Customer Reviews

Minolta Maxxum STsi QD Panorama Date 35mm SLR Camera Kit w/ 35-80mm & 70-210mm Lenses, Silver

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

 

 

After years of using compact 35mm advantix cameras, I recently purchased a Minolta STsi from a national internet source ... This particular model came with a Minolta 35 - 80mm lens. As an accessory, I also purchased a Minolta 75 - 300mm ultra zoom lens. Thus far, I have taken approximately 300 pictures with both lenses, using primarily 400 or 800 speed film. I have encountered no problems of any kind with either the camera or lenses, and have been quite satisfied with all aspects of the camera... to include picture quality. To assist a prospective buyer, I offer the following opinions and suggestions:

1. Overall impression: This is a good, all-around "keep it forever" camera for the recreational photographer. It has an optional date stamp feature, which helps to identify when a photo was taken after you have posted it to a scrapbook and forgotten everything about it. It also can be switched to panorama mode at anytime during a roll of film, if desired. Perhaps most importantly, it is very easy to use. The controls are simple and straightforward. The autofocus mode works well, and makes the camera extremely user-friendly.

2. Lenses: In hindsight, I made a poor choice by buying the separate 75 - 300mm zoom. For approximately $50 more, I could have bought a single telephoto lens (for example, 28 - 300mm) which covered my entire desired ranges. This, in turn, would have made it much easier to take spontaneous pictures without having to stop and change lenses. Perhaps this is an insignificant issue to most people, but consider it if you plan on using your camera for overseas or domestic travel where you might need a close-up shot followed immediately by a telephoto zoom shot of something else in the distance.

3. On size: While I enjoy this camera and it's advanced capabilities, it has occasionally proven to be a burden compared to a small, handheld camera... particularly during overseas travel. In order to present less of a profile to potential thieves or terrorists, I usually end up taking only the short lens and securely wrapping the strap and camera (without the case) around my hand for a greater degree of security and cover. If considerations such as this do not apply to you or concern you, then you should have no complaints.

4. In closing, I conducted approximatly 14 hours of internet research for SLR cameras in the $400 - $500 range. In the end, I chose the STsi due to the following factors by priority: Price (...w/ the 35 - 80 lens), features, retailer reviews and brand/style. In my case, a more expensive and capable SLR camera would not have been worth the money. Bottom line, the STsi was a good choice.

I got this camera as a birthday present in December of '00. The camera is great. In automatic mode it is very easy to use. Just point, autofocus, and shoot. The camera is also very light. And because what you see in the viewfinder is exactly what the lens sees, you know exactly how the photo is going to turn out. In manual mode you can set your own apeture and the camera will choose the shutter speed, you can set the shutter speed and the camera will choose and apeture, or you can set the shutter speed and apeture. The camera has a setting to remove red eye, and to make multiple exposures on one frame. Plus, Minolta makes over 40 different lenses that will fit this camera. So you have a wide variety of lenses to choose from if you want to get wider, or closer shots. So, if you are planning on buying a camera for a beginer or a pro, this is an excelent gift.

This camera is amazing. It has all the features and you have the option of Auto and Manual mode of operation. The extra zoom lens provided helps one to focus on wide range subjects. One can learn the art of Photography through this camera and improve his skill to a greater extent. If you are looking out for a SLR camera for beginning your skills then go for it. Its AWESOME!

I have had this camera set now since May, 2001. I have found it very easy to use, and the pictures look great. The ability to quickly switch from fully automatic to manual focus is good and the automatic settings in the camera are great when you don't have time to mess around with manual settings. If I were buying a set now, I would swing for the kit with the 300mm lens instead of the 210mm. I think the extra zoom is worth the comparitively small amount extra you pay.

I bought this camera to take to Gettysburg and New Orleans on vacation, and I love it. I need a camera that is easy to use for I am camera illiterate. Takes great/clear photos, easy to use, and is high quality thru and thru. Would recommend this camera to others.

I bought this camera after a long search for a good SLR that would fit my budget. I love this camera. The pictures are fantastic. It is easy to use. Once, while in a helicopter I had problems setting it to manual mode, because I forgot where the button was, hey! I forget a lot of things and have done so with other cameras too. This camera offers almost all features and is easy to use, plus it is light (a good feature as I go backpacking often and do not like extra weight)

This camera is a great buy!

I purchased this camera for my mother a year ago. I think I have used it more than her! I have finally decided to purchase one for myself. It is so easy to use. The lenses change easily. The auto focus makes it almost impossible to take a "bad" picture.

Having had several slr's in the past, I find this one great. Lightweight, compact, takes wonderful pics, and for you busy moms with kids the features are awesome. Many thanks to Minolta.

I haven't gotten the pictures developed yet but the ease of operation, manual and everything I can think about is great. I am a beginer photographer and expect great results with this camera. I would recommend it to anyone who is tired of the point and shoot game. For a few dollars more I feel like I own a real camera!