Konica Minolta Maxxum 5/Dynax 5

I purchased this camera to replace my faulty 505si and never looked back. This camera has an excellent range of features that would support anybodies needs - except the very advanced or pro's who would probably look towards the 7 and 9. The auto focus is extremely fast and usually very accurate. minoltas 14 segment matrix metering is very reliable in all situations, though if you have used minolta equipment before [or when you get to know this camera] you will get even better exposures with the use of the exp. compensation. It has the added bonus of going down to 0.3 of a stop either way when bracketing, which is useful when using slide film. The dials may not be as easy to use first time but they are very conviniently placed and so moving around the camera becomes second nature very soon. The eye-start features is very useful if used in the right situations, eg; sports photos etc. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to buy into the minolta equipment and wants a body that packs loads of features but is dirt cheap [the quoted price included the lens, so it is even cheaper without the lens [[65 english pounds]] ]

-- cheap
-- v. fast autofocus
-- depth of field preview
-- ergonomic design
-- bracketing
-- program modes for 'quick situations'
-- eye start can be turned off& on, unlike earlier models
-- useful 3 f.p.s.
-- useful custom functions [eg; leave film strip out]
-- available high speed sync. with specific flashes
-- pop up flash
-- respecable build quality [and a lot better than the 505si!]
-- 1/4000 shutter speed to 30s [plus bulb]

you can only find these if you really pick:
-- if you wanted to use some of the high quality older lenses, eg; 28-135, 70-210 [which are quite heavy] you may find the camera a bit small to cope with the load.
-- can go through batteries quite quickly [but there is a battery pack available that takes AA's]
-- no vertical grip
-- the 28-80 [d] lens that comes with it is not suitable for advance use or big enlargments but still useful for many users

505si
nikon F
nikon F4s
zorki

never needed to use it

I come late to the SLR party. I have a typical digital 2M camera that left me very unsatisfied with the quality of the pictures. It is only good in bright outdoor shots. Frankly it was a waste of $250. Minolta is pulling out of Canada so I saw the Maxxim 5 marked down to $150. What a steal! I was very happy to get an SLR for this amount. Digital is overrated. The quality of film is still much better unles you pay big bucks. I have a decent scanner that will let me take my pics digital. Scanners are cheap! Film is a mature technology and the quality shows. Digital cameras at this point are a money grab for what you get. On to my pictures. Im a new photographer with a good eye but no experience. The results from even my first roll had coworkers and family saying "Wow, look at those colors! You have such a good camera!" What am i sliced cheese? Its a basic SLR. I have taken shots of friends in dark bars, night cityscapes, sunsets, nature shots etc. 90% of my pics are very good. The bad ones are from camera shake, boring idea, general user error. One reviewer complained about blurry pics and dropped batteries. Im sure this is an old guy with romantic ideas of the old manual days and shaky hands. This camera almost never makes a mistake in auto using the spot metering/ spot focus as required. Read the simple manual! The basic 28-80 lens is fast to focus. Good indoors and up close. Get a Sigma or Tamron zoom and you are set for some nice work. The Sigma 28-200 APO is now my default lens. very nice. I have up to a 2000mm lens. Its small and light which is very important. It means you take it with you with no bad feelings about lugging it around. I stuff it in my coat pocket. I can pull it out for snap impulsive shots with high quality. The camera is fast enough that you dont miss many good moments. People i know that payed big money for a fancy digital bought bragging rights. Generally their pics are poor. They are convinced i payed a fortune when i show them my pics. Its the eye of the photographer that makes the shot. Tiger woods could whip most anyone with 3 walmart clubs and no putter. One day i might get the maxxim 7 and give the 5 to my mom. The small grip and light weight would be even better for a woman. Thats just being greedy. I dont need it for quality work. I love this camera. If it was bigger i would hug it.

Very smart camera that makes me look good as a photographer. Incredible value Fast focus small and light many quality aftermaket lenses available cheap lots of features.

DOF preview missing. See the Maxxim 7 hand grip is a little small. No big deal- tradeoff for it fits in my pocket. Controls for avanced shots. I dont like the select a function rotate wheel, select another rotate wheel. By the time youve set it up you might have missed the shot. Luckily the camera is very good in standard auto.

The more expensive and pathetic fuji finepix a201 with a puny lens. It gets dust while the maxxim 5 gets used.

Unknown.

I purchased this camera for work with fast-action material and otherwise hectic environments. This came as a kit with the unimpressive stock 28-80 zoom lens, and its performance is acceptable. There's nothing amazing or astonishing about this camera, except perhaps the weight-- even loaded with batteries and film, it's still light as a feather. However, it's not very durable-- as it's good for about 15 rolls of film, at which point it will break down even after the most gentle shooting (won't turn on, the back won't open, won't respond to fresh batteries, etc.) It's an acceptable camera, but unless you've got deep pockets for repairs or a lifetime warranty (like ritz), I'd steer clear.

Very light, relatively quick focus

Strap attachments get in the way of the film door, has a lifespan of around 15 rolls before it needs repair, mediocre kit lens

This camera is fantastic as a lightweight SLR with most of the features of a pro SLR. It's great for vacations and other situations where you do not want to lug a heavy camera around. Basically, it's a point-and-shoot replacement for people who want to advance to the next level with superior optics and more functions. To address most of the complaints from other posters: you MUST buy some of the optional accessories that go with this camera. The optional battery grip uses 4AA batteries and both significantly alleviates the power demands of the camera as well as improve the grip of this small camera. It's about $100. Buy it and use NiMH batteries. It also comes included with a handstrap that really helps you hold the camera. The second complaint is the AF in low light situations. The AF illuminator on the camera is just a basic one for small room indoor shots - like a P&S. You really need to accessorize your camera with one of the Minolta flash units. The 3600HS and the 5600HS both have powerful AF illuminators that allow you to take those outdoor shots. It's a great camera, but if you want pro behaviour, you're going to have to shell out the extra money for some of the accessories.

Excellent with the extra straps, battery shoe/grip and flash. Makes it feel more like a pro camera.

Not so great out of the box. Good only for home and garden shooting.

It's a nice camera that takes good pictures and is easy to carry around with you. It's the camera I got when I was becoming serious in photography. I enjoy it very much.

Like I said before, it is very light weight, making it easier to take with you and will not quickly become a burden. The AF is very good. I also like the fact you can turn ot completely manual and get the exact look you want or you can set it on automatic and it will do all the thinking for you. Even with the automatic it takes great pictures.

It goes through batteries kind of fast, depending if you turn it off between photos or not. Also I have had a few minor problems but they were easily fixed by playing around with it for a while.

None. I've been able to take care of everything myself.