All metal construction
Incredible ergonomics
Vertical Grip/controls
Flash System/metering

Heavy - but well balanced

This is an incredible camera! Metering is outstanding, as well as Minolta's off-camera flash system. Glad to see the new flash metering system in the 9. High speed sync is amazing! Autofocus is quick, but can easily be switched off without worrying whether or not the camera will switch back into autofocus (as earlier Minoltas did). Can be a little intimidating to subjects with vertical grip installed (due to large size), but the grip can be easily removed so it is not as noticeable. Easily accessible depth-of-field preview, and the 2 second mirror lockup is adequate for my needs. I can easily recommend this camera to the Expert/Pro crowd, although it is a little pricey for the beginning photographers.

Customer Service

N/A

Similar Products Used:

Maxxum 5000/7000/7xi
Eos 650

It's a feels great in the had, and very self-explanitory operation. No need to read manual.. The Vertical Grip is the most comfortable grip I have ever seen. I love the built-in flash it's wounderful for a fill-in flash. I could just tell you everything about the great camera but that could take forever. So just check out the web site. www.minoltausa.com

Not a one...

It's a wonderful Pro-SLR if you have the money buy this camera and trust me it won't dissapoint..

Customer Service

Not needed

Similar Products Used:

F5, EOS3, F100

ease of use, many features, quality construction, durable, made for someone looking for a quality professional camera

weight-quite heavy, price-not for all.

Great camera for someone looking for a professional camera.

Customer Service

N/A

Similar Products Used:

Canon EOS 630
Minolta X 7000

Beautiful fit and finish. Feels great, sounds smooth and precise, wireless TTL flash, high speed sync, 100% viewfinder.

Some rather unusual compromises like not being able to use flash when in custom program mode (but I never use that function so I really don't care).

Although Minolta doesn't seem to get the respect that Nikon/Canon do, I have never been more pleased with a camera in my professional career. The Maxxum 9 is truly a fantastic tool for the professional (no extra fluff, just the important stuff).

Customer Service

Phil at Minolta in New York is absolutely the best! He spent a great deal of time working with me on the whole wireless flash system. Super!

Similar Products Used:

Most Nikon and Canon SLRs.

Built like the proverbial tank! Extremely easy to use, well laid-out controls, don't even need a manual to operate most all of its features! Fits the hand better than ANY other camera I've ever owned. Incredible exposure metering system, every possible feature available except for true mirror lock-up (which I have no need for), 1/2 or 1/3 stop adjustments are almost instantly selectable. Full 100% viewfinder, easily replaceable finder screens, 4.5-5.5 fps motor drive built in, unlimited multi-exposure capability (with counter up to 9 frames). All knobs and buttons are sealed against moisture and dirt/dust. Most covers except PC-sync are built-in so you won't loose them. Built-in eyepiece shutter, backlit LCD top panel, 21 custom functions... I could go on and on, but I think you get the idea!

none

On the expensive side, but once you try it you'll be glad you did! This is one EXCELLENT piece of equipment!!!

Customer Service

Haven't needed any so far, but even response to e-mails, plus available tech support for the Maxxum 9 is completely excellent!

Similar Products Used:

Have owned Nikon N90s, Canon Elan IIe, Canon EOS A2e and 10s, Minolta Maxxum 650si and 800si.

I know it's hard to describe, but the camera feel is awesome !How everything fits in your hands, how every controls is accessable. Then there is the viewfinder which is crisp and brillant. The vertical grip duplicates all the controls, unlike any other grip, including from otther brands. The metering switch is accessable to changes. The new Data back not only lets me print the info between the frames, I can also download them on my MAC. The honeycomb meter is a tried and true design, so it didn't change, hence I didn't have to relearn meter changes like from a Canon 5 to a Canon 3. The 12,000 shuuter works like a neutral density filter. Plus in manual mode, I can hit the AEL and shift the exposure using the dials. No other camera can do this!! AF works as advertised--even in the dark;even with a f8 mirror lens.

Minor ones-I wish they had a split viewfinder like the cameras of yole. A little hard to reach the DOF button in verticals. Wish the dials glows all the time-tritium vice photo-lumiscence.

Minor niggles, but one hell of a camera. I see posts from other web sites praising this camera, and mostly with the same reasons I have states. A true professional camera, with not too much tech to require a manual by your side. It gets the job done without any extra glam or flash. I would say this is more like a good tool.

Customer Service

This isn't for or against the Maxxum 9, but my 700si needed a clean and adjust. Minolta took not a week or a month, but less that 48 hrs to turn it around. Since I have the American service (3 yrs. with loaner 9's available) I sleep better at night.

Similar Products Used:

Canon 5,Canon 3, canon 50E, Canon EOS 1N
Nikon F5,Nikon F100, Nikon N50, Nikon N90s, Nikon N70.
Minolta 700si, Min

improved bracketing, most controlls are accessible at your finger tips, custom controls are nice addition

some may consider lack of true mirror lock-up a weakness; I don't think it's that big a deal but it would be nice to have for those situations that warrant it

feels good, looks good,
sounds good, a very impressive tool. In my opinion is not complete without the VC-9 vertical grip which gives it its unique feel. Overall, Minolta's finest creation to date. They finally listened!

Customer Service

have not had to use

Similar Products Used:

considered move to Canon 1n but decided to stick with Minolta when the 9 came out

Quick and easy to use, complete feature set, durable construction.

A little on the heavy side, especially with fast telephotos. Not a biggy though, the durability more than makes up for it. Expensive, but worth the price.

A great camera, about every feature you can ever want in a bombproof package. Minolta's best camera ever - even better than the XK, 9000, and 9xi.

Customer Service

Never needed Minolta service, but there is a 3 year warranty and a quick repair service.

Similar Products Used:

F100, 800si, 600si

I love this camera because it is a sturdy and durable one, with lots of easy to use features. My cameras usually take a lot of abuse, and the metal body of the "9" can withstand a great deal of banging around. My experience so far has shown that the exposures are right on the money when used in program mode, and the new styling of the manual and semi-manual modes make it easy to be creative with exposure and focusing. I also like the ability to easily turn on and off the eye start. I like the way it feels in my hands - solid and dependable.

As others have mentioned, it IS heavy, but that's a selling point for me. It is also a little pricey, but compared to models with similar features made by Canon and Nikon, the "9" is a better deal. Other than that, I haven't had any problems with it.

If you need a strong and durable camera that offers lots of creative options, the Minolta 9 gives you a lot more for your money than the Nikon or Canon versions. I wouldn't suggest it for a beginner (because of the price), but if photography is a serious hobby or part time business, this is a great choice.

Customer Service

Although I haven't had to use customer service for the "9", I've had plenty of experience over the past years with my 7xi and 9xi. I've always found the folks in the service dept. in NJ to be extremely helpful and attentive. Unlike one of your other reviewers, I ALWAYS send my camera and lenses to the Minolta service center. The service I've received there has been faster and cost less than places I've taken them to here in Philadelphia. In fact, the repair shops here often have to send out to Minolta anyway, so I may as well just save a step and do it myself.

Similar Products Used:

I've been shooting with a 7xi and a 9 xi for the past 5 - 10 years and loved them too. The new "9" has ev

This is the best camera i ever used, i even compared some shots with medium format cameras and by far this camera puts outstanding crisp pictures. I thought about medium format before i purchased this camera but i am glad i bought this one. Medium format is good to have if you want something heavy to carry around. I use this camera to do portraits and weddings and the picures are extremely outstanding. I suggest this camera over any Canon and Nikon including the F-5 (its competitor). OUTSTANDING CAMERA...

NONE

BEST CAMERA EVER. It sure gives Nikon and Canon something to do for a while. The most advanced camera of the 21st century so far.

Customer Service

Didn't have to use

Similar Products Used:

Nikon-F-5, Mamiya 645, Bronica ETR-Si