Review 2 of 11
Price Paid:
$1538.00
from Hong Kong Summary: When it first selling in Hong Kong, I bought it at an expensive price. Then, I discover that there are a lot of problems with this camera.
1. When using wide angle lens (e.g. 24 mm), flash explosure with 3600 or 5600 flash is 1-2 step below average. No matter ADI or P-TTL. And the result is unpredictable. But, wireless flash doesn't has any problem.
2. Some times under explosure at a rediculous level.
Other problems : (Minolta fixed them )
1. Back focus
2. CCD is not aligned correctly.
3. After turn on the power, it fails to take picture. I need to restart the camera.
I went back and forth many times to the Minolta/Sony center to fix those problems. And I have spent a lot of time testing with different lens/flash/setting combinations in order to convince myself that it was my fault. However, with strong evidence that it is the camera's problem.
After 2 years of frustration , I have upgraded the 7D to A100. My new A100 works perfectly with my 5600 flash.
Am I unlucky ? Or it is sample veriation ? Or it is the problem of all first batch product alone ?
In summary, it could be a excellent professional camera. However, the faulty parts of the flash controlling components and all other manufacturing fault makes the camera useless. Strengths: Excellent user interface. Basically you don't need to read the manual and each button is very reasonable located.
Anti-shake works. Every lens can Anti-shake.
Wireless flash capability without the need for extra controller.
On camera flash available.
Image quality is good. Weaknesses: I tried to use the flash in wedding, I was shocked that why the flash explosure is incorrect. That was first time I use digital camera. I wonder it is my eyes' problem or not and I used a lot of time to test the Sony 56 flash. I found that the flash explosure is incorrect.
Vendor not willing to fix the flash explosure problem. I learnt from the internet that they may need to tune both the 7D and my Sony 56 flash. However, it still doesn't work after I sent them to Sony for the tuning. Anyway, the need for tuning the new Sony 56 flash in order to match the faulty 7D is stupid idea. And Sony doesn't take the burden to fix this problem decently.
Battery use up quickly.
That's why I upgrade the 7D to A100.
When I turn make any setting or turn the dial, the LCD doesn't tell me what I am doing. I hope that the LCD should light up for 3 seconds showing me what new value I have input (e.g., when I turn the shutter speed dial, it should light up the LCD).
The AF-assistance lamp in Dynax 7 is removed. It is rediculous. Similar Products Used: Minolta Dynax 7 (film camera)
Sony A100
Both of the above are 5 star excellent products. Customer Service: Sony service is better. Sony service center is in Monkok and open up to 8:00p.m.
The Minolta service center opened at office hour only. That's why they failed to continue their business.
I hate Minolta.
I now enjoy the Sony A100 and enjoy it. I love Sony.
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