The debate I had with myself about whether to go for the Nikon F80 or the Canon Eos 30 was well and truly put to rest the first time I actually took the time to NOTICE the Dynax 7. Then when I held it, there was no going back.

As mentioned.

We all know how great this camera is, there's no denying it. But some of the things about this camera, and the Minolta system in general need to be mentioned to be fair. 1. There are just not enough high-end & reasonably priced Minolta lenses to choose from. The G lenses are superb, but very costly. 2. Minolta do not have a lens driven autofocus system, hence the AF on some of their bigger lenses seems slower in comparison to its rivals. 3. Not enough of their lenses have internal focusing. 4. The AF is quick in most cases, but the whole system is fairly noisy. The reason I think Canon and Nikon are more popular than Minolta, is that they have addressed these issues. Canon have a big plus point with their eye control (I think this is one of the best design features in recent times, and it is not a gimmick.) To be able to switch focus points at will, without using your hands would be a welcome addition to the Dynax range, although I must say the Dynax 7's focus navigation is about as good as you can get. However, having said these things, Minolta have made a truly great SLR with meticulous attention to detail, an equally outstanding vertical grip, and great looks. Even with these small drawbacks to the Minolta system, the Dynax 7 in my mind still surpasses the competition, why? A combination of intuitive functionality, ergonimics, performance, and proud individuality. In other words, it has useful bits, it is shaped right, it does a good job, and it makes you want to join the Minolta fan club.

Customer Service

Camera rewind mechanism went all clicky on me, Minolta fixed this promptly through Jessops within 3 weeks.

Similar Products Used:

Dynax 5.

Ergodynamics are incredible. and the ease of use is unparalell.

None so far.

I cannot give enough praise for this camera. The ease of use is incredible. I agree with some other reviews that it may be a little loud but, it's not enough to dampen my enthusiasm.

Customer Service

none yet, knock on wood

Features, focussing, ergonomics, navigation display, thumb controls on back, mirror lock-up, Four frames per second, loads of other stuff.

Range of (sensibly priced) Minolta lenses

Well, after owning a Dynax 5, it's big brother, the Dynax 7, thrilled me to extatic pieces. One word comes to mind... ergonimics ergonomics ergonomics. This sleek little number sits in the hand like an extention of yourself. The black classy shell oozes quality, and the navigation of this fine photographic tool is as easy as pie. If you know the basics of photography, then you can use the Dynax 7 straight away. Not only this, but for anyone who plans to keep this camera for a while (anyone who has an ounce of sense), there is a deep and useful set of other bit's and pieces to keep you happy for an age, which is good because that's how long the camera will last given it's build, okay so it's plastic, but so are all the others in this range, the construction instills you with every confidence that it will take a few knocks here and there. The VC7 grip is on order, so I can't comment on that yet. The navigation display is better than I had imagined, the data memory saves you having to use a dictophone or pad and pen for noting down your exposures...more time to take photographs then, which is a joy to do. The shutter, the focussing, features, performance, and the innovation are all worth the extra money over the Canon Eos 30 and the Nikon F80. using the Dynax 5 as a second body is ideal too, as it is small and light, but a heavyweight in terms of performance too. But the Dynax 7 can easily stand alone and perform all that you ask of it, reason being that you can easily remove half-used films and put them back in at the same frame you left them at, I can't tell you how many times i've used that feature. This camera is a rare blend of having a plethora of features, with them being useable rather than just unneccessary. What are you waiting for??? Buy it!!!

Customer Service

Not used yet.

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Dynax 5.

The LCD back and the memory for previous films make it a dream. The easy to use lay out and no d*** button combos. A god send is the dials on top to set compensation of both the exposure and the flash. A great camera

None come to mind and I use it every day.

I have switched from Nikon to Canon and now to Minolta and I will not be turning back. A great camera that works very well. There are more things on this camera than I will need and makes certain elements of my photography much easier. More time to take a photo and less playing with the camera

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Nikon f100. Nikon n90x, Canon eos5 & eos3

WHERE DO YOU START? This camera is packed so full of advanced features, I don't have time to list them all (see other postings on this site for more detail). But here are some of my favorites: - AF/MF "toggle button" located perfectly near right thumb. Wonderful for fine adjustments in focusing, without having to pull the camera away from your face. - 35 Custom Functions! Tailor your settings according to the way you shoot, or particular shooting situation. One of my favorites is the DATA it saves (up to 9 rolls) including: date/time/exposure mode used/aperture used/lens information currently mounted on camera/exposure comp./flash comp./metering mode, etc...all recorded on the navigation display. - Release priority! D*** those AF cameras that won't release the shutter unless subject is 100% in focus. - Navigation display! Displays tons of wonderful/helpful technical information. It's also backlit for night shooting. -"World's fastest autofocus", according to Minolta. And you can believe it!! Everything is so well thought-out and perfectly placed on this camera. Minolta's R&D team obviously did their homework, and it really, really shows.

Built-in flash could be a little more sturdy (like the Maxxum 9), but otherwise is just fine. It's a far cry from my old HTsi.

God, I love this camera! Upgraded from my older HTsi, and couldn't be happier with it. Unless I have the need in the future to "go pro" (doubtful), it will be the last camera I'll ever have to buy. Worth every d*** penny.

Customer Service

Helpful, professional, on time. For some reason though, they always seem to have a shortage of brochures and manuals.

Similar Products Used:

HTsi Camera BP-100 Battery Pack (for HTsi) VC-7 Vertical Grip 5400HS Flash 3500xi Flash

Viewfider, compact and light for SLR, AF speed and accuracy, wireless flash system was the best, Unique and First ever Mid roll partially exposed film can be selected for multiple exposure and this can be huge potential for amateur to try explore many different film with out waisting it. Data saved and readerble by LCD good for amatuer and student also pro alike. Just too many strength

Plastic body but this was intended compact camera to be so. This is not commercial professinal usage. Careful with it, If droped it, it will break

This is my first Minolta camera. I have a lots of friend who have many different camera used to say even though they has been behind canon an nikon It has been minolta that always the best in making of SLR. I was laughing at it. I am professinal photographer last 10 years and I have accumulate finest camera(see below similar product used) and 21 Finest 35mm Optics. I never had chance in experincing Minolta system. One day Icame across borowwing my friend's system maxxum 7 and 85/1.4, 100~300/4.5~5.6 APO, 100/2.8 MACRO, 24~105/3.5 4.5 AFD. I am now really impressed the camera and their 4 lens's caparbilty as Most compact system. AF speed and especially accureacy exceed my F100 and EOS3, and lighter. Metering was superb, To be honest with you,I am most impressed with Viewfinder. It was the Best view finder not among the best don't believe me then see below camera I own. Viewfinder alone That was enough to make me decided to buy this camera. What a lovely cute camera that was deceptively sophiscated and beautifully engineered.

Customer Service

N/A

Similar Products Used:

Commercial use-->EOS 3, EOS1N, FM2, F100 Along with 85/2.8 PC macro Nikor, 70~200/2.8 AFD VR nikkor, 45/2.8 TSE, 135/2 EOS, 300/2.8 EOS, 180/3.5L USM amcro,35/1.4L, 85/1.2L personal use--> Om4TI, RT

More features and options than I'll ever be smart enough to use.

Does seem like the buttons to control these options are scattered around the body, and I'm still coming up on the learning curve on interpretting some of the icons on the switches. Plan on studying (or carrying) the owner's manual until you become conversant with "minolta-speak" and customize the camera's settings to your preferences.

In choosing between the Maxxum 7 and the Canon 7E, what put me in the Maxxum camp was a comment in a forum: "The 7E is a great camera for the price, the Maxxum 7 is a great camera at any price." That probably sums it up right there. Lots of features, solidly built. I was a bit worried about getting the camera without the VC7 grip; after trying it, I don't feel I have any problem shooting vertical or horizontal without one, and I have fairly large hands. Features I like best about it are the data recording feature for post-mortem analysis of flubbed shots, the 2-sec mirror lockup, and being able to predefine modes with respect to metering modes/priorities.

Customer Service

Not needed.

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Pentax ZX7.

-Excellent to handle, especially if used with the vertical grip, very nicely balanced, a real revelation -Buttons very well placed to make for intuitive use -Loads of good after-market lenses to try out, if you can't afford the very expensive top-level Minolta ones (but the Minolta ones are there if you need them). Also apart from ADI features, backwards compatible with all other Minolta AF lenses, so you have a lot of choice in the used market. -Records extremely detailed shot data (but see weaknesses), saves carrying around that little notebook! -Feature by feature comparison with other brands shows outstanding value for money -Mirror lock-up (didn't know I needed it till I tried it, it makes a big difference) - Looks cool and FUN to use

- Pity it only records 7 rolls of film in the camera's own memory - it wouldn't have needed much extra to cost in storage for (say) 20 rolls instead. But then you can buy the datasaver and store 1900 rolls of film data so not really a problem -Not enough D lenses available

Expands your photographic possibilitoes hugely if moving up to a 'the next level' SLR from entry level.

Customer Service

-Fast and very knowledgeable e-mail technical support in the UK -haven't needed any other type of customer service

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Dynax 5 Nikon FG Nikon EM

A lot of camera for a decent price. Very user-friendly

Back wears off relatively easy Will Minolta go digital? Not as much choices in lenses as for instance Canon (Minolta only got one 85mm lens, and that one is EXPENSIVE!)

I can really recommend this body! I switched to AF a year ago and was considering some bodies. In a store I had my hands on a Nikon f-80, a Canon EOS-something and the dynax. And this body just felt right. It is jammed full with functions, but the best part is that it is very user-friendly. I also got the battery pack, and I am using it all the time. I can really recommend it. I find the three user-settings very usefull. With it you can tailor make your camera for different situations. The LED display is very usefull, also the zone-function which lets you see the readings of the 14 sensors in one picture. AF is fast, and the glass is very bright. One point of critique: some parts of the back of the camere are starting to show some wear. The rubber on the rubberized parts is prone to wear (and I am carefull with my camera).

- A lot of features.

- Not reliable when used with strobe lighting equipment.

Unfortunately, I am very disappointed with this camera body. Don't get me wrong! The Maxxum 7 has an entire list of great features that make it an all around great buy for the money. Although have caution when using the Maxxum 7 with electronic strobe units and/or radio transmitters. Using strobe and artificial lighting is essential for the type of work that I do, and for whatever reason, the Maxxum 7 DID NOT like being plugged into my brand new Profoto Acute 2400 2R system. Upon the first use of this unit with a Pocket Wizard Transmitter, the LCD screen went blank and the shutter and autofocus were completely locked up. The unit was dead frozen. I exchanged it for a new unit shortly thereafter. I used the new unit that I got this time without the transmitter. Instead I used the standard sync cable to my Profoto's. Unfortunately, the same problem occurred. Minolta's senior technicians, customer service at LPA Pocket Wizard and Profoto all could not give me an explanation as to why this happened. I'll be returning the second Maxxum 7 in exchange for something else now.

Customer Service

Minolta customer service reps were very helpful in trying to figure out what the problem was. They provided info for warranty repair, however, I took the unit back to the dealer where I originally bought it.

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Minolta HTSI Plus Nikon F100 Yashica MAT 124G Hasselblad 501 & 503 Mamiya 645 Pro TL & 645E