Minolta Dimage S304

This Minolta Dimage S304 digital camera offers excellent value for money. Using Minoltas undoubted expertise in camera manufacturing it combines ecellent image quality with an array of features usually found on much more expensive cameras. On automatic setting even a complete novice can't fail to get good results and for the more experienced, manual controls allow plenty of creativity.

I've been using 35mm SLR cameras for years but couldn't afford a digital SLR so researched many models before settling on this one. I have not been disappointed with the results and with a 4X zoom it is almost as versatile as my entire SLR kit, only all in one small camera.

My only niggles are small and in most cases in common with all digital cameras - high battery use and meagre storage capacity. By changing to NiMH batteries and using the LCD display less battery life is acceptable. Only trouble with these batteries is they go flat when not in use so a spare set is often a waste of time! A 64Mb card or bigger gives good storage.

Biggest gripe is ease with which you can switch camera on when putting it into a case. If you have sound effects switched on at least you know its happened - otherwise its flat batteries when you take it out!

Also small niggle with position of eye for fixing strap - if no strap is fitted it drops down when you open card compartment and gets caught when you close it. Could easily have been repositioned.

The 4x lens on the Minolta Dimage S304 digital camera gives good quality results and the camera is easy to use with the ablility to take video clips. The main switch is badly positioned as it is easy to get knocked on when putting in a case. The LCD screen glares out in sunlight. When bought 6 months ago battery usage was okay, giving about 30 to 50 shots on LCD screen, now the camera is discharging itself over night and losing its settings, it's not the 1800 mAh NiH batteries (I have 3 sets) as they work okay in a Nikon Coolpix 800. The camera has been returned to Minolta under guarantee!

The inolta Dimage S304 features excellent optics and with a 4x zoom and 3.3mega pixels you get fantastic resolution. The camera is easy to use right out of the box and on auto there is little excuse for a poor picture. 60 seconds of video and sound are a bonus. It has good balance and a wider grip for right handers. The picture screen is clear and easily seen on bright days with a higher intensity. A truly remarkable auto/manual multifunction camera for the price.

Compare the Minolta Dimage S304 digital camera feature for feature with any other brand and the S304 will be $100 to $200 less expensive. You'll notice I didn't say cheaper because the only thing cheap about this camera is the nearly totally worthless 16MB CF card it comes with. Otherwise it is a well built machine with a sturdy all aluminum body. Picture quality is excellent! Everyone will enjoy using this camera from beginners to near professionals. And size wise it's only slightly bulkier than a regular point and shoot 35mm. I highly recommend this camera.

Great Camera for the Novice as well as the Professional. Easy to use and produces great pictures. I had no problems uploading pictures to my computer via th USB connection and accompaning software.