Konica Minolta MAXXUM 5D Kit with Customized Lens Kit 6.1 Megapixel

About three-quarters the size of its pricier brethern [7D] my 5D model was offered on eBay for repair or parts, purchased at a modest price, and repaired locally by an able camera technician. (This may not be an option you want to pursue, but the overall savings were considerable; this camera had barely been used.)

Even at "only" 6-plus megapixels, the 5D produces fine quality captures that can be converted to high quality 8 1/2 x 11 and 13 x 19 prints, especially if one of many fine older lenses for Minolta are employed. [Megapixel counts by themselves are vastly overrated as quality indicators; many factors go into pleasing outcomes, and this modestly priced Minolta produces them well.] I get especially positive results with the standard 50mm/f1.7 lens.

I like to take this light and compact d-slr on hikes and similar outings. Joined to a compact lens like the 35-70mm/f4 Minolta macro, it's comfortable to bring along and ready to capture most photo ops. The built-in stabilizer saves me a bundle on longer lenses, and I gain over two ~ and sometimes over three ~ f-stops when they matter.

In short, the Minolta 5D is a useful back-up and will handle a wide range of photo opportunities readily and well. I wouldn't use it to create a wall-size print, perhaps, but that's not a useful capability for what I'm after. I'm after good value, and the 5D provides it.