Advantages: Super easy to use, light and portable and a great first digital camera for all
Disadvantages: The software is unsatisfactory, and the SD card included is far from what it could be

...This camera is perhaps one of the most user-friendly cameras that I have encountered. It avoids the trap of many other digital cameras, with only a few buttons which are multifunctional, as opposed to lots of one-use buttons. This combines with the easy navigation of the camera menus to make the DiMAGE very easy to use. The LCD display is also impressive. The refresh rate is much faster than on other digital camaeras. As a result, it maintains a sharp picture when moved suddenly. However, like many LCD displays, it is only visible face on, with a very small angle view. Moreover, fingerprints greatly affects the view and, although I haven't damaged the screen yet, it is prone to damage, especially from excess pressure on the screen. Other features help to make this camaera an all round good buy. The quick start up time, literally 1... Read review

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Advantages: Versatility
Disadvantages: Not compatable with older Dynax flash guns

...I have been using 35mm cameras for around 40 years. I started using Minolta cameras 12 years ago, I always found them reliable and user friendly. I watched the growing digital market with some skepticism, looking on the digi’s as nothing more than an expensive boy’s toy. In October 2001 I decided to purchase either a Fuji 6900Z or the Minolta Dimage 5. I physically compared both cameras side by side (I had read test reports on both and also printed out sample shots from both cameras). Finally the Minolta won. This was decided on construction, power source (metal hydride AAs), design and performance. I have since found that it is a wonderful camera to use and the results still impress me even after a period of over a year. The only thing I was not impressed with was the fact that although it is fitted with a dynax type accessory shoe... Read review

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Advantages: Gorgeous design, weatherproofing is a plus, easy to use
Disadvantages: Few override options, no sound on the video mode, loses out in the value stakes these days

...300 is, price-wise, head to head with the Minolta G400 and Xg and the Pentax Optio S30, and in this company it is found seriously wanting. All of these other cameras feature sound in their video clip modes, power up in less than 2 seconds (the G400 powers up in a stunning 0.8 seconds from sliding the lens cover across to taking your first shot!), are smaller, lighter , and have more options. The Mju 300 was designed to be a simple to use camera, and Olympus achieved this at the expense of any manual overrides. Even the simplest model of the competition, the Dimage Xg, features the ability to select ISO speeds manually, set the metering pattern, set the white balance, etc. These days, it is fair to say that you can get more for your money. The Mju 300 is not a bad camera, it's just that time and progress have moved on around it and left... Read review

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Advantages: Excellant quality pics,lots of functions,easy to use.
Disadvantages: Batteries last about 20 mins if your lucky,Power pack was 50 pounds from jessups.

...When i bought my minolta dimage 7 camera it was about 800 pounds and to be honest it is not really worth 800 pounds,its a nice looking camera with lots of different functions but theres so many cameras on the market today its hard to differenciate one digital camera from another.I think the price has come down to about 600 pounds now.try Dealtime.co.uk and search away. Pros You can take pictures of about 5 different sizes without losing the excellant quality,theres also different quality settings,im not a professional photographer but the only reason that i would take a lower quality picture is if i were taking pictures to use on the pc or internet,for printing i would take at best quality.Theres different settings for different types of weather ,if it is cloudy or sunny,indoor or outdoor.You can use this camera as a fully automatic... Read review

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Advantages: Good quality pictures
Disadvantages: Unattactive back

...... Read review

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Advantages: Great pictures, ease of use for absolutely anyone.
Disadvantages: rather awkward design, has some complex features.

...whether it be in pitch black or in the middle of a bright day. There are also a variety of picture modes available by adjusting different characteristics such as the resolution or colour quality. The Minolta Z1 also has the ability to take videos which are of an average quality which was fine as it was bought as a photographic camera, not a video camera! Overall I think that this is a great camera no matter who you are - it suits beginners to experts. Definately worth the price.... Read review

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Advantages: Easy to use - large screen
Disadvantages: You need to buy a bigger memory card

...The Konica Minolta X50 is very small and slim and yet has a 2 inch screen. It has 5 megapixals. It is very easy to use - you just point and click, and the pictures are superb quality even on a lower setting. You can also take a small amount of video which is great for catching those moments with the kids. The battery life is excellent - I carry this camera around with me all the time and I recharge the battery once a week - you just clip it on the charger and it takes about 20 minutes. You do need to purchase a bigger memory card and it does not come with a case but apart from that this camera is great. I would definitely recommend this camera for people who are scared to go digital as it is very simple to use. It also comes with PictBridge. I print my photos out on the Epson PictureMate which I just slide my memory card... Read review

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Advantages: Light, stylish, Good lens
Disadvantages: None

...a very large photograph. Usability, very simple you can learn how to use it without the instruction manual is very simple and easy to learn. there is a competitor.... the Minolta dimage f300 is a excellent competitor slightly more money but feature wise a much for muchness. The F300 is a 5 million pixel version of the F200. They also both have titanium shells which could be a benifit or a disadvantage i.e. most digital cameras are killed by being dropped and if a metal bodied digital camera is dropped then the impact will go through the whole body, a plastic bodied version on the other hand will soften the blow to a certain area. either camera is a good choice!... Read review

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Advantages: Light weight
Disadvantages: Anti-shake not too hot

...Part of my job involves taking photographs. Previously I had used a heavy but exceptionally good and hardworking semi-pro Canon Powershot G2, but this was replaced with a Konica Minolta Z5. In theory this should have been better. It was somewhat lighter, and had higher resolution with 5 mega pixels. That was the theory, but the truth is somewhat different. The view screen is useless when used outdoors, as it cannot be tilted (as that on the Canon can) so is not useable whilst in direct sunlight. Whilst the camera is reasonably easy to hold (it is clear that attention to detail has been given to the ergodynamic design of the camera) it has been designed in such a way that it is not easy for left-handed people to use. The menu, however, is easy to access and fairly easy to use. The flip up flash unit is a good idea and works... Read review

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Advantages: 3 x optical zoom. Good images. Robust plastic build. Audio and movie options. Runs on useful rechargeable AA batteries.
Disadvantages: No optical viewfinder (no great loss !). Needs a protector on lcd screen. Comes with only 8mb SD card.

...I took a look at both the Minolta Dimage X20 and the more expensive and fully featured Dimage Xt. (I had the Xt on trial for 2 days and have the X20 for a week. I have had a Fuji MX 1700 and currently have the brilliant Olympus C40 zoom.) Build and Settings The X20 has a robust plastic build and comes with a useful 1.6 lcd screen, audio and movie options, non-protruding 3 x optical zoom, flash and a self portrait mirror on the front. There is no optical viewfinder (but these can be very limited on small digicams !) and the lcd appears quite effective in most lighting conditions. The unit runs on AA batteries - therefore invest in rechargeables which are useful to have around the house anyway ! There are manual settings for white balance,exposure and flash and a menu system which is fairly easy to navigate. There are not many... Read review

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