Best Camera for the Money (Minolta Dynax 7)

Member Name: dkloi

Product:	Minolta Dynax 7
Date:	05/01/02 (1768 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Fast AF, LCD Display, Advanced Features

Disadvantages: Not ruggedised, DoF button hard to reach

After months of research, scrimping and saving up my pennies, I decided to get the Dynax 7 by Minolta. This is a 35mm AF SLR. So far, in 4 months, I have managed to shoot about 20 rolls of film through it without a hitch. I like the ergonomics (switches and dials), the bright viewfinder, nifty LCD screen which displays every little bit of information on the camera settings and exposure, and the 14 segment evaluative metering, coupled with the LCD display to show exactly what the exposure distribution of the scene. The autofocus seems to be fast and reliable and the depth-of-field preview has come in handy.

The LCD display of the 14 segment exposure reading of the scene is very handy as this gives instant feedback on the effect of exposure compensation (-3 to +3 1/2 stops or -2 to +2 in 1/3 stops). It's a godsend when mounted on a tripod.

The autofocus has been flawless, especially with fast prime lenses. The selectable focus (9 focus areas) is great mounted on a tripod or when taking quick snapshots. The depth of focus preview is a nice feature. You can even change aperture with it engaged.

For better handling, I got the VC-7 vertical control grip. It also allows the use of 4 AA cells for dual power supply. It also increases the heft of the camera so that I seem to be able to shoot more steadily. It was a very useful accessary for shooting my sister's wedding. It's of immense help when taking vertical format shots as it replicates the shutter, the two control wheels, exposure and focus lock buttons.

Criticisms? It does seem a bit plasticky, but I guess that's a tradeoff I'm willing to make for less weight hanging around my neck. It's not as rugged as the Dynax 9 but most cameras aren't. Unless you are going to mountain climb, trek over deserts or cover war zones, then that kind of ruggedisation isn't really necessary most of the time. I wish Minolta would introduce vibration reduction or image stabi
lisation into some of their lenses, but we can only cross our fingers and wait. The DoF preview button is awkwardly placed and hard to activate using my pinky, at least in the horizontal format mode. It's much easier to activate when the vertical grip is being used. Being left eye dominant, my forehead tends to hit the focus selector button when using the VC-7.

All in all, I find that the Dynax 7 is a very good camera to use. The innovations have not just been gimmicks but are useful in taking pictures. I can wholeheartedly recommend the Dynax 7. Compared to what the other major manufacturers offer, the Dynax 7 gives tremendous "useful" features for how much it costs. It is a joy to use.

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