My first DSLR. Was great to learn on but has now retired into storage and only makes it out once in a while when a second body is needed.

I bought my KM 7D in April 2006. Like many others in this forum, I have owned several other Minolta cameras (SRT201, X-700, Maxxuum 7000, and 9xi) over a period of 30 years. I also have thousands invested in Minolta glass (eight AF lenses and three flashes), so I have spent time with Minolta equipment. I have always found Minolta products to be rugged and reliable and have had occassion for two or three repairs on well used equipment. None have ever been a real problem until the purchase of my KM 7D. It worked great for 14 months of extremely light use. Then one day I turned it on and tried to take a picture. The camera clicked the shutter once and locked. I tried turning it on and off and each time it shut down after the first click. I called Sony and they said it was a black frame problem and to send it to Prestige Camera Repair in Connecticut. They said the repair cost would be covered. I sent it in and Prestige camera fixed it initially or so I thought, but charged me anyway. I called back and said that the camera should have been covered by Sony. They told me the problem was different than the one covered by Sony so I was charged for the repair ($281 plus $40 to ship). I was disappointed, but thought "OK at least it works". A week later, I tried to use it and the camera locked after the first frame. It worked after being switched on and off, but does this each time after sitting overnight. Now, I need to send it in again. I am severely disappointed in KM/Sony that they let quality slide so drastically in their products. The cameras are now made in Malaysia and China. Loyal users of the KM/Sony product line deserved better. I treated this camera gingerly and it just broke after 14 months of light use. What a piece of trash. I cannot afford to throw away $1000 and I am afraid that it will turn into a money pit. Can the newer Sonys be much better if they are designed by the same camera group? I am considering going to Nikon or Canon.

My father n law has the current Canon 30d and his brother has the latest Canon Digital Rebel both have all the bells and whistles and both have fast 24-70 2.8 macro zoom lens and when we compared shots, the 7d Kicked "A"!!!! I used a Tamron 18-70 2.8 zoom lens and the shots were simply incredible! I did macro photos of flowers and various bugs and the detail was scary! All were done hand held with no tripods! I then used it in my studio, the 7d comes with a strobe sync port that made it easy to hook up my white lightning strobes a snap! In the studio the 7d blew away the canon. Photos of fast moving kids, and cranky adults came out perfect. And as a point and shoot in high shutter sync mode you get ultra razor sharp clear pictures and vibrant colors. I know there are those who will say NO Way but it is true! The 7d has numerous adjustment features that give you the tools to make each shot perfect! And if you need to tweak up your photos don't use the oem dimage photo editor use Adobe Photo Elements 6 or Adobe CS3! What professional would spend more than a $1,000 on a camera and hen use a cheap oem program to edit important photos? Get real! If you look you will see that on aAmazon .com that 7d sells for $1,689.00 when it retailed for $1,200.00! As an investment the 7d is gaining price since real photographers are realizing that the new cheap plastic digital slr's are not worth the money! Minolta flashes, lenses, and the ultra rare camera grip for the 7d are going through the roof in prices! And they will only go higher as the 7d and all its accessories vanish from circulation! Please know that on Oct 14th, 2007 ebay Item number: 110177931587, that a used 7d and 2 lens and 3600hsd flash sold for more than $1,475.00 on ebay recently! This happened even after the company has been out of business for 4 years! Please know that I have been taking photos for more than 25 years, the only thing I can say is way better is the hasselblad digital. But who has $25,000 for that?

I was a bit apprehensive about getting this discontinued camera, but I am glad I went ahead with it. My existing Minolta lenses work great with the camera. This camera is also very easy to use and has given me some awesome pictures. The anti shake works really well, too.

I found this little camera in an old local camera shop here in downtown Anchorage, AK, where I live. I thouth I'd never get one new because they're history. I just went there on a lark and didn't expect to see it, and I did! What made it the camera to get is that I also have a Maxxum 7 film camera and several lenses along with an 800si film camera (both w/ vertical control grips). This I also got with the vertical control grip (a must have for any professional & serious enthusiast:) and that's what sold it to me was that as they themselves hard to find and it was there new-in-the-box. It takes great pics and is sturdy. The anti-shake is also a must have and allows amazing shots in a pinch w/o a tripod. Slightly under-exposes with the built in flash:| Use an external hotshoe flash. A good market of used lenses from 1985 to present day Sony lenses can be used and that makes them easy to find. God's allowed me to have this and I hope you get one with the vertical control grip. Have fun!

I have owned a number of SLR cameras, many of them minoltas, the 7d is an excellent camera with all the features that I am used too, it feels good in the hand and takes excellent photos, it is well made and the right weight.

Having come from a film background, I took to the Minolta very easily. The reports of washed out pictures due to built in flash are to say the least due to lack of understanding of both photographic technique and in-camera flash control (yes you can control built in flash output from full to 1/16). I have done weddings with this camera among other work and I found this to be a camera more than adequate for it, particularly if you use faster lenses. Anti-Shake proves its worth when the lights go down in wedding parties or birthdays, social parties, etc. Not only that, but it's clean high sensitivities (this is one of the cameras I am not afraid to go high on the ISO) allow you to be equipped for every single job. Tones are natural, if you need to give it punch, they are easy to tone up without looking over toned, skin tones again are natural, images are sharp, even more so if you shoot RAW and process in Photoshop.

THe only thing against I have to say is, that to take full advantage of the sensor in this camera you have to use the very best glass, even though you can get good results even with the cheaper glass.Focussing is fast, and even though I would have preferred an AF assist lamp, the Focus assist flash works well albeit at close range.

Of note again, is it's performance at ISO3200, that for what it is, comparing apples to apples is very good. Not only that, you have the option to switch on Noise Reduction for even cleaner images but as with all Noise Reduction systems you loose a bit of detail.

Nevertheless, Minolta left behind a camera to be remembered.

On the print output of things, I can output full size borderless A3 sized prints which are sharp and if you want them printed straight out of the camera into a small portable printer, JPEGs are very good too.

Definately a highly recommended camera.

I bought the camera the last of May 06 and it has been in for repair twice. They cleaned it and sent it back. Like some other reviews it goes black and there are no pictures on the card.
When it does work it is wonderful. I have used Minolta for over 20 years and have lots of good glass that I thought I would be using with the new 7D. To say that I am disappointed is and under statement. I hope Sony will be able to fix the problem because this is my only digital SLR. I can not afford to throw this kind of money out the window. I'm afraid to try the New Sony A100 if it is the same as the 7D and will be in repair more then in my bag. I love Minolta products but I'm to old to start over. Maybe if enough people complain Sony will find the problem and fix it.

I have used minolta for a long time, it is quite good product, I like the character of its colour. Now, I mostly use D7D because as the same reasons with others, no need to develop film. well, the thing is my D7D has problem on its' shuter which I have it changed 2 weeks ago, I have no complian with this, becuase I have used my camera a lot I only hope that it won't happen again in the future. Anyway I think I still use this untill I find the better one, but deep down inside I want sony who now take the full respond of Konica Minolta pay more attention of the qaulities, and develop as minolta used to made in the past.
Thanks Pusit from Thailand

My last system was purchased in 1972 as a nikon f2 with 4 lenses. It was time to move on. I chose the 7D for the complete system. I bought a refurb 7d body ( and still got the $200 rebate and 2 yr extended warranty) and used minolta lenses ( 24 to 85mm, 50 mm, 100 macro, 100 to 200 4.5 and 80 to 200 2.8 G ); a sigma 14 mm finishes off my glass
(no plastic elements allowed). Every item was purchased for one half list on ebay. All lenses are excellent by anyone's testing. No regrets here. Perhaps because I bought a refurb body with increased QA/ testing, I have a flawless camera. It has been dropped once and jumbled in its backback without mishap. Images are always shot in raw format at maximum resolution. Processing is by rawshooter premium and qimage pro. Yes, there is a learning curve and I still fumble with my options. But with 3 predetermined settings that I have complete control over, I can preempt the moment of need. (ie continuous autofocus, shutter priority,3 frame continuous, iso of 800 is my setting # 1 for sport shots). I find the focus/shutter release to be quite adequate for action shots—maybe 0.1 sec delay that I need to compensate for by sequential frame shooting. Would I like to have 10 megapixels rather than 6? Of course. But that has nothing to do with the quality of the images I take. Will I upgrade? Remember my first sentence?

This isn't a fault it's a feature! Do a search in Google. Basically the intermittent flashing is in place of an AF assist lamp. It hasn't got enough light to focus so it fires up the flash a few times until it has a lock. Once focussed it will take and falsh properly.

Great camera, But the company is out of business. Sony is supposed to be taking over all the servicing of that line of minolta digital cameras. On the minolta site there is a link to sony's service site. As of 3/31/2006 Minolta is out of the camera business, They get one of the best cameras on the market anti shake and all and shut their doors, Great. Oh well at least the prices have dropped a lot although I have not seen the 5600HS-D flash go down any lower than $270 if some one knows of it at a better price I would appreciate knowing. The 7D's, I have seen in the $550 range new, (no lens).
Bill

I really feel I got the best deal out of this camera. I was able to purchase it after long research and comparing it to the 20D and nikon d70. I love the external controls and ease of use. I have spent a lot of time getting use to this camera and its a great tool. So far I have only the cheapest of lenses. Kit lens 28-100, cheapie 75-300 and have gotten excellent pictures out of them. During well lit situations, it is awesome. Since they are not fast lenses they do a soso job in dark light. But switch to manual focus and no problems. I thought I had blinking eye syndrome but not. I am lucky not to have the back focus problems. I am planning to get a third party lens and we will see if it back or front focuses.

My setup is all gadgets thus far. I have the compact flash SD adapter with a PC1 1G 133x which I got for $60, and adapter for 39, VC-7D for $159, RC1000L (I love it cause I can get into more group shots) I dont trust many taking pix with this beauty. Got the ProMaster 7500DX which works really well even with wireless and infrared and dual flash, bounce and swivel. Then I got the body with the kit lens for 550 after rebate. So when I say I am lucky, I got a great deal on a great camera. I dont have the problems the others are having. I have some close-up filters, polarizer. My next purchases will now be faster lenses. My choices are a 200mm f2.8 G that I was able to find new, either a KM 17-35 2.8 or sigma version, maybe the 12-24 sigma, tamron 300mm f2.8, km 50 f1.4(found used for 89) and then get a kenko 300 pro 1.4x and 2x(remember these are stackable so I will have a slow but 3.4x.

The camera takes outstanding pictures. I have good control over my shots and I love it. I am sorry people have been having problems but then again is why I am lucky.

If you can get one of these you will not be disappointed. This is not a PS camera, you need to know your settings to get great shots.

With an RD-175, a 700si, a 3xi, 9 lenses, and 5400HS and 3500xi flashes, I could not wait to get my hands on the Maxxum 7D. I bought it in February, 2005, and immediately used it to photograph a wedding. I soon discovered that the 5400HS washed out every picture I attempted to take. The on-camera flash, too, washed out photos at close range. Turning off the anti-shake helped, cranking down by -3EV helped and bounce-flash helped even more, but getting good flash pictures with this camera is like pulling teeth. The extremely slow flash sync (1/125 sec. with anti-shake on; 1/160 sec. with anti-shake off) accounts for the abysmal results. The 700si film camera boasts a 1/8000 sec. flash sync. This contrast is mind boggling. The RD-175, too, enjoys a very fast sync.
I have attempted numerous times to get better flash results, but I am now looking at Canon. I hate to start over with a whole new line, but Konica Minolta really let me down with this overpriced doorstop.

Bought the 7D in September 2005 after a long wait for a Minolta digital. Have used Minolta films for 30 years - 101, 7000, 600si etc. Had a number of AF lenses so I waited for the 7D. Got it and was impressed for three weeks before the Green Program and Shutter function failed. Was heading overseas so I took it and the 600. Used the 600 extensively but did get some good pics with the 7D - in Program or Manual mode.Managed to get it repaired in Hong Kong and it took good pics - though about 1/3 stop underexposed. Have read about the underexposure from other users.
Now the A and S function don't work. Am sending it back to the warranty depot. Not happy with the camera but like so many users have a fortune in lenses /flashes etc.
We deserved better.

My Wife and I have a Photography Studio and have finally gone Digital with a Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D.
I have only had the camera a couple of months,(I have a couple of 35mm and a pentax 645N for sale)
I tried a friends Nikon D70 and a Canon 20D...
I bought the Maxxum 7D and I am thrilled!
Very sharp and Bright pics. I don't know why I was so reluctant to go digital.
I am going to buy another 7D!

I was taking a wedding at the weekend and most of the shots taken using my 3600HS flash were washed out.

My 7D is my first SLR of any kind. I like the controls, the feel, and especially the sharp images. The in-camera anti-shake is what sold me on the KM 7D.

Great camera.Best control layout in its class, definately for people who know what they are doing though. If you're looking for the camera to turn you into a pro however, you should look elsewhere. This camera REQUIRES that you do your homework. Take lots of "calibration" shots, get to know the system, learn where it likes to focus, what settings work in what conditions. Automatic exposure modes seem to need compensation, especially if you do not use neutral density filters. Take reference shots, take copious notes on your setup and the conditions. Make yourself some cheatsheets. If you just want a point-and-shoot or believe that running around with an SLR will somehow automatically make you a better photographer though, you should seriously consider one of those without interchangeable lenses. I read some of the other reviews here, and seriously just had to shake my head at some of the amateurish comments made about the camera ("didn't know about dust on digital camera sensors", for example). Stick to point and shoots, they will make you much happier. Love the camera, Minolta plus a decent Canon printer are a great combo. Can't wait to get the 5600HS-D and the 18-200mm lens.

The $200 rebate should not be the reason for buying. I did not receive the rebate because the warranty card was missint from the camera box. Broadway Photo would not correct the problem. Konica Minolta would not help.

Started as an intermitted problem— The built in flash doesn't work as it should. A Bright/intense Light flashing out blinding folks-no flash for photo, or a bright/intense light flashing out and then either not doing a correct flash or not allowing the shutter release or both, no flash at all. Buzzing noise when pressing the shutter down when the flash is raised and sometimes sending a shock.
I had to return it to NJ as they have no authorized repair centers anywhere. They returned the camera claiming it to be fixed, it wasn't. They replaced the camera with another, it does the same thing. I think they have something really wrong with their built in flash.
Otherwise I love the camera, great photos.

Great camera and very similar to Maxxum 7000. Could use a little better focus and flash control.
Easy to use.

I have been using the 7D since January of this year, 2005. I was extremely happy with its photos, clarity, color, etc. After using it for a month,I noticed that periodically my 5600 flash would wash out the photo completely. I called Minolta and was told to send camera and flash to them and they would calibrate the camera and the flash. I also asked them to install the new software, version 1.1, while it was there. They did the above, and in the comments on the repair sheet noted that the camera was returned to factory specs. Well, when I used the camera for about another month, I noticed that a 'spot' kept appearing just off center in each photo—more noticeable in some than in others. As I looked back at all the photos I had taken from the beginning of owning this camera, I realized the 'spot' had been visible from the very first photo I had taken, but I had not noticed it. Since, during this same time, the camera totally shut off during several shoots(totally lost all signs working and blacked out— I had to turn off, then on again to get it to come back to life)I, again, called Minolta. They told me to send it in. At that point I had the camera 5 months and this was the 2nd time it was in the repair shop.While it was there, I was contacted by Minolta and told that dust was the culprit causing the 'spot' on my photos. I was told that digital users had to be more careful of dust than we did as 35mm owners. I would have accepted this news alot better had I not had the spot from the beginning of owning the camera. My only assumption is that the camera had the dust in it when it was brand new before I ever used it. Anyway, I have been using Minolta for 20 years and have loved every 35mm camera I have had. I have 6 minolta brand lenses including D lenses. I believe Minolta has helped make me the photographer I am today, but I have to agree with one of the other reviews I read—I am now looking for another brand of pro level digital camera. The wedding I did this weekend had so many washed out photos from the flash that it is impossible to save some of the shots—so calibrating the flash did not work. Also, the camera has blacked out on me a number of times recently. I do not believe Minolta is going to replace this camera for me, because I have already asked them to and they said the camera was okay. If this one is okay and not a lemon, then Minolta has a serious problem. Also, the lag time on this camera is unreal and I have used several different types (speeds) of compact flash cards. I don't know how anyone would ever be able to take a sport shot with this camera and get the photo they intended to get. I sure hope all digital cameras are not this way. I do love the photo it takes, but it is just not realiable! I am in the process of reviewing other makes right now. My business depends on it.

I bought my 7-D from B&H in Dec., 2004.I have used Minoltas for 30 years without ever a problem. After two months the menu function stopped and I could not take a picture. I sent it to the factory, who returned it unrepairable due to dust. I took better care of this camera than any camera I have ever owned. Now it is a $1,599.00 piece of junk. I am switching brands to Canon and Nikon for ever.

I owe minolta 800si wonderful camera but this camera you can see what you did wrong and do it again if you buy the flash 5600hs it's not compatible w this camera Minolta never mentioned this but you have to send the camera and the flash to be adjusted it is free of charge

First of all I am one of the last holdouts in the digital world. I own a Sony Mavica for general digital work (2mega pix) and have been patiently waiting for Minolta to come to their senses.
I own lots of Minolta AF glass, all the cables flashes and just about everything made. I still use my 800si camera for the important shots, but now with the new addition things are changing.
My test of the Minolta 7D has so far included shooting in the rain, out in the woods, under the worst possible lighting, portrait, and in general places no camera should go.
How did the camera perform? Excellent in just about every situation. Extremely easy to change settings on the run but I am having to learn how to adjust the flash settings.
Lots of knobs and a pretty color screen and the best part is that this feels exactly like the 800si I own and use now.
I did but a one gigabyte card to give me complete freedom in the field and an extra battery which I've yet to use. Seems like the battery life is about the same as the ones in regular cameras or at least close.

I've been playing with this new camera every night now in order to learn it's features. I've owned a 7000i now since it was introduced and thought it was one of the best cameras made until I purchaced the 7D. Photography is fun once more and with no need for a dark room. The big test is yet to come but I've yet been let down by any of my Minolta cameras and I started with a SR-1 back in 1968.

I have used my 7D since November 2004 and loved it. Easy to operate, great photos, ease of use with older Minolta lenses. I was at the 2005 National Jamboree, Boy Scouts of America, at Fort A. P. Hill. It was hot and extremely humid. Second day my camera goes on the blink. Try new battery, re-charge other battery and nothing. I get home, email Minolta, they say send it in. I do and today I get a notice from them that it's unrepairable due to "water damage." It was hot and humid. So I've blown over $1,100.00 on a camera they can not repair due to humidity. I don't know about anyone else, but I can't afford to spend that much money on a camera that can't take humidity. I have used Minolta for twenty years and all I can get is "unrepairable." I waited and bought it so I could use all the Minolta lenses I have invested in over the years. I checked with a national camera company and found out, too late, that 70% of all their camera repairs are Minolta. Do not make the same mistake I did.

My wife's cheaper 4 megapixel camera take sharper pictures than anything I can get. The first one I received B&H exchanged it because the exposures were so bad. I have about 7 lenses, both Minolta and Tamron, all rated very high. Yet the images are still lousy. I shoot mainly on a tripod, so anti-shake doesn't matter. Wrote to Minolta, and never get a reply. So I am back to film with my Maxxum 9 and Maxxum 7. The Maxxum 9 by far is my most favorite camera. Too bad for the 7D. If I get a good offer on eBay, it's gone. To me digital isn't all what it is cut-out to be.

A couple of years ago, I traded my Maxxum 9 in for a Minolta A-1. This was a really nice camera, but I missed the versatility of a SLR. This camera bridges that gap. The autofocus is the fastest and most accurate I've ever seen. In fact, under "normal" conditions, I find it's impossible to take a bad photo. Under lousy conditions, (rain, snow, fog, etc.) I still find it very difficult to take a bad shot. However, is this camera perfect? No. It has a little bit of shutter lag and sometimes while using the auto ISO it will underexpose the shot. Except for these two minor, occasional, glitches, this camera is a techno marvel. The exposure is usually right on the money and the camera is very easy to use. So don't let all the knobs and dials scare you. Put the camera in auto mode and learn what all the settings and different modes are for. Because once you have a good understanding of what this camera can do, that is when the fun really starts.

I am an analog 35 mm owner. I have stuck with Minolta because it's what I've always owned. I've used the X-300, X-370 and X-700. Ever since digital cameras came out I was eagerly awaiting the digital SLR's. Minolta seemed to be holding back from the fad. When the 7D came out, I hesitated purchasing it because it would mean a purchase of all new lenses as I didn't have any maxxum equipment. Eventually I gave in and bought the camera.
Aside from getting used to the many functions and means of adjusting them, it feels just as smooth as the analogs. It is one of the best purchases I've made in a long time and the picture quality is outstanding. It emulates ISO values from 100 to 1600 (3200 with optional equipment). It has a continuos focus mode for moving targets as well (anti-shake shows it's glory there). I've used the continuous mode to capture birds in flight and the shots were crystal clear :) The anti-shake function is in the camera body so that makes it even more appealing if you're on a budget for lenses.
This is a purchase you will not regret but it will not take non-maxxum lenses :( so be prepared to buy some if you don't own them already.

Even though I have only had the camera a short time I think it is excellent. Especially the anti-shake capability. I never use a tripod anymore, at least not yet. Also being able to use all of my lenses and not having to buy new ones is a plus. My old 2000 i flash even works. I also own a Maxxum 7000i which is also a great camera.