Konica Minolta and Sony Agree to Jointly Develop Digital SLR Cameras

Konica Minolta Photo Imaging and Sony Corporation have reached an agreement to “begin joint development of advanced and feature-rich digital SLR cameras,” and that these cameras will be based on and compatible with Konica Minolta's Maxxum/Dynax lens-mount system.

Konica Minolta brings to the table its autofocus and auto-exposure technologies nourished through development of its Maxxum/Dynax series, as well as mechanical electronics technologies for SLR cameras, and 16 million units of lens shipped worldwide.

Sony, meanwhile, brings its own strengths to the deal, inclucing numerous technologies and devices for digital-imaging equipment, such as CCD and CMOS imaging sensors, image processing technologies, and lithium ion batteries. The company also stresses its stengths in product planning, total design, and high-density mounting.

“Sony will further strengthen its digital imaging business through creating new market opportunities with the digital SLR camera field,” says Yutaka Nakagawa, Sony's executive vice president and president of the company's Personal Audio Visual Network.

“Sony has powerful devices and technologies essential for digital cameras,” says Tsuyoshi Miyachi, president and CEO of Konica Minolta Photo Imaging. “Together with Sony, we will endeavor to create new value in the field of imaging through increasing attractiveness of digital SLR cameras, where we are strongly focused.” (Sony: www.sony.com, Konica Minolta: www.konicaminolta.com)