A1 has my vote

[Jim Gregerson]

I cropped about 1/4 section of Minolta A1 sample picture - I then resampled to same size as original. I did no other touch-up, sharpening or noise reduction. I could make a 30x40 print from this.

Also this pic was taken in bright light and I could not see any blown highlights - seems to be holding good detail in shadows also. I give my personal thumbs up to the A1.



--
http://www.showtelinc.com/aphoto2.htm
Jim Gregerson

 

[MJEC]

Jim,

I printed the image of the girl,full size at 8.5x11, and although there is a lot of detail - hair, sweater, eyes etc. - her skin appears to lack texture. I cannot decide whether this is a result of flat lighting or if the Minolta plain-surface noise reduction is at work. I hope it is not the latter. Noise, otherwise, appears to be under control.
I'm with you on the A1; can't be bothered with the el-cheapo plastic wonders.
Regards, Martyn.

I cropped about 1/4 section of Minolta A1 sample picture - I then
resampled to same size as original. I did no other touch-up,
sharpening or noise reduction. I could make a 30x40 print from this.
Also this pic was taken in bright light and I could not see any
blown highlights - seems to be holding good detail in shadows also.
I give my personal thumbs up to the A1.



--
http://www.showtelinc.com/aphoto2.htm
Jim Gregerson

--
Digititis

 

[Jim Gregerson]

Jim,
I printed the image of the girl,full size at 8.5x11, and although
there is a lot of detail - hair, sweater, eyes etc. - her skin
appears to lack texture. I cannot decide whether this is a result
of flat lighting or if the Minolta plain-surface noise reduction is
at work. I hope it is not the latter. Noise, otherwise, appears
to be under control.
I'm with you on the A1; can't be bothered with the el-cheapo
plastic wonders.
Regards, Martyn.

Martyn,

I believe they are using Hi-key lighting which all girls like because it dosn't show alot of detail in skin. If you look at the reflections in her eyes, they look like a light bank. The photograph is very excellent!
--
http://www.showtelinc.com/aphoto2.htm
Jim Gregerson

 

[lharris]

Guys- I have sold my 7Hi and waiting for the A1. I really think the 828-no offense--will have superb resolution--but I have been just so pleased with my 7Hi.

Honest opinon--will the photo quality of the A1 be equal to the 7Hi, greater than, or less. I don't expect the moon. I am hoping for as least equal to the 7Hi but will likely return the camera if the photos are less than I have gotten with my 7Hi. The camera has been so much fun and feature rich for me--but not to where I want less in the output do to differences in technology...

You are must more expert...

What is your opinion on this point?

Many, Many thanks.

Linda

Jim,
I printed the image of the girl,full size at 8.5x11, and although
there is a lot of detail - hair, sweater, eyes etc. - her skin
appears to lack texture. I cannot decide whether this is a result
of flat lighting or if the Minolta plain-surface noise reduction is
at work. I hope it is not the latter. Noise, otherwise, appears
to be under control.
I'm with you on the A1; can't be bothered with the el-cheapo
plastic wonders.
Regards, Martyn.

Martyn,
I believe they are using Hi-key lighting which all girls like
because it dosn't show alot of detail in skin. If you look at the
reflections in her eyes, they look like a light bank. The
photograph is very excellent!
--
http://www.showtelinc.com/aphoto2.htm
Jim Gregerson

 

[engbert]

I cropped about 1/4 section of Minolta A1 sample picture - I then
resampled to same size as original. I did no other touch-up,
sharpening or noise reduction. I could make a 30x40 print from this.
Also this pic was taken in bright light and I could not see any
blown highlights - seems to be holding good detail in shadows also.
I give my personal thumbs up to the A1.

I agree. Your cropped image also tolerates very agressive sharpening with no objectiionable artefacts showing up.

 

[Jim Gregerson]

Guys- I have sold my 7Hi and waiting for the A1. I really think the
828-no offense--will have superb resolution--but I have been just
so pleased with my 7Hi.

Honest opinon--will the photo quality of the A1 be equal to the
7Hi, greater than, or less. I don't expect the moon. I am hoping
for as least equal to the 7Hi but will likely return the camera if
the photos are less than I have gotten with my 7Hi. The camera has
been so much fun and feature rich for me--but not to where I want
less in the output do to differences in technology...

You are must more expert...

What is your opinion on this point?

Many, Many thanks.

Linda

Jim Gregerson wrote:
Linda,

In my honest opinion, the A1 is a step above in photo quality directly from the camera. I also believe the dynamac range is better allowing you to get better results in contrasty situations. The colors seem to be right on in the samples I've seen.

Probably the biggest improvement is in the focusing system - I lose maybe 25% of my shots to focusing with my D7i - I would expect this to drop down to 10% or less with the A1. The image stabilization should also help.

I thinks it's a great camera and a leap above the D series. Why do you think they didn't name it the D8 ?

And don't worry about 5MP - I have had 35x44 inch blowups made from full D7i shots that came out great. What more could you ask for?

Yes Linda, I will buy an A1.

http://www.showtelinc.com/aphoto2.htm

Jim Gregerson

 

[lharris]

Thank you so much for your candor. Reading all of these waffling posts can drive a person nuts.

I tried many find cameras and am an 'experienced amateur' with little processing knowledge. The 7Hi has just always felt right Though I had the 717 at the same time--the 7Hi remained my most comfortable camera. Its best shots were always very close with my 717 best shots. Blur was a big issue without tripod and so was utility. For whatever the reason, the 7Hi made me work more with non-P & S parameters and I got a lot more variety and artistic photos. With the 717 I got a picture perfect photo--even when the shot wasn't picture perfect.

I take a real financial hit--but have so enjoyed the 7hi I am willing to move upward in the additional stabilization, fast focus arena. The tilting lcd will be another nice feature--tho I wished it turned around for protection. I will just apply another Hoodskin protector.

I appreciate your calming advice. It is a bit extravagent of me to sell my 7Hi for the A1 in most folks opinion. But- it is my only hobby--albeit is pretty costly these days with so many upgrades and being somewhat of an impatient type 'A' personality.

Your post helps me out. I tend to use sharp settings and like color. I really need to master PS techniques. That is a real drawback for me since I expect so much right out of the camera. Autofix can only do so much...

Thanks for the insights. If you have pre-ordered- please post your thoughts.
I expect my camera in 2 weeks or so if the delivery dates are correct.

Again, thanks for your help.

Linda

Guys- I have sold my 7Hi and waiting for the A1. I really think the
828-no offense--will have superb resolution--but I have been just
so pleased with my 7Hi.

Honest opinon--will the photo quality of the A1 be equal to the
7Hi, greater than, or less. I don't expect the moon. I am hoping
for as least equal to the 7Hi but will likely return the camera if
the photos are less than I have gotten with my 7Hi. The camera has
been so much fun and feature rich for me--but not to where I want
less in the output do to differences in technology...

You are must more expert...

What is your opinion on this point?

Many, Many thanks.

Linda

Jim Gregerson wrote:
Linda,
In my honest opinion, the A1 is a step above in photo quality
directly from the camera. I also believe the dynamac range is
better allowing you to get better results in contrasty situations.
The colors seem to be right on in the samples I've seen.
Probably the biggest improvement is in the focusing system - I lose
maybe 25% of my shots to focusing with my D7i - I would expect this
to drop down to 10% or less with the A1. The image stabilization
should also help.
I thinks it's a great camera and a leap above the D series. Why do
you think they didn't name it the D8 ?

And don't worry about 5MP - I have had 35x44 inch blowups made from
full D7i shots that came out great. What more could you ask for?

Yes Linda, I will buy an A1.

http://www.showtelinc.com/aphoto2.htm

Jim Gregerson

 

[*isteve]

Hi Linda - the quality certainly does not look worse than the D7hi, in some respects a little better (colour is nice and shadow noise is down - I think they have reduced the contrast default and sharpness default) and the IS and improved AF should help to make the camera a lot more versatile. GO for it.

I'm still saving - for I know not what - but I can't justify $1K for something similar to what I have quality wise.

Steve

Honest opinon--will the photo quality of the A1 be equal to the
7Hi, greater than, or less. I don't expect the moon. I am hoping
for as least equal to the 7Hi but will likely return the camera if
the photos are less than I have gotten with my 7Hi. The camera has
been so much fun and feature rich for me--but not to where I want
less in the output do to differences in technology...

You are must more expert...

What is your opinion on this point?

Many, Many thanks.

Linda

Jim,
I printed the image of the girl,full size at 8.5x11, and although
there is a lot of detail - hair, sweater, eyes etc. - her skin
appears to lack texture. I cannot decide whether this is a result
of flat lighting or if the Minolta plain-surface noise reduction is
at work. I hope it is not the latter. Noise, otherwise, appears
to be under control.
I'm with you on the A1; can't be bothered with the el-cheapo
plastic wonders.
Regards, Martyn.

Martyn,
I believe they are using Hi-key lighting which all girls like
because it dosn't show alot of detail in skin. If you look at the
reflections in her eyes, they look like a light bank. The
photograph is very excellent!
--
http://www.showtelinc.com/aphoto2.htm
Jim Gregerson

 

[Yves]

Can I vote? You can't be the only one voting for this camera!
I had the five pictures printed at 4 x 6 yesterday and now have them at 12 x 18.
So, I can vote twice?

Really like the colors. Real colors. Realistic colors.

The only thing I was dissapointed about yesterday is the color of the skin of the woman. Not the wrong color. Just seemed flat, no details in this face. But I assumed that this was her real skin color and she has no imperfections.

I now understand, from a poster here, that this may be so because of the lights used. If so, I hope Minolta will post real pictures of real people. Not fashion models who do not want to show skin blemishes. We take pictures of real people. We need to know how this camera will render skin tones. If Minolta is posting pictures to make sure that the model is in control, rather than the photographer being in control, shame on Minolta.

Just look at the Canon 3000D picture of the man. We can see all the details in his face. Great picture to let us see how the camera will display skin. We need a similar one from Minolta, before I vote again.

 

[JusGene]

I tend to think there were some enhancements done. On the bust shot of the girl, the intensity of the rectangular softbox (just camera right) is unknown. In any case, the skin appears brushed or blurred. Notice the area immediately below the lower lip.

The milk rim just above the upper lip is what makes my photo processor stick to his 120 film cameras. Though it appears to be a signicant trait of digital portrait, I don't see it as that much to deal with.

Back to tough ups: this is still an X-sumer camera in the 'minds' of the world, and I'm not sure if that would be a reason to touch up or not. Should pros (or serious amateurs) be concerned because it is a processing matter and we deal with it. Should it be a concern of the con-sumer, becuase they would have expectations 'right out of the box' that pics would represent what they'll get?

Dunno,

Gene

 

[Thomas Karlmann]

Jim:

I noticed that there WAS texture in her shin --- check around the inside corner of her left eye --> texture. I've got to think that Minolta would have a professional apply makeup to the model, and I'm sure they left the pimple there just for fun.

What I noticed as the limit of the reresolution/sharpness/whatever was the slight clumping of her eyebrow hairs over her left eye. I thought if this is the limit of the A1 -- I can live with it!

(I'm looking at this photo on my calibrated monitor at 128%)

Your thoughts?

Thom

Jim,
I printed the image of the girl,full size at 8.5x11, and although
there is a lot of detail - hair, sweater, eyes etc. - her skin
appears to lack texture. I cannot decide whether this is a result
of flat lighting or if the Minolta plain-surface noise reduction is
at work. I hope it is not the latter. Noise, otherwise, appears
to be under control.
I'm with you on the A1; can't be bothered with the el-cheapo
plastic wonders.
Regards, Martyn.

 

[Thomas Karlmann]

PS: The noise in the shadows bothers me more than anything else, but I'm not sure how another camera would compare.

I noticed that there WAS texture in her shin --- check around the
inside corner of her left eye --> texture. I've got to think that
Minolta would have a professional apply makeup to the model, and
I'm sure they left the pimple there just for fun.

What I noticed as the limit of the reresolution/sharpness/whatever
was the slight clumping of her eyebrow hairs over her left eye. I
thought if this is the limit of the A1 -- I can live with it!

(I'm looking at this photo on my calibrated monitor at 128%)

Your thoughts?

Thom

Jim,
I printed the image of the girl,full size at 8.5x11, and although
there is a lot of detail - hair, sweater, eyes etc. - her skin
appears to lack texture. I cannot decide whether this is a result
of flat lighting or if the Minolta plain-surface noise reduction is
at work. I hope it is not the latter. Noise, otherwise, appears
to be under control.
I'm with you on the A1; can't be bothered with the el-cheapo
plastic wonders.
Regards, Martyn.

 

[lharris]

I couldn't justify it either---I think I was just frustrated needing the tripod so often to get the best shot. The 7hi cost at the time I received it was at it's high end--due to low supplies and that it was purchaseds locally and with tax.

But I enjoy it so much!!! The 828 is likely awesome--but possibyle heavy for me. I sold my D-40 at a good price because much as I carried it everywhere, I now have the V1 at 5 mp and 4X with night shot. It is not so small-but small enough to take everywhere.

Financially-it is a somewhat foolish choice. I am happy, tho--if it adds to the features and the picture quality is at least 100% equal. The results never disappointed me when combined with every other aspect of the camera.

Remember, I am the fool who turned down a gently used D100 for $1000 from a friend because it was going to be heavier and require lens...silly me.

So, equal or better quality photos and I will be poorer but lose no sleep.

Only my C2100 is now up for sale. I am keeping the V1 and the 5700 I bouoht used from the same friend at a great price. Again, the 5700 drove me crazy last year and I sold it. At the used price range, it is very acceptable to me, compact, and wonderful with macro. However, I don't fiddle much with the settings. Too intense on the 5700. The 7Hi let me be creative and have that magic word--fun- and a feeling of accomplishment.

So, I am glad you 'pros' are reassuring me the photo quality will be same or better. The shots on the pc have not looked very detailed or sharp. Noise never bothered me on the 7Hi so I did not except to be disappointed in that arena.

I suppose if I smoked, went out a lot, entertained, had wine with dinner--well, I should be more frugal. But--I really work hard at my job and travel even on weekends. My absolute only hobby other than liking to watch movies and DVD's! I am happy with Pizza for dinner at the mall.

Cameras on the other hand--well--I have less discipline there but at least it has taught me to enjoy something beyond being a workaholic!

I am ever so grateful for your advice early on regarding the 7Hi. When my 7i was returned--I just felt lost without it and I only felt at peace regarding cameras when the 7Hi came out and I bought it. Not a die-hard Minolta fan or brand loyal--heck 3 Oly', 3 Sony's and one Nikon bought twice.

Just really enjoy this series. Again-I wouldn't sacrifice the quality of the photos though --- I couldn't see taking a leap backward--and an expensive one at that. The buyer of my 7Hi has a really great and mint condition cam. Lucky me, my buyers and I remain friends.

And, hopefully, great folks like you who have been patient and caring mentors. Steve, I still remember your awesome mother and baby shot...

Regards,
Linda

I'm still saving - for I know not what - but I can't justify $1K
for something similar to what I have quality wise.

Steve

Honest opinon--will the photo quality of the A1 be equal to the
7Hi, greater than, or less. I don't expect the moon. I am hoping
for as least equal to the 7Hi but will likely return the camera if
the photos are less than I have gotten with my 7Hi. The camera has
been so much fun and feature rich for me--but not to where I want
less in the output do to differences in technology...

You are must more expert...

What is your opinion on this point?

Many, Many thanks.

Linda

Jim,
I printed the image of the girl,full size at 8.5x11, and although
there is a lot of detail - hair, sweater, eyes etc. - her skin
appears to lack texture. I cannot decide whether this is a result
of flat lighting or if the Minolta plain-surface noise reduction is
at work. I hope it is not the latter. Noise, otherwise, appears
to be under control.
I'm with you on the A1; can't be bothered with the el-cheapo
plastic wonders.
Regards, Martyn.

Martyn,
I believe they are using Hi-key lighting which all girls like
because it dosn't show alot of detail in skin. If you look at the
reflections in her eyes, they look like a light bank. The
photograph is very excellent!
--
http://www.showtelinc.com/aphoto2.htm
Jim Gregerson

 

[lharris]

Aha- when I get my preorder I can shoot a close-up of my face.. THEN--you will see real imperfections!

(I don't think I am brave enough--but I might talk about it. I read once do not do a self-untouched up-no make-up shot of yourself with a 5 mp camera. I tried it, printed it and the family vote was never to do it again!)

Linda

Can I vote? You can't be the only one voting for this camera!
I had the five pictures printed at 4 x 6 yesterday and now have
them at 12 x 18.
So, I can vote twice?

Really like the colors. Real colors. Realistic colors.

The only thing I was dissapointed about yesterday is the color of
the skin of the woman. Not the wrong color. Just seemed flat, no
details in this face. But I assumed that this was her real skin
color and she has no imperfections.

I now understand, from a poster here, that this may be so because
of the lights used. If so, I hope Minolta will post real pictures
of real people. Not fashion models who do not want to show skin
blemishes. We take pictures of real people. We need to know how
this camera will render skin tones. If Minolta is posting pictures
to make sure that the model is in control, rather than the
photographer being in control, shame on Minolta.

Just look at the Canon 3000D picture of the man. We can see all the
details in his face. Great picture to let us see how the camera
will display skin. We need a similar one from Minolta, before I
vote again.

 

[Jim Gregerson]

This is a picture of my son taken with a D7i and window lighting. You can see that the window side is high-key lighting and you can barely see any pores whereas on the shadow side you can see all the detail. I think I used ISO 400 or at least 200 on this shot.



--
http://www.showtelinc.com/aphoto2.htm
Jim Gregerson

 

[Greg Gebhardt]

But I enjoy it so much!!! The 828 is likely awesome--but possibyle
heavy for me. I sold my D-40 at a good price because much as I
carried it everywhere, I now have the V1 at 5 mp and 4X with night
shot. It is not so small-but small enough to take everywhere.

Financially-it is a somewhat foolish choice. I am happy, tho--if it
adds to the features and the picture quality is at least 100%
equal. The results never disappointed me when combined with every
other aspect of the camera.
Remember, I am the fool who turned down a gently used D100 for
$1000 from a friend because it was going to be heavier and require
lens...silly me.

So, equal or better quality photos and I will be poorer but lose no
sleep.
Only my C2100 is now up for sale. I am keeping the V1 and the 5700
I bouoht used from the same friend at a great price. Again, the
5700 drove me crazy last year and I sold it. At the used price
range, it is very acceptable to me, compact, and wonderful with
macro. However, I don't fiddle much with the settings. Too intense
on the 5700. The 7Hi let me be creative and have that magic
word--fun- and a feeling of accomplishment.

So, I am glad you 'pros' are reassuring me the photo quality will
be same or better. The shots on the pc have not looked very
detailed or sharp. Noise never bothered me on the 7Hi so I did not
except to be disappointed in that arena.

I suppose if I smoked, went out a lot, entertained, had wine with
dinner--well, I should be more frugal. But--I really work hard at
my job and travel even on weekends. My absolute only hobby other
than liking to watch movies and DVD's! I am happy with Pizza for
dinner at the mall.

Cameras on the other hand--well--I have less discipline there but
at least it has taught me to enjoy something beyond being a
workaholic!

I am ever so grateful for your advice early on regarding the 7Hi.
When my 7i was returned--I just felt lost without it and I only
felt at peace regarding cameras when the 7Hi came out and I bought
it. Not a die-hard Minolta fan or brand loyal--heck 3 Oly', 3
Sony's and one Nikon bought twice.

Just really enjoy this series. Again-I wouldn't sacrifice the
quality of the photos though --- I couldn't see taking a leap
backward--and an expensive one at that. The buyer of my 7Hi has a
really great and mint condition cam. Lucky me, my buyers and I
remain friends.

And, hopefully, great folks like you who have been patient and
caring mentors. Steve, I still remember your awesome mother and
baby shot...

Regards,
Linda

I'm still saving - for I know not what - but I can't justify $1K
for something similar to what I have quality wise.

Steve

Honest opinon--will the photo quality of the A1 be equal to the
7Hi, greater than, or less. I don't expect the moon. I am hoping
for as least equal to the 7Hi but will likely return the camera if
the photos are less than I have gotten with my 7Hi. The camera has
been so much fun and feature rich for me--but not to where I want
less in the output do to differences in technology...

You are must more expert...

What is your opinion on this point?

Many, Many thanks.

Linda

Jim,
I printed the image of the girl,full size at 8.5x11, and although
there is a lot of detail - hair, sweater, eyes etc. - her skin
appears to lack texture. I cannot decide whether this is a result
of flat lighting or if the Minolta plain-surface noise reduction is
at work. I hope it is not the latter. Noise, otherwise, appears
to be under control.
I'm with you on the A1; can't be bothered with the el-cheapo
plastic wonders.
Regards, Martyn.

Martyn,
I believe they are using Hi-key lighting which all girls like
because it dosn't show alot of detail in skin. If you look at the
reflections in her eyes, they look like a light bank. The
photograph is very excellent!
--
http://www.showtelinc.com/aphoto2.htm
Jim Gregerson

--

I have looked at some of the "unofficial" images on this site and are somewhat impressed with the A1's ability to capture a range of detail that my 717 would not cope with. I have printed several of these images and am really getting excited.

Wish these next few weeks would go by fast!

Greg Gebhardt in
Jacksonville, Florida

 

[lharris]

Greg- I am headed to visit my mom Thanksgiving-near the Ft Lauderdale area. I think you are up 'North'.

It would be a pleasure to meet you and your family! I feel your pain--somehow when you are at east--I start to feel better.

(I can recommend some great medications for anxiety ridden folks like us 'A' types...)

I hope you love the A1. No kidding, the 7Hi was just simply great fun!

Linda

 

[lharris]

I meant to type 'at ease...not at east!!..

Sorry!

Linda

Greg- I am headed to visit my mom Thanksgiving-near the Ft
Lauderdale area. I think you are up 'North'.

It would be a pleasure to meet you and your family! I feel your
pain--somehow when you are at east--I start to feel better.
(I can recommend some great medications for anxiety ridden folks
like us 'A' types...)

I hope you love the A1. No kidding, the 7Hi was just simply great fun!

Linda

 

[PDM]

I always heard you shouldn't judge a pic at anything other than 100, 200,300..% because what you might be seeing as a problem may really just be how your photo editor is handling the intermediate pixels it has to generate. If you don't see a problem at 100% and 200% then there likely is no real problem at 128%

Paul

I noticed that there WAS texture in her shin --- check around the
inside corner of her left eye --> texture. I've got to think that
Minolta would have a professional apply makeup to the model, and
I'm sure they left the pimple there just for fun.

What I noticed as the limit of the reresolution/sharpness/whatever
was the slight clumping of her eyebrow hairs over her left eye. I
thought if this is the limit of the A1 -- I can live with it!

(I'm looking at this photo on my calibrated monitor at 128%)

Your thoughts?

Thom

Jim,
I printed the image of the girl,full size at 8.5x11, and although
there is a lot of detail - hair, sweater, eyes etc. - her skin
appears to lack texture. I cannot decide whether this is a result
of flat lighting or if the Minolta plain-surface noise reduction is
at work. I hope it is not the latter. Noise, otherwise, appears
to be under control.
I'm with you on the A1; can't be bothered with the el-cheapo
plastic wonders.
Regards, Martyn.

 

[Greg Gebhardt]

Greg- I am headed to visit my mom Thanksgiving-near the Ft
Lauderdale area. I think you are up 'North'.

Yep, North, Jacksonville. Would love to meet you too!

It would be a pleasure to meet you and your family! I feel your
pain--somehow when you are at east--I start to feel better.
(I can recommend some great medications for anxiety ridden folks
like us 'A' types...)

Best medication I can think of is a UPS tracking number for overnight shipping on my A1. Does not look like they will get all the accessories here with the camera but the extra battery and 49to62mm polarizer and flash will be a good start.

I hope you love the A1. No kidding, the 7Hi was just simply great fun!

I will like the camera. No doubt, I will like it.

--
Greg Gebhardt in
Jacksonville, Florida