Konica Minolta MAXXUM 7D 6.1 Megapixel

This is an excellent entry to mid-level DSLR! Minolta engineered a solid, well thought out DSLR to capture the amateur and low to mid-level SLR and DSLR camera base and the point-and-shoot (PS) consumers looking for more capabilities as their skills grow.

To the point-and-shoot crowd: This is NOT the camera for someone expecting to just 'snap' pictures and email 'em off to their family members and friends. Operating and getting the most out of pictures taken with a DSLR requires the same amount of expertise that operating a film SLR camera does. You will also need to know how or be willing to learn how to edit your photos (occassionally, somewhat extensively) on a computer - as this becomes your 'dark room' in the digital world.

The most common complaint by 'newbie' DSLR owners is that pictures from their new, expensive DSLR setup do not look as 'good' as the pictures from their cheap digital point-and-shoot cameras. That's because manufactures expect DSLR owners to want more control over their images and so, do as little with the images in-camera as they have to -- expecting users to tweak the images themselves on a computer with image editing software (such as Adobe PhotoShop CS2). Point-and-Shoot cameras are designed to operate in precisely the opposite manner -- with the user needing to do no image editing outside the camera. Its sort of 'immediate gratification' vs. 'artistic flexibility'.:-)


Likes
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Anti-shake is in the body so all lenses effectively have AS
BIG, bright hi resolution LCD
Accepts Minolta bayonet mount AF lenses (Minolta, Sigma, Tamron, etc.)
RAW and RAW+JPEG, AdobeRGB
Ergonomics - BEST IN THE INDUSTRY
Almost every frequently used feature is directly accessible via button
Viewfinder is crisp and bright (uses a pentaprism not a mirror or 'tv' screen)
Depth of field (DOF preview)


Dislikes
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Sony now owns the Minolta camera branch
No future firmware updates
View finder only for shots/cannot preview with the digital display
New Sony lenses are WAY TOO EXPENSIVE
No upgrade path/the Sony A100 just isn't the new 7D



Sony bought the camera branch of Minolta mid spring of 2006. Production on parts has stopped and some warrenty repairs are becoming difficult to impossible on several (the 7D and 5D to mention two) of the Minolta brand digital cameras (as of the writing of this review 10/06) due to lack of spare parts. I'm sure this will become the case for all the Minolta digital cameras in the not too distant future since Sony doesn't appear to be interested in supporting Minolta's existing lines.

So, keep in mind that this camera (and the 5D) are effectively End-Of-Life'd (EOL) as far as Sony is concerned. Repairs will be made as long as parts are available.

If a warrenty is important then it would be wise to consider another manufacture. This is an expensive, intricate camera (i.e. new bodies ONLY typically run $600-$800+) and while the chances of failure are relatively small they do happen. Repairs without a warrenty can cost more then the original purchase price of the camera.

Keep in mind when buying, warrenty or no -- no parts=no repair.

I have been in the photography business for 25 years. Since switching completely to digital, I have been using a Fuji S3 Pro and love it tremendously. I was searching for a back up camera that would be a little less pricey for all my photographers to have in their fleet. I looked at so many digital cameras, and after alot of research, I decided to go with the Konica Minolta 7D. It has been a great choice for us. The quality is so close to the Fuji S3, you can barely see the difference. It is a beefy camera with great options on it. It has a anti shake sensor for hand holding available light, and a large screen for viewing images. Plus very user friendly. Easy to go from one setting to another. We now have four in use and are getting great results. Some of my photographers are using it for their lead camera. We have both Tamron and Sigma lenses on them and both are great. The only down fall to the camera, is that the pic you see on the screen is a bit grainy, however once transfered onto a computer, it looks fantastic. Konica has been sold to Sony, so I am not a bit concerned about customer service. They will honor all Konica products. There is also a Metz TTL flash system with off camera cord so you can put it on a bracket. We currently are using it with a Sunpak TR II on Auto mode. Fantastic~

Excellent camera controls located at camera's body - not via menu navigation. That allows fast settings update.
Great price for the great camera!

I've shot with these professionally since they came out. And while it has it's drawbacks..it has it's extremely positive points for the value.

Yes..it's out of production..but every camera will now be that way after a 2-3 year run. Technology moves on quickly.

But this is a classic camera that Minolta users will still be using and shooting with even as the new Sony 700D comes out to replace the older KM 7D.

The positive points that endear this camera to it's loyal users are the manual knobs and switches that bristle this body and allow the shooter to quickly adjust functions and tweaks without having to do finger gymnastics to push multiple buttons to dig thru menus to get something changed.

When shooting and trying to keep up with a changing subject..these are essential to getting the shot or not.

Also, the color pallette of the camera is extremely accurate in it's default settings. This is important to serious photogs because you see on your computer what you saw in the viewfinder without alot of processed tweaked colors introduced in the processing in camera. But you can also change this in the camera if you desire to have more vibrant colors more contrast, etc.

The anti-shake feature is a HUGE reason to like this camera and it's well documented what it does.

And despite the stoppage of production of these cameras, they still sell for a high price considering their age as well as the accessories that go with them, such as the Verticle Control Grip, a rare and hard to find item that can sell for as much as a used body.

One final positive to consider is that while the camera produces only 6.1 MP images compared to more recent cameras producing 8 and 10+ MPs..the quality of the processing of the 7D images is so good, that it easily compares with 8PM cameras and even 10MP ones if you know how to edit on the computer well.

I use these for weddings and event photography all the time and they have more image quality than is needed for this. And when you are shooting alot, having 6.1 MP images vs. the 8 and 10 and 12 MPs images means more images stored per card and also faster shooting speeds of the camera because it's easier for the camera to process smaller images and record them to your memory card than it will be for the larger MP cameras generally.

So depending on what you need..this camera still holds it's own even against much newer and more expensive one out there.

As for negatives..it certainly will have them for some users. If you just starting out in digital, this camera is a little advanced for a beginner. But if you used SLRs before and liked using them, this is a s close to an SLR in digital skin as you can get.

It's also heavy when you add the Verticle Control Grip and it's not a carry-around camera for general shooting in that config as it gets heavy over a day carrying it.

It also doesn't give you images that are straight-out-of-the camera ready for prime time. The in-camera processing is 'turned down' so that the user can make the final decisions about the image and how it should look when editing. If you need a camera to shoot pics that you don't want to do anything to..look at Sony's consumer line of cameras for that.

The other thing is that to me at least, this camera needs to be used with the better line of Konica/Minolta/Sony lenses to really show off it's stuff. Which means an investment in quality glass for this camera to get the most out of it.

Tht's about it.

I love this camera. This is a camera for an advanced amateur or a pro who just has a lot of Minolta equipment such as their excellent lenses! It's very ergonomic and fits well in my hands. The body is sturdy and has a nice feel to it. 7D can be set up to fire on full auto, or any setting can be adjusted individually by twisting a knob or pushing a button. No more trying to figure out multiple menus. The catch is: you have to know what each lever does (and read the symbols). Even with all those manual tabs and buttons, the operation is very intuitive once you get the hang of it. This camera is fully customizable and you can read more in guides that are available on this site.

There is a caveat though: the 7D is out of production since Sony bought out Konica-Minolta camera operation. Sony's new camera (alpha) is similar to the 7d, but it's actually a remake of a cheaper, less featured 5d model except for the 10mp sensor.

In order to have the benefit of Minolta's ADI (Advanced Distance Integration) for exposure and flash metering, you would have to have a (D) type lens and flash! However, you can get the anti-shake feature with any lens that you put on the camera!

If you're deciding between the Alpha, 5D or 7D, this camera is a clear winner in my eyes and we can only hope that Sony will have the fortitude to pick up where Minolta left off. But..........you know those guys from Marketing............:)

Having use of my Minolta Maxxums lenses from a 35mm camera I no longer use was a big plus. Picture quality on the 7D is fantastic. The detail on some of my long shots is sometimes frightening. I've learned more on operating a SLR with this camera than I ever did with my 35mm Maxxum. Quality of all its features superior. I bought the Video and Technical book to help in my education. The camera manual is good but doesn't go far enough. All in all, I couldn't be more pleased. I hope Sony will honor their guarantee commitment to the Konica/Minolta line.

I purchased this camera because I have been a Minolta Maxxum user for many years and decided it was time to go Digital.

This camera works with all my Maxxum lenses and accessories except for the flashes.

It takes awesome pictures, and is very easy to use.

What I like most about this camera is the interchangeable lenses it uses all the maxxum lenses even from film camera's I could use stuff i already owned, I haven't found much I don't like other than I'm use to seeing the subject on the lcd screen, but you can only view the picture after you take it very much like a film camera. Why I bought it was what I like about it most using different lenses, I've had minolta cameras about 30 yrs this is there last camera as the have sold all photo stuff to Sony, there camera just came out,it has same anti shake and all maxxum lenses will work with it, I'm happy and thats what counts.

Excellent camera overall, was very happy with it when it was working. Had to send it in for repairs when it stopped switching on. Konica Minolta SLR camera division was sold to Sony in December 2005 - and Sony has decided not to support this camera with spare parts manufacturing. So my broken KM-7D is now worthless.

If you purchase one, enjoy it. You may run into problems maintaining it. If you want the same lens mount, consider a Sony Alpha A100. If anything goes wrong, you'll have a better chance keeping it running.

The Minolta Maxxum cameras have been rated very high for quality and reliability for decades. I was looking for a digital replacement for my Minolta Maxxum 7000I that has served me well. Since I have numerous accesories for the 7000I it was in my best intrest to find a digital SLR that was compatible. I like the large display and ability to use all of Minoltas SLR AF lenses. It has more features than the average person will ever use including myself. The only thing that I can say negative about the camera is that it is heavier that some other models, but it definitly makes up for extra weight with great options for your pictures. I have had the camera only a few weeks and currently haven't used it very much.

Great camera I love the quality of my pictures but it was too expensive! But worth every minute of it as i capture my kids favorite moments!

What I like about Ebay shopping is that you can research the market value of your product that you are going to purchase. Then when A great deal hits the auction block you are ready to bid, I fine that 99.9% of all people on ebay are good and honest people to work with. And I have not had any trouble. I needed a back up camera to my 7D and Minolta stopped making this camera, and when a product go to the waste site you can always count on ebay to have it. I bought this camera from this buyer bases on his history of positive feedbacks. and fair pricing. the Item was shipped fast and as promised.

I love the Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D! I am a semi-pro photographer, and it has been a huge help in my photography. It is quick and very easy to use. I wouldnt trade it right now if you paid me. I recommend it to anyone who cares enough to pay for a good camera.

great seller,I had moneys that had to transfer & seller waited,another ebayer emailed seller that I would not buy & offered less money,but seller stayed with me.I will for sure buy from seller again

Since I've used the 7D for several years [and have just tested a newly acquired unit] I'm sure this is a fine and fairly priced offering for serious and budget-conscious photographers. The 7D is designed and built much like the Minolta 9, Minolta's final unit for professionals. It's controls are well set-up for versatile use, and its construction is meant to withstand intensive use.

Don't be put off by the six megapixel rating of the 7D. I also own a high-megapixel Sony dslr; the gains in resolution are marginal for all but really outsize enlargements. [Much more than megapixel capacity determines technical photo quality, including the quality of the lens used. Happily, many fine lenses are available for the 7D at notably reasonable prices.]

I've also found that the vertical grip (VC-70) is an asset to have with the 7D. Battery, and thus shooting, capacity is doubled and the controls on the grip really aid you in shooting vertical compositions.

Do confirm that any unit you plan to bid on is in good working order. Though I have a marvelous repair specialist nearby, he finds that not all needed replacement parts are readily available from Sony sources. [Even so, he has been able to repair two faulty units that I knowingly bid on; you may be able to do the same at considerable savings.}

The Konica Minolta 7D 6.1mp Camera is just what the Dr ordered. It is fun to go to a wedding and shoot pictures and have the pro's drool over this camera. The processor is so fast that I routinely shoot 300 pictures or more at birthdays and family get togethers. The quality of the pictures are second only to my Minolta 35 mil film cameras. I say second but I never shot as many photos with film so I actually get better shots now. I thought the low 6.1mp would be inferior but the 7D actually comes out better that a friends 10mp Can**n. I am totally impressed with this camera. Also the older Minolta AF lenses fit this camera. The 7D also has an internal anti shake for low light situations to avoid blurs. This was a great purchase.

I recently bought the Maxxum 7d, finally making the switch to digital SLRs. I think it's a well made camera, and many reviews attest to that fact. I'll deviate a bit in this review. Like many owners, I'm a long time Maxxum user. My first was a 3000i in 1990. By 1991 I had switched up to a 7000 and then to a 7000i which I used until I broke it and had to replace in 2003. Bought a 700si last year, which I still use. Maxxum has long struck me as having a minimalist design. Buttons instead of switches and knobs that usually characterize "professional" SLRs. The Maxxum 7 moved to a more "professional" look, in my opinion, particularly with the dual knobs, and the 7D mirrors that look. I like the change. Gives the appearance of a substantial camera, and let's face it, most of the folks we'll encounter aren't professional and so will be impressed by the looks. (and admit it, looks are important to us all)
The 7d feels great in my hand. It does have some weight to it. Buttons and switches are easy to get to and use. They all make sense. Somehow, despite not looking like the 700si or the 7000i, it feels familiar.
I think you can use old Maxxum flashes. While they usually fire full power, I've experimented with my 3200i and had some success. Using Aperture or Shutter priority and setting the flash on low seems to work. The flash fires less than full power and recycles quickly. You'll have to draw on some photographic know-how to get the exposure right using an older flash.
The ability to plug the camera into the tv is nice.
Battery seems to last. I think I got couple hundreds shots, plus some photo viewing time, before having to recharge. I'll need to look into a second battery now that I have the vertical grip.
Quirks: Call me lazy, but given that I'm used to just popping b&w film in the camera, it would have been nice to have a simple b&w setting on the camera. And call me lazy (again), but I do miss the old pre-programed cards from the 700si. Sometimes it's just nice to be at say a soccer game, and know that you can focus on getting the shot without messing with the shutter speed. Or the Fantasy Effect card, which I never could seem to use properly.
If you're a knowledgeable amateur and/or have an old Maxxum this is a great digital SLR. True, it's only 6.1MP, but really, are you planning on printing murals? Go to Flickr and search for photos made with the 7d. Pretty impressive. Isn't it better to have a cool looking camera that says Maxxum rather than Sony? Sony? Come on.

I bought this digital camera because I have the Minolta Maxxum 7i 35m film camera -it's about 25 years old and still is a work horse. I have several lenses for it also. When minolta went out of business I hated to waste my lenses, so I continued with film and a pocket digital. Film was becoming more and more inconvenient to use and thinking about the large investment I would have to make in a new SLR digital and all the lenses I'd like. Then, one day, brousing EBAY, I found the digital camera of my dreams! I did some research and found that my Minolta auto focus lenses work on this camera without adapters. I am thrilled not to have to replace them, but even more thrilled to be back into the swing of modern photography. Snapshots are great for pocket cameras, but nothing beats a SLR Camera. This older digital camera doesn't have the number of pixels that some newer models have, but with Minolta quality lenses, and the speed of the camera, I don't miss them at all. It has a lot of the same feel as the Minolta film camera and took me no time at all to get used to handling it. If you are planning on traveling light, this is not the camera for you-keep your pocket digital for quick/fun snapshots. But you won't regret this purchase for a great semi-professional camera. Though if you don't have the original Minolta or Konica lenses, I think you may loose the AF function of your lenses or have to purchase adapters. There are plenty of old Minolta lenses out there, I've picked up two recently in my home town very reasonably priced. If you are a real techy - or professional; you probably want something more current. But for most of us, this is a great option, especially if you can get your hands on the lenses.

very smooth - very professional. I am very pleased with purchase. I haven't had the opportunity to use the camera to the extent that I wish with the lens.

I like that it will work with my other Minolta lenses. One of the reasons for buy the Minolta 7d. Being that this is my first SLR digital it will take me some time to get use to it. I use to shoot film using Pentax, Mamiya and Minlota. I had desided to try to get a Pentax K20D to be my first SLR digital camera but things did not wot that way.

OK bien reçu le matériel par contre les taxes en France sont très chéres.
Il restait des photos sur la carte mémoire que j'ai effacée. Mes amitiés a toute la famille.
Cordialement
Merci