Features

• Water-resistant feature protects against unexpected rain
• Long eye relief
• High-quality optics for crisp, clear images
• Twisted eyepiece cup with the click-stop function
• Powerful performance in a lightweight, compact design

Amazon.com Product Description

This stylish pocket-sized "capsule" 35mm Minolta Freedom Explorer camera features a built-in wide-angle 28-75mm lens. Designed for both scenic shots and close-ups, the Minolta Freedom Explorer EX lets users select panorama mode and date imprinting at any time. Users may also choose between selectable exposure modes to ensure proper exposure for close-up, night portrait, or landscape/night view shots every time.

This camera also offers precise, three-beam active infrared autofocus for sharp pictures. The built-in automatic flash system includes "soft flash" for close-ups, along with red-eye reduction, autoflash, flash fill, and cancel flash. Film advance and rewind are automatic and fuss free, and users can select continuous advance or midroll rewind. The Minolta Freedom Explorer EX also features a 10-second self-timer setting and wireless remote control release. Along with the camera, the kit includes a carrying case, strap, film, batteries, remote control, and a two-year warranty. ... Read more

Features

• Deluxe point-and-shoot kit with 28-75mm zoom
• Programmed autoexposure with center-weighted metering and 4 special modes
• 3-beam active infrared focusing
• Built-in flash with red-eye reduction
• Panorama mode, continuous shooting, date imprinting, and self-timer

Reviews (15)

Very good, but not perfect.
.

I chose to buy this camera because it was rated number 1 in Consumer Reports magazine. Besides being one of the few that was rated as actually taking good photos (which is the most important thing!), it also got a high rating for being small, light, simple to use, for containing many features, and for being well priced.

I agree with this in general and recommend it. I tested all the features and they seemed to work well. I even compared photos from this camera with those taken at the same time with my other two cameras (including an SLR). My conclusion is that the Minolta Freedom Zoom Explorer does take nice clear pictures with good colours that I am pleased with. However, a potential buyer should be aware of certain things:

1) The viewfinder itself is quite small and dim, and the objects within the viewfinder are also very small. The viewfinder is the biggest problem with the camera and an annoying one. You have to squint and struggle to get your objects into the frame even if you are not an eyeglass wearer. Dark settings will make the situation worse.

2) Some, but not all, of my 28mm wide-angle photos have a dimness or darkness near the sides.

3) When you turn the camera on, it goes to the 28mm wide-angle setting by default. This is annoying since you will rarely use this setting for photos. Instead it should go to a more common middle setting like 50mm (since that represents what you see with your naked eye).

4) There is no way to know what zoom setting you are at. Ideally, as you zoom in and out you should see the numbers (mm) displayed in the viewfinder or at least on the main LCD display. The camera does not do this, and the objects in the viewfinder are too small and dim to even help guide you. So you are basically guessing with every shot.

5) When taking shots with no flash, especially self-timer shots, you'll have a hard time knowing when the shutter has closed. You can hardly hear it when you are not right next to the camera or if you are in a loud environment. A light should stay on for the length of time that the shutter is open. Otherwise you or your subjects might stop posing before the camera is done taking the picture, which produces a blurred image.

6) The remote works, but not as smoothly as I would have liked. Sometimes I have to push the button 2 or 3 times to get the camera to shoot. I did test the battery and it is good.

7) It is difficult to use this camera with gloves on because the buttons are quite small.

8) A couple more features like the BULB feature (to keep the shutter open for as long as you want) and the feature that overlaps frames (for cool effects) would have been good to have. Some point and shoot cameras have these features.

But besides all this, all the features that the camera has work well on mine like Macro (for close-ups), Panoramic, Night, Landscape, even the Red Eye Reduction seemed to do its job despite all the flashing being so annoying.

It is also a very easy to understand and use camera, and I like the yellow Date numbers on my photos instead of red ones that most cameras produce.

Overall, I am very pleased with this small, light, fun camera in general, and still recommend it despite the faults written above.

.

Point and Shoot Warrier
I was drawn to this camera because of the special macro setting with a minimum distance from objects at 1.1 feet. It is specified as having a "smallest field of 6 inches" - but at 1.1 feet, the smallest frame is about 17" wide. Out of focus close-up images happen about 40% of the time - either because I was closer than 1.1 feet or the autofocus may be inaccurate at that distance.

All these P&S cameras start out in 28mm wide angle mode - which naturally distorts the image (at the edges especially and indoors as noted in other reviews). There is no way to find the "standard" 50mm setting to minimize the distortion, except to guess w/ the zoom.

These finer points should not discurage most users of this very sturdy camera. However, the zoom control is cramped (if you use your left eye to focus), and it does take some time to find the image in the viewfinder, especially with a dark image in view.

The camera endured 2 years of torture in the bottom of my bookbag. Maybe I'll actually use the free softcase in the bookbag to provide more padding. It's light enough to carry around all the time for those moments when you say "I wish I had a camera right now". Good flash control. You must use the "landscape" setting if there is an object in the forground - or you get an image focused on the back of someone's head.

Repair Problem
I purchased the Freedom Zoom Explorer about a year and a half ago after my 6-year old Olympus Stylus Zoom bit the dust. I've really enjoyed the camera--it takes great pictures most of the time. There is a problem with the flash rebound--it takes several seconds for the flash to recharge which is not good when trying to capture continuous flash shots of your kid's squad in cheerleading competitions. You can take the pictures, but most of them will not have the flash activated. I am now camera shopping to replace the Explorer. I started to use it the other day, but when I took it out of the case (which was also in the video cam case), the LCD on the top of the camera was black and mottled. It still took pictures, but I have no idea what setting it was on or how many shots were left on the film. At least I was able to rewind the film. After taking it to a local camera shop, they determined that it could be sent off to the factory and repaired.... They couldn't tell me what had happened or how it had happened, and I certainly don't have a clue since it's been safely stored since it was last used. This has been a good camera, but I was hoping to keep it longer than eighteen months. I don't think I'll be purchasing another.

camer has wider angle lens than others
I got this camera 6 months ago after reading that it was a rated one of the best in Consumer Reports, and I have been extrememly happy about it. The pictures are extremely clear and just exceptional. The only thing to watch out for is that the lens is wide angle when unzoomed. That means you get more of the field of view in, which is great on some shots, such as in big buildings. However, shots of scenery that have not been zoomed may have dark corners as the lens creats a fish eye effect. Its not bad, and the wider angle is great for many occasions. If it happens just know its not a defect, just something to watch for.

poor flash photography
I've never seen anything like it. My photos looked like they were taken with a filter that darkened the right and/or left sides of the image. Same problem indoors or outdoors, with flash and wide angle. Also not happy with the sharpness of the focus. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

The compact Freedom Zoom 160 is loaded with state-of-the-art features, including Minolta's latest AREA-AF autofocus technology, a 4.3x zoom lens ranging from 37.5mm to 160mm, date and time imprinting, and a worry-free, red-eye reducing flash that fires automatically whenever necessary.

It's also one of the fastest autofocusing cameras available. Bring the camera to your eye and the eye-start sensor activates the focus and exposure systems so that the camera is ready to capture the image when you are. The Zoom 160 is smart enough to recognize your subject and fast enough to capture it on the move.

The Freedom Zoom 160 has three autofocus modes: area AF, spot AF, and target AF.The area AF is a fully automatic mode that allows the user to just point and shoot the camera. Spot AF mode accurately singles out a subject among a group of objects. Target AF is optimized to capture sharp images of moving subjects.

The Freedom Zoom 160 is great for vacations and gatherings of family and friends. The flexible zoom range of 37.5-160mm will capture those important images, group pictures, and close-ups of distant landmarks. The aspheric zoom lens produces sharp prints, thanks to the area AF system with its 940 focusing steps.

The worry-free flash fires automatically whenever necessary, even in tricky backlit situations. The red-eye reduction feature helps to reduce the red-eye effect to give your pictures a more natural look.

The built-in quartz data imprints the date or time right onto the photo, making it very useful for cataloging photographs and making photo records of important events. Data imprinting can be turned on or off as desired.

Other features include:

• A film-chamber lock function prevents accidental opening of the back cover
• Film advancing is silent thanks to new belt-drive system and nylon gears
• Continuous drive mode allows the user to automatically take sequential shots every 2.2 seconds by simply holding down the shutter button
• The night-portrait mode blends flash with longer shutter speeds to provide greater detail in night-time scenic or sunset shots
• An IR remote control RC-3 offers immediate and 2-second delay from as far away as 16.4 feet

Features

• Pocket-sized camera with a full 4.3x zoom lens with range of 37.5mm to 160mm
• Fast, SLR-type autofocusing for razor-sharp results
• Flash fires automatically whenever necessary with red-eye reduction
• Selectable date imprint function for cataloging photos
• Automatic film transport with film chamber lock to prevent accidental film exposures

Reviews (9)

Fantastic Pictures and Simple to Use
A fantastic camera at an unbelievable price. I've taken pictures throughtout Europe, Australia and New zealand in all kinds of weather and light conditions with always the same excellent results. A great camera to take take on a hurry up and keep moving tour. It takes wonderful landscapes, animal and people pictures. Even does well from a moving boat or car. The auto focus is incredible. Just point and shoot, the camera will lock on focus. We're now off to South America.

Cheap construction, flash burned out after few months of use
I purchased this camera after extensively reading the online reviews here and elsewhere. Everyone seemed to love this camera. It did take "decent" photos, however, it was poorly constructed, the "automatic scene recognition system" freaked out my wife who could not tell what the camera was doing. She ended up ignoring the flashing red lights in the view finder. They were quite distracting.

The camera does not remember its settings after being turned off and then on again.

The built-in flash turned black after only a few months of use.

Finally, we took it on a hike, my wife had it in her hand, and lost her balance. Barely tapped it (with her hand reciving most of the blow) on the ground. Now it won't turn off and the lens shutter won't close.

It is a basically a pile of trash now, and not worth the $188 that we paid for it.

I'll think twice before believing on-line reviews and/or before buying another Minolta.

varied outcomes
I bought this camera for my trip to South Africa. I got some amazing shots. Very crisp and clear with brilliant colors. It's very quiet which is good but also pretty bad. It's hard to hear the thing wind so if you press the button and then move the camera, your pictures could easily be messed up because you didn't wait long enough- some of mine did unfortunately. So other than this set back, my photos came out excellent.

Great Photos
I used this camera for an Alaskan trip, for the first time. I was very pleased with the results and ease of use. I did find the multiple flash settings a little difficult to master. However, overall the camera produced remarkable, clear photos.
A lens cover would be very helpful, as an accessory.

Beauitful Photographs!
After having attended the 2000 Belmont Stakes with my Canon Elph LT camera and gotten good, but very distant looking photos, I decided I needed a good zoom lens camera for my next trip. After some searching, I had come across the Minolta Freedom Zoom 160. At the time I had purchased it, it had the longest zoom lens available in my budget. I took it with me to the 2002 Belmont Stakes and I was amazed at my final results!

I had taken 75 photos (About 10 had come out blurry, but mainly because my hand was shaking and no fault to the camera), and they came out very crisp, clear and vibrant. I suggest that anyone who uses this camera get their photos made onto a photo CD, because thats where the camera's detail really sticks out.

Photograph Examples Available:
[website] ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Minolta's Activa Compact 8 x 25 FM binoculars offer versatility and power in a neoclassic design that's lightweight and comfortable. An attractive rubber grip around the top, side, and bottom of the body gives you a sure and comfortable hold, even for extended periods of time. The security of the grip, plus their compact size and 8x magnification, make these binoculars ideal for theater or concert goers, hikers, birdwatchers, and travelers.

The Activa Compact 8 x 25 FM's high-quality, multicoated optics and BaK-4 prisms give you clear, sharp viewing across the entire field of view. Their short minimum focusing distance of just 8.2 feet lets you focus in tight on subjects like flowers, birds, and wildlife without disturbing your surroundings.

The center wheel makes focusing smooth and quick -- even if you're wearing gloves. It can be operated with either hand, letting you easily focus and track your subject.

To meet the visual requirements of each individual user, the sliding eyepiece cups extend and retract as needed, letting you adjust them for a perfect viewing session. The 17mm eye relief lets you view in comfort, especially if you wear glasses while observing. The diopter adjustment ring is independent of the focusing system, but you only have to set it once per user. The Activa Compact 8x25 FM uses positive click-stops making adjustments fast and easy. ... Read more

Features

• Compact, Lightweight Design
• Close Minimum Focusing Distance
• Center Wheel Focusing
• Long Eye Relief
• High-quality optics

Reviews (1)

The Best Compact Binoculars for Eyeglass Wearers
If you wear glasses (and don't like to take them off to see through binoculars), and don't want to pack around a lot of weight, these are by far the best binoculars I've found for the price (I didn't try the $1000+ models!). I tried the 10 X 25's and they were good, but the 8 X 25's are the best. Very clear and nice and lightweight. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Early Adopters Pick: November 2002. The world’s smallest, lightest 3.2-megapixel camera, with a revolutionary folded 3x optical zoom lens.

By incorporating a clever internal zoom lens, developing a slim new rechargeable battery, and using diminutive SD memory cards, Minolta's Dimage Xi is truly pocket-sized. The Dimage Xi features a 3.2-megapixel CCD sensor--an improvement over the 2-megapixel Dimage X--and a 3x optical zoom. Besides increased resolution, the Dimage Xi has several other enhancements, including selectable ISO settings, optional date imprinting, spot autofocus (AF), an improved antireflection LCD, and automatic e-mail file copy creation.

Optics and Resolution
The Dimage Xi has a 3-megapixel sensor with a maximum resolution of 2,048 x 1,536 pixels, enough detail for photos from 4 by 6 inches to 11 by 14 inches. It also features a 3x optical zoom (equivalent to a 37-111mm on a 35mm camera) and a 4x digital zoom for a total 12x zoom.

This lens employs five aspheric elements (including two double-sided) to ensure sharp, contrast-rich images at all focal lengths. In spite of its compact dimensions, the optical zoom has a fast, maximum aperture of f2.8-f3.6 (wide to telephoto), which allows images to be captured in low light with little noise.

Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on stamp-size Secure Digital (SD) or MultiMediaCard memory cards. The Dimage Xi comes with a 16 MB SD card. Images can be transferred to your Mac or PC via USB, and the included audio-visual cable lets you view images and film clips on your home TV.

Movie Mode
In movie mode, the Dimage Xi captures 320 x 240 pixel video (with audio) for up to 35 seconds at 15 frames per second. The QuickTime Motion JPEG format offers a limited resolution, which is great for capturing a short movie that can be e-mailed to friends and family.

More Features
The Dimage Xi's most unusual feature is its internal zoom lens. While most digital cameras are built like their film counterparts--with a telescoping zoom lens protruding from the front--the lens assembly in the Dimage Xi is arranged vertically inside the camera, with the sensor at the very bottom, like a periscope in a submarine. This layout allows for a slim camera with a full 3x optical zoom. In addition, startup times are faster, since you don't have to wait for the lens to extend before shooting.

Other features include:

• Audio caption recording of up to 15 seconds
• 1.5-inch TFT LCD screen
• Flash modes: auto, red-eye reduction, night portrait

Power, Size, and Contents
The camera is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery NP-200 (included). It measures 3.3 by 2.8 by 0.8 inches and weighs 4.6 ounces. This package includes the Dimage Xi digital camera, battery and battery charger, USB and AV cables, hand strap, and Dimage software and viewer CD-ROM and USB drivers for Windows and Mac. ... Read more

Features

• 3.2 megapixel sensor captures enough detail to create photo-quality 8 x 10 prints and medium-quality prints up to 11 x 14
• 3x optical plus 4x digital (12x total) zoom lens with autofocus
• Included 16 MB Secure Digital (SD) card
• Connects with Macs and PCs via USB port
• Rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery included

Reviews (37)

Portable, easy to use, small, lots of functionalities
I've been using this camera for a while and it's just wonder.
Pros:
Small - I can put it in my Minolta leather camera holder and wear it on a belt. Very portable, good for traveling.
Movie - 35 seconds movie in QuickTime format. Pretty good quality WITH SOUND!! Can zoom while shooting movie.
Functionalities - You can choose TIFF or JPEG format. 35 sec. audio memos for each picture and 30 mins audio recording. Different ISO settings, night time photo exposure compensation, can zoom-in when viewing pictures on the LCD, e-mail format, EXIF photo printer format
Zoom - 3x optical zoom using built-in prism. No protruding lens during zoom. Awesome!
Memories - comes with 16MB but not enough. So, I got the 128Mb which is more than enough for my use. About 130 high quality 4x6" type of photo (not the largest size and highest quality yet).
Battery - small and last for a whole day at least. I used the Olympus before and its AAA battery runs out so quickly. This Lithium battery in the Minolta is so much better.

Cons:
Software - Slow to load up pics and kinda useless. But I used Photoshop for editing and ACDSee for viewing anyway.
Moive - on 35sec Max even if you have a 128M memory card.

Conclusions:
Cons is minimal. It's definitely worth it. Very eye-catching, easy to use, easy to upload pics. Definitely need a 128Mb memory card, an extra battery.

Worth the money
This camera is amazing. It's so light and compact, it's hard to believe you've got a 3.2 megapixel camera with 12x combined zoom in your hands!

The camera uploaded/connected to Windows 2000 via USB with absolutely NO problems, and I had no trouble AT ALL at removing either the memory card OR the battery. Wish it could take standard AA or AAA batteries, but that's the tradeoff you make for a tiny package.

Also, I'm astounded with the extra features this camera offers: record short movies WITH sound, record voice messages/memos to yourself, tiny moving lens cover, internal zoom parts, FAST startup and shutdown, just to name a few. Wow.

Even the manual is easy to follow and written in plain english. I didn't try any of the enclosed photo software because Paint Shop Pro 7 is the best and easiest photo and paint software I've ever found. .

The camera also has several levels of quality. With my 128mb memory card, it can store 13 pictures on highest quality and picture size, and 1958 pictures on the lowest quality and smallest picture size. On medium settings, you'd get at least 391 pictures at a time. Not too shabby!

I'd recommend buying an extra battery pack so you won't worry about running out of power, although the batteries do last a long time if you aren't using the LCD display much.

All in all, this camera is worth the money you pay for it.

Minolta has made the best little point and shoot ever!
I was looking for a small camera that I could shove in a pocket and take wherever I went so that if a photo oportunity came about, I would have a camera ready. I was low on money, and found this camera refurbished. I read lots of reviews and compared this camera to other cameras with the same features. Buying this camera is definitely not a mistake! I have the basic case and an extra battery, and since the batteries only take about an hour and a half to charge I always have one ready when the battery in the camera dies (Which is usually after a full day of continuous photography).
The camera is incredible rugged, I have dropped it on more than one occasion, and it still works. Whether I am in school, at home, or pretty much anywhere, this I know that I am sure to get a good picture.
Now to adress some of the problems that people say this camera has:
1. anemic flash - Although the flash is a little wimpy, when you use it within about 12 feet of your subject it is fine.
2. picture quality - the picture quality is as good as any 3.2 megapixel camera. It just depends what setting you have it on. I always keep mine of the largest picture and fine quality(next level below tiff). If you are complaining about image quality, get a film camera, and wait until digital cameras get better. Film is the equivalent of about 15-20 megapixels.
3. 16 megabyte card - duh, you can't get many pictures on here that are even somewhat decent in quality. No matter what camera you buy, you will still have to buy a larger card if you want a good amount of pictures. I have a 256 megabyte card that holds 160 pictures on fine and about 38 in tiff mode.
4. Finger in the picture - yeah, I agree that if you have big hands this can become a problem. The best way to hold this camera, is to use the controls and take the picture with your right hand and hold the bottom left hand corner of the camera with your left hand to steady it.
5. this camera is not for professionals - I agree. If you want all the controls of a manually controlled camera, keep looking, however, the autofocus does do a nice job, and I don't understand why a camera with more things to adjust would be better for snapshots and and active lifestyle.
All in all, this camera is truly one of the most handy electronic gadgets that I can think of and I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS CAMERA TO ANYONE.

Best Daytime pictures
Overall this camera takes very good pictures and it is very compact. The only downside if any is when taking pictures in low light. Using flash the image is slightly underexposed and clor balance slightly off(can be easily corrected digitally later). In low light there is some noise at max resolution. If the image size is reduced to 2MP this noise is not seen but it reduces the resolution.
Overall very satisfied with the camera. I have also used a1000mA AC adapter at 4.5V to power it and it works fine.

So reliable.. works even after a wash cycle !!!
Believe it or not.. I left the camera in the pocket of my shorts (it is soooo compact), and sent it through the complete wash cycle int he washer. To my complete amazement, the camera (including the battery and memory card) worked perfectly (after I let it dry for a day). ... Read more

Features

• Small, compact 35mm SLR includes 80mm autofocus zoom lens
• Fast, responsive autofocus system, driven by high-power motor and controlled by a fast microprocessor
• High-quality spherical acute matte focusing screen
• Quartz/date function adds time and date to your photos
• Compatible with Minolta's lightweight D series lenses

Reviews (2)

great camera
This camera takes perfect pictures. Every little detail in the photo is crystal clear. I can't believe how horrible all my pictures from my previous camera look compared to the pictures that the maxxum 3 takes. I highly recommend this camera.

Great Camera
This camera gives the best photographic results of any camera I've ever worked with. Ease of use and wonderful quality results in a perfect personal rating of this camera. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Minolta 10x50WP Classic Sport binoculars are made for the outdoors, offeringreliability and advanced features. The versatile and powerfulmagnifications, coupled with high-quality multicoated optics, make theheavy-duty Classic Sport binoculars a perfect choice for hunting, marinesports or any other outdoor activities.

The binoculars can be used year-round, in any weather. They are speciallydesigned to seal out rain, mist, snow, and splashes, as well as dust anddirt.

It also provides a wide angle-of-view which allows more area to be viewedwithout moving the binoculars. A wide-angle-of-view is especially valuablewhen viewing moving objects.

Conventional binoculars with normal eye relief do not provide a properviewing distance for eyeglass wearers, because the focal point of the eye istoo close to the eyepiece lens. The result is an incomplete anduncomfortable "tunnel-vision" image when viewing with glasses on. MinoltaClassic Sport binoculars solve this problem by featuring a long eye relief,providing full-image viewing for eyeglass wearers.

The Classic Sport binoculars feature a multi-coated optics BaK4 prism. Themulti coating is applied to the all light-transmitting surfaces, for optimumbrightness. Additionally, the prism-reflecting surface features a uniquePhase Coating and Special Mirror Coating to ensure precise, sharp imageswithout loss of light. This results in extraordinarily clear and crispviewing with unsurpassed brightness. ... Read more

Features

• Waterproof
• Wide angle view
• Long eye relief
• Adjustable Diopter
• Bak4 Prism and multicoated optics

Features

• 10x50W features a wide angle-of-view, which makes it easier to detect and follow moving subjects such as wildlife, sports action, and auto racing than with standard 10x50 binoculars
• High Brightness Index for a brilliantly clear image even under dimly lit conditions
• Fully coated optics and BAK7 Porro-Prisms for reduced glare, UV filtration and superb detail
• Attractive and durable, black rubber coating protects binoculars against bumps and provides a comfortable, secure grip
• Center Wheel Focus

Amazon.com Product Description

The Minolta Maxxum STsi Panorama Date kit includes the compact, lightweight Minolta Maxxum STsi single-lens reflex camera that is equipped with panoramic shooting mode, date imprinting, and a host of accessories such as a detachable 35-80mm lens, a wide strap, and batteries. This SLR kit provides many creative options for advanced users, such as the ability to shoot double exposures, but it is designed with a user-friendly format so that even novice photographers can enjoy using it.

The Minolta Maxxum STsi provides a fully automatic point-and-shoot mode, plus aperture, shutter, and manual setting modes. Program selection modes include portrait, landscape, close-up, sports, and night portrait settings. This camera features precise continuous autofocusing plus eight-segment honeycomb metering or spot metering for even more accurate exposures. In addition, the Minolta Maxxum has a built-in, versatile pop-up flash with five flash modes (including red-eye reduction) and wireless flash control modes. The continuous film advance is used to capture action sequences. Other advanced features include three-shot autoexposure bracketing and a self-timer function. The Minolta Maxxum STsi comes complete with all necessary batteries and a limited one-year warranty on parts and labor. ... Read more

Features

• Compact, lightweight single-lens reflex camera for novice and advanced users alike
• Detachable 35-80mm lens included
• Selectable autofocus or manual focus
• Through-the-lens, 8-segment honeycomb-pattern, or spot metering
• Panorama mode and date imprinting included

Reviews (34)

Can't put the camera down!
This camera is a tremendous value for both the aspiring and expert photographer. It is packed with features such as fully automatic mode (can be switched back from manual mode at a touch of a button) to catch those unexpected picture moments and aperture and shutter priority modes. The multiple subject program modes (portrait, night, close up, landscape etc) make professional quality pictures possible at a touch of a button. Another great feature that this camera offers is the ability to take panoramic pictures at a touch of a button so you can get those long scenic shots with no problem. No need for the expensive Advantix systems. This camera is hard to put down because it is designed with an amatuer in mind and very easy to understand manual makes operating the camera a pleasure. It is lightweight but yet substantial enough to prevent shaking while holding the camera. I have gone through 5 rolls in 2 days and the quality of the prints are superb especially when using the potrait mode. Images are clear and precise in automatic mode. The lens is sufficient but if you can afford the telephoto lens, go for it. The balance between price and features makes the STsi a must have for anyone looking for a new camera SLR or point and shoot.

just what the doctor ordered
I began looking for a camera after problems with my last point and shoot and wanted to upgrade to something more powerful. Searching on the internet allowed me to find many reviews and potential replacements, and Amazon offerered prices about 30% less than my local vendors - with a Minolta lens instead of an off-brand. My wife an I took about 10 rolls within the first few weeks - everything from portraits of our son, to sunsets (panoramic), to action shots, to shots with different depths of focus. The camera performed extremely well, is light weight, and seems to help with any "shaking" when taking pictures. The lens is great for shots between 3 to 50 feet, but not much can be focused on beyond that. I am looking forward to getting a 210 or 300mm zoom lens. Overall we have been very happy with the features and the feel of the camera, and I highly recommend it.

A great intermediate and advanced camera!
I recently purchased the STsi as a "step-up" from my QTsi (also a great camera) and I truly enjoy learning about its various special features.

This is a great camera for intermediate and more advanced photographers, and even recommended to professional photographers as well. Still very user-friendly, like the more basic QTsi, the STsi is the ideal camera for those who want to take that "next step" in their photographic adventures.

A great camera for the serious amateur
At first I was wary of buying a product that wasn't completely new, and for such a reasonable price. But as soon as I got the camera, I found that it was extremely easy to use, and the only a quick reading of the instructions is necessary to be able to use all of its functions.

Very light, and it seems durable enough (I've thunked mine twice now and still no damage!!!) the Minolta is very suitable for carrying around to family parties, vacations, and just about any other type of event. It's very easy to turn on, as opposed to other SLR's that I've seen; you just have to switch the button and take the lens cap off and it's already set to your previous modes. After using simple digital cameras along with regular 35mm ones, I find that this one is simple enough for the everyday photographer to use, yet it has all of the functions and gizmos that the serious amateur loves. The manual and auto focus is wonderful, and the flash turns out well almost every time; only slight adjustments are needed for night pictures, as with every camera. The only VERY SMALL complaint that I would have is that there is a bit of red eye, even with the reduction, amongst people who have blue eyes. But that's easily reparable on a computer or at a photo editing store. Very good camera for your buy!

Not good for proffesional
This Camera s quiet good for learner because the feature is simple. But if you wan tot used manual shoot you will have a problem. Event it's offering the manual Aperture and Speed but it's difficult to use. The feature is close to the automatic pocket camera. The differentiation is only the lens because we can use the Minolta series of lens from 80 m to more. If you want the camera with automatic adjustment for aperture, speed and focus, and want to take a best shoot with various lenses, this is appropriate for you. But when you start using manual adjustment you will have a problem. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

The Dimage F200 is a stylish 4.0 megapixel camera that can go anywhere you do. While the sophisticated automatic functions make photography simple, The Dimage F200 is also packed with functions that allow total control over image making. Features include a 4-megapixel resolution, 3x optical zoom, and digital video that's limited only by your memory card.

Optics and Resolution
Employing the technology from the top-of-the-line Dimage 7Hi, the F200's high-precision electro-optical system is designed to maximize image quality. The system is built around a 4.1 megapixel interline primary-color CCD with 4.0 million effective pixels for fine high-resolution images and print enlargements up to 11 x 14 inches.

The sophisticated eight-element, seven-group 3x optical zoom lens design is only 24mm long--less than an inch when retracted. With a focal range of 7.8-23.4mm, it is equivalent to a 38mm-114mm on a 35mm camera. It can range from wide angle for landscapes and interiors to telephoto for intimate portraits and details of distant landmarks. The zoom lens also employs three aspheric elements to ensure sharp, contrasty images at all focal lengths.

The Dimage F200's digital zoom seamlessly takes over from the maximum focal length of the optical zoom without interrupting the monitor image. The digital zoom can extend the optical zoom's performance by four times in 0.1x increments giving the F200 an equivalent a 456mm lens on a 35mm camera. The combined optical and digital zooms give this compact camera an amazing 12x zoom range.

Storage and Transfer
Images can be stored on either Secure Digital (SD) or MultiMedia (MMC) memory cards; a 16 MB SD card is included. Download image files to either a Mac or PC via USB connectivity, including any USB-based Windows Me/2000/XP and Mac OS 8.6 or later computer without installing any software.

Movie and Audio Modes
The Dimage F200 is not limited to recording still images. Video with audio can be captured at either 160 x 120 or 320 x 240 pixel resolution. The length of movie clips is only limited by the memory card capacity. The new Direct Video function allows the camera to be connected directly to a VHS or DVD recording deck.

The audio recording mode records up to 180 minutes of audio. Voice memo allows up to 15 seconds of audio to be attached to an image when it is captured. The audio-caption function can attach an audio track to any recorded still-image. The audio tracks can be played back in the camera.

More Features
Two copy functions allow image files to be duplicated in camera. An improved e-mail copy function allows a still image to be copied and resized to 640 x 480 or 160 x 120 pixels so that it may be attached to an e-mail message or posted on the Internet. The standard copy function makes a direct copy of a file onto the same or another memory card.

White balance controls how the camera interprets the color of the ambient lighting. Auto white balance compensates for changes in lighting automatically. Four preset white-balance settings, daylight, cloudy, tungsten, and fluorescent, can be selected for specific light sources. And for critical control over color, the custom setting allows the camera to be calibrated to the lighting conditions at the scene. All the camera's white balance controls are available for movie recording.

• 1.5-inch LCD monitor.
• Built-in flash with auto, red-eye reduction, and fill flash modes.
• Three metering modes: multi-segment, center-weighted, and spot.
• Four exposure modes are available: program, aperture priority, shutter priority, and manual.
• Camera sensitivity can be set to auto or to one of four ISO equivalent levels: 100, 200, 400, or 800.

Features

• 4.0 megapixel sensor captures enough detail to create photo-quality prints up to 11 x 14 and beyond
• 3x optical zoom and 4x digital zoom (for 12x total)
• Capture up to 3 minutes of 320 x 240 video with audio; voice recording capability
• Includes 16 MB Secure Digital card; also compatible with MMC cards
• Powered by 2 rechargeable NiMH batteries (included with charger); connects to PCs and Macs via USB 1.1

Reviews (2)

This is the best camara I have tested.
I have been testing diferent digital camera like Kodak, Fujifilm, etc. and the Dimage F200 is the best I have tested.
I have not tried completely the camera, but this camera has many options that don't have other conventional digital cameras. I dont finish to read the manual.
It has unlimited movie time (limited only by the memory)
Slideshow is very useful if you plug it onto the TV, and you can record a 15 seconds commentary for a picture.
It is a very great choice if you are finding more that a symple digital camera. It is a highly recommended camera.

Hidden gem, the REAL Best Buy!
I had to make a choice between the F300 and the F200.
I chose the F200 for the following reasons:
- Unlimited movie mode
- Separate zoom lever
- Redefined button-layout
- Anti-reflective coating on LCD
- ISO800
Before I bought the F200 I got a Canon S400 (IXUS 400). I changed to the F200 for the following reasons:
- Full manual controls in an ultra-compact metal body
- Clean and VERY SHARP! pictures in all situations
- Outstanding macro pictures, SUPER macro mode!
- Nimh battery support
- Faster and smaller SD-Cards
(- and the unlimited movie mode of course.....)
- Information display on top of camera with battery meter!

Of course, there are some netagive issues, as with every photocam:
- No AF Assist lamp
- Higher than average noise from ISO400.
- LCD gets grainy on low-light situations
- A bit slow start-up time and zoom

Despite of the lack of an AF-assist lamp, the flash is quite strong! I don't really need that lamp. On my S400 the camera took the same quality photos without the lamp as with the lamp.

The photos are REAL sharp! I made comparisons between F200 and S400 photo qualities:
- F200 is much sharper and detailed
- The colours on F200 are more natural then the ones on the S400
- However, S400 took a bit better pictures in low-light. But the F200 is still better than average. Much better than the Sony P-series.

I was afraid from the slowness of the lens. Doesn't really a matter, believe me! It is acceptable, don't let you fooled by some negative reviews about how slow the F200 is. This is NOT THAT BIG PROBLEM, believe me.

Reviewing images is fast and a pleasure.
Slideshow has many settings, it is very useful if you plug it onto the TV.
I can record about 15-20 mins at the 320 res. and 40-45 mins at the 160 res. movies on my 256 Mbyte SD-Card. A REAL PLEASURE!

One of the big problems was that the F100 get turned on accidentally. This is not with the F200. It's build quality is strong as it can be!

All in all: a great camera, I just simply cannot give it a lower mark than a five.
It's not only good for point & shooters, it is a super choice for serious amateurs also since it has aperture, shutter priorities, manual white balance and EVERYTHING.

A HIGHLY RECOMMENDED CAMERA!
The price is low, I think this is the BEST BUY compact camera of 2003! ... Read more

Features

• 8x magnification with 25mm objective lens
• Waterproof and Fogproof
• BaK4 prisms with super-reflective coating provide optimum illumination
• Retractable click-stop eyepiece cups are easy to adjust with a simple twist
• Lightweight design at only 10.8 ounces

Amazon.com Product Description

Minolta's Dimage X raises the stakes in the world of itty-bitty digital cameras. By incorporating a clever internal zoom lens, developing a slim new rechargeable battery, and using diminutive SD memory cards, Minolta has created a pocket-sized picture taker that's just 0.8 inches thick and has an overall volume 10 percent smaller than Canon's S110 Digital Elph.

The camera's most unusual feature is its internal zoom lens. While most digital cameras are built like their film counterparts--with a telescoping zoom lens protruding from the front--the lens assembly in the Dimage X is arranged vertically inside the camera, with the sensor at the very bottom, like a periscope in a submarine. This layout allows for a slim camera with a full 3x optical zoom. In addition, startup times are faster, since you don't have to wait for the lens to extend before shooting.

Designed primarily as a point-and-shoot, the Dimage X nevertheless has several features to satisfy more advanced users, including an uncompressed TIFF storage mode and slow-sync flash. A movie-mode feature records up to 35 seconds of video with sound.

Images are stored on stamp-size SD or MMC memory cards. Though relatively uncommon in digital cameras, this type of card is a popular choice for MP3 players, PDAs, and numerous other handheld devices, ensuring continued support for the format in the future.

Images can be transferred to your Mac or PC via USB, and the included audio-visual cable lets you view images and film clips on your home TV. A proprietary lithium-ion battery provides power--battery and charger are included. ... Read more

Features

• 2.1 megapixel sensor captures 1600 x 1200 images for clear 8-by-10-inch prints
• 3x optical plus 2x digital (6x total) zoom lens with autofocus
• Included 8 MB Secure Digital (SD) card holds 13 images at default resolution
• Connects with Macs and PCs via USB port
• Rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery included

Reviews (59)

Good snapshot/party camera, and wow size does matter.
Let me start by saying I use to teach photography at college and an a critic as far as picture quality goes. A college of mind bought this camera and I was so impressed with the size and features I figured what the heck I'll give it a shot because my Cannon G1 is just to big to carry with me all the time.

One of the most important feature to me was size, I wanted something I could carry around. This covered it, it is small, wow is it small and light. It's slender body fits into my pocket and I forget it is there. As a result I shoot more pics. The other nice feature is the quick worm up time of about a sec. Cameras I have had in the past I missed shots because they were booting up. This camera has a exceptional exposure control in low light, it is hard to take a bad picture.

Now for the down side. The picture quality is OK. I find it a bit smooth and not crisp enough for my taste, but nothing photoshop can't fix. I miss a volume control on the shutter it is either on or off and there are no shortcuts to the menu items to quickly toggle features or delete frames. The view window on the back is fixed and a bit small and dark sometimes, mostly in low light. Also when shooting movies the mic is on the top of the camera rather than the front so if you are in a busy room it pics up everything else as loud as the people you trying to shoot.

Over all for the size it is awesome. I would call it a excellent party, snapshot type camera. If I lost it I would go out and buy another one without hesitastion.

Incredibly small... and stylish!
The new DiMage X is just an incredible camera! First of all it's small, perhaps the smallest 2-megapixel digicam on the American market today. I still have my Canon S100 but this one is not only thinner but also lighter -- and the battery life is longer, too!

The second most amazing thing is even though the camera lens does not move, it *is* capable of 3X true *optical* zoom!! This is accomplished through an internal movable prism. Simply an ingenious piece of work! This means two things: fast zoom, and less distortion.

The camera is quite fast in saving images (max resolution is 1600x1200, just like the Canon S100) to the SD card. It takes about 1-1.5 seconds between pictures when flash is used and around 1 sec when flash is off.

Picture quality is *excellent*! One gripe I have about the S100 is the image quality is so so, especially in low-light conditions. The DiMage X easily ranks among the high-quality digital pictures. Images are sharp and color-rich. You can also make exposure compensation if you feel the picture is slightly over or under exposed.

This is one awesome camera! Its unique shape, extraordinary compactness and awesome picture quality make it simply the best consumer digital camera.

Great size, only one annoying feature
I love the compactness of this camera. We bought it as our other digital camera tended to get left at home because of its size. Other features are fun, like making movies up to 35 seconds (though we've found the sound doesn't sync with the motion) and doing continuous shots (one every half-second, good for capturing actions like blowing out candles on a cake).

There are some niggles that make this camera less than perfect. The one that bothers me the most is the fact that image labels start from 1 whenever you move the previous photos out of memory. So you take a bunch of pictures, pic00001.jpg, pic00002.jpg, etc., you move these to your computer and delete from your camera, and when you take more images they start again, labelling them pic00001.jpg, etc. It's not a big deal to store sets of images in different directories, but it is a headache if you are trying to make a calendar or otherwise bring in images from different directories together.

All in all I'm happy with this camera, but wish they had thought through a few more aspects of their design.

view finder out of alignment
After 2 years the view finder became distorted and out of alignment. Hopefully it can be repaired but there seems to be a lot of used cameras of this model advertised. I wonder why?

My first digital camera
This camera is the best. This is my first digital camera. I had two cameras before this one. I had a 110 and cheap 35mm. The thing I hate most about bringing a camera is having to carry it. This camera is smaller than my wallet. I take it everywhere.
I will tell you about the "bad" things first. When I give the camera to other people to take pictures, sometimes they put their finger over the lens. Since the camera is small some people's fat fingers get in the way. If you have small hands like me you will be ok. I have had trouble taking action shots at a distance. I think this is mostly because I don't know how to use the camera. I read the manual again and hope to correct this problem. The battery has a very short life if you take many picture. You will need a second battery and a bigger memory card. If you don't take more than 50 picture at an event you should be okay. The optical zoom could be better too.

Now for the "great" stuff about the camera. The only reason you should look at this camera is if you want a small, point and click camera. If you want a camera with many buttons and settings to adjust to get the perfect shot, this is not your camera. The menus are easy to follow. Don't use the usb cable to send the pictures to your PC. Buy a card reader. I went to a camera store and they said there is a possibility of the camera getting fried. For the money it is worth it. I don't use the video feature. If I want videos I will buy a video camera. I bought a 128 meg SD card. I took about 500 picture at Disney and they all fit on the same card. I used the second resolution setting. With a 128 MB card I could have taken 999 pictures. I used to be conservative taking pictures. I didn't want to waste film. With this camera I take pictures of everything. If I don't like it, I delete it. I got a good deal on the price of this camera. For the money, this camera is worth it. ... Read more

Features

• 35mm SLR camera kit with 28-100mm and 70-210mm zoom lenses
• Fast, precise focusing with 9-point AF sensor system
• Advanced AF focus-point indication accurately tracks moving subjects
• High-grade body construction for balanced, responsive handling
• Powerful built-in flash (GN52.5 in feet) for worry-free low-light shooting

Features

• Small, compact 35mm SLR body--no lens included
• Multi-dimensional predictive focus control
• High-quality spherical acute matte focusing screen
• Quartz/date function adds time and date to your photos
• Compatible with Minolta's lightweight D series lenses

Amazon.com Product Description

If you want the total creative control an SLR offers, but don't like lugging around a cumbersome kit, Minolta's Maxxum 5 is worth a look. It's one of the world's smallest and lightest autofocus SLRs, and its extensive array of high-performance features adjusts to offer something for everyone from beginners to advanced amateur photographers.

Design
Measuring just 5 by 3.4 by 2.4 inches and weighing in at around 12 ounces, the body of the Maxxum 5 is about the same size as many point-and-shoot cameras--of course, the lens adds to this size and weight, but it's still an extremely compact design. To save weight, much of the body is made of high-impact plastic, with a metal lens mount and tripod mount for durability. The camera uses Minolta A-mount lenses, and a 28-80mm Minolta AF zoom lens with a maximum aperture of f3.5 to f5.6 is included.

Key Features
Primary features include spot-metering and spot-focusing, depth-of-field preview, a built-in multimode flash, 7-point autofocus system, a maximum shutter speed of 1/4,000th of a second, 3 FPS rapid-fire shooting, and 14-segment metering. A powerful processor and speedy motor combine to provide one of the fastest autofocus systems available.

Additional Features
In addition, the Maxxum 5 features "eye-start automation," a performance enhancer that senses when you put your eye to the viewfinder and starts preparing to take a shot immediately. If you're planning to use the camera in the studio, the wireless flash setting communicates with Minolta off-camera flash units.

Contents
The kit comes with the Maxxum 5 body, 28-80mm AF zoom lens, shoulder strap, lens cap, and a pair of CR2 batteries. ... Read more

Features

• 35mm compact single-lens reflex (SLR) camera
• Kit includes 28-80mm Minolta zoom autofocus lens
• Integrated flash with red-eye reduction; includes hot shoe for external flash
• One of the smallest and lightest full-featured SLRs ever produced
• Improved autofocus drive motor and high-speed microcomputer for quicker and more precise control

Reviews (24)

The best purchase I¿ve made in a long time.
The Minolta Maxxum 5 is the best purchase I've made in a long time. Before I make a purchase I like to do a lot of research. For the Maxxum 5, I called a few of the better local camera shops and asked for the best "bang for your buck" SLR, and they all said the Maxxum 5. Look in American Photo magazine January 2002 and see for your self that the Maxxum 5 is the only film camera in the year's ten best new products. It is the lightest in its class; I've carried it with me on five-hour hikes without problems. It's features stack up with the equivalent Pentax, Nikon, and Canon SLRs. Another reviewer incorrectly stated a max shutter speed of 1/2000 second, it is actually 1/4000 second, which is faster than many of its competitors, and in fact none beat it. It can also shoot at 3 frames/second. None of the competition can beat that either. With a plethora of features, lightweight, and affordable price, the Minolta Maxxum 5 is a tough camera to beat.

A very nice SLR camera
My wife wanted to get into photography - so when she broke her latest Olympus point-and-shoot I decided to get get her a "real camera". We've had the Minolta Maxxum 5 for about a month now, and it has proven to be a very nice choice. I got it with a couple of lenses: the Minolta 28-80 AF and the 70-210 AF.

It is small and light in your hand (not quite like a point-and-shoot, but definitely so for an SLR) and the automatic mode works very well. Out of the box it comes in the autofocus mode where as you bring it up to your eye it starts focusing; interesting in the first couple of days but I eventually took it out of that mode... I like it focusing when I press the button lightly.

That is one of the nice things about the camera... how configurable it is. You can select among tons of options and configure it to behave just as you'd like. Because of all the options I'd highly recommend some quality time with the manual :-)

My only dissatisfaction so far (and the only reason for the 4 and not 5 stars) has been not with the camera, but rather the Minolta lenses - actually something I did not think about ahead of time; don't get me wrong they are nice lenses but I have the following problem: focusing turns the front of the lens and this makes using certain filters (for example the Cokin system) problematic. It is fine for the typical circular filters like Tiffen and Hoya.

Overall I'm very happy with the Maxxum 5. I wanted to add that Amazon is an excellent place to buy it. Much cheaper than the stores, maybe not the cheapest on the internet (I found it for a little less), but they are trustworthy, fast shipping and reliable!

An awesome camera for a great price
If you're looking for a nice camera to get you started in your photography hobby, I highly recommend checking this out. I have used both the Maxxum 4 and Maxxum 5. You can't go wrong with either - the quality that Minolta keeps is wonderful.

Granted, the Maxxum 5 has a few more features that the Maxxum 4, such as the eye-start feature and a few other custom functions. One that I particularly like is the fact that you can have the camera leave the film leader out of the cannister. It may seem trivial to do so, but if you want to change 35mm film in the middle of the roll, this becomes quite useful.

In addition, the Maxxum 5 has a faster autofocus servo and you can tell a definite difference there. My Maxxum 5 focuses much faster than my brother's Maxxum 4. On top of that, the Maxxum 5 features a metal lens mount, whereas the Maxxum 4 only has a plastic mount. This adds durability to the camera as well as the lens.

In conclusion, I think that the features that Minolta packed into this camera are wonderful. I also looked at getting a Cannon Rebel 2000 and a Nikon N65 when looking for the camera but found the Maxxum 5 to have the greatest number of features for the price. In addition, I thought the control layout on the camera fit my hand better than the other two cameras.

A great camera at a great price
I shopped around and did research before purchasing my Minolta and found that this camera had all the features (plus some) of the more expensive, heavier cameras in its class. The eye-start feature is an excellent feature, the camera focuses automatically when brought to your eye(this feature can be turned off).
This camera is really easy to use if you have no camera experience, but also has more difficult manual options if you want to be more creative. I tested out the multiple pictures option on my friends golf swing. I was able to take 5 pictures during his one swing. Another good quality that this camera has is that if you try to get creative and get in over your head, you can restore all the defaults with the touch of a button.

I have not found anything that I don't like about this camera.

The Ideal Beginner Camera
I am a 15-year old interested in photography. I spent most of my picture-taking years with either a Kodak Advantix or a disposable camera.
Finally, when I took photography seriously enough, my parents purchased the Minolta Maxxum 5. We did not really know much about cameras at the time, but now about 6 months later, I know this was the right choice.
The biggest thing I hated about Advantix cameras was that it took nearly 2 or so seconds to take a picture. Those who take pictures a lot can probably understand how fustrating this can be. The Maxxum 5 can take up to 3 frames per second.
Another thing I was upset about was the zoom. The Advantix cameras have a set zoom and that's it. With SLR cameras you can buy new lenses, though a bit pricy, to get what you want. The lens this package comes with is the 28-80. This is VERY similar to what my Advantix was. (NOTE: For those who wish to have more zoom should as well purchase a 70-300mm lens) I was disappointed I didn't have more zoom but enjoyed the fact I had a new camera to play with...so many features!
From the different modes, including Sports, Potrait, Landscape, Closeup, and Night time, to multiple photos on one frame. This camera offers more than it's size tells!
This little bugger is very light as well. The weight will increase with the larger lens, so you don't want a heavy camera body.
Auto and manual focus were very easy to figure out, as well as changing lenses. Those used to Advantix cameras and not those which use 35mm film will spend a LITTLE bit of time figuring out how to insert a roll of film. Doesn't take long, and soon you'll be changing film so quickly, no one near you even notices!
To this day, I still haven't learned every feature this camera offers. It's a bit hard to memorize the way to prepare some of these features, but that's why you keep your little manual with you.
Perfect for beginners in photography, including teenagers. ... Read more

Features

• 50mm Objective diameter
• 12x Magnification
• Bak4 Prism and Multicoated Optics
• Wide Angle of View
• Waterproof