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Konica Minolta Maxxum 5D (Dynax 5D) review

Started Feb 1, 2006 | User reviews thread
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Dominic Ryan Regular Member • Posts: 417
Konica Minolta Maxxum 5D (Dynax 5D) review

The KM 5D is my first DSLR, and I simply cannot understand why sales are not well above that of the Canon 350D and Nikon D50. I can only put it down to brandname and less marketing, as on it's merits the KM 5D beats every entry level DSLR hands down. I spent two months researching entry level DSLR's, and handle offerings from Canon, Nikon, Pentax, and of course Konica Minolta. There was no need to even make op a pro/con list, as the KM 5D was clearly the best choice. The only reason I'd choose any of the other offerings was if I had a significant investment in their glass already.

Things that make the KM 5D stand out;

- AS on EVERY lens you connect to it giving you a 1-2 stop advantage.
- Shak-o-meter in viewfinder so you can see how steady you are when hand held.
- Large selection of KM lenses, and offerings from the likes of Tamron & Sigma growing everyday.
- Great design that fits really well in the hand, and actually feels very solid unlike the toy like feeling of the Canon 350D.
- One of only 2 entry level DSLR's that offer ISO3200, giving you a very useful range starting from ISO80.
- Large 2.5" LCD.
- Excellent on batteries due to power save mode, and extremely quick to wake up again ready to use.

Problems:

The recent news that KM are pulling out of the camera business is a bit nerve wrecking after having just spent $2000 on a camera and lenses. I just hope that Sony can live up to the high standards we've come to expect from KM.

 Dominic Ryan's gear list:Dominic Ryan's gear list
Sony a7S Sony a7R Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 45mm F1.8 Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 75mm F1.8 +12 more
Konica Minolta Maxxum 5D (Dynax 5D)
6 megapixels • 2.5 screen • APS-C sensor
Announced: Jul 15, 2005
Dominic Ryan's score
5.0
Average community score
4.7
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