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Konica Minolta Maxxum 5D (Dynax 5D) review

Started Feb 27, 2008 | User reviews
Barry Fitzgerald Forum Pro • Posts: 29,888
Konica Minolta Maxxum 5D (Dynax 5D) review

Good build for its class, solid construction
AS is effective and works well
Overall good metering, improved over the 7d. But
prone to blowouts in higher contrast -0.3 ev is safe at
all ISO speeds
Good high ISO performance
Excellent quality of jpegs, far better than most rivals
Appealing colours and hues, esp good for skintones
Decent battery life
Hi and Lo ISO modes help tailor exposures for highlight
and shadows, works well
Outfeatures most of its rivals at its price range, nothing
feels chopped out bar the LCD res.
Good handling, and design, its a nice body to use.
Comfortable hand grip
Reasonable sized VF larger than most rivals

With the benefit of almost 2 years use, this has been a
stellar performer, and delivered the goods pretty well.
For the bargain price paid for it (£399) Its not perfect,
but I have no regrets. Shame that KM are no longer
with us, but as this is the last SLR they made, its
worthy of most people's attention. Overall, more than
happy with it.

Problems:

Some units suffer from "ist black frame", Mind did, but
was fixed for free.
Autofocus performance not as good as prior film
Minolta bodies, though its acceptable for the average
user.
Lacks ratio for wireless flash, though not likely a deal
breaker for most users.
The odd flash metering problem, well known issue
with kit lens and external flash bounced at wide angle
Lower res LCD than rivals at its launch, though size was
better. Its simply ok..just about acceptable.
Metering great for shadow areas, watch the highlights
though
Battery door latch can weaken, easy fix, one of the
few weaker points on build
Reds can be a bit "hot"
ISO and drive buttons should be swapped around, so
that the ISO is easier to reach with your eye to
viewfinder

Konica Minolta Maxxum 5D (Dynax 5D)
6 megapixels • 2.5 screen • APS-C sensor
Announced: Jul 15, 2005
Barry Fitzgerald's score
4.4
Average community score
4.7
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