Beginner question : Minolta Dynax 300Si

[jongkp]

got a question for you old birds here...

should I get a second hand Dynax 300Si for $150.00? comes with 35-70 mm lens.

I'm using a Minolta X30 now, really old, but still works well. Reason I wanna get the 300Si was coz I was looking for a cheap AF film SLR.

Comments please?

 

[UY79]

Hi jongkp,

The Dynax 300si is basically a point and shoot camera in a SLR body. There's no aperture, shutter priority or manual mode. It has a few programmed modes like in landscape, sports, night scene, etc, which means you have not much control over the settings that you wish to take the shot in.

However, since it has a SLR body, you can use the whole range of lenses and flashes.

Wouldn't recommend you getting this unless you are looking for point and shoot ease of use in a SLR camera. You might want to consider getting Dynax 5 series to start with. At least it offers decent functionality for photography.

Cheers!

 

[jongkp]

Thanks man! Great reply, quick too...

just helped me make up my mind. Guess I should stick with my X300 unless I really cannot stand having to focus.

And besides the Dynax 5 series, any other cameras that might be worth looking at, say from Nikon?

 

[deslim27]

Thanks man! Great reply, quick too...

just helped me make up my mind. Guess I should stick with my X300 unless I really cannot stand having to focus.

And besides the Dynax 5 series, any other cameras that might be worth looking at, say from Nikon?

If you're considering other brands as well, then might as well consider Canon. It has the edge in technology and delivery compare to Nikon (don't flame me, even my Nikon friend said that).

However, try to compare Dynax 5 with other cameras of the same prices from N or C. Nothing come close.. just my 0.02.

Cheers!
Des

 

[UY79]

Thanks man! Great reply, quick too...

just helped me make up my mind. Guess I should stick with my X300 unless I really cannot stand having to focus.

And besides the Dynax 5 series, any other cameras that might be worth looking at, say from Nikon?

Hi again,

You might even consider the Dynax 7. From Nikon, although I'm not too sure, their entry level is F55, amature is F75 & F80. Canon's EOS 66, 300, 3000? You might wanna do a post in their forums on this, I'm sure they would help you.

IMO, Minolta is the best system for amature photographers because they have the best value for dollar and ease of use of their SLRs. And we're all waiting for Minolta to make a comeback with Dynax 7 Digital. =)

I saw a promotion on Dynax 5 not too long ago, they offered the kit with 75-300mm tele lens and tripod for $600+. Good package to start beginner photography with. Wonder if they still have that offer now...

Cheers!

 

[TME]

Dynax 5 is good. It has the pre-programmed AE modes if u need them. In any case, it has fast AF, 7-point focus and a vertical grip. It's really a complete system and u won't need to upgrade unless u want a much faster AF system.