Minolta wake-up !! Dooms days is coming

[fastmickey]

SEPT 18, the day for Canon releasing the pro-consumer price killer 300D.. Minolta Dimage A-1 will be no exception of being pushed over.

I have to agree my Dimage 7i is an excellent camera... it even earn me my 1st photo award in a open contest recently. But have to say, it does fall short optically compare to others "REAL" D-SLR. I'm waiting to upgrade a Minolta D-SLR body for the past 6 months, but once again in disappointment when I hear about A-1 (another Dimage upgrade).

By Christmas or New year, I properly will switch to Canon or Fuji D-SLR body with a purchase of a few good lens. Have to thanks Minolta for the good old D7x ...but those guys are sitting on 1 body design for way too long.. the pro-consumer market have very little room left for Minolta !!

http://www.pbase.com/fotomickey

 

[José B]

Ed, a fellow poster in the Minolta Yahoo Group, sent this info. out this afternoon. Apparently, there is no mention of a DSLR regarding Konica-Minolta's digital camera business strategy.

http://jp.konicaminolta.net/release/20030828.html

In one section it outlines the Digital Camera strategy:

CA
yƒ ƒbƒVƒ‡ƒ"z
DSCiƒfƒWƒ^ƒ‹ƒXƒ'ƒ‹ƒJƒƒ‰j‚ð‹@Ž²‚ÉŽ–‹ÆŠg'å‚ð–ÚŽw‚µ‚Ä‚Ü‚¢‚è‚Ü‚·B
yŽå‚Èí—ªz
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¿Ši‚"=

{—¦
ƒY[ƒ€AƒŒƒ"ƒYˆê'ÌŒ^‚‹@"\j‚ÅNo.1ƒ ƒWƒVƒ‡ƒ"‚ðŠl"¾‚µ‚Ä‚Ü‚¢‚è‚Ü‚·B

Translation from babblefish is as follow:

CA

DSC (the digital still camera) it starts aiming toward business
enlargement in the axis.

Four categories of DSC which can show strength (the thin-shaped
compact, the small-sized high pixel, low price high powered zoom,
lens one somatotype high function) with it starts acquiring No.1
position.

Another user group listed the 4 categories are as follow:

the thin-shaped compact --- X Series
the small-sized high pixel --- F/KD Series
low price high powered zoom --- Z1 Series
lens one somatotype high function --- A1 Series

There is no mention of any DSLR in their business strategy.

José
--
Come and visit me at:
http://www.pbase.com/jmb_56

 

[ToothDoc]

In one section it outlines the Digital Camera strategy:

There is no mention of any DSLR in their business strategy.

José
--

If I was involved in camera development, I definitely would NOT talk about new camera developments during the introduction of a another camera (A1). It would be foolish to mention this in their business strategy. Any present talk about future developments would surely doom the introduction of the (A1) as related to interest and sales. We really don't know what the company has "up their sleeve". I think it is foolish to speculate on what they will or will not produce because none of us know what their true business strategy is. Again, it would be quite foolish for Minolta to talk about a DSLR while all of their consumer attention is focused on selling their new A1 camera.
Just my thoughts
toothdoc

 

[David Goolsby]

I agree, ToothDoc! José calm down. Be patient. You'll be rewarded shortly.

In one section it outlines the Digital Camera strategy:

There is no mention of any DSLR in their business strategy.

José
--

If I was involved in camera development, I definitely would NOT
talk about new camera developments during the introduction of a
another camera (A1). It would be foolish to mention this in their
business strategy. Any present talk about future developments
would surely doom the introduction of the (A1) as related to
interest and sales. We really don't know what the company has "up
their sleeve". I think it is foolish to speculate on what they
will or will not produce because none of us know what their true
business strategy is. Again, it would be quite foolish for Minolta
to talk about a DSLR while all of their consumer attention is
focused on selling their new A1 camera.
Just my thoughts
toothdoc

--
David

I shoot people all the time–but I use cameras, not guns!
http://homepage.mac.com/david_g_force

 

[David Goolsby]

Doesn't anyone find it strange that Minolta makes this particular strategy public, whereas before they did not even make this public. The last thing they want is for the A1 to be DOA (dead on arrival) because they have tipped their hand and let people know that a DSLR is just around the corner. They want to sell both, plain and simple.

In one section it outlines the Digital Camera strategy:

There is no mention of any DSLR in their business strategy.

José
--

If I was involved in camera development, I definitely would NOT
talk about new camera developments during the introduction of a
another camera (A1). It would be foolish to mention this in their
business strategy. Any present talk about future developments
would surely doom the introduction of the (A1) as related to
interest and sales. We really don't know what the company has "up
their sleeve". I think it is foolish to speculate on what they
will or will not produce because none of us know what their true
business strategy is. Again, it would be quite foolish for Minolta
to talk about a DSLR while all of their consumer attention is
focused on selling their new A1 camera.
Just my thoughts
toothdoc

--
David

I shoot people all the time–but I use cameras, not guns!
http://homepage.mac.com/david_g_force

--
David

I shoot people all the time–but I use cameras, not guns!
http://homepage.mac.com/david_g_force

 

[GBear]

camera manufacturers, they are now in deep doo-doo due to the 300D price point.

It is going to be extroadinarily difficult for any of the high end prosumer cameras to survive at all. Doesn't really matter to Sony, to whom cameras are an unimportant sideshow.

I don't what other business interests Minolta, Olympus, and Pentax have, but I hope they are large.

Consider the astounding fact that, if the 300D is $999 with lens now - what will it be at WalMart and Costco by March 2004 - !

The "other" camera companies will be EXCEEDINGLY lucky to have the 300D selling for more than $795 by March of next year - complete with starter lens. The 828, A1, E1 and *ist all face a very, very difficult uphill battle.

Further. at $795 with a starter lens the 300D probably means the end of the lower priced film SLR altogether.

 

[JusGene]

No doubt that aside from users who have reasons for preferring DSLR to ProSumer, etc., there are others whose perceptions of potential keep us holding on. Some posters ask why would you want a DSLR anyway.

If you come from a history of DSLR use, serious or otherwise, there are benefits that can't be easily explained. With the current lot of advanced non-DSLRs, you're usually hanging every shot on an X-XXXmm zoom lens that may not always perform up to expectations.(E1 and others excluded for now)

The recent news from Konica Minolta doesn't keep my blood pressure in check, and some even feel that their future in serious photography may be in queation! (I'd believe that the Konica, possibly stronger, side of the merger likes P&S, etc.)

If the DiFLEX or Zeus rumors are realized, it'll make me a happy camper! If no further advancement from what a D7(A! or whatever) comes, it'll be the 'exit sign' for me.

Not doubt, the A1 is a great cam for the $$, but still doesn't suite my needs/desires. To the D7/A1 afficiandos I say, enjoy whatever you want or get, even if it's not what I and others want.

SLR-guys (and gals); keep the faith, or join me next year on another forum.

Best....
Gene

http://jp.konicaminolta.net/release/20030828.html

In one section it outlines the Digital Camera strategy:

CA
yƒ ƒbƒVƒ‡ƒ"z
DSCiƒfƒWƒ^ƒ‹ƒXƒ'ƒ‹ƒJƒƒ‰j‚ð‹@Ž²‚ÉŽ–‹ÆŠg'å‚ð–ÚŽw‚µ‚Ä‚Ü‚¢‚è‚Ü‚·B
yŽå‚Èí—ªz
‹‚Ý‚ª"Šö‚Å‚«‚éDSC‚Ì4‚‚̃JƒeƒSƒŠ[i"–Œ^ƒRƒ"ƒpƒNƒgA¬Œ^‚‰æ'fA'á‰

¿Ši‚"=

{—¦
ƒY[ƒ€AƒŒƒ"ƒYˆê'ÌŒ^‚‹@"\j‚ÅNo.1ƒ ƒWƒVƒ‡ƒ"‚ðŠl"¾‚µ‚Ä‚Ü‚¢‚è‚Ü‚·B

Translation from babblefish is as follow:

CA

DSC (the digital still camera) it starts aiming toward business
enlargement in the axis.

Four categories of DSC which can show strength (the thin-shaped
compact, the small-sized high pixel, low price high powered zoom,
lens one somatotype high function) with it starts acquiring No.1
position.

Another user group listed the 4 categories are as follow:

the thin-shaped compact --- X Series
the small-sized high pixel --- F/KD Series
low price high powered zoom --- Z1 Series
lens one somatotype high function --- A1 Series

There is no mention of any DSLR in their business strategy.

José
--
Come and visit me at:
http://www.pbase.com/jmb_56

--
JusGene

 

[José B]

I agree with Gene here. Actually I am not a bit surprised by Minolta's MO. Sure they want to sell more of the Elite 5400 and A1.

DSLR D Day for me would be a month after the PMA 2004 show in March. If Minolta does not come out with one, I will consider Nikon, Fuji and Canon. Right now it's a pick 'em but Nikon Canada dropped the price of the D100 almost equivalent to the 10D. Also, I've read Outdoor Photographer's great review on the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 so if Minolta does not come out with one by spring of next year, I have a few months to save for this combo.

I will hang on to my Maxxum 7 system.

Click,

José

If you come from a history of DSLR use, serious or otherwise, there
are benefits that can't be easily explained. With the current lot
of advanced non-DSLRs, you're usually hanging every shot on an
X-XXXmm zoom lens that may not always perform up to
expectations.(E1 and others excluded for now)

The recent news from Konica Minolta doesn't keep my blood pressure
in check, and some even feel that their future in serious
photography may be in queation! (I'd believe that the Konica,
possibly stronger, side of the merger likes P&S, etc.)

If the DiFLEX or Zeus rumors are realized, it'll make me a happy
camper! If no further advancement from what a D7(A! or whatever)
comes, it'll be the 'exit sign' for me.

Not doubt, the A1 is a great cam for the $$, but still doesn't
suite my needs/desires. To the D7/A1 afficiandos I say, enjoy
whatever you want or get, even if it's not what I and others want.

SLR-guys (and gals); keep the faith, or join me next year on
another forum.

Best....
Gene

http://jp.konicaminolta.net/release/20030828.html

In one section it outlines the Digital Camera strategy:

CA
yƒ ƒbƒVƒ‡ƒ"z
DSCiƒfƒWƒ^ƒ‹ƒXƒ'ƒ‹ƒJƒƒ‰j‚ð‹@Ž²‚ÉŽ–‹ÆŠg'å‚ð–ÚŽw‚µ‚Ä‚Ü‚¢‚è‚Ü‚·B
yŽå‚Èí—ªz
‹‚Ý‚ª"Šö‚Å‚«‚éDSC‚Ì4‚‚̃JƒeƒSƒŠ[i"–Œ^ƒRƒ"ƒpƒNƒgA¬Œ^‚‰æ'fA'á‰

¿Ši‚"=

{—¦
ƒY[ƒ€AƒŒƒ"ƒYˆê'ÌŒ^‚‹@"\j‚ÅNo.1ƒ ƒWƒVƒ‡ƒ"‚ðŠl"¾‚µ‚Ä‚Ü‚¢‚è‚Ü‚·B

Translation from babblefish is as follow:

CA

DSC (the digital still camera) it starts aiming toward business
enlargement in the axis.

Four categories of DSC which can show strength (the thin-shaped
compact, the small-sized high pixel, low price high powered zoom,
lens one somatotype high function) with it starts acquiring No.1
position.

Another user group listed the 4 categories are as follow:

the thin-shaped compact --- X Series
the small-sized high pixel --- F/KD Series
low price high powered zoom --- Z1 Series
lens one somatotype high function --- A1 Series

There is no mention of any DSLR in their business strategy.

José
--
Come and visit me at:
http://www.pbase.com/jmb_56

--
JusGene

--
Come and visit me at:
http://www.pbase.com/jmb_56

 

[David Goolsby]

The truth of the matter is that we all know that DSLR's (and prosumer digicams too) have been overpriced for quite some time. Sooner or later someone was going to make this move and Canon beat everyone to it. Does anyone else recall they announced not long ago that they plan to increase production to 10,000 units a month? I don't recall in that announcement that they said it would be only 10D units that would be rolling off of that assembly line.

Film cameras will still be around for some time however. They will coexist alongside digitals just as cassettes coexist with CD's and VCR's still sell alongside DVD players. As a matter of fact I expect Minolta to release at least an upgrade to, if not a complete replacement of, the Maxxum 9 to make it compatible with the new SSR lenses for those who don't want to bother sending in their 9's to be modified.

camera manufacturers, they are now in deep doo-doo due to the 300D
price point.

It is going to be extroadinarily difficult for any of the high end
prosumer cameras to survive at all. Doesn't really matter to Sony,
to whom cameras are an unimportant sideshow.

I don't what other business interests Minolta, Olympus, and Pentax
have, but I hope they are large.

Consider the astounding fact that, if the 300D is $999 with lens
now - what will it be at WalMart and Costco by March 2004 - !

The "other" camera companies will be EXCEEDINGLY lucky to have the
300D selling for more than $795 by March of next year - complete
with starter lens. The 828, A1, E1 and *ist all face a very, very
difficult uphill battle.

Further. at $795 with a starter lens the 300D probably means the
end of the lower priced film SLR altogether.

--
David

I shoot people all the time–but I use cameras, not guns!
http://homepage.mac.com/david_g_force

 

[David Goolsby]

I've been thinking about going with the 5400, the A1 and staying with my Maxxum 7 (or going with whatever replaces the 9). My reasoning? With the 5400, I'll be able to scan absolutely HUGE files that can be blown up to a size beyond anything currently on the maket digital (except medium format with a digital back). Digital still doesn't have the dynamic range of film (blown highlights are the norm, even for the D1) and to me THAT is more important than 5, 6, 8 or 10 megapixels will ever be.

Do I want a DSLR? Sure! Especially for those situations where immediacy is paramount. But that rarely happens even now for me. I shoot, go to the local processor to have the film developed without prints, pick up within an hour and scan and save the images I want. There is a darkside to digital that everyone seems to be avoiding here: If you have files that you want to keep you'll want them at their largest possible size because you never can tell how you may use them in the future. That results in having to buy hard drive after hard drive as they will all eventually fill up. And if that hard drive crashes with your hundreds or thousands of images then what? So you think you'll just back up to DVD? What happens when DVD's become the 45's of the future? I'll still have my film or slides. What will you have?

DSLR D Day for me would be a month after the PMA 2004 show in
March. If Minolta does not come out with one, I will consider
Nikon, Fuji and Canon. Right now it's a pick 'em but Nikon Canada
dropped the price of the D100 almost equivalent to the 10D. Also,
I've read Outdoor Photographer's great review on the Nikon 70-200mm
f/2.8 so if Minolta does not come out with one by spring of next
year, I have a few months to save for this combo.

I will hang on to my Maxxum 7 system.

Click,

José

If you come from a history of DSLR use, serious or otherwise, there
are benefits that can't be easily explained. With the current lot
of advanced non-DSLRs, you're usually hanging every shot on an
X-XXXmm zoom lens that may not always perform up to
expectations.(E1 and others excluded for now)

The recent news from Konica Minolta doesn't keep my blood pressure
in check, and some even feel that their future in serious
photography may be in queation! (I'd believe that the Konica,
possibly stronger, side of the merger likes P&S, etc.)

If the DiFLEX or Zeus rumors are realized, it'll make me a happy
camper! If no further advancement from what a D7(A! or whatever)
comes, it'll be the 'exit sign' for me.

Not doubt, the A1 is a great cam for the $$, but still doesn't
suite my needs/desires. To the D7/A1 afficiandos I say, enjoy
whatever you want or get, even if it's not what I and others want.

SLR-guys (and gals); keep the faith, or join me next year on
another forum.

Best....
Gene

http://jp.konicaminolta.net/release/20030828.html

In one section it outlines the Digital Camera strategy:

CA
?yƒ ƒbƒVƒ‡ƒ"?z
DSC?iƒfƒWƒ^ƒ‹ƒXƒ'ƒ‹ƒJƒ?ƒ‰?j‚ð‹@Ž²‚ÉŽ–‹ÆŠg'å‚ð–ÚŽw‚µ‚Ä‚Ü‚¢‚è‚Ü‚·?B
?yŽå‚È?í—ª?z
‹‚Ý‚ª"Šö‚Å‚«‚éDSC‚Ì4‚‚̃JƒeƒSƒŠ?[?i"–Œ^ƒRƒ"ƒpƒNƒg?A?¬Œ^?‚‰æ'f?A'á‰

¿Ši?‚"=

{—¦
ƒY?[ƒ€?AƒŒƒ"ƒYˆê'ÌŒ^?‚‹@"\?j‚ÅNo.1ƒ ƒWƒVƒ‡ƒ"‚ðŠl"¾‚µ‚Ä‚Ü‚¢‚è‚Ü‚·?B

Translation from babblefish is as follow:

CA

DSC (the digital still camera) it starts aiming toward business
enlargement in the axis.

Four categories of DSC which can show strength (the thin-shaped
compact, the small-sized high pixel, low price high powered zoom,
lens one somatotype high function) with it starts acquiring No.1
position.

Another user group listed the 4 categories are as follow:

the thin-shaped compact --- X Series
the small-sized high pixel --- F/KD Series
low price high powered zoom --- Z1 Series
lens one somatotype high function --- A1 Series

There is no mention of any DSLR in their business strategy.

José
--
Come and visit me at:
http://www.pbase.com/jmb_56

--
JusGene

--
Come and visit me at:
http://www.pbase.com/jmb_56

--
David

I shoot people all the time–but I use cameras, not guns!
http://homepage.mac.com/david_g_force

 

[José B]

You've raised some interesting points here David.

I've been thinking about going with the 5400, the A1 and staying
with my Maxxum 7 (or going with whatever replaces the 9). My
reasoning? With the 5400, I'll be able to scan absolutely HUGE
files that can be blown up to a size beyond anything currently on
the maket digital (except medium format with a digital back).
Digital still doesn't have the dynamic range of film (blown
highlights are the norm, even for the D1) and to me THAT is more
important than 5, 6, 8 or 10 megapixels will ever be.

Agree here. Also, I prefer the 'look' of film compared to digital which I find to be normally bland.

Do I want a DSLR? Sure! Especially for those situations where
immediacy is paramount. But that rarely happens even now for me. I
shoot, go to the local processor to have the film developed without
prints, pick up within an hour and scan and save the images I want.

You make a case for the 5400 here. I don't mind scanning slides but with negatives, I find the specks and scratches very frustrating to deal with the Dual III.

There is a darkside to digital that everyone seems to be avoiding
here: If you have files that you want to keep you'll want them at
their largest possible size because you never can tell how you may
use them in the future. That results in having to buy hard drive
after hard drive as they will all eventually fill up. And if that
hard drive crashes with your hundreds or thousands of images then
what? So you think you'll just back up to DVD? What happens when
DVD's become the 45's of the future? I'll still have my film or
slides. What will you have?

Ummm. Right now I have the digital files backed up into just regular CDs.

Just like you I believe that film and digital co-exist. I love my Maxxum 7 system with a passion. I said this before, there is no sweetest combo in photography than my 7 and Maxxum 85/1.4 G(D). Also, the 20/2.8, 85/1.4 and 100/2.8 Macro is the best one-two-three punch in prime lenses.

I want a take advantage of the crop factor with the D100/S2/10D for sports. This is my primary reason for getting a DSLR. Again, it would be great to have a Minolta DSLR w/ AS capability. However, I am realistic enough to know that this might not be a priority for Minolta right now.

Click,

José

--
Come and visit me at:
http://www.pbase.com/jmb_56

 

[David Goolsby]

I've been thinking about going with the 5400, the A1 and staying
with my Maxxum 7 (or going with whatever replaces the 9). My
reasoning? With the 5400, I'll be able to scan absolutely HUGE
files that can be blown up to a size beyond anything currently on
the maket digital (except medium format with a digital back).
Digital still doesn't have the dynamic range of film (blown
highlights are the norm, even for the D1) and to me THAT is more
important than 5, 6, 8 or 10 megapixels will ever be.

Agree here. Also, I prefer the 'look' of film compared to digital
which I find to be normally bland.

Do I want a DSLR? Sure! Especially for those situations where
immediacy is paramount. But that rarely happens even now for me. I
shoot, go to the local processor to have the film developed without
prints, pick up within an hour and scan and save the images I want.

You make a case for the 5400 here. I don't mind scanning slides but
with negatives, I find the specks and scratches very frustrating to
deal with the Dual III.

Agreed! This is a major pain to deal with when it occurs. The sad thing is that it can be avoided if the developer doesn't rush the process. I've had a few scans where there were so many specks it looked like snow (in summertime photos no less!) I've just picked up some slide film and will be giving that a go (along with the T-Max I told you about previously)

There is a darkside to digital that everyone seems to be avoiding
here: If you have files that you want to keep you'll want them at
their largest possible size because you never can tell how you may
use them in the future. That results in having to buy hard drive
after hard drive as they will all eventually fill up. And if that
hard drive crashes with your hundreds or thousands of images then
what? So you think you'll just back up to DVD? What happens when
DVD's become the 45's of the future? I'll still have my film or
slides. What will you have?

Ummm. Right now I have the digital files backed up into just
regular CDs.

If you're like me and scan at full resolution with 8x oversampling you can only fit 8-10 images on a CD. NOT GOOD! At least I have the film/slides to fall back on!

Just like you I believe that film and digital co-exist. I love my
Maxxum 7 system with a passion. I said this before, there is no
sweetest combo in photography than my 7 and Maxxum 85/1.4 G(D).
Also, the 20/2.8, 85/1.4 and 100/2.8 Macro is the best
one-two-three punch in prime lenses.

I want a take advantage of the crop factor with the D100/S2/10D for
sports. This is my primary reason for getting a DSLR. Again, it
would be great to have a Minolta DSLR w/ AS capability. However, I
am realistic enough to know that this might not be a priority for
Minolta right now.

Just save up for that Minolta 400/4.5 G! And if you can swing the 600/4.0 I bow to your greatness ;-)

Click,

José

--
Come and visit me at:
http://www.pbase.com/jmb_56

--
David

I shoot people all the time–but I use cameras, not guns!
http://homepage.mac.com/david_g_force

 

[J A K]

But have to say,
it does fall short optically compare to others "REAL" D-SLR.

From the standpoint of resolution on a tripod, my Minolta 7i at f/5.6 beats the Canon 28-135 IS and the 100-400 IS at a comparable magnification. Now granted both Canon lenses are shot wide open while the 7i is not - regardless, they are all shot at f/5.6 and the 7i wins the resolution battle (on a tripod). Off the tripod, both IS Canon lenses have a very slight edge (because of IS) at shutter speeds faster than 5X over the focal length. The A1's AS feature (if it works) will be an equalizer for Canon's IS.

What you don't get with a 7i is handling the tremendous range of applications possible with about 50 Canon lenses. My 7i was PERFECT for everything but (1) the d@mn zoo (which I love) and (2) grand-children when they won't sit still while the 7i is trying to acquire focus.

You might argue about noise. Well, a few folks were concerned about noise. For my type of shooting, noise was never a factor (I always attemped to get perfect exposure and on top of that auto-bracketing was empolyed). It is amazing how nice the digital photography world is when you have a near perfect histogram to edit.

If the A1's AS works, and if the camera is not much different in size and weight compared to the 7i, I will purchase the A1. Otherwise, I'll stick with the 7i for out-of-town/country vacations. IMO, you can't beat the 7i's performance/size/weight/features combination.

FWIW, I have a 10D with a 17-40 to go along with the 28-135 IS and 100-400 IS lenses. Yes - I'm thrilled with the equipment's performance and the range of applications at my disposal. Regardless of how happy I am, you could not pay me to carry all that cr@p on an airplane. Unfortunately, I can't pay my wife either ... well, you now have the rest of the story.

Regards,

Joe Kurkjian, Pbase Supporter

http://www.pbase.com/jkurkjia

 

[José B]

Just save up for that Minolta 400/4.5 G! And if you can swing the
600/4.0 I bow to your greatness ;-)

Yeah right! Why is it I keep coming back to the Maxxum 300/4 as the poor man's option (instead of another brand's DSLR system)? I mean everytime I think about getting a DSLR system and looking at how much money I will spend, it is not worth it.

José

--
Come and visit me at:
http://www.pbase.com/jmb_56

 

[José B]

Agreed! This is a major pain to deal with when it occurs. The sad
thing is that it can be avoided if the developer doesn't rush the
process. I've had a few scans where there were so many specks it
looked like snow (in summertime photos no less!) I've just picked
up some slide film and will be giving that a go (along with the
T-Max I told you about previously)

My 1-hour developer's Kodak CD is not bad. It is free (bundled w/ 1hr. service). Here's a comparison between my scan via Dual III and their own. Film: Agfa Ultra ISO 100
Camera: Maxxum 7 and Maxxum 100/2.8 Macro (D).

Dual III scan:



Kodak CD scan:



--
Come and visit me at:
http://www.pbase.com/jmb_56

 

[Thomas Karlmann]

Who says a D-SLR is the proper way to design a camera? All an SLR is is a way to view through the lens, flip, then onto film.

I think a DSLR is carrying a bit too much of the past (film) with it. What do you get with a DLSR? A tiny LCD view AFTER the photo was taken -- that's about it. With my D7i, I get a real-time display, with histogram, then after I take the shot I get a postview of the stored image -- all without removing my eye from the viewfinder. The LCD? I never use it. As far as I'm concerned it can break and fall off.

No DSLR can do these things. The ONLY thing DSLRs have right now are: 1) somewhat better image quality, maybe; 2) focal lenghts beyond the 28-200 range -- IF you lug a heavy bagful of glass around.

But to have a camera with all the features of the A1? Yes! Trade for a 300D -- no way.

The 300d? I don't see what all the fuss is about. I have a 10D, and anyone serious about photography would get that model instead. I don't want or need a dumbed down 10D, and I certainly don't feel that the 300d gives much competition to the A1. 300d owners are likely to buy cheap lenses as well -- that's good -- as my images will always be better.

Thom

SEPT 18, the day for Canon releasing the pro-consumer price killer
300D.. Minolta Dimage A-1 will be no exception of being pushed over.

I have to agree my Dimage 7i is an excellent camera... it even earn
me my 1st photo award in a open contest recently. But have to say,
it does fall short optically compare to others "REAL" D-SLR. I'm
waiting to upgrade a Minolta D-SLR body for the past 6 months, but
once again in disappointment when I hear about A-1 (another Dimage
upgrade).

By Christmas or New year, I properly will switch to Canon or Fuji
D-SLR body with a purchase of a few good lens. Have to thanks
Minolta for the good old D7x ...but those guys are sitting on 1
body design for way too long.. the pro-consumer market have very
little room left for Minolta !!

http://www.pbase.com/fotomickey

 

[*isteve]

But have to say,
it does fall short optically compare to others "REAL" D-SLR.

From the standpoint of resolution on a tripod, my Minolta 7i at
f/5.6 beats the Canon 28-135 IS and the 100-400 IS at a comparable
magnification. Now granted both Canon lenses are shot wide open
while the 7i is not - regardless, they are all shot at f/5.6 and
the 7i wins the resolution battle (on a tripod). Off the tripod,
both IS Canon lenses have a very slight edge (because of IS) at
shutter speeds faster than 5X over the focal length. The A1's AS
feature (if it works) will be an equalizer for Canon's IS.

Are you serious? Thought the Canons' res was much better or was that only with primes?

 

[Hans59567]

Who says a D-SLR is the proper way to design a camera? All an SLR
is is a way to view through the lens, flip, then onto film.

I think a DSLR is carrying a bit too much of the past (film) with
it.

Right on the head Thomas.
That is what I feel strongly as true.

I lended my good old Canon F1 to my son for awhile in the meantime, because he wanted to sell his digital now when he could get money for it, waiting for the price drop of the Canon Rebel or an used Canon DSLR.

In my mind, I had praised that fabulous camera into heaven during its dust collecting time.

Back on earth, when I good even not focus in very low light: I missed the light boosting EVF. Realized that I could not even frame the picture well, as I would see only 85%. There was even a half developed film in as I had used the Canon once as back up cam and forgot. Realized how many times I took my D7 for a few quick pictures to print them out immediately.

My point is that there area lots and lots of people who don't want the ultimate quality on biggest prints: Only wanting high quality pictures. I mean the people, who want high quality pictures of their discoveries during their travels, other than the photographers who are traveling with the (only) intention to make pictures.

Maybe I am describing the typical "prosumers". Well, I think those have the future market: The perfect all round camera within an easy transportable packet. The A1 has already much of it.
Hans

 

[Aura_69]

I couldn't agree more.

You buy what you want and you get what you buy!

At the end of the day, consumers will go for D-SLR and/or prosumers cameras based on their personal needs and requirements. Features, price, weight, etc and part of the total evaluation process. Every individual is different and everyone will have different views on the ideal camera.

There will be a market for all. If a vendor is to come up with a D-SLR camera, priced at the prosumer category and if this were to drive down the prices of all prosumers camera, this can only be great news to all consumers.

--
Everyday is a GOOD day except for those BETTER days.
Heng.

 

[Greg Gebhardt]

SEPT 18, the day for Canon releasing the pro-consumer price killer
300D.. Minolta Dimage A-1 will be no exception of being pushed over.

I have to agree my Dimage 7i is an excellent camera... it even earn
me my 1st photo award in a open contest recently. But have to say,
it does fall short optically compare to others "REAL" D-SLR. I'm
waiting to upgrade a Minolta D-SLR body for the past 6 months, but
once again in disappointment when I hear about A-1 (another Dimage
upgrade).

By Christmas or New year, I properly will switch to Canon or Fuji
D-SLR body with a purchase of a few good lens. Have to thanks
Minolta for the good old D7x ...but those guys are sitting on 1
body design for way too long.. the pro-consumer market have very
little room left for Minolta !!

http://www.pbase.com/fotomickey

--

As Minolta and Sony are making thier non-DSLRs as fast as they can, doomsday is out of site for them.

Greg Gebhardt in
Jacksonville, Florida