I would like to ask the owners of the Diamge their most honest opinion on this camera. I am thinking about getting one but I would like to know the Pros and Cons....Mostly the negatives that you have experienced! Thank you for you time!
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Dimage 7i Pros and Cons
- Thread starter xzebra
- Start date
Also how does it perform on night time shots.....samples?????
D
David Martin
Guest
I would suggest you take a quick trawl back through the forum- you'll find that just about every concievable comparison has been carried out and all pros and cons anyone can think of have been listed in numerous threads.
As regards night shots the D7/i is an excellent camera, although unfortunately limited to 30 secs maximum exposure.
For what the D7/i can do check out:
http://www.pbase.com/brachiopod/root
A fine camera - if you are good enough.
Not a good choice if you want just an easy camera to take pics with at default settings.
Regards,
--
DaveMart
*isteve
Veteran Member
Pros - lens quality and zoom range, external shooting control, attachments, microdrive compatability, uses NiMH batteries, focus ring and manual zoom, general handling, memory settings, low light shots, fast and flexible AF, colour accuracy, relative lens distortion, minimal aberation.
Cons - not at its best on default settings. Needs work and a bit of practice to pick the right setup for a given day/situation, but you can store three settings in the memory once you know what you like. Otherwise not much to moan about. Default charger is only average. Grip is a bit plasticy (mine creaks when I squeeze it) but works well.
Styling is more Tommy Lee Jones than Jennifer Lopez, but its cool in a macho, button stewn sort of way.
--
Steve
Gerald Warren
Well-known member
There is a ton of bells & whistles, and while I consider this a positive, it creates a large learning curve, especially if you have not had previous experience with digital photography (I moved 'up' from Nikon 990). For example, the other day I shot inside with fluorescent WB and then three days later shot scenics, forgetting to switch back to auto WB. Needless to say, my scenic shots were absolute yuck! If you know what I mean. This kind of error might be avoided by using the user-input memory settings.
Otherwise my biggest complaint is that distant objects are often difficult to focus. Several attempts may be required to find the contrast needed to get the 'OK' to shoot. Often I'm required to go to manual infinity focus to get the shot off.
I have no complaint with image noise. I have no complaint with grip (I actually believe the grip is one of the better on the market . . . next to the 990.). The color is great. The speed is good. The lens is excellent and while many rate it below Sony, Olympus, and Nikon re: 'sharpness', I believe as do a number of posters that much of this is due to in-camera processing rather than lens quality.
Gerald
Otherwise my biggest complaint is that distant objects are often difficult to focus. Several attempts may be required to find the contrast needed to get the 'OK' to shoot. Often I'm required to go to manual infinity focus to get the shot off.
I have no complaint with image noise. I have no complaint with grip (I actually believe the grip is one of the better on the market . . . next to the 990.). The color is great. The speed is good. The lens is excellent and while many rate it below Sony, Olympus, and Nikon re: 'sharpness', I believe as do a number of posters that much of this is due to in-camera processing rather than lens quality.
Gerald
Petteri Sulonen
Forum Pro
Pros:
+ Excellent overall picture quality: among the best optics on the market with hardly any CA and no discernible corner softness, excellent shadow and highlight detail
+ Control over just about every factor governing image capture
+ Controls very well laid out and accessible: little messing with menus
+ Mechanical zoom ring
+ EVF provides lots of data (especially the real-time histogram)
+ Pretty fast, although not as fast as a film SLR
+ Awesomely versatile: from real wide-angle to real tele, suitable for just about every kind of photography (although you can probably find something better for any individual area you might care to mention); fast and sensitive enough for available-light photography
+ Works very well with dedicated flash units
+ Uses standard AA NiMH rechargeables
+ Filter threads
Cons:
1. Steep learning curve: so many controls that it takes time to learn them
2. At fully automatic "standard" settings and with no post-processing, images come out "flat"
3. EVF resolution isn't quite enough to judge focus point except on macro shots; magnification button badly placed and tricky to reach; optics on EVF vignette and distort corners slightly
4. Some build quality and finish issues; "feels" slightly "cheap" and silver paint rubs off easily from plastic parts
5. ISO100 noisier than on the competition
6. AF not fast enough for use in action / sports photography
7. Tilt-and-swivel LCD would be nice
IMHO the limitations are irritations or challenges rather than showstoppers. Points 1 and 2 are just a matter of learning to know the equipment, point 3 is a real limitation, but the practice of shooting more frames goes a long way to getting around the occasional missed focus, the build quality issues are (so far and on my unit anyway) minor, the ISO100 noise is really no big deal (and I have a suspicion that it might have something to do with the excellent shadow detail, as aggressive noise reduction does tend to flatten shadows), and the camera is perfectly usable for action and sports shots, if you use MF and pre-focus techniques.
All in all, I'm really impressed with this camera: within the limitations of current technology, it does a remarkable job. It would be nice to have a faster processor (for faster AF), higher-resolution EVF (for clearer views), and more memory buffer (for buffered RAW shooting), but those just aren't possible with today's components at this price point. The only design changes I'd make would be to move the magnify button somewhere more accessible and tweak the design on the EVF optics a bit to get rid of the "vignetting" problem. And I admit that I wouldn't mind a rubber grip like on the D7Hi (although the plastic one is perfectly serviceable).
Petteri
--
http://homepage.mac.com/psulonen/
Petteri Sulonen
Forum Pro
Magnificently. No banding/noise issues, excellent shadow detail. The only annoyance is that you need the badly overpriced cable release to get shutter speeds longer than 5 seconds -- why they made it so I have no idea unless it was to gouge owners for the cable release; a two-second self-timer and programmable shutter speeds up to 30 seconds (or even more!) would have been easy to add.
No samples on-line at this time, though. Sorry.
Petteri
--
http://homepage.mac.com/psulonen/
Steven Mera
Well-known member
Night time shots? No problem if you have a decent tripod. Remember to adjust exposure compensation to -1.7 or even -2.0 otherwise the camera will try to make it look like daylight. My night time shots (usually less than 1 second exposure) in albums Gateshead Millennium bridge and Salford Quays albums:
http://www.arnason.no/modules.php?set_albumName=album07&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php
Good luck
Steve
Schurki
Well-known member
Xzebra, read my opinion on the D7i on this thread:
http://www.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1024&message=3328660
for wich I got a lot of flames from D7i defenders .... telling me I am stupid and not able to handle the camera ....
Walter
http://www.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1024&message=3328660
for wich I got a lot of flames from D7i defenders .... telling me I am stupid and not able to handle the camera ....
Walter
theswede #100093
Senior Member
Which highlights what you find negative very well, without balancing with what you find positive (assuming you find any scrap of redeeming qualities in the cam).
I didn't see anyone call you stupid, but there were a few remarks on getting a D7i to use as a P&S, backed up with some exif information.
Personally I don't agree with most of your observations simply because I either don't encounter the problem (AF, button placement, speed, flash), I have different preferences (EVF, USB) or it's outside my scope of photography (sports).
Essentially, your post doesn't really help people who want a balanced opinion anymore than pure, blind positive posts do. If you like the wide angle, mention it. If the wireless flash is useful, make a note of it. I'm not saying temper the bad stuff; if you feel there is nothing redeeming, just say that, but focusing on either good or bad exclusively is flamebait, pure and simple.
Of course, you can ignore all of that, but don't complain when you get called stupid, ignorant or worse for doing so.
--
Jesper
theswede #100093
Senior Member
This is a completely unquantified way to ask for information with no context; it's unlikley you'll get much useful information that you couldn't get by spending ten minutes on a search engine.
If you specify what your expectations and needs are, what kind of photography you will be doing and what level of experience you have, you will get much more useful information.
For me, and for what I do, there are no major negatives with this camera. It has enough WA and telephoto to serve my needs, the picture quality is better than I need, the speed of operations is perfectly adequate for what I photograph, storage capacity is enough for me with a microdrive, flash functionality is perfect, etc.
This may not be true for you, but I wouldn't know how to judge that, since I don't know your needs.
In short, what may be a limitation or problem to you may be well within the parameters of what I need. Without knowing more, it's impossible to tell you what is a disadvantage - to you.
--
Jesper
http://www.pbase.com/kcan/chicago_2002
All shots are with D7i , firmware 1.0 , mostly in manual .
The 2 night shots are HANDHELD , at 1/2 and 1/3 sec. NO TRIPOD.
No tripod either in any shots in that folder. Almost all pics are with vivid color setting ( I have a CP950 b4, I like the color a la Nikon
).----------------------------------------------------
KCan
Minolta D7i, Nikon N2020, Metz 45CT-1,45CT-4,
manfrotto #055,#334, #168, #115
Context: I have Nikon SLR , Nikon CP950 ; but choose the D7 versus CP5000.
Pro:
- manual zoom
- 28-200 zoom ( must for me)
- manual focus ring ( althought I rely mostly on autofocus)
- Incredible lowlight exposure and focus ability ( my experience is excelent about this , even on D7 original, this is one of the main reason why I choose D7 and not CP5k , same price that time, CP5k simply gave up , D7 can focus in 1sec on 200 zoom a white book title I can't read myself)
- Manual flash pop up: other reason I choosed D7 versus CP5K
- general control : more like SLR,( I hated the setting with my CP950, never go to manual )
- Vivid color setting ( question of taste, I like this)
- filter thread: a must for serious ones.
- wireless flash: certainly the cheery on ... , although I don't own any Minolta flash.
- Program shift ( not unique to D7i, but very easy to use )
- color sapce stuff on D7 ( I have no prob since now I have D7i)
- freeze frame to focus ( just get used too, no big deal)
- Minolta hot shoe, no sync terminal : I make my own Metz flash interface, but one can buy PCT-100, or equivalent ( I will probably get the SCA adapter to have TTL/ADI on my Metz)
- The plastic grip : a rubber grip would be much more adequate ( although I just lost mine on my CP950 )
- Miss a lot the swivel screen a la Nikon
- Battery controversy : Boof! I got 4 set of AA, what the heck.
- No wireless remote : that's what I need , will build my own.
- Noise in pics( con ??): we get about the same result on all cam in this category, some will process more in board, at the expense for detail, D7/7i let you choose to do later if needed)
----------------------------------------------------
KCan
Minolta D7i, Nikon N2020, Metz 45CT-1,45CT-4,
manfrotto #055,#334, #168, #115
forgot important ones:Context: I have Nikon SLR , Nikon CP950 ; but choose the D7 versus
CP5000.
Pro:
excelent about this , even on D7 original, this is one of the main
- manual zoom
- 28-200 zoom ( must for me)
- manual focus ring ( althought I rely mostly on autofocus)
- Incredible lowlight exposure and focus ability ( my experience is
reason why I choose D7 and not CP5k , same price that time, CP5k
simply gave up , D7 can focus in 1sec on 200 zoom a white book
title I can't read myself)
CP950, never go to manual )
- Manual flash pop up: other reason I choosed D7 versus CP5K
- general control : more like SLR,( I hated the setting with my
own any Minolta flash.
- Vivid color setting ( question of taste, I like this)
- filter thread: a must for serious ones.
- wireless flash: certainly the cheery on ... , although I don't
Con:
- Program shift ( not unique to D7i, but very easy to use )
interface, but one can buy PCT-100, or equivalent ( I will probably
- color sapce stuff on D7 ( I have no prob since now I have D7i)
- freeze frame to focus ( just get used too, no big deal)
- Minolta hot shoe, no sync terminal : I make my own Metz flash
get the SCA adapter to have TTL/ADI on my Metz)
although I just lost mine on my CP950
- The plastic grip : a rubber grip would be much more adequate (
in this category, some will process more in board, at the expense
- Miss a lot the swivel screen a la Nikon
- Battery controversy : Boof! I got 4 set of AA, what the heck.
- No wireless remote : that's what I need , will build my own.
- Noise in pics( con ??): we get about the same result on all cam
for detail, D7/7i let you choose to do later if needed)
...that's for now
pro:
- realtime histogram ( I am learning to profit this fully)
- grid and scale screen ( great for building shot)
- spot/flex focus
- EVF auto switch ability
- video out not really nice ( don't know about competitor , this aspect I could not try on other cam)
- I use EVF for outdoor and for bat economy, but not for focusing , I can't ( some could )
KCan
Minolta D7i, Nikon N2020, Metz 45CT-1,45CT-4,
manfrotto #055,#334, #168, #115
Thank you all so much... You are making me want to buy one of these bad boys and I must say some of these pictures are great. I just dont want to spend $800. I hope they come down after Sept. 25!!!!
forgot important ones:Context: I have Nikon SLR , Nikon CP950 ; but choose the D7 versus
CP5000.
Pro:
excelent about this , even on D7 original, this is one of the main
- manual zoom
- 28-200 zoom ( must for me)
- manual focus ring ( althought I rely mostly on autofocus)
- Incredible lowlight exposure and focus ability ( my experience is
reason why I choose D7 and not CP5k , same price that time, CP5k
simply gave up , D7 can focus in 1sec on 200 zoom a white book
title I can't read myself)
CP950, never go to manual )
- Manual flash pop up: other reason I choosed D7 versus CP5K
- general control : more like SLR,( I hated the setting with my
own any Minolta flash.
- Vivid color setting ( question of taste, I like this)
- filter thread: a must for serious ones.
- wireless flash: certainly the cheery on ... , although I don't
Con:
- Program shift ( not unique to D7i, but very easy to use )
interface, but one can buy PCT-100, or equivalent ( I will probably
- color sapce stuff on D7 ( I have no prob since now I have D7i)
- freeze frame to focus ( just get used too, no big deal)
- Minolta hot shoe, no sync terminal : I make my own Metz flash
get the SCA adapter to have TTL/ADI on my Metz)
although I just lost mine on my CP950
- The plastic grip : a rubber grip would be much more adequate (
in this category, some will process more in board, at the expense
- Miss a lot the swivel screen a la Nikon
- Battery controversy : Boof! I got 4 set of AA, what the heck.
- No wireless remote : that's what I need , will build my own.
- Noise in pics( con ??): we get about the same result on all cam
for detail, D7/7i let you choose to do later if needed)
...that's for now
pro:
con:
- realtime histogram ( I am learning to profit this fully)
- grid and scale screen ( great for building shot)
- spot/flex focus
- EVF auto switch ability
aspect I could not try on other cam)
- video out not really nice ( don't know about competitor , this
I can't ( some could )
- I use EVF for outdoor and for bat economy, but not for focusing ,
----------------------------------------------------
KCan
Minolta D7i, Nikon N2020, Metz 45CT-1,45CT-4,
manfrotto #055,#334, #168, #115
Good luck in your shopping !
I guess D7i price will come down a bit after the D7HI launch
I guess D7i price will come down a bit after the D7HI launch
forgot important ones:Context: I have Nikon SLR , Nikon CP950 ; but choose the D7 versus
CP5000.
Pro:
excelent about this , even on D7 original, this is one of the main
- manual zoom
- 28-200 zoom ( must for me)
- manual focus ring ( althought I rely mostly on autofocus)
- Incredible lowlight exposure and focus ability ( my experience is
reason why I choose D7 and not CP5k , same price that time, CP5k
simply gave up , D7 can focus in 1sec on 200 zoom a white book
title I can't read myself)
CP950, never go to manual )
- Manual flash pop up: other reason I choosed D7 versus CP5K
- general control : more like SLR,( I hated the setting with my
own any Minolta flash.
- Vivid color setting ( question of taste, I like this)
- filter thread: a must for serious ones.
- wireless flash: certainly the cheery on ... , although I don't
Con:
- Program shift ( not unique to D7i, but very easy to use )
interface, but one can buy PCT-100, or equivalent ( I will probably
- color sapce stuff on D7 ( I have no prob since now I have D7i)
- freeze frame to focus ( just get used too, no big deal)
- Minolta hot shoe, no sync terminal : I make my own Metz flash
get the SCA adapter to have TTL/ADI on my Metz)
although I just lost mine on my CP950
- The plastic grip : a rubber grip would be much more adequate (
in this category, some will process more in board, at the expense
- Miss a lot the swivel screen a la Nikon
- Battery controversy : Boof! I got 4 set of AA, what the heck.
- No wireless remote : that's what I need , will build my own.
- Noise in pics( con ??): we get about the same result on all cam
for detail, D7/7i let you choose to do later if needed)
...that's for now
pro:
con:
- realtime histogram ( I am learning to profit this fully)
- grid and scale screen ( great for building shot)
- spot/flex focus
- EVF auto switch ability
aspect I could not try on other cam)
- video out not really nice ( don't know about competitor , this
I can't ( some could )
- I use EVF for outdoor and for bat economy, but not for focusing ,
----------------------------------------------------
KCan
Minolta D7i, Nikon N2020, Metz 45CT-1,45CT-4,
manfrotto #055,#334, #168, #115
Neil Jenkins
Member
Mine is on order and should arrive tomorrow or Tuesday, but the good news is that it has good reviews and great features - best in its class. However it has recently had a recall plus a nother issue with freezing up that can be fixed with a patch from the Minolta site. Neither are life threatening but I would have expected these would have been ironed out before going to production.
theswede #100093
Senior Member
The recall is because a limited production run had a screw tightened too hard; a simple one time programming or procedural error to which Minolta has responded well (although it would of course have been better if it hadn't happened at all). There's nothing to iron out; it's impossible to eliminate all possibilities of mistakes, all that can be done is to minimize them and deal well with them when it happens.
The firmware update addresses a problem some people have seen. I got my D7i as soon as they came out and have never had a freeze; this indicates that it's not something that happens to all cameras all the time. Intermittent problems are difficult to pinpoint. Again, while it would be nice if even the most obscure of problems were fixed before the camera goes into production, that never happens. And unlike with many cameras (Sonys in particular) you can just download a fix for free; with some other brands you'd either be stuck with it or have no choice but to send your camera in for replacement.
Yes, Minolta does stupid and counterproductive things just like all other big companies, but these issues aren't any of that. Annoyances yes, but hardly anything exceptional.
--
Jesper
howie rosenberg
Well-known member
I love it! I haven't uploaded any night shots but my galleries have some infrared images which get much less light to the ccd than most night scenes do and also some shots in a theater with a fairly well lit stage but still low availabe light photography.
As far as negatives go, mine is the Dimage 7 not the new 7I and those thing I would have considered negatives were fixed with the upgrade and are present in the Dimage 7I
Howie
http://www.pbase.com.howier My Galleries
As far as negatives go, mine is the Dimage 7 not the new 7I and those thing I would have considered negatives were fixed with the upgrade and are present in the Dimage 7I
Howie
http://www.pbase.com.howier My Galleries
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