I purchased this camera because I knew I was going to be going to four national parks within three months. I have to say that I had to learn alot about photography in general as well as how to use an SLR. Over time, my pictures have dramatically improved. Since I did a lot of research on what camera to buy, I knew that the Minolta would do the job on general point and shoot shots. I have not been disappointed. However, I wanted to challenge myself. By reading the manual thoroughly, photo books and practicing, this camera is pretty easy to use even during manual and creative shots. After using different photofinishers and finding one that develops my film beautifully, I am now confident that my Minolta can take my beginners photography further. The lesson, learn how to use the camera, read about different films, light etc. Don't expect the camera to just magically create professional pictures. I ran into a good amount of bad shots that I initially attributed to the camera. Then I learned that the camera is fine and it takes excellent pictures, just learn how to use it. On the other hand, this is a wonderful camera. I have two friends who own the other brands' corresponding cameras; the Nikon N65 and the Canon 2000 Ti. I do have to say that I find the Minolta the sharper of the three and the easiest to use with the most features. Maybe I am just biased but I love my camera.

Similar Products Used:

Nikon N65 Canon 2000 Ti Canon Elan7

Minolta Maxxum 5 offers the best experience for entry level photography as it includes outstanding features and performance for beginning photographers. It's compact design, well laid buttons, fast shutter speed, "rule of third" guide in the viewfinder, fast autofocus, and many other features combine to create outstanding composition that a photographer perceives.

It is a great camera, flexible and lots of featuers

the warranty

I had the camera for over a year and then when rewinding the film it stoped and would not open. I had to use the manual release to open the camera. When I took it to the repair shop they said it was sand damage. I don't believe it but it is hard to argue after the fact. They quoted me 220 dollars to repair it so I went out and bought a new body for 280 dollars. It makes me mad that they seem to care nothing for customer service. I had difficulties getting in touch with Minolta Canada and their ownly response was send it to us we will give you a quote.

Customer Service

Sucks, Minolta get on the wagon we pay your wages.

Similar Products Used:

Cannon Rebel, and an onlder minolta maxxum 4

None that I can see.

Batteries discharge. Flash is not dependable

Minolta Maxxum STsi This camera has been to the repair shop two times. Everytime it comes back, I still have trouble with it. The flash will not work everytime. Just sometimes. Then the batterys discharge. I have used two sets of batteries in a month. When the camera did work it took good pictures but its not dependable. I have taken two week trips to photograph certain things and when I got back it looked like I used a box camera. I want this camera body replaced. I have an extra three year warranty on it.

Customer Service

Sent to repair shop...comes back the same as I sent it..........

Similar Products Used:

I also use a Minolta X-370 Good Camera

Functions galore for the class/price Nice control over subject matter Easy to read/use

Apparently Electronics and a warranty that is only fit to be used as toilet tissue.

Functionality of the camera, weight, size, and price is what led me to buy this camera. It seems like it gives you much more bang for the buck out of any other camera in its class. I have had several Minolta cameras before without a problem. However- after running just a half dozen to a dozen rolls of film through it- the camera inexplicably stopped. No read out- nothing. The camera was not dropped, hit, shaken... Just stopped in the middle of rewinding. Had to send it back to the company for repair after my local shop looked it over noting that it was outwardly mint- that it must be an electronic problem (could not even open the back door to get the film out as that is electronically controlled as well). Minolta customer service people are wonderful to talk to, but less than a week after receiving confirmation that it was received, and was shipped appropriately (as not conforming to their shipping specs voids the warranty), I received another letter charging me $150 to repair the camera- citing the case as being cracked and broken, and the inside damaged. Knowing that I did not do anything to the camera to cause that damage- that outwardly it was fine when I sent it, and was accepted as being shipped properly, I suspect that Minolta does not like to honor their warranties and either the camera was broken by a technician looking into the problem, or they have to "find" or "make" a problem to get money for their time. Bottom line- I am incensed at being taken advantage of like that. It was bad enough that the camera was defective, that I did not have it for one of my trips, and that the roll of film in the camera is most likely lost- but I really feel as if I have been lied to by a company that must be more concerned with dollars and cents than doing the right thing by their consumers. The value rating would have been great considering the break below retail I got for it brand new- but I can not give them anything close seeing as I am out a lot more money, and the use of the camera for a couple of months... Too bad there is nothing lower than a "1 star" rating. I should have used the opportunity to switch to Nikon.

Customer Service

They are very polite and understanding, send you out the return information immediately- but they can not tell you much of anything about anything- you have to wait a couple of days for a tech to call back, and then you have no choice but to pay whatever fee they feel like charging to get your camera back. They are the only ones who can fix them- so take a broken camera or pay the ransom.

Similar Products Used:

Minolta 350xi (used for three years problem free- but really a glorified point and shoot) Minolta x-370 (used for countless years- still do)

AF, Exposure

Strap issue everybody know in front of film chamber door, What if they add some memory fuctions and PC terminal then one dont need to buy expensive body

Its nice to have all the feature in such a small body.....I love its light weightness

Customer Service

Its so nice.......I have a friend there now...

Similar Products Used:

Rebel 2000

Accurate metering and a pleasing autofocusing system. A wealth of controls available. It is flexible, small and has enormous capability to allow you to take the photographs you want.

No diopter adjustment. :(

An amazing compact SLR camera that packs a punch. I have used if for more than a year now and it has been a true and tursy companion. This is definitely a camera to grow with.

Customer Service

Never needed it.

Similar Products Used:

Canon Rebel 2000

Autofocus Shutter Advanced options Film transport

It's hungry of battery!!

It's simply the best of its category!! Better than Canon EOS300 and Nikon F75

Price for the camera Lightweight Loads of photography features Fast autofocusing in daytime Reliable The metering was great Motordrive was quick and responsive

Plastic feeling Slow autofocusing at night time (hunts a little before correcting exposure) Strap gets in the way of the film door too much!! - one of the biggest pain. The strap would get caught in the film door or get in the way because it's located too close to the film door.

The Minolta Maxxum 5 (made in malaysia, parts in Japan) was made for it's compactness, lightness, and affordability. When thinking about a good camera, I had to look carefully at the reviews of this camera and the cost needed to buy it. I settled down and finally I bought my Maxxum 5 including 2 Sigma lenses 28-80mm and 70-300mm on Ebay for approx. $400. I was very satisfied with the options of this camera and the lightweight body to be carried everywhere I go. With the Sigma lenses, this camera takes excellent pictures as expected. Took this baby to California and had great photos produced - from theme parks to the great R.M.S. Queen Mary hotel. Autofocusing was fast in the daytime, but night scenes are a little slower. If you are looking for a better camera, go for the Maxxum 7 (made in Malaysia, parts in Japan) or perhaps the GREAT Maxxum 9 (made in Japan!!) My experience with the Maxxum 5 has been great, but I only had it for 5 months because I decided to buy a Maxxum 700si (made in Japan) for the look, sturdy body, and faster shutter speed 1/8000. The Maxxum 5 was great but did not feel right to my hands. If possible I would buy a Maxxum 9, but the price is still pretty high. Otherwise, the Maxxum 9 is just awesome and looks cool!!

Customer Service

None needed

Similar Products Used:

Minolta freedom escort zoom Minolta 5000 Minolta 3xi (2 of them) Minolta 700si (My finest and one of the best camera ever built by Minolta) - Going digital soon. Must wait till Minolta makes a comp

AF, metering, shutter response, motordrive, size.

Strap gets caught in film door.

The Dynax 5 (that’s what we call it in the U.K) is nothing short of a breath of fresh air. After using a Canon Eos 500N, the Dynax was like lightning with it’s autofocus, motordrive, and shutter response that allows you to get the picture you saw in the viewfinder at that exact moment. It really is an exceptional camera in it’s class and in Minolta’s amazing Dynax range. Upgrading to the Dynax 7 is a good idea if you need the solidity in the body (or the Dynax 9 for unbeatable robustness!) Although the construction of the body feels, and IS, obviously plastic, you have to keep reminding yourself that is is aimed at the entry-level end of the market because, with the features on offer you might be mistaken by thinking you have a semi-pro SLR in your hands!! The materials in its make-up are just as good if not better that other manufacturers in this class anyway. The optional battery pack is a little on the plasticky and gimmicky side of things for this camera, it does help however if, like me, you have a heavier lens on the front. Another nice touch are the spot AF button and the spot meter button next to your right thumb, very usefully placed!! So well done to Minolta for producing a fine, fine camera!

Customer Service

Not needed.

Similar Products Used:

Canon Eos 500N, most others because I work in a photography store.