Minolta Dynax 800si

I Have Two Bodies and a selection of lenses and can't really find any faults that would be of any great detriment to the camera. I find the build very good for this body and with the choice of controls available I find the Minolta Dynax 800si to be a very good semi pro camera.

I loved this camera's feature set and appreciated its mostly-expemplary ergonomics. The relatively unsophisticated AF system, with its three single-line sensors proved fairly capable in most circumstances of delivering proper focus, though there were quite a few instances, particularly in bright ambient light where the AF assist light was rendered ineffective, when focus either couldn't be achieved or was improperly set. Minolta's AE metering system, however, remains among the best, returning consistently well-exposed negatives and slides. For tough situations, there's the option of the nicely delineated spot meter for selective readings. The built-in motordrive is also capable of sufficient sequencing for non-professional shooters.

Where the camera misses the mark, depending on one's preferences, is in its controls. The pushbutton user interface forces you to bring the camera from eye-level to consult the LCD panel as you implement the often two-handed sequence to change many settings. Obviously realizing this flawed legacy from the 700si, Minolta expanded that camera's single memory setting to three for the 800si (which is essentially an ugrade of the 700si), although even this is little consolation at those times when the situation calls for a quick change to a configuration other than what you've been able to anticipate. Also dubious is the LCD illumination, which rather than having its own dedicated on/off switch, lights "automatically," which in the case of my particular 800si (which had at least one electronic gremlin) meant any time I pressed the shutter release. Granted, when you need it, a lighted LCD is great, but Minolta's implementation here is terribly flawed as it no doubt contributes, if not single-handedly creates, a power-hungry camera. I managed only 11 24-exposure rolls on a fresh 2CR5 with minimal "fiddling." The electronic "gremlin" I previously mentioned is that, when held on end for verticals, the camera's viewfinder LCD display would deactivate the moment I took my finger off the shutter release, making it at best painful to meter in the manual mode. Perhaps the source of this malfunction also contributed to the high battery drain, and my camera was not representative of other 800si's in this regard.

For Minolta AF enthusiasts, only the new Maxxums 7 and 9 offer more sheer performance and versatility than the 800si, though neither approaches its empirical value. However, anyone, particulary SLR neophytes, considering entry into the Minolta Maxxum system, those pricier Maxxums-as well as the Maxxum 5 and, in the used market, the trend-setting 600si, though at the expense of some features-offer far superior controllability by virture of their simplified dial-and-lever control systems and more sophisticated AF systems. The newest Maxxums also offer improved flash exposure control through the integration of distance information provided by the latest generation of Minolta "D" and professional "G" AF lenses. If you're newby without a system preference (or, some might say, prejudice), there are equally fine performing, fully featured cameras without the operational quirks and compromises in either the Canon or Nikon system, both with arguably superior, more extensive lens lines.

The Minolta 800si 35mm slr camera has Fast Auto Focus speed in dim lights. Used with 50mmf1.7, tamron28-200 and Tokina 80-400mmATX F4.5-5.6.

Good size and weight for big hands especially with VC-700 grip add on.

I love the depth-of -preview, easy 3-memory access for favourite settings.

Data memory for up to 9 films taken for the user to know the past aperture,shutter speed, zoom range used..etc. I have upgraded from 500si super to 800si.

Endure through rough weather through my experience.

I use a Sigma 28-200 af lens with my Minolta 800si 35mm SLR camera. Great pictures indoors and out. AF works great. Flash has great range for a built in. I recommend this camera for those who do not wish to make a lot of camera settings and adjustments before shooting. Lots of great features like auto wind.

I have used the Minolta 800si 35mm SLR camera for a year now along side of a few other cameras of greater and lesser value. Its performance was unexpected. Minolta has proved to me that they still make a world class tool. I put it to the test and it amazed me.

I have used this camera extensivly for two years and it has never let me down. Exposures are constant and accurate. The in built flash is very powerfull and produces excellent exposures. The range of features on the camera means that you can develop your photogrphy to a high level without the need to upgrade your system. I would have preferred metering modes and focus mode selecters to be in place of the never used memory button on the top plate. But small grumbels aside this is an excellent camera for the price and one which will deliver professional results.

I've had this camera for 2 years now and I must say I was

surprised by the consistent results it delivered and the

build quality. No technical problems. I have used this camera

for several professional applications - weddings, school portraiture,

public relations photography, etc. without a back-up and results

were consistent(especially in weddings this is important -

you don't want to miss any special moments) AF and exposures in

all-auto mode surprised me repeatedly.

The flash system and lenses are very good and well designed.

Handling is a bit fiddly - Lots of little buttons behind a hinged

door, multiple inputs required to select a certain mode can

slow you down a bit.

Pricing is ridiculous in South Africa (probably due to poor

consumer support of the brand here - especially at the pro

end of the market) - but this particular camera is still the

best buy in its price range, I think.

Availability and tech support is also not to good (A 50mm f/1.7

lens has to be imported!!)

This is a camera that I have developed with as a photographer,

and in a year when my sole income has come from photography,

it has never let me down - what more can one ask?