The camera is compact, light and spashproof, has a world of sophisticated features.

I took it to Paris for my Milleneum vacation; when I finished the first roll of film I couldn't get it out. Could not get it fixed in Paris. Warranty repair took a LONG time in the US but it worked for a while. Now I just had panoramic shots of a tennis tournament come back as regular pictures--the d*** thing has problems again.

I've owned several Minolta cameras, never had trouble before this one, that is just all trouble. A camera that doesn't work is lots worse than no camera at all--don't buy it.

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None

Lightweight, splashproof, accepts shoemount flash, good viewfinder with dioptric adjustment, full-manual mode available

Single-phase autofocus sensor is sometimes a little slow, servo-AF isn't selectable for manual, aperture or shutter-preferred modes, no good affordable wide-angle lenses, or high speed lenses

This is a really nice little APS SLR, useable by anyone, even first-timers, due to its ability to be set for "PHD" (Push here, dummy) mode and yet able to allow the photographer to grow using the aperture- and shutter-preferred modes, as well as fully manual mode. The ability to accept Maxxum-mount shoe flash units is also nice, since the built-in flash is pretty much useless for people shots due to pronounced red-eye (I don't bother with red-eye reduction, it's just too distracting). The splashproof design is really nice, since I don't have to worry about the weather so much if I'm out hiking and photographing. The autofocus sensor is an older design, and sometimes gets "lost" for a couple of seconds. That being said, I get really nice results, using the 28-56 and the 56-170 zooms. A nice high-speed "normal" lens would be great with any of the APS SLR's, since the zooms are really slow. Normal lens filters are tough, since all the zooms seem to have a different filter size, and most of them are smaller than "normal" (49-55 mm). Makes it tough, because I like to use polarizers a lot, and I'm not gonna buy a different one every time I buy a new lens... One grip I have is the inability to access "servo-AF" mode for moving subjects in aperture- or shutter-preferred or manual mode. The feature is there if you pick the "Sports" mode, but not available anywhere else. Overall, it's a great little camera, produces nice photos, gives you a lot of control.

Customer Service

Never used

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Canon EOS IX

Takes great pictures from light to dark, from still to fast action. Easy to use. Interchangeable lenses are a nice perk. Able to withstand varying weather conditions with ease.

I had a problem with the lens that came with the camera. It did not fully adjust. Once that problem was fixed it worked fine.

I took this camera to the Boundary Waters. That trip put the camera through various conditions from rain to cold to extreme heat and it handle all of them. When I developed the pictures they turned out fantastic especially when I used a tripod. My pictures were clearer and more colorful than my friends Cannon Rebel (also a nice camera). Now I need to purchase more lenses to take pictures from farther away.

Customer Service

None needed from Minolta.

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Cannon SLR's

Lots of features
Easy to use
APS format has multiple print types
interchangeable lenses
very complete instruction manual (you have to read it though!)

While the built in flash works fine, I found the accessory flash made my pictures much better in larger rooms. Whenever I am taking a lot of indoor shots I use the SF-1 flash. Every SLR with a built in flash I have tried has this problem though.

I bought the camera to use when traveling for light weight. I have fallen in love with it. It really grows with you by having almost all the features one could want in such a small package. It has taken lots of really great pictures. This camera will appeal to anyone who wants really good pictures with the versatility that comes with an SLR.

Customer Service

Answered questions well

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35mm SLR's

Great camera. Good selection of lens. I recommend the 22-80mm, 80 -240mm and the 400mm lens: its a powerful combination. The 50mm macro is also excellent for close-ups. I have used the 50mm macro to re-photograph some old family photos and the results have been excellent.

I love all of the APS features; 3 pictures sizes, easy drop in loading, mid-roll change. I especially like the mid-roll change; I also have a Rollei Nano 80 and I can quickly swap film rolls between the two cameras.

I took this camera with me to England last year and took over a 800 pictures without a single problem. Its a great camera to travel with -- easy to change film and keep shooting. Small enough to pack and carry at all times.

No problems. I've had the camera for more than 3 years and its always functioned perfectly.

Great camera and a great value. I bought mine when they first came out and paid $400.00. You can now purchase the same camera for about $270.00. I'm thinking of getting another one as a back up.

Customer Service

Not needed as yet.

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Canon, Kodak, Nikon

I bought it because of its variety of features and it seemed like a good camera to "learn" on. It is lightweight, affordable, and splashproof. Seemed like a good camera to take on a hiking trip.

Features don't work. APS sizing (print format options; panoramic, etc.) did not record once in nine rolls of film. (All my pics came out the same size when developed and I had the film developed by 2 differnt places.) Leaks in light, big red blotches on pics and pictures all came out looking over-exposed. Did not print date/time on back even though it was properly set up. Wolf Camera associate confirmed all these problems were with the camera's electronic functions. Also, pictures did not seem crisp-looking in quality. I could go on......

In *theory*, a really great camera with lots of desirable features for a great price. Everything seemed to work wonderfully. I loved using it on vacation, and took nine rolls of film; I got pretty attached to it.

In reality, it was a waste of time and energy. I took so much time and effort studying the manual, using the features, getting the 'perfect' shot, and I wound up with worse pictures than I could have taken with a disposable camera. Really. And none of the panoramics of the mountains I took came out panoramic! For 400 bucks? Give me a break Minolta. I would give it 0 stars for quality, but the 2 stars here are for its *theoretical* features.

Customer Service

Not even going to bother trying to have it repaired....trading in for a Nikon. A $400 dollar camera should work.

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Looked at Canon and Nikon SLR's, and the Canon Elph, but really wanted a camera that I could learn photagraphy with

Good in rainy weather
Takes good pictures,but no better than my old Canon A-E1 that I traded for this one.

I've lost animal shots because the shutter release locks up. By the time you mess with the camera the moose and bear were long gone. Also heavy for my pack, being a mountain hiker, space is a premium.

Wish I'd purchased a smaller camera that doesn't take so long to take a shot.

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None

Easy to use and good results. Many features including mid roll change make this a versatile system

Difficult t o find lenses in the UK. Buttons printing vanished after only 6 months.

Would buy it again if I was looking.

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None

Flexibility and control. You can do alot of playing with this camera.

Its bulkier than some APS camera's and for people shots, a bit cumbersome.

I really enjoy the Minolta camera selection and have been happy with this camera as well. I find the pictures turn out better than my friend's who has one of the cannon elfs. Since I have also used 35mm manual cameras, I enjoy the flexibility that this camera provides. You can really play with alot of the settings.

Customer Service

No comment.

Similar Products Used:

Minolta X-700, Cannon Elf

Compact size, lens choice, ease of use

None

I have had this camera for 3 years now and it has given me great service and beautiful pictures.

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None