Konica Minolta is poised to release a 6.1-million-pixel digital SLR called the Dynax 5D ? billed as a lighter, smaller, easier-to-use version of its award-winning brother, the Dynax 7D.

Due out in September priced £599.99 (body only), the Dynax 5D borrows technology from the 7D including an Anti-Shake system which helps to reduce camera shake.

Designed to be easier to use than its 7D sibling the 5D features, for example, a newly designed rubberised grip and a Digital Subject Program Selector. The latter aims to automatically select the best exposure and image processing program for a given scene: portrait, sports action, landscape, sunset view and night portrait.

The Dynax 5D is smaller and around 22% (170g) lighter than the 7D, featuring a pentamirror, as opposed to a pentaprism viewfinder. Pentamirrors are lighter and less expensive to make.

The 5D weighs 590g (without batteries, memory card and body accessories). Differences also include a plastic outer body rather than a metal fascia.

Call Konica Minolta Photo Imaging (UK) Limited on 020 8751 6121.

? For the full story see AP?s 23 July issue, in shops on Tuesday 19 July