Great handling, very informative display.

Oh dear, I'll try not to be unscientific but here goes.
Bad flash metering.
The worlds loudest mirror slap. Worst standard lens ever (24-105 is awful, two test rolls were out of focus, underexposed and even showed barrel distortion).

The Dynax 7 is as good as my wifes Canon Z115 compact for print quality use. Results from EOS 5 and F80 were lots better and F80's best at flash metering for money range. EOS 30 looks interesting but I've never tried one. As soon as the two week old body comes back from Minolta I will be getting it replaced with an EOS30, 28-135 IS and free 550EX flash which is on promo this month (thankyou friendly Walters camera shop in Bath, UK, whose service was the best I've ever had).
I think I may have had a bad one, but the build quality is definitely suspect for all that money.
If you don't want your wife to make fun of you with her old compact don't buy this camera. Buy beer instead.
I was at the national motor show in the NEC and when I took a picture there was so much noise that everyone within 30 feet turned around to stare at me (they get 10,000 visitors/day).

Customer Service

They have the body for scrutiny now and it was recalled anyway, but nobody informed me....

Similar Products Used:

EOS5, EOS3, F100, F80, Olympus om10, FM2, EOS50E etc etc

Nice Design with easy to reach buttons. Lovely LCD displays with Detailed information, data storage and date back function built-in. Very egonomic design. Must Buy VC-7 grip.

Focusing points, besides the centre one, are not sensitive to low contrast light situation. Not enough D lenses to support ADI function. I have bought the new 24-105 and I am very disappointed of the result. I never figure out why Minolta promote this lens to come with Dynax 7.

This is one of the best cameras I have ever used but lacking of ADI lenses available in the market by Minolta or other OEM manufacturers, it can hardly be perfect. So, I hope more new lenses which support ADI function can be available in the market ASAP.

Customer Service

No service is necessary yet.

Similar Products Used:

Minolta 800si
Canon EOS3, EOS5
Nikon F100, F5

The LCD screen is very useful and clear, autofocus is super fast and the general handling feeling is nice. Finally, is a very nice looking attractive camera.

I have not found anything really weak in this camera.

I could write a very long piece about the features of the camera, but for me, the bottom line is that this equipment offers a very high standard for a very attractive price (hundreds of dollars less than similar pro cameras). It is indeed a very good value option.

Customer Service

Haven't needed any services yet.

Similar Products Used:

Eos Ellan IIe
Eos 3
Nikon F100
Maxxum 7000i
Maxxum 7xi

Very fast autofocus, amazingly cool LCD screen, light, excellent customer service.

Haven't found any.

I am ecstatically happy with this camera. I did not buy the standard lens, just the body. I have a pretty solid collection of the G-series lenses which I purchased for use with my Maxxum 9ti. Guess what? I hardly ever use the 9 (which is truly a thing of beauty, by the way). You just get so much information from the 7, and it feels so nice in you hands, I can't put it down!

The one person who gave this camera one star obviously got a lemon. I can't speak for the stock lens, though.

If you like a camera that feels like a real camera (as opposed to a glorified computer with a lens tacked on), don't need the features of the 9, and want as much information as possible about what you've shot (a great learning tool), BUY THE MAXXUM 7!

Customer Service

Very minor problem with software programming on first couple hundred units, of which I had one. QA guy called me 3 times to make sure I knew what to do, and then, when I delayed in sending the camera back (cause I'm always using it!), he sent a letter with very clear instructions. Well, I sent it back on Monday for software reprogramming, and I got it back today, two days later! I'm not sure, but I may even have gotten an entirely new unit. (I'd already run maybe 20 rolls through it).

Similar Products Used:

Minolta Maxxum 9ti, Nikon F5, Canon EOS 1V, Minolta X-700

Handsome outlook, first class specification, wireless TTL/ADI flash system, graphical DOF measurement/magnification ratio, handles like a dream, bright view-finder, safety film-loading features, light weight......

You tell me - I don't care whether it is noiser/slower than Nikon or Canon AF I say it's just lightening fast and quiet. And don't believe in what that guy said who gave this camera a 1 star rating this camera is nearly perfect (nothing is perfect right?).

Even if you are a die-hard mechincal/manual SLR user you will be touched - this is the most beautiful 35mm SLR body I can tell so far (Leica R6.2 comes second I would say). Put on the VC-7 grip makes it even smarter, and it REALLY functional too. When the saleman took the camera out of the box, it has caught so much attention and admiration from the crowd in the shop.

Do I need to say more? Just enjoy the pleasure and a whole new experience of photography with this remarkable camera. And don't be misled by others - Minolta's prime optics are among the best although it has no IS or USM as Canon or Nikon do have. Oh, and don't forget Minolta's flash system is still the best with its wireless TTL.

Customer Service

No experience

Similar Products Used:

Minolta X-700, XD-11
Mamiya 7-II

Improved AF speed and sensitivity, as well as sensible layout of the 9 sensors.
User friendly ergonomics and control/display interface.
Exposure data memory (7 rolls)
All the normal Minolta stuff: reliable 14 segment exposure metering, superior wireless flash system, etc.
Light weight
Pro level specification of features at an intermediate price.

Not as comfortable to hold as my 600si (but then again the 600 is possibly THE best ergonomicly designed body currently available)

Great body! Probably a landmark body (for all brands) for some time to come, due to the combination of ergonimcs and useful pro-level features, and innovative user interface.

Definitely believe you cant get anything better for the price. Definitely does not deserve the one star rating given by two guys below (the one guy seems to be a troll as you can find a verbatim review of the EOS 30).

Exposure and focus systems are two of the strong points of this body.

Good choice for an intermediate or back up to a pro who has invested in Minolta Glass!!

Customer Service

Not needed

Similar Products Used:

Minolta 600si (previous camera)
Pentax k1000 (previous to that)

Have fiddled with;
EOS 3, 1V and F100

Loved the data storage feature. Fast and accurate autofocusing.

The metering system in my camera was not working properly. Every rollwas underexposed. I originally used a Sigma flash with the camera and then swapped it for a Minolta flash hoping it would correct the problem. The pictures were better but were still pretty badly underexposed. I also had several incidents where no exposure at all would occur in the middle of a roll of film. This was very odd. My camera also depleted the batteries every 4-5 rolls. I returned the camera. Perhaps I just got a dudd??

I really liked the features of the camera and would have loved to have kept it. I just need a camera that works ...

Customer Service

When the people from Minolta called to tell me about the upgrade/recall they were very friendly and helpfull. They offered to test my camera when I sent it in for the upgrade and free t-shirt. However, I decided to return the camera to the store that I purchased it from - Family Photo & Video in NY. After hours of trying to get a return authorization code I finally sent it back one month ago. I am still waiting on receiving my money back. I have had to dispute the charge through the credit card company. I would recommend not purchasing equipment from this company even though their prices are good. It is not worth the hassle.

Similar Products Used:

Canon
Contax

WOW!!! too much! highest technology in 35mm SLR, fast focusing, easy to operate, full information given (even the focal length I use which I really need to know), accurate metering, high quality plastic for body.

as other user said, the focusing point besides the one in the center is not sensitive in low light condition, not as ergonomic as 800si I used to own, need to upgrade my sigma 70-300 lens to works properly.

The best SLR I've ever known! metering very accurate metering, my friend who own EOS 3 use it to find out that his camera is under exposed (and it is). High quality plastic for body, harder than my nail. once I scracthed it with my nail accidetally, and there's white marks left on its path. at first I thought that's the body, sad at first, but after I rub it with my finger, it disappeared!
Even though maxxum 9 sell at the same price, I'll choose maxxum 7!!

Customer Service

haven't use it

Similar Products Used:

800si, EOS 3

Great learning tool with lots of exposure information recorded on every shot. Controls for everything are very accessible- which really helps with using them. I am learning tons more. I am also getting some great shots with just an old 50mm(1.7) Minolta lens (especially at F9).
The poorly exposed shots can be examined with the exposure information. Future exposures can then be adjusted accordingly.
The flash modes are right on the body making it easy to use wireless with my 5400HS flash. On the 700Si the wireless option was hidden behind a door and rarely got used.
The viewfinder is brighter than the 700 Si.
The focusing is very good, but not perfect. After my first dozen rolls I am getting used to the focussing and have easily adjusted.

Focussing is very good, but still has problems. I have easily adjusted and am extremely happy with this great overall package (two of my favorite shots ever were taken with this camera).
Lens choices are more limited than Nikon and Canon, but good lenses are available. I love the little 50(1.7) which is easily found under $90 new, and gives beautiful exposures and very good focussing and is fast.
Lens information and pricing is difficult to find on the new D lenses.

Outstanding usability with ease of use of the various functions and exposure a nd flash options. Usability coupled with the great informational feedback, in addition to, the usual advantages of the SLR, make this a great camera.
If your really experienced then perhaps the Maxxum 9 or many other cameras will do.
Wireless and high speed flash are very accessible with the right flash. At first I thought that the value wasn't there versus the Nikon N*, since there is a large price differential (and the N80 is a very good camera). I was wrong, the exposure feedback is worth every cent and much more.
SLR advantages still are significantly ahead of digital for what I do. This is a fantastic camera.

Customer Service

Very good

Similar Products Used:

Minolta Maxxum 700 Si.
Minolta Maxxum 7000.
Nikon N80

All buttons are on the right place. You get lots of info 'bout the pictures you took which makes it possible to learn a lot and grow into photography. Very clear viewfinder. It has all the features you need as a photographer to make some winners.

It looks a bit fragile to me with all those electronics inside....don't know how it will stand heavy weather conditions. Not as solid as the 9.

With the 7, Minolta made a definite winner. A camera with all the features you need as a photographer. I used the camera in combination with Sigma EX lenses and I must say that it's a great combination. I also own a 700si and the step upto a 800si was too small. I always thought to buy a 9 in the future. But with the 7 in my hands I got all I need. Too bad the body is still plastic. I would have liked to see a metal body...So maybe I'll buy a 9 in the future when it has all the cool feautures the 7 owns.

Similar Products Used:

Minolta Dynax/Maxxum 500si
Minolta Dynax/Maxxum 505si
Minolta Dynax/Maxxum 700si