Image quality. Zoom range. Settings and controls.

Autofocus struggles at times. I can't seem to focus manually, which never seemed a problem with my old Pentax MX!

My first digital camera was a compact which, at 2 megapixels, produced great results but I missed the control of my 35mm SLRs. So, after much research, both in magazines and on the net, I settled for the Dimage 5. The Dimage 5 is, in my opinion, a great camera with many useful features and a great lens with a fantastic zoom range, I just find the autofocus frustrating and the manual focus somewhat redundant. I love the accesability of the setting on the side of the body and that I can use some of my Dynax accessories.

Customer Service

NA

Similar Products Used:

Fuji A201 Nikon Coolpix 775 Mustek DV2000

Did I mention the 7X ZOOM lens??? Features and options galore: ISO 100, 200, 400, 800, Auto 3 picture burst mode Automatic switching between the LCD and EVF Quick view/delete button to review last picture taken (or scroll to any others) Type II CF flash, Microdrive compatible 3 MEGAPIXELS! JPEG Movies up to 60 seconds (maybe I''ll find a use for this?) 7X ZOOM :)

OK, battery life is worse than almost any other camera....but not THAT bad. My rechargeables are still not "conditioned" and I''m getting 40-50 pictures WITH the LCD and flash. That should improve as the batteries are put through a few more recharging cycles. The hand grip does get a little warm after 20 pics or so.....nothing uncomfortable but it has been mentioned in reviews and I can confirm it is true. The rear rubber cover on the DC in port does not like to stay in place.

So far I am very happy with the Dimage 5. It has a very nice 7X manual ZOOM lens. I prefer the manual zoom for 2 reasons: it doesn''t waste battery power and I control the rate of zoom.....I can dial it in or out as fast or slow as I desire. The contols are well placed, marked and sized. There are a ton of modes from straight point-n-shoot to full manual and many varriations inbetween. The top-mounted LCD options display lights when the shutter is half pressed so you can check your settings in low light....a nice touch. Beautiful 7X ZOOM lens. Construction is top-notch - controls and switches respond as expected. The flash is strong, lighting up the darkest of rooms! The camera just feels right in your hands. AND it has a BIG 7X Zoom!

Customer Service

Not used yet

Similar Products Used:

Sony DSC-S30 (which could NOT take an indoor picture if it''s life depended on it!)

1. High funtions/price ratio. 2. SLR style operation. 3. Multi-point focus. 4. Accept Minolta dedicated shoe/handle mount flash. 5. Tiltable EVF (0-90 degree). 6. 49mm filter size. 7. 100% view field. 8. Aluminum cast body. 9. Compact flash and IBM microdrive compatible. 10. 7x (35-250 35mm equiv.)optical zoom lens.

1. Below average battery economy. 2. Useless munual focus ring. 3. EVF is low in resolution, only good to be a "fuzzy" viewfinder.

It''s not as bad as people metioned on Dimage 7 about battery hunger. In my case, I use NiMH AA''s with EVF on (with instant review on some of the shots)and it takes about 90 pics in 1600x1200 JPG format. The Olympus 2040z indeed can take more pics but also lack a bunch of functions. As a long-time 35mm SLR lover, I do love the operating style on Dimage. All the status can be shown clearly on the large LCD screen next to the command dial. The truing wheel close to shutter release can be used to change the aperature/shutter settings in A/S mode. Most amazing of all, the focus point can move to all positions on the screen, which is a key feature in the Canon EOS-3 camera. Indoor flash photos is kind of "blue". I am not sure if thats'' related to WB settings. The fillin flash seems to be too strong which makes the depth of field increased. I still recommand to bring spare batteries when take a travel with it. I have 3 sets (1 of the 3 is in camera) for changing and not yet have a short in power. I think this is a better buy than Dimage 7 for its lower price and same features.

Customer Service

Not yet, perhaps need to check them out later.

Similar Products Used:

Olympus 2040z

You can start off in Program and then grow and grow with all the features this camera offers. The camera is nice and light and compact; the lens is SUPERB optics!!!(That is a VERY important feature)

The supplied Dimage software leaves much to be desired and takes a little getting use to (Minolta could learn from Canon on this one). Batteries, well what can you say, this is digital, but the up side is that AA recharges are not expensive at all.

I have been seriously looking over the various digital cameras in the last 10 months and settled on the Minolta Dimage 5. WOW! I''m glad I did. I am very familiar with the 35mm slr autofocus technology but it took me a little getting used to of this digital stuff, especially the EVF (electronic view finder). But now I am just having a great time shooting and shooting and shooting where ever I go. The alakline batteries that I first put in lasted for about only 35 to 40 shots. Then I charged up the supplied rechargeable batteries and after a few times of using and recharging they seem to be going longer. I use the view finder to see (not the LCD panel), not until I go out this week and get the AC adapter cords (for house and car). All in all better satisfied with my choice and I think my wife is even more so.

Customer Service

Have not needed, but have used it for some minor owner manuals for slr''s and that was very fine service.

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Sony Mavica FD97, Canon S10