during lens drive and accommodates the increased number of AF sensors.

14-Segment Honeycomb-Pattern Metering
The XTsi’s silicon photocell is divided into 14 segments - thirteen in a honeycomb array, plus the background. This sophisticated 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 XTsi is able to set the correct exposure even in very tricky lighting.

1/4000 Second High-Speed Shutter
The XTsi’s newly-developed shutter provides a top speed of 1/4000 second, which is 30% higher than that of previous models in the same class. Flash sync speeds are up to 1/125 sec. (See also High-Speed Flash Sync).

Eye-Start Operation
Eye-Start Operation provides an instant response to any photographic situation, saving precious seconds and allowing the photographer to capture moments that might otherwise be missed. As the user takes hold of the camera’s grip, a touch sensor activates an infrared emitter/detector beneath the viewfinder eyepiece. When the camera is brought to the eye, the autofocus and autoexposure systems are activated automatically, without having to touch the shutter-release button or any other control.

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 sets the best combination of shutter speed and aperture automatically.

Subject Program Selection
In addition to full auto mode, the Maxxum XTsi 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 XTsi favors larger apertures which will soften the background, making the main subject stand out.

Landscape Mode Bcan 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 help prevent blur caused by camera shake.

Close-Up Mode helps capture detailed macro photographs. 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
A/S/M modes allow users to take full creative control of the Maxxum XTsi by choosing the aperture, shutter speed, or both. All three modes use the camera's AF-integrated 14-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 XTsi 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.

Additional functions such as spot metering, slow-shutter sync, exposure compensation, exposure bracketing, double-exposure mode, panorama mode, and a remote release terminal increase the XTsi’s creative potential even further.

Built-In Flash
The Maxxum XTsi features a built-in flash with a guide number of 39 (in feet at ISO 100). The flash provides coverage to 28mm, with sync speeds up to 1/125 sec. The built-in flash can be used in all four exposure modes, and features a selectable red-eye reduction pre-flash.

High-Speed Flash Sync up to 1/4000 sec.
With the optional Maxxum Flash 5400HS, the Maxxum XTsi can synchronize at any shutter speed up to an ultra-high 1/4000 sec. in any exposure mode. High-speed sync allows large apertures to be used in bright ambient light, for beautiful outdoor portraits with fill-flash.

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 XTsi’s exposure compensation control allows changes in half-stop increments for up to 3 stops over or under normal exposure.

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

2 fps Continuous Film Advance
The XTsi’s film transport and shutter charge are driven by a motor that is 30% more powerful than on previous models in the same class. This enables the user to shoot continuously at up to 2 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 each exposure.

Spot Metering/Slow Shutter Sync
A conveniently located SPOT 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. Additionally, pressing and holding the SPOT button while taking a flash photo selects a slow shutter sync speed, to balance the flash exposure on the subject with the background ambient light.

Remote Release Terminal
This feature allows the XTsi’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.

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

Date/Time Imprinting
The built-in quartz data back imprints the date or time right onto each photo. Data imprinting can be switched on or off as desired, and is very useful for cataloging photographs or keeping photo records of important events.

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

Ten Additional Custom Functions
When the function dial is used, ten different functions are selectable to further enhance camera performance.

Full Line of Maxxum Accessories
The Maxxum XTsi accepts all Minolta or Maxxum AF lenses, including the xi-Series power zoom lenses. In addition, other accessories like Maxxum HS and xi-Series Flashes, the Close-Up Diffuser CD-1000, and various Maxxum camera/lens cases let the user expand the system as his or her interest in photography grows.

Optional AA Battery Pack
An alternate power supply for the Maxxum Xtsi.  It holds four AA-type alkaline or NiCd batteries and attaches to the camera's base plate.  (NiCd batteries can be used indefinitely and recharged in Maxxum's NiCd Charger NC-2).

Specifications

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

Lens:
Accepts Minolta Maxxum AF lenses. Power zoom and power focus possible with AF Zoom xi and AF Power Zoom lenses.

Lens Mount:
Minolta A-type bayonet mount (stainless steel).

Crosscut Autofocus System:
Minolta's newly-developed, through-the-lens (TTL) phase-detection three-point crosscut system with wide focus area, two vertical CCD side sensors, plus one crosshair-type CCD line sensor in the center; activated by eye-start operation; continuous predictive AF/focus lock selected automatically according to subject movement; auto/manual focus switchable manually.

AF Sensitivity:
EV -1 to 18 (at ISO 100).

AF Illuminator:
Built-in flash automatically activated in low light and low-contrast situations to aid focusing. Range: approx. 3 - 16-1/2 ft. with 50mm lens (based on Minolta's standard test methods). With a dedicated flash unit, its AF illuminator (LED) will be selected automatically.

Manual Focusing:
By monitoring focus signals in viewfinder and/or visually on the Acute-Matte viewfinder screen.

Exposure Modes:
Program AE (P mode), Subject Program Selection (5 programs), Creative Exposure Control (A, S, and M modes).

P Mode:
Programmed control (Expert Program Selection) of aperture and shutter speed based on lens specifications and scene characteristics. Built-in flash fires automatically, attached accessory flash fires when on.

Subject Program Selection:
Five user-selectable programs tailored to specific subject or scene characteristics: Portrait, Landscape, Close-Up, Sports/Action, Night Portrait.

Aperture Priority (A mode):
Any available aperture in 0.5 EV increments selectable; shutter speeds from 1/4000 to 30 sec. set by autoexposure program.

Shutter Priority (S mode):
Any shutter speed from 1/4000 to 30 sec. selectable in 1 EV increments; aperture set by autoexposure program.

Manual Exposure (M mode):
Any shutter speed/aperture combination selectable, correct and over/under exposure indicated in viewfinder; BULB also selectable.

Exposure Compensation:
+/- 3 EV in 0.5 increments manually selectable in any mode or Subject Program.

AE Bracketing:
+/- 0.5 EV in 0.5 increments; 3 exposures per series.

Exposure Lock:
Exposure locked automatically with focus; Spot AE Lock with Spot AEL button.

Metering Type:
TTL with 14-segment honeycomb-pattern silicon photocell (SPC); automatically activated by pressing the shutter-release button partway down. Direct TTL OTF flash metering. Spot metering (5.5mm) available. Direct TTL OTF metering for flash.

Metering Range:
EV 1 - 20 (f/1.4 lens); Spot: EV 4-20.

Built-In Flash:
Guide number 39 (in feet); flash coverage for 28mm; recycling time approx. 3 seconds (based on Minolta's standard test methods); powered by camera's battery; pre-flash for red-eye reduction.

TTL Flash Metering:
Operates in all flash modes with built-in flash and dedicated flash unit; x-sync shutter speed automatically set when flash-on indicator appears in the viewfinder. In Night Portrait mode, slow shutter speed automatically set to balance background exposure with flash. Subject Program, P and S Modes: Aperture and shutter speeds set automatically; built-in and attached accessory flash fires automatically when necessary, except Night Portrait and S mode (fires whenever activated). A Mode: Any available aperture selectable; shutter speed automatically set to 1/125 sec.; built-in and attached accessory flash will fire when activated. M Mode: Any shutter speed to 1/125 or slower and any available aperture usable; built-in and attached accessory flash will fire when activated.

High-Speed Flash Sync:
Available with Maxxum accessory flash   5400 HS.

Portrait/Landscape Mode Flash:
Autoflash in low light or back light; flash off.

Close-Up/Sports Mode Flash:
Autoflash in low light; flash off.

Nightscape Mode Flash:
Manual slow-sync flash; flash off.

Film Handling:
Automatic advance to first frame, automatic advance between frames, automatic rewind, manual start of rewind selectable.

Continuous Drive:
2 frames per second; continuous AF; focus priority; focus checked and adjusted after each frame.

Multi-Exposure:
2 exposures per frame available.

Film Speed:
DX-coded film speed set automatically; non-DX-coded film exposed at previous ISO setting. Range: ISO 25 - 5000 (1/3-stop increments). Range with flash: ISO 25 - 1000. Manual ISO setting: ISO 6-6400 (1/3 stop increments).

Viewfinder:
Roof mirror type with built-in LCD panel.

Focusing Screen:
Acute-matte.

Field of View:
90% of film frame.

Magnification:
0.75X (with 50mm lens focused on infinity).

Diopter Correction:
-1 diopter (fixed).

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

Eyepiece Cup:
Soft-type.

Shutter:
Electronically controlled, vertical-traverse focal plane shutter. Range: 1/4000 - 30 sec., plus BULB.

Auto Zoom Features:
Auto compact (with xi-Series lenses).

Self-Timer:
10 second delay with blinking LED indicator.

Panorama Mode:
Available

Date/Time Imprinting:
Available

Power:
Two 3V CR2 lithium batteries.

Battery Performance:
Flash Use    68°        -4°
None          40 rolls  30 rolls
50%             17 rolls  13 rolls
100%           11 rolls    8 rolls
(Based on Minolta’s standard test methods.)

Battery Indicator:
3-stage indicator shows remaining battery power when main switch moved to ON.

Remote Release Terminal:
Compatible with all Maxxum series cable releases.

Other:
10 programmable custom functions.

Dimensions:
5.3 x 3.5 x 2.4 in.

Weight:
14.6 oz. without lens and battery.

NOTE: Specifications are based on the latest information at the time of printing and are subject to change without notice.