The central processing unit in the Maxxum 7 has a data processing speed five times faster than earlier AF SLR models. This camera provides the world's fastest autofocus speed, in spite of the greater volume of data received from the wide focus area, due to its powerful lens driving motor that promises quick accelerations and decelerations of lens movement. The Maxxum 7 is able to track abrupt changes in speed or direction perfectly. In fact, the second you bring this camera to your eye, the lens snaps into focus and is ready for use, even if you, or the object you are shooting, happens to be in motion. For example, with a 300mm lens attached, the Maxxum 7 can accurately follow an object moving as fast as 31 miles per hour to within 26 feet.

The new AF module incorporates eight line sensors, as well as Minolta's unique center dual cross-hair sensors. Its nine-point sensors cover the central area of the viewfinder frame and divide it horizontally and vertically into thirds. By efficiently covering a wide focus area, the nine-point sensors assure great flexibility when composing pictures and allow the photographer to precisely capture moving subjects. The Advanced Distance Integration (ADI) flash metering system provides greater accuracy when used with Minolta's new AF lenses, which incorporate distance encoders. The guide number control and the four-segment preflash metering work together to virtually eliminate the influence of background or subject reflectance in your photographs.

The Maxxum 7 also features 35 customizable functions that allow photographers to take instant control of virtually all camera functions. Its ergonomically redesigned AF/MF control button permits the switch between autofocus (AF) and manual focus (MF) modes via a button located on the back of the camera. This button is easily operated without losing sight of the subject in the camera's viewfinder.

Relatively small (5.6 by 3.8 by 2.6 inches) and lightweight (20.3 ounces), this camera's compact body, with the ultracompact AF 24-105mm f3.5 to f4.5 standard lens, assures greater handling and carrying comfort. With power performance features such as a top shutter speed of 1/8,000 second and a maximum drive speed of four frames per second--and all of this in a body smaller than any other 35mm AF SLR with comparable features--the Maxxum 7 sets a new standard for performance and compactness.

Employing automatic LCD parallax compensation, the actual-image viewfinder is able to display the framing area with precision. If you want to capture the whole scene, you can switch to panorama mode--even in midroll. The IQZoom 160 automatically provides a view of the new panorama area via the viewfinder. It gives you several indicators, including: focus and flash status, infinity-landscape mark, panorama-format picture area, close-distance compensation frame, five-point AF frame, and spot AF frame. This viewfinder also has an adjustable diopter, which allows you to adjust the image to match your eyesight.

Conditions that would normally "fool" a camera, like shooting through a glass window or an off-center subject, come out perfectly focused with the IQZoom 160's phase-matching five-point passive autofocus system. Even difficult lighting situations are no problem with the help of the highly accurate six-segment multipattern metering system. It measures the current lighting conditions, ensuring that your images get optimum exposure, no matter the conditions. The automatic backlight compensation feature fires the flash during backlight conditions to properly expose the subject.

You can zoom in to catch subtle details of your subject, or zoom out to capture the entire scene with the 38-160mm power zoom lens. Even when you forget to turn the power off, the IQZoom 160 retracts the lens to the original position to protect it against damage. The multiexposure mode lets you flex your creative muscles by allowing you to combine two or more exposures on a single frame.