Minolta Maxxum QTsi

I returned my first Minolta Maxxum QTsi 35mm SLR camera when I noticed the LCD screen did not operate 10 percent of the time. The second QTsi did a false read on a load of film. It's going back to the store.

The Minolta QTSi is marketed as an entry-level SLR, but is really a Point-And-Shoot in SLR clothing. The camera has all the popular Vari-program settings (Sport, Landscape, Green mode, etc), but lacks any manual or priority control modes that would be of value to an amateur/professional. It has full compatibility and support of Minolta add-ons and accessories. The camera features multi-segment exposure metering available in higher-end models, but the results are marginal. In optimal daylight conditions, frames tended towards overexposure. The built-in flash has all the bells and whistles including red-eye reduction and fill-flash, but has a small Guide Number. Overall, it's a good fumble-proof camera, but is basically a heavy Point-and-Shoot. For those consumers looking for convenience, there are lighter, dedicated P&S 35mm with similar issues and a wider range of zoom lenses out of the box. Amateurs should consider moving up to the STsi which has manual controls for growth potential.