I was looking to move into the digital era, and not having a huge amount of money the Minolta S414 was recommended by a friend. All I can say now is that I will never go back to film cameras.
It is hard to know where to start with this camera, but I will start with the heart of the camera, the lens. The lens (Minolta GT) was one of the main selling points as far as I was initially concerned. Its specs and reputation preceded it. I was not disappointed when I finally got my Minolta Dimage S414, the images produced are crisp and accurate, and I have only noticed aberrations in the most difficult of situations. The end of the lens supports a thread that any 35.5mm lens or filter can be attached to, for those wishing to do
so.
The camera has three main capture modes; Auto, Manual and Video. The auto mode is very much a point and click orientated mode, the camera making all necessary calculations and adjustments. There are, however, adjustments for image size and quality. There are 6 presets within the auto mode (Macro, Portrait, Landscape, Night Portrait, Text and Macro Text) giving best auto results in these varying situations. The macro mode gives exceptional quality, close-up, images, and is the best that I have seen on the small range of cameras I have been exposed to. The video mode is pretty basic at 320 x 240 pixels but useful for capturing those little one-off moments. Now to my favourite mode, the manual mode (Multi-function). This mode allows you to adjust all the settings for the capture of that perfect image, although you don’t have to adjust everything yourself because there is the option of ‘auto’ for most settings. Adjustments include: exposure, focus, aperture priority, white balance, sensitivity, and the list goes on. This is one of the best points of the camera allowing you to have full control over the final image.
I have read a few criticisms of this camera and heard a few from other people that have borrowed mine, none of which I think are true problems that cannot be overcome, believe me they are worth overcoming for the price of this camera and the quality images it produces. Firstly people criticise the size and weight, this is personally not a problem for me because I don’t have the smallest of hands and it feels good to have something substantial in your hand. Batteries and memory are two more points regularly raised, when I was looking at buying very few cameras had rechargeable batteries or large memory cards, and you might as well go out and buy those which suit your needs. I bought 2 sets of 2100 mAh batteries and a charger, to allow continuous camera use, and I bought a couple of 128 MB cards to allow for my two separate uses of the camera. Another battery life saver is the humble card reader for your pc; this means you don’t have to use the transfer mode on the camera (this uses the batteries).
Going back to the lens and its thread, I found a company that makes 35.5mm filters and to improve image quality and to protect my camera I bought 2 filters a skylight filter and a circular polariser. The skylight is a clear piece of glass that protects the camera lens from scratches, and at £5 is cheaper to replace than the entire lens. The circular polariser eliminates some of the inherent problems of digital cameras, such as greying due to UV exposure, and allows image enhancement, deeper sky shades etc. One thing I do have a problem with this camera over is the lens cap, it is held in place by two plastic springs, which have now broken. I will have to find a replacement eventually, but am not too worried as I still have the protection given by the skylight filter.
My final word has to be on build quality, which in the case of the Minolta DimageS414 is excellent. Although the body is lightweight aluminium it is incredibly tough (unlike some cameras with plastic cases), there are no rattles or vibrations, just smooth operation. The true build quality was demonstrated in an incident I don’t plan to repeat. Whilst on holiday I slipped down a flight (6) of concrete steps during which time the camera left my hand and bounced on most of the steps, the result of which was no more than 2 scratches on opposing corners, I hate to think what would have happened if it hadn’t been so well built.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Ultra clear and hard coated!FX Clear Protection protective films are visual high tech ... more
films. This screen protection film excels by the highest, crystal-clear transparency (over 99%) as well as by an absolute scratch resistance (pencil hardness: 4H).This screen protection film is also tailored to the respective screen respecting the fit factor and the exact contours and is assembled dryly as all the films available with us.Ultra clear andcompletely transparent, transparency over 99%Position can suit on-site conditions at any timeMultiplereusability, washableRejecting dirt and grease, reduces fingerprintsScratch resistant surface, hard coating with 4H pencil hardnessCrystal-clearcolorfast reproductionComfortable writing- touch screen optimizedRemovable without residueat any time even after yearsEasy installation -100% free of blisters mountablewith cleaned screenBorder adhesion andaccurate cuttingare guaranteed - including latchSensational adhesive qualities by specialsilicone bonding layer- no glue!Repairs scratched surfaces- small scratches are filled out and eliminated by the sticking stratum (Silicone stratum)Guaranteedquality processingby use of most modern high-precision engineering´sExtreme long service life- according to manufacturer recommendation a change of the film is not necessaryScope of supply:1 screen protector1 cloth1 soft card1 assembly instructionsYou receive one screen protection film for each screen for devices with several screens (e.g. interior and exterior screen).
Postage & Packaging:£0.45 Availability:Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days......
Dazzle-free and hard coated!FX Anti Reflection protective film are extremly ... more
scratch-resistant (pencil hardness: 3H) and reducing disturbing light reflections. Unlike to other non-reflecting brands of protective films the screen view is not corrupted and the colors are represented true to the original by our Anti-Reflection screen protection films.This screen protection film is tailored to the respective screen concerning the fit factor and the exact contours and is to be assembled dryly.Dazzle-free surface for the drasticreduction of light reflectionson the screenPosition can suit on-site conditions at any timeMultiplereusability, washableRejecting dirt and grease, reduces fingerprintsScratch resistant surface, hard coating with 3H pencil hardnessTransparentcolorfast reproductionComfortable writing- touch screen optimizedRemovable without residueat any time even after yearsEasy installation -100% free of blisters mountablewith cleaned screenBorder adhesion andaccurate cuttingare guaranteed - including latchSensational adhesive qualities by specialadhesive bonding layer- no glue!Guaranteedquality processingby use of most modern high-precision engineering´sExtreme long service life- according to manufacturer recommendation a change of the film is not necessaryScope of supply:1 screen protector1 cloth1 soft card1 assembly instructionsYou receive one screen protection film for each screen for devices with several screens (e.g. interior and exterior screen).
Postage & Packaging:£0.45 Availability:Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days......
When your digital camera needs support for unique photo shoots, an ordinary tripod might ... more
not be able to tackle the job. The Gripster is the lightest and most versatile camera tripod available today. Featuring over two dozen flexible leg joints that bend and rotate, the Gripster will firmly secure your compact digital camera to virtually any surface ? anywhere and everywhere! Gripster is the ideal camera accessory for photographers on the go. Throw it in your pocket or backpack and you'll be ready for your next adventure! While the Gripster serves all the functions of a traditional camera tripod - steadying your camera under low-light conditions, taking timed group shots, etc. - it is the only tripod malleable enough to provide you with the perfect shot while wrapped around a tree branch, hanging from a pole, or perched on a jagged rock. The possibilities are endless!
Postage & Packaging:£5.00 Availability:Usually dispatched within 3-4 business days...
STARTER KIT INCLUDES* 1)Full Size Tripod -Tripod with Carrying Case: lightweight and ... more
sturdy tripod, supplied with a fitted case and strap; it can be taken anywhere to gain maximum performance from your Camera* 2)Deluxe Camera Case-Deluxe Camera Case: Protect your valuable camera investment with this carrying case* 3)Deluxe 5-Piece Cleaning Kit -This 5-piece kit contains an assortment of useful cleaning tools such as lens cleaning tissues, lens cloth, cleaning solution, a blower brush and cotton swabs* 4)Flexible Tabletop Tripod-? Don't be the invisible man (or woman) in your family photo album! Get yourself in the picture using your camera's self-timer and this ultra-compact tabletop tripod. Also great for steadying your camera for sharper close-up/Macro images* 5)Universal LCD Monitor Screen Protectors-These LCD protectors reduce glare, enhance view, prevent scratching, wear and damage, and help to maintain LCD and camera warranty* 6)Memory Card Storage Wallet-Memory Card Storage Wallet: Keep multiple memory cards protected and organized with this durable storage wallet* 7)DB ROTH Micro Fiber Cleaning Cloth -Eliminate dust and smudges from your camera with this handy microfiber cleaning cloth
Postage & Packaging:£5.00 Availability:Usually dispatched within 3-4 business days...
The device is workable for both direct hot shoe photography (when switches to Normal mode) ... more
and remote flash photography (when switches to Slave On mode. The device features 4 slave modes that allow it to work with cameras that fire their built-in flash instantaneously or that have single or multiple flash red-eye reduction systems. Please check your camera's owner manual to determine which flash system your camera has.The flash comes complete with a bracket. It has a hot shoe so that it can be fired from the camera too. It is fully synchronized with fill-in flash and red-eye reduction flash and can be used with virtually all of the digital cameras on the market. It works as a slave. It can be set for a single flash camera or a pre-flash camera.
Postage & Packaging:£5.00 Availability:Usually dispatched within 3-4 business days...
Don't be the invisible man (or woman) in your family photo album! Get yourself in the ... more
picture using your camera's self-timer and this professional steel tabletop tripod which has superior rubber tip legs provides extra stability. Also great for steadying your camera for sharper close-up/Macro images.You receive also as a bonus a screen protector for your digital device
Postage & Packaging:£5.00 Availability:Usually dispatched within 3-4 business days...
Advantages: Clear Qualinty Images with good sound and video recording. Very sturdy construction. Disadvantages: Rather heavy compared to later models, so Rechargeable batteries are a must for this thirsty camera.
melonballer 16.09.2004 ·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of Minolta DiMAGE S414
Advantages: Great value for money, Excellent picture quality (4.0M pixels), 4.0X high speed Optical Zoom Disadvantages: No rechargable batteries, No flash memory
DEFENDER67 28.01.2004 ·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of Minolta DiMAGE S414
Advantages: Great value for money, Excellent picture quality (4.0M pixels), 4.0X high speed Optical Zoom Disadvantages: No rechargable batteries, No flash memory
DEFENDER67 28.01.2004 ·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of Minolta DiMAGE S414
May 30th, 2004
very helpful by (75%):
helpful by (25%):
