-Very clear macro pictures. -Well focus pictures when enlarging. -Very rugged. -Nice added feature of panoramic mode.

-Have to get use to the off-set the parallax when zooming in for macro shot. -Repair Cost; Better to buy a new one.

It was THE point & shoot camera when it came out. It was very dependable. Had been using it for 8 years and the electronic counter died after getting soak at Seaworld. The pictures have always amazed my friends when I told them I shot it from a P&S. They tried to buy similar camera of different models, but never the same quality of pictures. Had very good luck so will buy the new Freedom Zoom 160 from Minolta. Since wanting to get into the digital arena and need similar P&S feature, will get the Minolta Dimage F100.

Similar Products Used:

Canon Sureshot Zoom Olympus Stylus 140

-great set of features
-metal case (most of it)
-nice lens system (i.e. clear pics)
-fine control over zoom increments
-full lens cover

-a bit large for a "pocket camera"
-zoom/macro requires offsetting the picture in the view finder to compensate for the parallax
-discontinued model (?service?)
-would like the option to lock the mode, instead of having it revert back to Auto after every shot

I really like this camera. When I had to return it, I had the option to replace it with another camera, but none of the models in about the same price range could touch it for the features. The pictures are gorgeous, too! A really good P & S for those who don't want to think about the camera, but enough goodies and a nice zoom range (38 to 115) for those who do. Heck, it even looks nice!

Customer Service

-had to return the first camera due to an electronic system failure, Ritz was great: new camera, no questions; staff seemed knowledgeable

Similar Products Used:

None

gorgeous, sharp pictures!
lighting good even at distance with zoom
date and panoramic
nice amt of zoom (115)

shutter release button stopped working after only 2+ years

I LOVED this camera when I used it. I could always count on great, sharp pictures. The outdoors pics always looked like postcards and the indoor pics were clear and the flash evenly distributed. Out of the blue it broke and now am afraid to count on it for important events. Based on reviews of this and other Minoltas am looking at getting a Canon.

Similar Products Used:

Minolta Explorer

-Cool metalic case with sliding lens protector.
Roller wheel easy to use for lens adjustment.
-Crisp pictures,good date option for family photos.
Easy to use menu

Close up photos are limited quality if time not taken to stablize camera ( shutter good be faster)
Sticky film loading door
Could be more compact

Great camera, hard to find and loaded with features. At the time it was Minolta's primere zoom P&S camera. Early with aspherical lens on the market. Newer models lack comparison

Customer Service

Never used.

Similar Products Used:

Had a samsung (forgot model,gave it to my parents,nice and compact) poor quality pictures.
Classic K1000 Pentax great for my b&w and outdoor shots, if time taken to adjust all settings.

decent panoramic shots
pretty good focus
flash is all right

drains battery after 1-2 rolls of film
a bit bulky
macro-focus is not good

This camera looks pretty nice. However, looks are only skin deep. This camera has electrical problems. I would suggest getting another brand all together.

Customer Service

Lens and Shutter has very very poor customer quality. Minolta's consumer department for repairs is equally as pathetic as the store where I purchased the camera