I bought a used Konica Minolta DiMage A2 online. Is it normal for the image to change from color to black and white, then back to color, repeatedly, in the viewfinder and screen when preparing to make a photo? I'm trying to learn how to use it, and I didn't know if I have something set wrong, or if there is a problem with the camera. Thanks.

Good Afternoon,
Because Konica Minolta no longer exists in the photographic industry, many of their support channels have been filtered over to Sony Corporation, who was the purchasing agent of their photography division.
Below is a link to where you can download an English manual for your DiMage A2:
http://ca.konicaminolta.com/support/manuals/digital_cameras/dimage-a/index.html
And the one you want can be followed to this link:
http://ca.konicaminolta.com/support/manuals/digital_cameras/dimage-a/dimage_a2/D_A2_E.pdf
or you can simply click on it from the first URL provided.
Hope this helps!
Lompanow

I have an earlier version of this camera: a minolta  dimage 7. While your camera is better(later) than mine beyond ISO 100 these cameras tend to be noisy.  The only solution is to asscpt the noise since hou will need a high ISO in order to use an acceptable shutter speed  and use a noise reduction program (noise ninja, neat image, helcion noise filter). One of these may be free- i think helcionbut aside from changing to a DSLR this is the best solution

try this site

Self Help Product Support Konica Minolta Business Solutions Inc

Btw, I’m available to help over the phone in case u need at https://www.6ya.com/expert/normanj_7893313f0751935f

Check your "white balance" (WB) setting.Try setting to "auto" and see if you get the same results shooting outdoors on a sunny day. If you do, the camera is in need of repair, if you do not, you need to buy a book on digital photography to supplement your manual.

Yes, it is possible to control the camera from PC with "DiMAGE Capture DCA200". (sold separately) It is necessary to update the camera's firmware to use with the DiMAGE Capture. (the firmware is included in the CD-ROM attached with the product.) * DiMAGE Capture DCA-200 will be available at the end of March, 2004.

This software enables operation of this model, capturing and saving images to connected PC, via the PC. Most of the functions of the camera is available through PC, furthermore, a focus point and/or achromatic point for White Balance adjustment can be designated through the PC monitor in advance of capturing images. *Not available with Macintosh PCs. PC: IBM PC /AT compatible CPU: Pentium III 600MHz or higher (must meet the recommended OS requirements) OS: Windows XP (Home Edition, Professional), Windows, Windows 2000 Professional RAM : 128MB or more (must meet the recommended OS requirements) HDD : 200MB or more must be free after installation Monitor: 1024x768 dot or higher (necessary), 24-bit color depth or greater. Other: USB Interface * DiMAGE Capture DCA-200 will be available at the end of March, 200

The following White balance settings are available for the A2: AUTO, Preset (Daylight, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Shade, Cloudy, Flash and Custom1 to 3) The following slight adjustment is possible: * At setting Daylight, Tungsten, Shade, Cloudy and Flash: +3 to -3 (one unit is approximately equal to a 10 mired shift.) *At fluorescent lamp setting: equivalent to 7 fluorescent lamp(3 -wavelength colored fluorescent bulb, 3-wavelength white fluorescent lamp, 3-wavelength neutral white fluorescent lamp, 3-wavelength daylight fluorescent lamp, white fluorescent, neutral white fluorescent, daylight fluorescent lamp)

The DiMAGE A2 has a 46mm (1.8 inch) low-temperature polysilicon TFT color LCD Monitor, which displays approximately 118,000 pixels. This LCD monitor is tiltable (20 deg. downward and 90 deg. upward).

With P, A, S, M, mode, (set using the exposure mode dial) the following four modes can be selected to suite the image. Vivid color is to be selected to produce more vivid image than the natural colored image (default), Black and white is to produce monochrome image in black and white, and Sepia is to be if it should be the sepia tone. Also, they can be selected in the movie recording.*The color mode of the saved images cannot be changed. They should be selected before recording. *Automatic Digital Subject Program and AUTO can not select them. (natural color only)

After a quick look at the manual you can find in the setup menu 3 "reset defaults" which shoud set you camera back to its first settings.