Customer Reviews

Minolta Maxxum HTsi Plus 35mm SLR Camera Kit w/ 28-80mm Lens

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I made my choice of the HTsi Plus after a comprehensive search of the various SLR bodies, weighing their features and their reviews in camera magazines. Within its price range, the HTsi principally competes with the Canon EOS Rebel 2000 and the Nikon N60, both of which are excellent cameras, but which lack the full panoply of features found on the HTsi Plus. For example, the HTsi plus combines Bulb exposure (the ability to hold the shutter open manually), remote shutter control, 1/4000 maximum shutter speed, a full shutter-priority mode, and a well-respected 14-segment light meter. As with the Canon and Nikon, the HTsi's body is plastic, an aspect about which some photographers express reservations, but the plastic seems extremely durable, and remember that a light camera is a joy to carry (and if you do not carry the camera, you are never going to get those perfect but fleeting shots). The only thing missing on the HTsi is a depth-of-field preview feature, which is available on the Canon. Were it not for that, I would find little future need to upgrade. Regardless, for an amateur just getting into photography again, the HTsi has been perfect.

For adaptability, the HTsi has three essential levels of complexity. Use P mode for fully automatic snapshots -- great for when you need someone else to take your picture. Use the Creative Exposure Mode for a bit more customization and to adjust it to one of five situations (portrait, landscape, close-up, sports, and night). Finally, use either the Aperture-Priority, Shutter-Priority, or fully manual modes to bring out the real photographer in you. After all, playing with f-stops and shutter speeds is where the fun of photography is anyway. I admittedly spend most of my time in this last mode, but the flexibility is highly appreciated (sometimes, one just does not have the time to fuss with dials).

The results from the HTsi have been fabulous. The flash seems to respond well to the darkest of conditions, and the 28-80 zoom lens offers the flexibility needed for a budding photographer. My only criticism is that the autofocus can be slow to respond in some lighting conditions. So far, I have taken rolls of photos for my organization, and everyone seems impressed with the results. I also bought a set of Tiffen close-up filters for doing macro photography, and the results have been quite stunning.

A final word. Amazon offers one of the best deals on the Net with service and peace-of-mind that you simply cannot beat. Believe me, I checked. I tried one of those mail order camera stores that advertise ultra low prices. By the time they "upgraded" me to what they viewed was an acceptable camera and charged me their exorbitant shipping fee, the price was higher than here. And guess what? Amazon's package already had all of those so-called "upgrades" -- without the hassle. Thanks Amazon!

This camera takes wonderful pictures, and is extremely flexible and upgradable. The camera is extremely easy to use which will help those of you just getting started. You can hit the "P" button and it's ready to be used just like a point-and-shoot. However, the camera has the power for full manual focus, aperature, and shutter speed. The camera also has some neat semi-automatic modes to help you trasition into manual exposure settings as a beginer. This camera has everything you could want in this price range and can be upgrade with shutter releases, High Speed Sync Flashes, and many types of manual and automatic lenses. The only problem I have had with this camera is I feel it tends to over-expose things; however, I have experienced this on a number of modern SLR cameras, and it may just take some getting used to on my part as photography is a relatively small hobby of mine. I highly recomend this camera.

I purchased a Minolta HTsi Plus camera in October 2000 and have shot an average of two rolls of film per week with this camera since then. I have nothing but praise for this camera. The HTsi Plus has never failed me in any way. I suggest you buy the body only. Don't spend money on a 28-80 lens that may come in some camera kits; rather put that money into a lens that gives you much more flexibility, like a 28-200 lens. I use Sigma 28-200 and 70-300 auto focus lenses, and I can report nothing but satisfaction, reliability, and ease of use. I had considered purchasing a more expensive SLR camera, but today I am pleased I did not, for this camera is perfect for me, an experienced but amateur photographer. I have had loads of fun with this camera and taken hundreds of wonderful photos. I recommend the Minolta HTsi Plus without hesitation or qualification.

This camera has all of the feature one could want. Auto everything to manual everything. Very good for an entry level SLR. Price isn't bad either. Now only if Amazon would carry lenses....

This is my first SLR camera... so I won't be able to compare this camera with other SLR camera. But I am able to say that if you were to buy a camera this would be a great choice. The quality of the Picture is much greater than point and shoot. You have more control on how your pictures turn out. The Minolta HTsi plus is easy to use for the basic features, but if you want to use the advance feature.... reading the manuel is recommended, but don't worry. ( )

Pros: Design, and easy to use.

Cons: Can't print date on pictures.

When I was first looking for an SLR camera, I found a good deal on a Maxxum 300si. I used the camrea for a few days, and it got me hooked. I was happy with the 300si, but it was missing something, I wanted a camera with more flexibility. So I returned it and started looking around more. I came across the HTsi Plus, and it had all the features I was looking for. The pictures that this camera takes are incredible. I look for reasons to take my camera with me to places so I can take more photos. I do not see how anyone could be dissapointed with this camera. I was at the Indy 500 race this year and took some incredible pictures with this camera.

So happy we selected the Minolta Maxxum HTsi camera,the instructions make it very easy to use and it is much lighter in weight than we expected. Came on time for our first granddaughter Makenna.

I've shot Minolta 35MM SLRs since 1974 (SRT101). I've owned this camera for 6 years and it is a workhorse in my camera bag. (I also own an Olympus 5 Megapixel digital).

The Minolta consistently delivers consistently higher quality than the olympus, and I love the flexibility of film.

I went from a point and shoot camera to this one and I love it! In plain English, I can set the f-stop, set how long the shutter stays open, take two pictures in the same frame, take continuous shots, and exposure bracketing lets me set the meter then it takes three shots: the one I set, 1/2 stop under and 1/2 stop over. Plus, in the five program modes I just press a button to select which mode (macro, night, landscape, etc.) and it automatically knows where to focus for the kind of picture I want. Just about all the features of a full manual camera, yet I just press the P button and it goes right back to full-auto point and shoot mode. With 400 speed film I've taken excellent pictures in almost no light in the night mode.

As far as I can tell it lacks only two features: it doesn't time-date stamp and there is no panoramic mode. Also, the infra-red sensor on the front of the camera is apparently for the auto-focus, not for a remote/remote shutter capability, as I was told when I bought it. A remote shutter release cord is available for this camera... (Minolta part # RC1000L for the 16ft and RC1000S for the 15in.)

I bought my HTsi Plus in a camera shop and paid... more for it, so you can't go wrong getting it here.

The HTsi misses the panaroma capability, which is a differentiator with the XTsi. So, in case you are looking for the panorama mode, choose the XTSi. The other features are quite good. The camera handles well.