A constant delight.

Had a bit of a focusing problem at first, sent it in to Minolta and they fixed it (replaced the focusing motor—one week turnaround time), no problems since then. Extremely versatile and flexible camera with all sorts of adjustments. Easily accessible controls. Produces first-rate pics. I am constantly amazed by the subtlety and refinement of the pictures. Straight out of the camera they may look a bit subdued and soft, but with a touch of sharpening and color tweaking they are first-rate. Minolta seems to favor this approach, which I have come to appreciate. You can fine tune the results much more this way, rather than through in-camera settings. The battery gives me about 300 pictures and the reserve batteries don't run down (self-discharge) quickly, like NiMH batteries are prone to do. You can use it in the automatic or P modes, but this camera is more like a fine artistic instrument that also responds to more skillful handling. HIghly recommended