Digital cameras
Kelly Irvin (Mon, 02 Feb 2004 08:13:52 PST)

Diana:

You might want to at least look into the features of a Minolta DiMage 7i
or later model. I, in my searching, settled on this based on
combinations of price and features. It can be treated as a fully
automatic camera or fully manual with a true mechanical manual focus
adjustment if desired. The macro is good but probably not as good as the
Nikon. On the other hand, this can probably also easily fixed with
inexpensive macro rings. It has a hot shoe for flash attachment if you
don't want to use built in. At least 5 Megapixel. You probably only need
about 3 if you don't ever intend to use for print publishing. 5MP will
do a passable, publishable 8x10 for print, 3 MP will not. The viewfinder
is actually digitized, but views through the lens (SLR). You can do just
about anything with it. Best just to go find a website with specs to see
all features.

The first model, model 7, was praised for features but considered very
slow with autofocus. The 7i made significant improvements, although, I'm
not happy with autofocus in situations requiring a quick shudder
release. The 7hi???, I think it is, is supposed to be further refined.

Finally, I like that it feels like a regular 35mm in my hands, and the
most needed manual controls are easy to access. Most of the images I
have shown in my Gallery were taken with my 7i, so that might be a
reference for trueness to color, but I don't think that is a big issue
with any of the 3+ MP cameras built in the last year.

If you are looking for contest quality print publishable images, you
would probably have to go to a very high end digital camera for several
thousand dollars, and, if you spoke to a professional photographer, s/he
would probably still say you can't get the quality possible with 35mm.
If you are like me and want to have the capability to go as demanding as
8x10 publishable, you can probably find something (5 MP) very good for
between $750-3000 (sometimes the same camera at a different vendor).

For your information, if I had had the money, I might have looked harder
at the Olympus E-10 two years ago. Very high quality in every way camera
for very good price. It's of course been replaced by new generation(s).
You should visit,
http://dpreview.com/reviews/default.asp/…, in my opinion,
to get more detailed answers and for making a choice based on features
most important to you. I believe, in the past year, too many really good
5 MP cameras have entered the market to offer more advice than to direct
you to good review sources, so you can pick the camera that offers the
best combination of features you, in particular, are interested in.

--
Mr. Kelly M. Irvin
The Bulbmeister
4407 Town Vu Road
Bentonville, AR 72712
479-366-4968

USDA Cold Hardiness Zone 6b

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