Konica Minolta Maxxum 5D (Dynax 5D) review

The Konica Minolta Dynax 5D is my first DSLR, however not my first camera with manual settings. Actually, I've been intensively using my Pentax Optio 750z, which impressed me at the begining with all the manual settings, and all the features presents in it. It already enabled me to test lot of things and to train myself to tweak the shutter and aperture settings to get what I want. However, I soon understoodd that if I want a better image quality with no noise, then I need to move to the DSLR. I've seen the 5D in shops, and I must say that the Anti Shake system really interested me, due to the fact that more than half of my images with my Pentax were fuzzy. So I looked around, compared all the other similar Canon and Nikon models, and the 5D was more and more a relevant choice for me.

I went in a photoshop to test it, and I was really amazed. I also made a good deal, as the shop owner made me a large discount on the package wich is composed of the 18-70 kit lens and the 75-300 4.5/5.6 D lens, with a KM bag offered.

After 3 weeks of intensive usage, I must say that I'm still amazed by the possibilities of the camera. Here below the pros & cons of the camera:

Pros:
- First the Anti Shake (AS). It's definitely working, and I'm still amazed to be able to take sharp pictures in low light conditions at a shutter speed of 1/3! It really opens a large scope of new possibilities for the photographer. It's true that it works better with a closer focal lens, however it's still very useful with the 300mm tele. For me, that's a unique feature that counts for more than all the rest (except noise, which is one of my other request, see below!)

- The noise is really low and it's a pleasure to use high ISO sensitivity without too noticeable noise. I also like the low key and high key features, and the ability to choose it very quickly from the rear panel button. At higher ISO speed, the sharpness is still there.

- Most of the buttons are really at their best places, and it seems that their location on the camera had been really well thought before.

- The large 2.5" LCD screen is really comfortable to looked at, and the great feature is that it's anti-scratches treated (it really works, as it's most of the time in my bag, no scratches at all!). The luminosity is great, however a bit more details would have been better.

- The quality of the 18-70 3.5/5.6 kit lens is pleasant to use, and have a good level of sharpness, even if it's possible to have better quality for more money! At least, I think it's very usable, and the fact it starts at 18 is a good thing. It also makes really nice macos. The 75-300 lens is really powerful, however a bit slow to focus sometimes.

- White Balances presets are easy to use and gives great results, with nice tones.

- Built-in Flash is fine, and easy to manage. I like the fact that you have to put it manually.

- Very robust finitions, thoughtfully designed.

- It's possible to find some Minolta used lenses for cheap in lot of photo shops. I've for example purchased for 50 dollars a great AF 50mm f1.7 which is really a pleasure to work with.

- The featured DiMage Master Lite software is quite powerful, and gives great results.

- Battery life is good and let you make about 500 to 600 pictures (~25% with flash) without any problems.
- For this affordable price, the camera is really a good deal, maybe one of the best choice on the market.

Cons:
- The DiMage Master Lite is quite slow to use. I'm thinking about using the pro version of Helicon filter, which seems quite powerful after some testings.
-Autofocus is not always right, and might focus some times on other things that what you are telling him to do. However, it's still possible to refine the focus with the ring if you choose one of the 4 focusing options (DMF).

Problems:

None.