Simple to use - you dont need to carry the manual.
Reliable 14 segment exposure metering - I dont bother bracketing anymore.
Useful collection of features (DOF preview, exposure compensation, flash compensation, 200/s flash synch, multiple exposure, spot metering, spot comparison to overall exposure selected) enables your ability/skill to grow without needing to upgrade for more sophistication.

Fully supports Minolta's advanced flash features with selected flash units (wireless flash, high speed synch up to maximum shutter speed of 4000/s).

No real problems after 3 yrs or so of quite heavy use.

Manual to automatic focus toggle buttom seems flimsy, but hasn't failed yet.

Could use rear curtain flash synch.

Focus speed could be faster, but I've shot motocross (admitedly with a fast 80-200 2.8 lens) in full AF mode and it performed OK. Focus priority can be a pain with slower lenses.

A great body, with the exception of the Maxxum/Dynax 9, its probably THE best handling body available.

Simply snuggles into your hands and really simplifies what can be quite a complicated process with other bodies.

Reliable metering and superb handling, allows one to contrate on photography not the camera.

Has proven itself to be quite robust, I've hiked through the African bush on really hot dusty days stalking animals (covered in dust and hot to touch by the end of the day), waded down rivers (splashed lightly but not really wet), used in high humidity (Singapore, Malasia etc) never had any trouble, everything still works fine.

Added bonus of support for Minolta's advanced flash options gives you tremendous flexibility and reliable results with people if you have a flash like a 5400hs.

A good advanced amateur option or back up to a pro.

Not the best option for fast sports photography in low light (although with fast lenses its not unusable).

Customer Service

Havn't needed them

Similar Products Used:

Previously used Pentax K1000

Ease of use. You really don't have to read the manual if you want to get started right away. The dial markings were fairly obvious.

I wasn't sure what to say, but I'd have to agree with some of the other reviewers, the AF can be a little slow. I've shot a few weddings and the 'walk down the aisle' is always a trial. I also shoot a fair amount of studio stuff and a PC terminal would have been great.

I thought this camera was an excellent value. I was upgrading from an old 7000 and was trying to decide between a 600si or 700si. I got the 600 because it was cheaper and I could not be happier. Okay I could be a little happier. I bought the vertical grip so I could use AAs (ever get stuck somewhere without an extra 2CR5?) and the PC terminal. On the other hand I have friends with camera bodies that cost more than my 600si, 2 lenses, flash, meter, flash bracket, vertical grip, filters, and bag. I was going to buy a spare body until I read here that they've been discontinued! I guess I'll have to settle for an 800si or 9.

Customer Service

n/a

Similar Products Used:

None

The camera takes great B&W and color photos. I take about 100 rolls a year.

With 300mm zoom, indoor photo come out dark, but the exposure function helps somewhat.

A great camera. But my experience with Minolta's customer service was terrible, I would never buy any Minolta product again.

Customer Service

I got this camera from Minolta b/c they completely screwed up a repair on my Maxuum 5000, it was either that or I would've taken them to court.

Similar Products Used:

None

Superb user interface - if you enjoy using manual focus SLRs, this is as close as a new AF camera gets (too bad it's now discontinued). Lightweight. Fairly comfortable to hold (not as comfortable as my old 7xi, but far better than Nikon N70 or Canon Elan). DOF preview is a feature I can't believe I've lived without (I shoot a lot of scenics/landscapes).

Given that the 600si is a fantastic AF camera for landscsape photographers (between the retro-style controls and the fact that slow AF is limiting to action photographers), MLU would have been a really nice feature on this camera. AF is adequate with small lenses, noticeably slower than the older 7xi on a couple lenses. One thing I miss from the 7xi is an infrared AF assist light. The 600si cannot AF in as low light as the 7xi unless a flash unit with an AF assist is present.

This camera is perfect for landscape photographers, though MLU would have been a nice add-on. AF is a little slow. The simplicity of the control interface is what sets this camera apart from all others. No cards, no fancy functions - just simple controls, and yet the camera is very capable. I paid only $300 after the camera was discontinued and for that price, it's a great value. However, at retail price, I would be a little hesitant. Feature for feature, there are better values, but there really isn't much else out there that's such a joy to use. The value rating below reflects the retail street price of $400+, not the $300 I paid.

Customer Service

n/a/

Similar Products Used:

Minolta 7xi
Canon EOS Elan
Nikon N70
Nikon N90

Very simple to use layout. Rapid & quick function changes to all major controls. Solid body, dependable under fire. AF is not as wide as the Canon Rebel 2000, which means you can decently target the subject you want w/o having to switch to spot AF as much as you'd have to on the 2000, esp. with many people running about. Nice long battery life means you can do an entire 30 roll wedding with flash w/o worry on a fresh battery.

A few drops of water on the flash shoe making contact with all four metal contacts will cause the AF & camera to lock up - amazing Minolta designers didn't build in a better electrical buffer here - so watch out for rain!

No shutter-release priority! means with the sluggish AF (using 28-200 Super Tamron; it's a five year old camera design, too), you'll miss some shots you would not have with a newer body (eg. F100, Eos 3, Minolta 9).
This is a big point if you've ever tried to take an important photo and you know you've set the aperature deep enough to capture the shot, but the shutter won't release -- takes too long for the camera to switch into manual mode, too.

Even a cat pacing back and forth at your legs will cause this camera trouble AFing; same with kids going through a multi-spout water fountain (eg. the marble fountain at Disneyland).

Nice that they put in both AE and Flash exposure compensation dials, but they put in a dumb lock on the AE dial! while none on the flash dial!! This means you can't dial in AE comp. as fast as the flash comp. and that's annoying, esp. under fire when you don't have much time to find and push in that tiny little AE lock on the dial.

A well designed camera that allows rapid changes in settings (AF, AE, etc.), but limited by its five year old electronics and AF design. Limitations Minolta took care of in the new Minolta 9, but unfortunately, they didn't reduce the weight. Would prefer the faster AF and functionality of the 9 in a lightweight 12-14 oz. body (600si is a hefty 20oz).

Lack of shutter-release priority coupled with five-year-old-slow-AF means you can assume you will miss shots under heavy fire, esp. at weddings, with kids running about, and even a dumb cat at your feet.

I'm considering jumping to a lighter body (XTSi - similar features - the eye-start means the AF is going and focusing well before you're ready; has shutter release priority; has cross type central AF vs. 600si's central horizontal AF; lighter weight), or one with a much faster, surer AF (eos 3, f100, minolta 9). Even a Canon Rebel 2000 will AF faster and surer than the five year old 600si.

Note: most of these rants won't apply if you're not taking pictures of moving people/objects.
It's just peachy for landscape and other still shots, but even then, the XTSi would be a 'better' choice for beginners IMO as it is much lighter and has the more reliable cross-type central AF; also, almost as fast adjusting features and modes with on the XTsi (plus, the landscape isn't walking away anytime soon, so you can take your time).

Stupid things like a few droplettes of water locking out the entire AF system, the lack of shutter-release priority, and unnecessary AE dial-lock takes this well-designed camera down to 4 stars from 5.

It's a very good camera with a few lacking features that, fortunately, you can understand how to work around, but annoying distractions that aren't necessary if you're trying to catch a wedding or other important scenes. Much like a dependable dog with a now-and-then liking towards running off when you need it to stay.

Customer Service

N/A.

Similar Products Used:

Canon 2000, PZ-50, XTSi, 9, Eos 3, Minolta 9, 800si.

Repeating everyone else, but the most significant strength is simplicity, even for a beginner. All of the features are logically placed, and the options for things like showing the exposure compensation dialled in are very helpful. The manual's not bad, and most features can be learned quickly. The visual display is simple and uncluttered, and you can see all of the settings on the camera at a glance.

Exposure compensation dial's a bit fiddly. Same autofocus problems with speed (helps you learn to autofocus manually quickly though...). Battery indicator doesn't give you much warning, be prepared ! Could be lighter i suppose. But really nothing that has ever annoyed me.

I take this camera most places with me, and have done for about a year now. Humidity and dust in china, no problem, and bouncing around in my pack on my mountain bike don't seem to have had any effect. Looking around in terms of features and what people said about the camera, and others in a similar price range, the 600si really stood out, and so far, i am happy to agree. Program works well and is reliable, but the ease of use of all of the features means that becoming more adventurous and creative is simple. My first SLR, and probably the last one i'm going to need for quite a while.

Customer Service

Not needed yet

Similar Products Used:

Only compact point and shoots, this is my first SLR

everything. blows away the 9i in every way.
simple to use.

noisy especially the
DOF preview

what a joy to use. only automatic camera that
acts like a real manual. i use autofocus cameras
just for that purpose and meter manually.
nikon and cannon shoddy construction in comparison

Customer Service

not needed yet

Similar Products Used:

minolta 9i, minolta 400si

Hey! No buttons! I love the switchs...
The metering sys also did it for me. Wirelessflash is defenatly a BIG +.

~2 fps...! Wake up! AF mode swich location is not good. 2CR5 batteries, why not AA?

If you don't need the hight fps of the more expensive models, go for it ...Oh it was discontinued. Love the desine and it works good as well!

Customer Service

Don't know and don't want to know...

Similar Products Used:

N90s, EOS5, EOS rt, Minolta 7i, 600si, Olympus OM4Ti, Pentax K1000.

Easy to use. Comfortable to hold. Bright viewfinder. Accurate meter.

Requires expensive electronic remote release.

This camera has a wonderful combination of electronic circuitry and simple, analog controls. It's one of the few autofocus SLR's that doesn't leave me cold.

Customer Service

Not needed.

Similar Products Used:

Nikon 8008s

Very easy to use, no awkward buttons to push. Depth of field preview.

The autofocus has a tendency to hunt.

This camera is a dream to use, the aperture and shutter controls are right at your fingertips. When teamed up with the vertical control grip and 5400HS flash, you have a combination that's hard to beat. The vertical grip also includes a PC socket.

Customer Service

Haven't had a need for it.

Similar Products Used:

Minolta XD-11