I've been long a loyal customer to minolta, but about a year ago I decided that it was time to move on. My dynax 5xi was quite annoying because of its xi lenses and autopopping up of the flash (and charging), because of the eyestart. Glad you can turn that one of with the 700si.
Which caused high usage costs, cause the 2cr5 batteries are quite expensive. Changing to the dynax 7 digital is not possible yet, and then quite expensive I decided to choose a intermediate solution a 700 si.
Price is biggest strength, you get quite a lot features and a rugid design. Many people whine about the chipcards, being not practicle-- in practice they are right. On the road you tend to lose those things and swapping takes time.
The AF is spot on and metering. Though under difficult conditions, taking pictures of a kitesurfer (on 400mm) on a violent sea, proofs to be difficult. I believe the eos 300 has better performances.
Internal flash is good enough, but with one object in front and nothing in the background some other people tends to overexpose the people in front.
The ergonomics are really great, mucht better than other camera's, the canon tends to have much more to small buttons in impossible positions.
If you want to learn before stepping up to expensive digital slr camera's this is the one you'll be needing. But if you have a little more money to expend, buy the 800si...
Strengths:
- Price (nothing can beat this price/quality)
- 3 FPS is nice in comparison to the newest camera's
- DOF preview
- Metal bajonet
- 1/8000 Performance
Weaknesses:
- AF could be better
- Chipcards
- Slightly heavy
- Bit noisy
Minolta SLR's are the best bang for the buck on the market bar none. The 7xi is capable of producing professional images that are equal to or better than Nikon & Canon slr's costing twice as much or more. When the xi generation came out I became a true convert to Minolta systems. Marry this slr up with some quality glass, do some homework studying all the different functions, pick up whatever expansion cards will best assist your type of shooting and you will be very happy with the resulting images, VERY happy. Finally, you can hand Uncle Robert this camera, select full auto, turn your back and the results will be simply amazing. Uncle Robert will buy one for himself when he gets home. If you can find one get an older, metal bodied 28-85 - 3,5/4.5 Minolta Macro zoom for everyday type shooting, great piece of glass, durable as hell and produces excellent images. Find this lens and you can have a PROFESSIONAL grade camera ready for everyday birthday to first-step shots with MACRO for less than 300 bucks. Try finding that in Nikon or Canon, won't happen, never, nada, no way Jose!!!
Strengths:
High quality images on full auto, Metering system is superb, ease of use, with Custom Function card you are able to fine tune the auto features to be synergistic with your style and needs. The wide array of expansion cads allows ANYONE to deliver consistent professional quality images. Weight is just right to provide both balance and durability. Cost is the "Best Bang for thr Buck" on the market bar NONE.
Weaknesses:
Buy stock in a battery company, eats em up, especially when using the xi zoom lenses.
Great Camera! Technically is comparable to Nikon F5 and Canon 1N RS. Build quality is very good, but not as rugged as Nikon F5 and Canon 1N RS. Not cost as much.
In short, Great camera if you have limited budget and don't need the ruggedness.
Check out www.camerareview.com for the comparison.
Strengths:
Technically Excellent (Comparable with top of the range Nikon or Canon, except slower AF, Not as Rugged)
Well Price
Very well build
Ease to use
I first started with the Minolta Maxxum 5 with 2 Sigma Lens I bought from Ebay for about $400. I felt better to buy myself a Maxxum 700si, and so I did!! I sold my Maxxum 5 body and was happy to stay with my 700si. The 700si is a better, super-rugged body, better shutter speed, more professional, and very durable than the Maxxum 5. The Maxxum 5 was a GREAT camera, but felt too weak on my grip and unprofessional to my taste. When I first took a picture on my 700si, the click of it was just awesome and the quality = beautiful pictures. I bought my 700si with v-700 grip (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED) for $287.00 on Ebay, just like new!! It was hard to decide if I should buy a 7xi, 9xi, or the 700si. I'm glad to choose the 700"si" - Sophisticated Intelligence. If you like one, go get one on Ebay for a great price!! I feel like getting another body just in case, or otherwise upgrade to the GREAT Maxxum 800si!!!!
Strengths:
Shutter speed is outstanding 1/8000, pop-up flash is manually lifted by hand-Great advantage (for those who don't like automatic pop-up like many experts and personal requests from photographers of Minolta products), durable body (made in Japan of course), accept cards insertions, great location of buttons and ease of use, oh too much to tell because it's just one of the best cameras!!
Weaknesses:
I've always respect the technology from Minolta. I have never had problems with their products, especially made in Japan!!! Therefore, there is NO weaknesses of any kind.
Similar Products Used:
Minolta Freedom Zoom Escort, Minolta Maxxum 5 with Sigma 28-80mm lens and 70-300mm lens, Minolta 35-105mm Macro, Minolta standard 50mm f/1.7 lens.
Fine camera, with custom function cards adding a large variety of functions that cost you more than double to duplicate them in newer cameras. fast AF, excellent metering system with spot that is narrower than canon or nikon. Build is nice, a good size for most people. Sleek, menu is easy to use if you are already comfortable with menu style interfaces.
wireless flash with the best wireless flash maker out there, minolta.
Strengths:
fast af for the generation, solid feel and size is comfortable to hang around your neck all day. quality metering system is reliable even in difficult lighting.custom function cards give you a nice variety of extra functions not built in.
Weaknesses:
menu can be a bit of a chore to work thru until you are familiar with it.function cards- learning all there is to know about each one. not much of a handicap, but not everyone wants to learn everything there is to learn in a camera.
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