Release date of a Minolta DSLR

[Shebalso]

Hi Members,
I understand that Minolta cameras are made or assembled in Malaysia, KL. That is just up the road from Singapore.
Is there a way of making contact with the factory or rep to obtain any info.
One rumour was an anouncement will be made in Germany, at a show in September.
Just I am keen to upgrade to a camera with changeable glass.
Thanks

 

[oeyvind]

Which show is that? Photokina in Köln is not until September 2004 (Biannually).

The only event I know of in Sept 2003 is SND 2003, Annual News Design Workshop & Exhibition (Washington, US (District of Columbia), September 11 thru 13)

 

[ivor]

Any picture of the mock-up, or more info... a friend of mine told me once that she is waiting for the Minolta DSLR...

 

[nhyone]

Are you asking a question, or are you spreading a rumour?

 

[Shebalso]

It may be a rumour, that is why I am asking. I have just been looking for entry on another forum that indicated they knew about release at I think something like CeBit, Germany. Is there any such a forum/show.
I thought Singapore being close to manafacturer, someone may be able to find out.
I know rumours have been made on most forums. Can you dispell this one.
I would rather stick to Minolta but the Canon 10D will look the choice in November if no release.
Thanks

 

[nivlek28]

Hi,

unfortunately I think the rumour stemmed from the fact that a Jap magazine released on its front page Minolta's Digital Dynax series. However, this was then disclosed to be just an april fools joke! What a let down...I think 2 years is the minimum we'll have to wait...+sigh+

Kelvin

 

[nhyone]

Originally posted by nivlek28
I think 2 years is the minimum we'll have to wait...+sigh+

Why must it be Minolta? Most likely you'll need to change lenses for two reasons, (i) you need digital-friendly lenses, (ii) you need new focal lengths. Since that's the case, might as well jump ship!

 

[Shebalso]

Thanks for comment
Not keen on jumping ship if possible. I have never had a SLR so no lenses. Just I hear the new Minolta Glass is superior and faster.
I know nothing about glass, not one little thing. All I know you screw into camera body. Do I need to learn about focal length, with add on lenses. I find the Minolta D7 manual zoom very good.
Some comment on my clarity to their D7. Can some batches of D7s have better lenses or is that a silly question.

Lets say, no Minolta DSLR release for 2 years. Is Canon 10D the one to go for, or should I look for a good used D60. Or maybe the Nikon D100 ?????. Where the lense screws into camera, is there a standard size or does each manafacturer have a different standard.
I purchased the D7 in Singapore on spur of the moment. I need to go to a camera shop for a talk.
Lets say I end up with a 10D. Can someone recommend a good all round lense with a good zoom, say twice that of the D7.
Some of my D7 photos are at the following URL

http://www.phototalk.net/photos/showgallery.php?ppuser=507&cat=500

Thanks all

 

[ruan]

Hi John,
I just when to a shop to check on lenses for Canon. I found the Sigma 15-30 at S$1090.00 to be reasonably priced and of good quality.
BTW, when are you coming to Singapore?
Regards
Ruan

 

[Shebalso]

Thanks Raymond for comment.
What does 15-30 mean. Is that focal length ? I need some lense that has twice the zoom of a D7. The new Minolta are $800 US.
There has been comment to stick to Canon lenses if buying a Canon. Are Simga lenses in Canon or Minolta quality. I read it is quality and quickness of the glass. I take it you pay for what you get.
Because of looking after Grandchildren and dogs, I am restricted to coming to Singapore until end of year. Maybe now is the time because of cheap air fares. Are prices in Singapore low now because of lack of tourists. SARS have alot worried.

 

[newuser]

I read in a magazine a few days back "Digital Photographer Issue 5", there was a topic about the new "Four-Thirds" system that Olympus is going to introduce.

So far Kodak and Fujifilm has both signed up for this system as well (ideally since they both don't have a mount of their own, their Digital SLR are using Nikon mount).

The official announcement date of the new system will be in June 2003. The first SLR based on the 4/3 system is expected to be launch in Sept 2003.

In the article, it was mentioned that they (Olympus) are still trying to convince Minolta and Pentax camera makers to partake in the 4/3 system.

However since both Pentax and Minolta has their own mounts, I'm not so sure if they will disappoint their Film SLR users by adopting the 4/3 system, if so the Minolta mount lens will be unusable.

Maybe the reason for the delay was Minolta is still trying to decide whether or not to follow the 4/3 system and form an "alliance" with Olympus, Fujifilm and Kodak or try to take on Nikon and Canon by themselves with a DSLR based on Minolta mount.

They are also trying to persuade Canon and Nikon to see the advantages of the 4/3 system and make the switch, however I seriously don't think Nikon or Canon will do that.

Hopefully this new DSLR based on the 4/3 system will be priced at a competitive rate and bring the price war of DSLR to a new level.

The new DSLR looks very much like the Olympus E-20P.

 

[ruan]

Originally posted by Shebalso
Thanks Raymond for comment.
What does 15-30 mean. Is that focal length ? I need some lense that has twice the zoom of a D7. The new Minolta are $800 US.
There has been comment to stick to Canon lenses if buying a Canon. Are Simga lenses in Canon or Minolta quality. I read it is quality and quickness of the glass. I take it you pay for what you get.
Because of looking after Grandchildren and dogs, I am restricted to coming to Singapore until end of year. Maybe now is the time because of cheap air fares. Are prices in Singapore low now because of lack of tourists. SARS have alot worried.

John, if you are talking about DSLR you mostly need at least ane wide angle (15mm to 30 mm) or a 28-300mm, depend on your interest. If you like landscape I would recommend 15-30mm.
Don't forget that for Canon 10D the 15-30mm equivalent to a 24-48mm while 28-300mm will give you 45-480mm due to the CCD size.
The SARS problem is still not getting better. Hope it will improve by end of the year. Looking forward to you glass of beer in Singapore.
Regards
Ruan

 

[Shebalso]

Are we tallking focal length here. I will have to read and understand better. What I will look for is one lense that will suite all needs.
Like children close up and to trying to catch a bird in a tall tree and bring it in real close.
Is there such a one lense ??
I will go to a friends home, an ex Air Force photographer, he has lots of cameras and lenses and get him to explain practically. I find it hard to pick up at present. It took me twelve months and 12,000 photos before I could take a good one, let alone to know a good lense.
Raymond, do you know the price of a 10D. I see USA is selling and in stock for $1499 US. That is, I think, around $Sin 3000 the a good lense, say $1600 Sing,, filters, spare battery, Case, bigger CF card, I will have to save harder.
Keep that beer extra cold.

 

[imaginary_number]

Shebalso, perhaps u would like to read up a little more first.

U can check out www.shortcourses.com - there's a whole lot of information over there.

 

[Zerstorer]

Shebalso,

It is impossible to find one lens that can "Do it all" especially if you are going to use it on a DSLR.

Normal "do it all" lenses for film are the 24-120mm or the 28-300mm lenses, but these are slower to focus and inferior to those that work within a smaller range.

On a DSLR, you need at least 2 lenses, 1 ultrawide 15-30mm for wide angle shots and another to cover the medium to tele range.

On a DSLR lens focal lengths are ~1.5 times of that on film.

 

[ruan]

John, as someone just said, it is impossible to get a all in one lens. Even if you find one it's either not bright enough (F4 or worse) or very bulky and heavy. The Canon 10D is bulky compared to the D7 plus a heavy lens I don't you can take good pictures of children. Since the 10D has a 6MP CCD, you can crop and still get a decent picture for screen and A4 print. So an equivalent of 24mm to 48mm would be useful for children and landscapes.
If you lookback, do think you use the 100mm to 200mm range of your D7 as often as the 28mm to 50mm range?
(I was refering to focal length when I say "mm").
The 10D is around S$2600-S$2700 depending on shops and the "come with items" in Singapore.
Regards
Ruan