Played with a D7 today

[dwynne]

I went to BestBuy at lunch and played with the D7 - I must say I was disappointed. I am going to have to rethink things. I found a lot of things seemed real cheap about the camera, it was hard to hold steady, and the focus seemed to be unable to do its job. At max focal length (in the store) it had the shake warning up with the flash off. When I played with the C-2100UZ it did not at 10x (the IS lens).

I will say this, you could get the C-1200UZ and probably not need to read the manual at all - or not much.

I am a real smart guy, but I could hardly figure anything out on the D7. The displays and controls are REAL confusing. I know this will come with use and reading the manual, but still..... I download the PDF of the manual so I can look at it. I would not let this be a show stopper, since I know I could learn it and it does offer TONS of options to the advanced user.

I just hate to pay $550 for a 2.1 mp camera (C2100UZ) that uses media diffrent from what I own, otherwise I would have picked up the C-2100UZ after seeing the D7 in person. I may still. What I want is the UZ with 3-5MP and CF media, even if it cost more than the D7

I love a lot of things about the D7, but the first in person encounter was disappointing. As I said, I have the PDF manual and the reviews so I can study up on it more. Some of the problems may have been because the camera was in some mode or something that made it harder to use. I did make sure it was in AF mode.

Dennis

 

[Mike Roberts]

Nothing personal, but, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha! Ha!

Mike Roberts

P.S. I think this is what I love about the D7 the most.

 

[dwynne]

Nothing personal, but, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha! Ha!

Mike Roberts

P.S. I think this is what I love about the D7 the most.

I don't get it? You think it is funny that the zoom ring "grinds", the battery door is a joke, the media door is a joke, the connector plugs are a joke, the camera can't seem to focus, the strap ring is in the way, the camera is hard to hold and lacks "balance" ?

All that is true, even if one is an expert in setting up the functions and features of the camera.

The good news is that if someone stole the D7 but didn't get the manual, they would bring it back

It is still in the running for my money, but I am not as "in love" with the camera after seeing it in person.

Dennis

 

[Hugo Martinez]

I went to BestBuy at lunch and played with the D7 - I must say I
was disappointed. ...
...
I am a real smart guy, but I could hardly figure anything out on
the D7. The displays and controls are REAL confusing. I know this
will come with use and reading the manual, but still.....

The D7, like anything else, is not perfect, but I've been thrilled with mine since I bought it in August. As of today, I can't think of any camera that I would replace it with. That said, it is not a camera for everyone. It may not be the camera for you.--Hugo http://hugomartinez.com

 

[Icypeak]

Dennis, I don't know what your prior photographic experience is, but the D7 seems to appeal to more experienced photographers more than people who are looking for a point and shoot type of camera. Most of us coming from a long history of 35mm photography found the controls very logical and easy to figure out on the D7, which was one of the major draws. I don't think there is anything that can touch it for level of sophistication and control in this price range. Don't be fooled by the 'hand shake' sign, it does NOT mean that you cannot take the shot without blurring. It's simply a reminder that your present camera settings have a shutter speed that is longer than your focal length is set to, which means that you should be especially still to take the shot. It does NOT measure shake or motion. That being said, this camera is not for everyone, and if you don't think you can learn to appreciate the EVF (what most users like the most about it), or if you want the fastest focusing camera around, you won't like it. I don't find anything 'cheaper' about it's construction than almost any other prosumer digital cam on the market (the satisfying heft of the E10-20 is great, if you don't have to lug it around long distances or all day), having a Mg-alloy frame, with very little plastic (though the finish may not give that impression). I agree with others that some rubber on the grip would feel nice, but it holds just fine as is. If having a 28-200mm focal range, tons of control, and compact size are important, this is still the photographic tool of choice, but other factors, including simplicity of use, having an optical viewfinder, longer battery life, or a size and weight more like a film SLR may steer you to something else. Don't sweat it too much. Be happy with whichever you choose and don't look back. If you choose the D7, be prepared to learn how to use it to it's best advantage before you judge it.
-David

I went to BestBuy at lunch and played with the D7 - I must say I
was disappointed. I am going to have to rethink things. I found a
lot of things seemed real cheap about the camera, it was hard to
hold steady, and the focus seemed to be unable to do its job. At
max focal length (in the store) it had the shake warning up with
the flash off. When I played with the C-2100UZ it did not at 10x
(the IS lens).

I will say this, you could get the C-1200UZ and probably not need
to read the manual at all - or not much.

I am a real smart guy, but I could hardly figure anything out on
the D7. The displays and controls are REAL confusing. I know this
will come with use and reading the manual, but still..... I
download the PDF of the manual so I can look at it. I would not
let this be a show stopper, since I know I could learn it and it
does offer TONS of options to the advanced user.

I just hate to pay $550 for a 2.1 mp camera (C2100UZ) that uses
media diffrent from what I own, otherwise I would have picked up
the C-2100UZ after seeing the D7 in person. I may still. What I
want is the UZ with 3-5MP and CF media, even if it cost more than
the D7

I love a lot of things about the D7, but the first in person
encounter was disappointing. As I said, I have the PDF manual and
the reviews so I can study up on it more. Some of the problems may
have been because the camera was in some mode or something that
made it harder to use. I did make sure it was in AF mode.

Dennis

--David http://fototime.com/ftweb/bin/ft.dll/pictures?userid= {F351C88E-FEF7-4892-9F30-9FD2DDD1593C}&tio=0

 

[Bryan Biggers]

If you can't work it, and if you think that you are in danger of breaking it, then you better buy some other camera. You wouldn't want to walk around with a "joke".

Here is a hint on one thing. The shake warning does not mean that you aren't holding still and shaking the camera, it means that the shutter speed is low and you should try to hold still. There is no shake sensor or anything, it does not mean that you aren't holding still enough. This is the same warning that other cameras give. The Fujis have a little hand, just like this one. The Nikon turns the shutter speed Red.
Bryan

I don't get it? You think it is funny that the zoom ring "grinds",
the battery door is a joke, the media door is a joke, the connector
plugs are a joke, the camera can't seem to focus, the strap ring is
in the way, the camera is hard to hold and lacks "balance" ?

All that is true, even if one is an expert in setting up the
functions and features of the camera.

The good news is that if someone stole the D7 but didn't get the
manual, they would bring it back

It is still in the running for my money, but I am not as "in love"
with the camera after seeing it in person.

Dennis

 

[Jason Smart]

I went to BestBuy at lunch and played with the D7 - I must say I
was disappointed. I am going to have to rethink things. I found a
lot of things seemed real cheap about the camera, it was hard to
hold steady, and the focus seemed to be unable to do its job. At
max focal length (in the store) it had the shake warning up with
the flash off. When I played with the C-2100UZ it did not at 10x
(the IS lens).

I will say this, you could get the C-1200UZ and probably not need
to read the manual at all - or not much.

I am a real smart guy, but I could hardly figure anything out on
the D7. The displays and controls are REAL confusing. I know this
will come with use and reading the manual, but still..... I
download the PDF of the manual so I can look at it. I would not
let this be a show stopper, since I know I could learn it and it
does offer TONS of options to the advanced user.

I just hate to pay $550 for a 2.1 mp camera (C2100UZ) that uses
media diffrent from what I own, otherwise I would have picked up
the C-2100UZ after seeing the D7 in person. I may still. What I
want is the UZ with 3-5MP and CF media, even if it cost more than
the D7

I love a lot of things about the D7, but the first in person
encounter was disappointing. As I said, I have the PDF manual and
the reviews so I can study up on it more. Some of the problems may
have been because the camera was in some mode or something that
made it harder to use. I did make sure it was in AF mode.

Dennis

--
David

http://fototime.com/ftweb/bin/ft.dll/pictures?userid= {F351C88E-FEF7-4892-9F30-9FD2DDD1593C}&tio=0

 

[Jason Smart]

Icepeak,

Recently, I bought D7 and I loved it very much except for its EVF flashing when the low exposure occurs. It is annoying although it does not affect the quality. Did you experience the same thing? I am planning to send this camera to Minolta for check.

Jason

I went to BestBuy at lunch and played with the D7 - I must say I
was disappointed. I am going to have to rethink things. I found a
lot of things seemed real cheap about the camera, it was hard to
hold steady, and the focus seemed to be unable to do its job. At
max focal length (in the store) it had the shake warning up with
the flash off. When I played with the C-2100UZ it did not at 10x
(the IS lens).

I will say this, you could get the C-1200UZ and probably not need
to read the manual at all - or not much.

I am a real smart guy, but I could hardly figure anything out on
the D7. The displays and controls are REAL confusing. I know this
will come with use and reading the manual, but still..... I
download the PDF of the manual so I can look at it. I would not
let this be a show stopper, since I know I could learn it and it
does offer TONS of options to the advanced user.

I just hate to pay $550 for a 2.1 mp camera (C2100UZ) that uses
media diffrent from what I own, otherwise I would have picked up
the C-2100UZ after seeing the D7 in person. I may still. What I
want is the UZ with 3-5MP and CF media, even if it cost more than
the D7

I love a lot of things about the D7, but the first in person
encounter was disappointing. As I said, I have the PDF manual and
the reviews so I can study up on it more. Some of the problems may
have been because the camera was in some mode or something that
made it harder to use. I did make sure it was in AF mode.

Dennis

--
David

http://fototime.com/ftweb/bin/ft.dll/pictures?userid= {F351C88E-FEF7-4892-9F30-9FD2DDD1593C}&tio=0

 

[Icypeak]

The only time I've seen something like that is when you are in light just dim enough to be between where the EVF switches to 'low-light' B and W mode, and may flash on and off as it tries to decide whether to stay in color mode or B and W 'light-enhancing' mode.

Icepeak,

Recently, I bought D7 and I loved it very much except for its EVF
flashing when the low exposure occurs. It is annoying although it
does not affect the quality. Did you experience the same thing? I
am planning to send this camera to Minolta for check.

Jason

--David http://fototime.com/ftweb/bin/ft.dll/pictures?userid= {F351C88E-FEF7-4892-9F30-9FD2DDD1593C}&tio=0

 

[John C. Iliff]

You think it is funny that the zoom ring "grinds",

Mine doesn't...maybe older model, or played with too much?

the battery door is a joke, the media door is a joke, the connector
plugs are a joke,

Battery door and media door are just fine, they 'appear' flimsy, but do the job nicely...media door is a magnetic catch. The connector plugs ARE bad, and after using mine twice, they don't close properly

the camera can't seem to focus,

focus IS slow, sometimes, as per reviews, but works nicely

the strap ring is in the way,

Yeah, so are my feet, but I manage to remember they're there! The snap rings are no problem at all...just rember to 'close the drawers in the refrigerator, before you close the door'...you don't have a problem with that, do you?

the camera is hard to hold and lacks "balance" ?

Fits nicely for me...I too, am used to the heavier SLR's of the past, but I think the 'new style' of small and lightweight are great, if still requiring getting used to. ONE of the reasons I was first attracted to the D7 was the size! It's not as small and 'dinky' as some of the newer cameras.

Your comments seem to reflect some of the opinions of the reviewers. Remember, those reviewers have to come up with 'Pros' AND 'Cons', and sometimes appear to be nit-picking, for lack of comments. Not that I disagree with the reviewers, just that some of the 'Cons' are fairly insignificant.

I just got my D7 (this week), after the same soul searching and review you're doing. (eg, I also downloaded and spent some time reviewing the manual) Except for the slow AF, I love it. Considering doing more MF!

Whatever you decide, have fun with it!!

Mr Pedagogue--Mr Pedagogue

 

[dwynne]

If you can't work it, and if you think that you are in danger of
breaking it, then you better buy some other camera. You wouldn't
want to walk around with a "joke".

Gee Bryan,

I guess the first time you ever saw a D7 and picked it up you could work all the functions and features in just a few minutes?

Most people always get too emotionally attached to their purchases, then if someone offers valid critism they get all bent out of shape.

I have a 2000 Corvette convertible, but I will tell you that it is not as nice as what you would think. Poor dealer service, frequent problems, etc, etc. Would I buy it again? Nope, and I will tell anyone who asks.

Dennis

 

[dwynne]

To be fair, I have read the reviews and some of the stuff I noticed was pointed out - but it is "true". I still am interested in the camera, but now doing more research. I was fully expecting to return from my "test" to whip out the Amex and order a D7 online - I really thought I was that sure of it.

Thanks for the reply,
Dennis

 

[dwynne]

Dennis, I don't know what your prior photographic experience is,
but the D7 seems to appeal to more experienced photographers more
than people who are looking for a point and shoot type of camera.
Most of us coming from a long history of 35mm photography found the
controls very logical and easy to figure out on the D7, which was
one of the major draws. I don't think there is anything that can
touch it for level of sophistication and control in this price
range

I have had Nikon 35mm camera for years - heck so long ago you had to FOCUS for yourself . Ideally I would get a digital camera body and lenses to replace the Nikon stuff. The price right now is just more that I want to pay. The long lens of the D7 (and the C1200 and Pro90) make those at the top of my lists. Sure, it is nice to have fully auto point-and-shoot but having all the exposure controls is where it is at.

I think I had about 10-15 minutes in the store to play with it, and given that I did not come from an auto-focus Minolta background found the controls and markings "strange".

That being said, this camera is not for
everyone, and if you don't think you can learn to appreciate the
EVF (what most users like the most about it),

Ideally a through the lens optical would be nice, but the EVF was OK. It has a nicer image than the C1200 by far - and can be used in full light and does not draw the juice like the LCD.

or if you want the fastest focusing camera around, you won't like
it.

This thing did not seem to focus well at all, perhaps it was defective? Who knows how many clods have messed with it.

I felt so stupid - should have carried in one of my CF cards, shot some real pics, then I could be checking them out today and drooling over the resolution. I will toss one in my briefcase and may run back by after looking over the manual.

I know the D7 is a great camera, or it would not be on my list

Thanks for the reply,
Dennis

 

[Steven Sterne]

One great feature that no one has mentioned yet on this thread is the fabulous color depth of pictures taken with this camera. You don't see how good it is til you run the shots through a colorspace conversion tility (DIVU, Colorfix, whatever) but the camera really can take beautiful pictures.

It works MUCH better outside than in a dimly lit store like BestBuy, and the focus is quicker in the 28-150mm (equiv) range than at 200, where it gets much slower.

The learning curve is not as steep as first appears - Minolta did some novel but ingenious things in terms of using dials and buttons instead of the more cumbersome and interruptive drop-down menus that my previous digitals (nikon 990, Oly D600L, Canon S40) used. So it takes a few hours of futzing to learn, but then it's easier to use than anything else I've had - and my SLR is a Canon, not a Minolta.

I'm not thrilled with the battery life (though it is not as bad as some posters claim) or the 200 mm autofocus speed, but the other issues on your list, while mostly present, are not actually bothering me as I use the camera and take great pictures. That manual zoom feature is terrific, even if it does stick at the far end - you can easily zoom without taking your eye off the viewfinder.

In fact, that seems to be the thinking ehind the layout of the camera - once you know where everything is, you can esily change most settings while you are composing your picture.

I ought my D7 from a store that has a two-week no-questions-asked, no-restock-fee return policy. That gave me the freedom to play around and learn the camera in a real setting, not in the store. Try to find someone who will do the same for you. It's worth some extra money.

Good luck,

Steven

 

[Ruth H]

So is this the "black band" that others have mentioned? Mine does the "black band" dance...I don't want to send it back if I don't have to. I really am beginning to love this camera!

Ruth

Icepeak,

Recently, I bought D7 and I loved it very much except for its EVF
flashing when the low exposure occurs. It is annoying although it
does not affect the quality. Did you experience the same thing? I
am planning to send this camera to Minolta for check.

Jason

--
David

http://fototime.com/ftweb/bin/ft.dll/pictures?userid= {F351C88E-FEF7-4892-9F30-9FD2DDD1593C}&tio=0

 

[Icypeak]

So is this the "black band" that others have mentioned? Mine does
the "black band" dance...I don't want to send it back if I don't
have to. I really am beginning to love this camera!

Ruth

I'm not sure we're talking about the same thing or not. I don't see a 'band', just when it switches from the standard color EVF to the 'nightvision - like' B&W mode, it will turn black for a couple of seconds. I haven't seen a black band, per se.

David

http://fototime.com/ftweb/bin/ft.dll/pictures?userid= {F351C88E-FEF7-4892-9F30-9FD2DDD1593C}&tio=0

--David http://fototime.com/ftweb/bin/ft.dll/pictures?userid= {F351C88E-FEF7-4892-9F30-9FD2DDD1593C}&tio=0

 

[Bo Eriksson53548]

Dwynne.

The problem isn't that you came up ith critic remarks about the D7. The problem is that this forum has seen a lot of nonsense dizzing of the D7 from users that never even looked at a picture of for some reason more or less just quoting Phil's con-list.

And your message looked almost exactly like one of those. Also, since most people that have used a lot of digital cameras has commended the D7 for its easy and obvious control setup your remark about being real smart looked a bit... well, it had the opposite effect...

Best Regards

Bo Eriksson

If you can't work it, and if you think that you are in danger of
breaking it, then you better buy some other camera. You wouldn't
want to walk around with a "joke".

Gee Bryan,

I guess the first time you ever saw a D7 and picked it up you could
work all the functions and features in just a few minutes?

Most people always get too emotionally attached to their purchases,
then if someone offers valid critism they get all bent out of shape.

I have a 2000 Corvette convertible, but I will tell you that it is
not as nice as what you would think. Poor dealer service, frequent
problems, etc, etc. Would I buy it again? Nope, and I will tell
anyone who asks.

Dennis

 

[Mike Roberts]

Nothing personal, but, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha! Ha!

Mike Roberts

P.S. I think this is what I love about the D7 the most.

I don't get it?

That is why I am laughing.

You think it is funny that the zoom ring "grinds", the battery door is a
joke, the media door is a joke, the connector plugs are a joke, the
camera can't seem to focus, the strap ring is in the way, the camera is
hard to hold and lacks "balance" ?

Well I have had mine since August without any of the so-called issues mattering. Of course, I properly researched the thing so the few things that might have mattered (batteries, etc.) I had already solved before getting the camera. I also laugh because I know none of these are problems with the camera, but problems with peoples expectations. In terms of experience in digital or film SLRs, I was a blank slate. This means I have one of the most unbiased opinions of this camera (other than I now own one and know what it can do).

All that is true, even if one is an expert in setting up the
functions and features of the camera.

I disagree that any of it is true.

I am not an expert in setting functions and features of the camera (but I am getting there) and I still took these http://www.photo.net/photodb/user?user_id=378035 which make me very happy I bought a D7.

Mike Roberts

P.S. Plus, this is like the umpteenth post like this.

 

[Mike Roberts]

I guess the first time you ever saw a D7 and picked it up you could
work all the functions and features in just a few minutes?

I could. Too bad I did not understand what all of them did to a photograph.

I have a 2000 Corvette convertible, but I will tell you that it is
not as nice as what you would think.

You bought a Corvette. Damn, now I got to laugh at you again.

Would I buy it again? Nope, and I will tell anyone who asks.

Well I would by the D7 again if that helps you any.

Mike Roberts

 

[Randy Z]

I'm not thrilled with the battery life (though it is not as bad as
some posters claim)

Does it get better? I'm panicked. I've had my D7 for two days, the alks lasted 5 min. (really), and the quests gave me 20 minutes and about 6 flash pix (no lcd, either - what's it there for if we can't use it?). It's hard to believe a major corporation could engineer something with that much of a problem.

The images though! wow. But if I can only play with it for 15 minutes at a time . . .

I've ordered a battery pak, and I hope that helps.

Perhaps a class action suit is in order for Minolta to give us each one of their expensive paks?
--Z-Man