Minolta Dynax / Maxxum 5
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| Pro | - As opposed to what's been said here by a user, there is a possibility of allowing one to switch back/forth from spot AF metering to automatic Wide-area AF metering, without having to keep the button pressed all the time. You simply set custom function x to y (i don't remember now and don't have the camera with me) and that changes it so that one click on the button is enough to switch from one mode to another. Also, there's a neat indication of the mode you're in those luminiscent letters in the viewfinder. The same goes for spot exposure metering by the way. That's the way I now have it on my camera, because I agree it is uncomfortable to keep pressing it while aiming your camera and operating other functions. My only complaint here is that this should have been the default mode, although once you set it in the custom functions it remains that way even after you turn off the camera or even take out the batteries.
- The AF works EXCEPTIONALLY well, much more than I anticipated even in light of the favourable reviews this AF got here. Even WITHOUT using the flash as an AF illuminator I was able to focus easily in low light conditions. The AF capability in very low light is really amazing. - The build quality. Some have said here that it is plasticy. It is in the sense that the body is made almost entirely of plastic (except for the lens mount which is metal). But on the outside it feels very well put-together (mine was made in China by the way). Only when I open it up to insert film you see really platicy plastic materials, and I admit the insides do seem a bit delicate, plus the dealer who sold this to my sister (at my recommendation) told her never to apply pressure anywhere near the film shutter on the inside. To anyone who knows how a camera works it's obvious, so my best guess is that he warned her because she seemed to him like she doesn't know much about cameras, but it may very well be because he experienced problems with this in the past. To my mind, this is reasonable, and you can't really complain if a delicate piece of electronic-machinery doesn't work after you stab your fingers in it. I, by the way, did press on the sides near the shutter (prior to hearing the warnings), I think even rather forcefuly as I was holding the camera in one hand with a 500gr lens while getting new film out of its box with the other hand - and the camera is still working fine. Anyway, my sister trekked for 2 months in the far east with this camera - nepal up to 4500m with snow (amazing pictures), thai islands (amazing sunsets) - and it looks and operates like new - she had no problems at all. I don't know if she dropped it or anything. - ERGONOMICS & SOFTWARE: Before I recommended this camera to my sister I read the manual (PDF) posted on one of Minolta's websites, and everything in there seemed pretty straightforward, explained beautifully, concisely, with pictures - everything seemed easy and simple. I thought "yeah, right", but since there was nothing else to compare it to (i couldn't find the nikkon/cannon manuals on their websites), I figured the rest could only do worse. When my sister finally brought the camera home (she bought it in Nepal, before a 3 week trek), I was BLOWN AWAY by how intuitive the controls on this camera are. After no more than 15 minutes I was already in full control of the camera. Everything is remarkably well placed - nothing is out of reach when you hold the camera properly and naturally. That's as far as the ergonomics go. However, there is another aspect I am more than impressed with and that is the quality of the software that drives this little marvel of ergonomics. I am a software programmer in my profession, and when my colleagues want to make fun of my capabilities as a programmer they remind me that I always take as much time to design and implement the user-interface of my program as I do for the actual hard core programming. Usually programmers feel this ratio should be lower than 1:1. I agree, but at the same time I find that many good programs suffer terribly from bad user-interfaces. Or maybe it's the users who suffer terribly. This is so NOT the case with the Dynax 5. I take pleasure in using this because aside from everything being placed where you'd naturally accept and expect it, everything works, reacts, displays, informs, interacts in the way you'd expect it. Every function that has a bearing on how the picture will turn out has a display within the viewfinder. If it's the beep (which can be cancelled) together with the red dot flashing on one of the AF points on the picture, when focus is confirmed. Or if it's the word and diagram indication in the bottom of the viewfinder when you change modes from spot metering/ spot AF to normal wide-area AF, averaged metering. Or if it's the flashing figures - for example, when you set aperture priority and the camera can't set shutter release accordingly to match the lighting conditions the figure for the shutter speed will flash on and off in the viewfinder, letting you know there's a problem and what's the problem before you take the picture. The same goes for shutter priority. For spot metering, the difference in measure light is displayed on a digital ruler in the bottom of the viewfinder with arrows flashing on top of the ruler to warn you if the difference is very high. I feel a lot of thought went into making this camera. - - I find the complaints about the position / smallness of the SPOT AF and SPOT METERING buttons unwarranted and unjust. Unless you have humongous fingers these buttons don't pose any problem. I gott'a say I suspected as much by looking at diagrams of the camera prior to receiving it, but when I finally got it my suspsicions were confirmed: there is nothing wrong with these buttons. They are perhaps not oceans apart, but why should they be oceans apart? - they have very similar functions and behaviour and i like them being grouped together. They are very adequately spaced with a plastic bridge seperating them so you don't press both at once even if you ARE using your feet to operate the camera. This is especially true when you consider that you don't have to keep the buttons pressed all the time to keep spot AF or spot metering (see 1st comment). - There's a custom function (custom functions only have to set once and then you can forget about it even after the batteries are taken out) that allows for the tip of the film to be left out when rewinding. This is one of the most useful feautres for people who take photos daily, for example if you're on a trip. On my trips I usually use a 100-200 ISO film during the day and afternoon, and at evening I turn to 800 ISO because I like natural looking pictures without flash (i find that if you don't enlarge them to poster sizes the reduction in quality is hardly visible if you're using high quality film - and I am very senstive and meticulous about these these things). Anyways, sometimes I don't have enough picture-taking oppertunities during the day, and come evening I find I've only used 16 of the 36 exposures. I then rewind the film leaving the film tip out of the film box, take out the 100 ISO film, put in the 800 ISO for the evening, shoot how many pictures I want, and at morning I put the 100 ISO back in the camera. I then use the custom functions to lock the film-shutter, put the lens cap on, and shoot away 16-17 pictures just to advance the film. I then unlock the film-shutter, remove the lens cap, and I can continue shooting where I left off yesterday. VERY VERY USEFUL. Could work better with the date-imprint function, which I don't have on my Dynax - because afterwards you can get confused as to the dates you shot each picture. - Despite comments being made about how the camera is so light (yes, people complained about that!) that it doesn't balance heavier lenses. Because of the reviews here I was a bit apprehensious, but I got a >400gr lens and the balance is perfect. I estimate that with lenses 5" that weigh more than mine, balance could set a problem. - I haven't really thoroughly tested the switch from Auto focus to Manual focus on my lens (see general impressions), but aside from an annoying 'clap' sound when the switch is made, the change is smooth, and manual damping of the focus can be done with ease on my lens with just the right amount of smoothness and resistance, but this pertains more to the lens than the body so... (by the way, i'm very happy with this lens as far as optical structure goes, though I like vibrant colors, maybe overly so, so I try to use good quality film suited for that purpose). - Possibility of going all-manual. | ||
| Contra | - I don't think this flash is any worse than other pop-up flashes in the even bigger/better cameras, and it does work beautifully with the camera, popping up just when you need it, with an option of disabling it completely. I guess I just like bigger flashes that come with tons of batteries - but for trip photography this flash is great (up to 5m I think), with no less than 28mm.
- I rather dislike the nickel-like plating on the shutter-release button. It's fine for the touch, and it doesn't look like it's gonna peel off anytime soon (though you really can't tell), but I think it gives the camera kind of a cheap look. No biggy though. - I think the vertical dial that's used to control aperture/shutter manually and also to set some other options could have been calibrated to be less rigid. I find I need to apply pressure to make it turn. I would have prefered if this wheel turned more freely, but this is purely a matter of taste and I don't find this to be a design or manufacture flaw. | ||
| Thoughts | My minolta was bought for 240$ with a ~200$ Minolta AF 24-85 f/3.5-4.5 lens, and UV filter as a lens protector.
A friend of mine bought a Pentax digital for about the same total amount - his camera produces absolutely incredible pictures as far as sharpness and vividness of colors go, but I still prefer mine for the many creative options, for the overall quality of the pictures, at night, at day, for the possibility of using a high aperture lens, that also has almost invisible distortions compared with those tiny digital camera lenses, which distort the picture entirely at lower focal lengths and higher, and also in the standard focal length. I've tried out some of the other cameras in this range, inc. the pricier N80 and I found them all lacking. I have yet to find a design fault with the Dynax 5. Oh, yeah, almost forgot - owing to reviews here and elsewhere I thought I was gonn'a have to buy the optional battery pack due to the camera's suposedly too-small size, but I found its size is perfect. Also I read that the batteries were pretty expensive, but my sister bought an extra pack for less than 8 US$ and it's working fine, so - I dunn'o. I am just so happy with this camera. I hope it never breaks down so I never have to replace it. | ||
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| Contra | bigger contras (in my opinion):
small contras:
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| Thoughts | I like the Dynax 5 a lot, although sometimes it feels too small for my needs. (The Dynax 7 on the other hand is too big and overloaded with possibilities.) I bought the camera in summer 2002 with the terrible 28-80D-lense, got rid of the “kit”-lense, now I use Minoltas AF 50mm 1.7 and the 24-85 with it – concerning sharpness & contrast now the pictures are very satisfying.
For an amateur, who takes pictures mainly at travels or in daily life situations, the camera offers much more pros than contras. Because of the contras I was comparing the Dynax 5 extensively to Canon EOS 300V & Nikon F80, which both offer better solutions for centerspot metering & also lightable LED. But in the end I found that the Dynax 5 has got unique features I wouldn’t like to disclaim, i.e. the very good viewfinder, the wireless Minolta flash system, and Minolta also offers the better range of affordable lenses. Nevertheless I’m looking forward to a Dynax 6 – I hope there will be one soon. | ||
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| Pro | Features are better than any thing in it’s class, it has tracking, DOP preview, super fast AF, spot focus, Spot metering, + - exposure, options galore and lens useable from older models which makes getting an extra lens or two reasonable. TTL HS flash metering ect. ect. Love the lightweight, easily packed around camera with tons of options, great for taking on vacations or for learning with. You’ll be able to use it for years to come before you’d ever grow out of it. | ||
| Contra | The location of the +- exposure button used to control aperture is awkward to use. The batteries are CR2 lithium batteries, which are very expensive (Can buy BP 200 battery pack for around $60.00 U.S.) Camera strap can be in the way of the door and spot meter button. Not enough people really know how great this little camera is for the price. | ||
| Thoughts | This was an easy choice for me to get after doing a lot of research on this class of camera. Although Canon and Nikon are bigger names, don’t let that sway your views, read everything on this camera and there’s and make the choice. Remember your not going to get any better picture with the other two name brands, because it’s the photographer not the camera that takes a great picture. | ||
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| Pro | Excellent feature/price ratio. DOF preview, bright viewfinder, exposure compensation and bracketing, multiple exposure (not limited to 9 shots like earlier models). Light weight, metal lens mount, control set useability is generally good. AF significantly better than earlier models (faster, less hunting). Metering works well. Back door locks when film is loaded. Custom functions allow some features to be turned off (e.g. auto film rewind, eye start, leader in/out). Can handle high-speed sync flash, Minolta D lenses. Respectable motor-drive speed. 7 AF sensors, in X layout (not + layout). | ||
| Contra | Strap eyelet positioning sometimes gets in the way when opening the back to change film. Small size can be awkward for people with large hands. Some find it too light and a bit plasticy (although I'm happy with it). Like most Minolta AF bodies, there is no mirror lockup or socket for studio flash, and it can't handle infrared film. A couple of the controls (slow sync flash, spot exposure lock) are small and awkwardly placed. Not many retailers are willing to sell body only. | ||
| Thoughts | A very good camera suitable for beginners up to advanced amateurs and even some professional applications - gives plenty of room for growing photographically, but can take over and do all the thinking for you if required. Marketed as a consumer camera but has a rich (prosumer) feature set. Better value for money than comparable Canon/Nikon bodies. | ||
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| Pro | Great Camera for beginner-amateur. The best in its class,and the cheapest also. I use for my 2nd Camera next to my 7's. Very lightweight, almost extremely easy to operate. | ||
| Contra | UnComfort single control dial, Batterypack Bp 200 add unnessecary weight too much! The silver body give me too much attention from around, so annoying!!!! | ||
| Thoughts | Most Fashionable Minolta 5 series ever! | ||
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| Pro | I like everything about it. Its my first SLR and I was taking pic out of box after reading only part of the users manuel I was able to do more advance stuff. | ||
| Contra | Havent found any yet for my level of experence | ||
| Thoughts | Recomend for any beginner or amateur | ||
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| Pro | Full Feature, Price and Size. I love the size. When you get familiar with the features, all your controls are in reach without having to reposition. A definate plus! | ||
| Contra | None | ||
| Thoughts | Perfect camera. Hope the pro models go this route. | ||
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| Pro | very fast autofocus
photos are sharp and with natural colors | ||
| Contra | too little and too "delicate" | ||
| Thoughts | Very good camera. Photos made using 24-105 D lenses satisfy me. | ||
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| Pro | Ease of use, Accurate exposure, Both spot metering and spot focusing, Programmable for the way you like to use the camera. Eye start system saves batteries. Near point and shoot ease and speed with SLR results. Best value out there. | ||
| Contra | Irritating pop up flash that pops up when you press the spot meter button in P mode. Built in flash not as good as external flash, but convenient. Need to have the manuel in one hand to use all the functions. Could be slightly larger. Has a proprietary hot shoe for the flash, so I can't use my old flash unit with it. | ||
| Thoughts | Much more fun to use than my old, heavy manuel SLR. Can pretty much let the camera do what it wants and get good pictures, but can be as creative as you want. Once you set the program modes to suit the way use like to shoot, camera seems much more intuitive to use. Came with 28-80 zoom lens, bought 75-300 Zoom lens and both seems to work well on this body. All images have been acceptably sharp. My purchase was a toss up between the Nikon N65 and the Minolta. The Minolta offered spot metering(Nikon did not)plus every other feature of the Nikon except diopter adjustment on the eyepiece for a little less money. Do the research-in it's price range, you can't beat it. | ||
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| Pro | -many functions -metal mount -3fps | ||
| Contra | -but I don't think so, that autofocus is so fast! my friend bought new Pentax MZ-6 and it seem´s to be much faster - I would recommend Pentax MZ-6 with Tokina Lens - it is unbeatable combination! | ||
| Thoughts | cool camera beats Canons and Nikons, only could be compared with new Pentax MZ-6 | ||
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| Pro | Upgrading from a 500si Super, the best improvements are: - amazingly fast and quiet autofocus (hardly any hunting) - bullet-fast drive - the Program-Aperture and Program-Shutter modes, which let you use the camera's auto exposure to get an initial setting and then alter it as you wish (as opposed to Aperture/Shutter-Priority, where you have to set the aperture/shutter first) - much smaller, much lighter - depth-of-field preview | ||
| Contra | None, really. Tiny things: - custom functions are impossible to use if you've not got the manual to hand (but then, you don't need to change them very often) - the strap eyelets seem to be placed to as to get in the way of the back (I'm sure if I fiddle around with re-fitting the strap this problem will go away, but it's a hassle) | ||
| Thoughts | I couldn't believe how cheap this was. I'm sure it's less than I paid for the 500si Super 6 or 7-odd years ago. The best camera you can get before they start getting heavy-weight and professional, IMHO. | ||
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| Pro | Good value for money. DOF preview. Logical layout, relatively easy controls. Nice to have the amount of under / over exposure displayed on a scale in the viewfinder (something the XTsi lacks). | ||
| Contra | DOF preview can only be actuated at each f/stop - not held and viewed as stops change. Handgrip is a bit undersized IMO (the XTsi offers a much surer grip, for instance). I don't believe the pop up flash can be popped manually (unless I missed a custom function somewhere. Minor nit - the strap interferes with the back, which is hinged on the left, when trying to close the camera. | ||
| Thoughts | Handles manual lenses in "stop down" mode, using Aperature Priority or Full Manual. | ||
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| Pro | Great value for the money (Euro 339 with Objective). Offers much more then competitors. | ||
| Contra | Well, there must be something, however I have not discovered it yet. | ||
| Thoughts | Go for it. As simple as that. You won't get anything so powerfull like Dynax5 for this money of course. | ||
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| Pro | Nothing that hasn't already been mentioned already | ||
| Contra | Small size as mentioned, but I ordered the battery pack and the balance is improved. | ||
| Thoughts | No complaints. The AF is light years better than my old 7000, and metering has been right on up to now. Great for the amateur wanting to get into SLR, or a back up for a more serious photographer. | ||
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| Pro | -fast AF -DOF-button -motorspeed -custom functions (especially rewind-options) -excellent price/value-ratio -acute-matte -metal mount spot-metering | ||
| Contra | -no flash on 2nd curtain synchronisation (although not surprisin in this class) -almost too compact (battery-pack is quiet expensiv but worth the money) | ||
| Thoughts | I have upgraded from the 404si recently and so far I do not regret it. With the 404si, I shot nearly all pictures in MF-mode, with the 5 I do use the AF, especially for action-shots as it is actually faster than I am. DOF-preview and eye-start are very usefull too. The acute-matte makes manual focusing quiet a lot easier. When I tried to use a 400mm tele with 2x teleconverter, it was possible only in bright sunshine with the 404si, now it works even under bad lighting conditions. All in all the ideal camera for the ambitioned amateur, especially if he/she is on a budget. ;-) | ||
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| Pro | Excellent value for money (I paid $240 at B&H) Size - with a compact prime lens, say a 50/1.7, it can almost fit in your pocket. Full-featured, including spot metering, a rarity at this price. Metering is accurate and reliable. | ||
| Contra | Size - yes it is small, but can be remedied with battery pack. Viewfinder a little small. Control 'wheel' can be a bit hard to turn. | ||
| Thoughts | Great first camera that will serve you extremely well even as you progress into more advanced photography. | ||
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| Pro | Good quality for this price. | ||
| Contra | too small , Ok with Battery Pack! | ||
| Thoughts | Fantastic camera ! | ||
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| Pro | -Compact -well built -impressive specs -Excellent AF ability, almost as fast as the 7, exceptional in low light -Great value -Spot metering -Great allround performance -Useful custom functions -28-80D kit lens is surprisingly sharp and contrasty -Very bright viewfinder -Date version has useful i/r remote control capability -Good handling | ||
| Contra | -A little too compact | ||
| Thoughts | Unbeatable at the price point, and as good as cameras in the price point above ie N80. New Zoom lens as part of kit has been surprisingly good in terms of sharpness and contrast. All in all an excellent package for travel especially. | ||
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| Pro | built-in spot metering and DOF buttons, very fast AF speed, 14 custom modes, easy to operate, | ||
| Contra | a bit too small body, for big handed users battery pack is useful but not must-have gadget | ||
| Thoughts | great camera for anyone who wants much more than just point and shoot photography (though it's also possible by pushing P button). Final conclusion: go and buy it ! | ||
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| Pro | Fast Af, SPOT metering , Depth of Field Prewiew, Custom functions,ADI. Possibility to use manual optics from Practika an russian Zenit -sharp pictures and good metering. | ||
| Contra | Handling the camera vertically you cannot press AF button and SPOT while looking through viewfinder. | ||
| Thoughts | Great parameters in small (a little too small) body. Good kit D-lens. It is a great camera for someone who enjoys photography. | ||
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| Pro | The auto focusing is remarkably queit and fast. The eye start is very impressive. everything is right where it should be. The view finder is brighter than most slr's I've looked at. I like where they put the DOF preview button even though my left finger touches my right pinky finger making it feel a little cramped. The price is 270.00 without tax, which is very nice. I will be buying this camera this next week! I've done a lot of research on all of the slr cameras, and found this one to be perfect for me. with 3fps and 14 other functions, I don't think I'll be upgrading any time soon. Minolta has really done an excellent job with the Maxxum 5. | ||
| Contra | A little crampy in the hands, but definitly managable. | ||
| Thoughts | A camera I hope will make many photographers happy. | ||
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| Pro | Fast AF , light , a lot of functions , D-lens | ||
| Contra | Small AF and Spot buttons | ||
| Thoughts | 1.Size There is noticeable size difference between 505si Super and Dynax 5. Despite smaller size Dynax 5 is much easier to handle (and I have big hands), and function buttons are spaced in functional and logical way. 2.Lens Lens is smaller, lighter and shorter, but it does cover same angel of view. Of course unlike 505si lens Dynax 5 lens is D lens and that is quantum leap compared with previous generation. Lens is little bit stiff once you try to go nears 28mm but it is manageable. 3. LCD Display LCD display is similar to 505si, but it does offer some extra indicators, like different modes of auto focus. 4. AF and SPOT buttons are smaller, they look (and feel) same so it is possible to press wrong button, but they are much better positioned so that people whose let eye is dominant are able to operate those functions much easier .I have found very annoying AF button on 505 because my left eye is dominant (and I am using left eye to shoot pictures) so may face was in the way J In order to press button I had to move eye from view finder and that was &L. Now it is much easier. 5.Back door opening mechanism is much more intelligent and if film is inside the door will not open. 6.Auto focus Seven sensors J J Auto focus is very fast, much faster from 505si .It so fast that it is actually tracking moving target, or if you are moving between two objects, one very close (1m) and other far (10 m) it is tracking change in distance .I have run tests between 505si and Dynax 5, and 505si was changing focus in, as I call it in two steps, one setting on close, and second on far object. With Dynax 5 it is different, the change in focus is continues and smooth, and as I said it is able to track rapid changes in distance between camera and target. Still cannot speak about performances in darkness. 6.Frames per second (FPS) 3FPS and when compared to 505 it looks so much faster that I believe that 505 was not able to run at 2fps, but slower. Camera is also much quieter. There is so much more to explore, but these are my initial impressions. | ||