Actually, Phil compared the *ist DS to the 300D, not the 350D, and the 300D fared at least as well as the *ist DS:
you would be very hard pushed to find any more detail in the EOS 300D image (which we couldn't attribute to its slightly higher vertical pixel count)
However, the *ist DS fared noticably worse compared to Nikon's D70:
The D70's image has a crispness which the *ist DS can't match and again there are several areas of the image where we can pick out detail which has been lost on the DS.
Comparing the D70 and 20D in his 20D review, Phil said that "resolution wise the 20D takes the advantage" and "it's also noticeably sharper than the D70." Assuming that the 350D is on par with the 20D then, it should also hold an advantage over both the D70 and *ist DS in terms of resolution and sharpness. I'm sure Phil's full 350D review will test whether this assumption is accurate or not, but I'm willing to wager that he'll conclude that the 350D has an advantage in image quality over the *ist DS.
I think you're reading too much into what I'm saying, Pavel. In the end, I can certainly understand people preferring the *ist DS's viewfinder and spot metering -- by all means, one should use the tool that makes one most satisfied. However, since I've missed shots for all sorts of reasons but never because the viewfinder is too small or because I lacked spot metering, I'm happier with the more detailed, sharper, and cleaner Canon images -- these aspects of the final image matter more to me. So now that we each have the tools we'd personally like to use, we can all go back to being photographers again, right?
Hmm, I haven't posted here in a long time (and I was under another name), but I'm a Minolta shooter going to get the Maxxum 7D. I really don't have a choice, I've bought into the Minolta lens system, and and I've got 3 film bodies. The KM 7D was late to the game, no doubt, but it is a substantial offering from them. I was disappointed in the 6MP as well.
I still haven't bought it though, and I'm not having any second thoughts about the furuture purchase. If you check the dpreview forums for KM DSLR you'll see several beautiful shots from it that rival or beat any 20D image I've seen elsewhere. I'll try to post some later.
I have been a Minolta fan for years. My first was an Autocord. I have several lenses from ultra wide to 300 2.8. I bought into canon with the d60. Have all L lenses. up to 70-200 2.8 is I put the 70-200 on my 20d and the80-200 2.8 on my 7d. Shot full auto at iso 100 on both and shot everything from flowers to soccer to fast pitch softball.When I saw the results i wish I had waited. The Minolta is as good and in most cases better than the canon.
I liked the Maxxum 7.
I waited for the Maxxum 7D. I waited again.
I started to think about the lenses of the other brands.
I bought a 10D and good glass.
Then, 6 months after, the maxxum 7D was released. I am sure it is good but do not regret it: the 10D has given so many very nice pictures to me.
I just read a review for this camera in a magazine, And it was shocking! They gave it a pritty poor overall rating which I think was a bit harsh. It may not be as good as a 20D but its not that bad! It got a 83% rating! this is on par with most compacts! The 20D got a 94% rating when it was reviewed and so did the 1Ds Mk II (Same issue as the 7D). This would put off alot of protental customers I guess.
They said that it had problems with metering and the picture quality was comparable with a cheaper camera. They also seid that it suffered Purple fringing.
Final Quote: "The Built in anti shake system is a plus point but, ultimately the 7D doesen't do enough for the money"
Not a good start for Konica Minolta in the d\slr world.....
Where was this review? I've seen a couple of biased reviews around, going one way or the other.
I can only guess at how they derived their points:
"Problems with metering"
What metering technique were they using? What ISO were they shooting at? With what lens? With what lighting? Flash? Anti-shake on? Don't get me wrong, I've heard some horror stories about back-focus/front-focus problems, so it's not entirely unbelievable.
"Picture quality comparable with a cheaper camera"
I believe the Maxxum 7D uses the same APS-C sensor that a few others use, though they follow a different philosophy on how to handle images that the user will see. Almost all cameras utilize some internal sharpening after the picture is taken. Some camera companies do more some do less. KM does less. This is noticeable on the A2 and the M7D. KM allows you to sharpen as much as you like in post, it would rather give as pure and raw an image as can be given after shooting. Some people don't like having to do all of that, so they can turn up the internal sharpening if they wish.
Even though all sharpening techniques cut information from the image.
"Purple fringing"
Understandable and a legitimate complaint. However, there aren't too many cameras out there that don't suffer from some kind of PF.
"The Built in anti shake system is a plus point but, ultimately the 7D doesen't do enough for the money"
The price is high (I can agree!), but I understand that they must charge a premium for the technology, for being the first not only with with AS but the first modern DSLR that will take Minolta lenses, and also for bearing the "7" name. But it can be gotten for $1299 at B&H ($200 rebate off of $1499 up to 7/30), and perhaps even less on eBay.
All in all an excellent start from KM in the DSLR world. Last time I went looking for one at B&H they were sold out, and I was told they sell out fast. Perhaps it has changed now.
As a postcript, check out those images I posted above. The EXIF data is still in them. Do they look deficient to you? Do they not compare to anything you have seen the 20D taken? Or any camera for that matter?
I didden't say it was a bad camera myself, I seid it seems harsh!
It was in a magazine I was reading the other day at the newsagancy. Can't remember which one it was though. (Just browsing).
I personally like the camera, It KM had released it about 6 months before the 20D came out then I most likely would have got one. I actually was looking for a KM camera but since it was not available I bought into the Canon system. (Which I don't regreat much)
I have tryed the D7 at my local camera store Which I regularly visit during breaks between my classes (im a photography student) It seems nice. I like the layout, Only thing I find anoying is the lack of a top back lit LCD screen (which would be anoying shooting at night as it would effect your night sight). The 17-35 lens is nice too!
If I had to do it again This camera would be very tempting!
I wish my 20D had half of the features the Maxxum 7D has.
To begun with the huge viewfinder with all the info you need, even ISO.
Don't need to look anywhere else to set the parameters, but the huge LCD display is also there.
You can even open the CF door "worry free!!!
If KM had an official dealer and service,i wouldn't doubt it for a sec.
Is true, canon has cover the most of the segment, and KM has the worst marketing, but eventually they will level with Canon and Nikon, may be not selling as much, but offering better product for the buck.
Please try one if you can, it will make you wonder if...
Yes, im a Mac user :-)
Ser
Nothing at all wrong with the Maxxum 7D. I had the Maxxum 7 and it was the best film camera I have used. Once the price dips enough on the Maxxum 7D I am sure I'll probably get one and retrieve my old glass I gave my Mother. Maybe I'll pawn off the DigReb I just picked up as a trade to her.
I also have the 20D and love it and the lenses, but I love the design of the 7D far better. I would love to use my Minolta 35-70/4 and 70-210/4 on the 7D. Actually now that I have found that the IS lenses give me motion sickness I might just have to go with the Maxxum 7D and AS for long tele lenses....damn and I sold my 300/4 G.
If the timing had been better,. used Minolta mount Sigma 500mm f/4.5 EX HSM were going for dirt cheap a while back.... (with no digital bodies they had no market)
