which Digigital SLR camera is the best?

Question

Canon 350D or Minolta

Answer 1

I personally like the Canon, better features and photos turn out better.

Answer 2

Firstly, I assume you're referring to the Minolta 5D- which would be a fair comparison.
Neither camera is 'the best'- as they each have their features. They are both compact, consumer Digital SLRs. The pro's for the Canon are it's Brand Name, high quality 8mp sensor with excellent noise (think 'grain') characteristics, and excellent image quality. The downsides are it's a light, inexpensive build- but not really bad. Also- invest a little more and avoid the kit lens- as it is not of the best quality. Fortunately- there are plenty better quality lenses available (but they cost $$$)

The Minolta 5D is a 6Mp sensor, so slightly less resolution, but excellent image quality nonetheless. You won't notice the difference for anything printed at 8 x 10" or less.

The Minolta has perhaps better build quality and some nice additional features. Primary of this is the built in Image Stabilization. Great for low light/long exposure shots, or long telephoto shots. It will easily allow you to use a shutter speed 6-8 times longer and still get a crisp image. The downside of the minolta is that Minolta is no longer in business. Fortunately they've been bought out by Sony- and Sony has promised to care for any future repairs of Minoltas, as well as continue the development of lenses. So- it's not really a dead end.

If you like the built in image stabilization (which is terrific), consider the slightly more expensive, 10Mp new Sony DSLR based on the minolta system. It's called the Alpha A100. Or, Pentax has come out with two new models, the K110D and K100D, both compact DSLRS, the latter of which has built in image stabilization.

Answer 3

Konica Minolta have sold out to Sony, I know as I bought a KM, however Sony have upgraded the D5 and called it the A100, althoughth the D5 was an excellent camera, Sony have actually improved it, It now has 10.1 mil pixels, Anti shake on the camera, so unlike Canon you don't have to pay mega bucks, for the USM lens canon offer, I looked at the canon 350d and I admit it is good quality, but feels cheap, the Sony on the other hand foe the money feels a lot better....www.dpreview.com , this will help you decide, it has a complete write up of many cameras...

Answer 4

The 350D is a superb camera. Here are two in-depth reviews:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos350d/
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2005_reviews/rebelxt.html
With Konica-Minolta, you didn't specify the model. You probably mean the 5D, and this is also a great camera - tough choice.
Here's a snippet from Steve's Digicams about the KM-5D:
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"Its image resolution (6 vs 8-megapixels) and shooting performance might fall a bit short of the XT's, but the 5D's image quality is essentially equal and its handling superior. The 5D's body-integral CCD-shift Anti- Shake feature will be a tie-breaker for many users. Amateur dSLR's are generally outfitted with relatively inexpensive amateur lenses having no image stabilization feature; the 5D's Anti-shake feature allows you to enjoy low light hand-held shooting with every lens in your kit, while the Rebel XT requires the purchase of relatively expensive IS lenses for equivalent low light shooting."
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Then, I suppose you can add future-proof as small advantage for Canon (you know the company will still be there in 5 to 10 years, if you want to upgrade the body.)
And if you want to seriously upgrade over time, you can add variety of gear and the availability of used gear as a huge advantage for Canon.
Finally, go to a camera shop and play with these two cameras side by side. All else being equal, I'd give Canon a slight edge - based more on the Company than on the merrit of the 350D - but if the KM-5d felt like a much better tool, I'd let that be the deciding factor.

Answer 5

As a Canon 350D owner... I'll say go for it :)

It's great and never let me down. But take my advise and test before buying. Make sure that the flash is working and a common problem is the red af focus points that you see through the viewfinder. When in the shop, make the seller light them all up for you to make sure that they are all working. But Canon 350D is simply great. If you are willing to take a look at the shots quality, please check the links below. Cheers.

Good luck... :)

Answer 6

I would tend towards a Canon every time for the quality aspect, but the Minolta might be a cheaper option (haven't checked).

Answer 7

You should look at the new Sony Alpha. 10.2 megapixels, anti shake, sensor dust removal, and a host of other features.

There are a range of new lenses for it or it will take any Minolta fit lenses.

It is half the price of the Nikon D200 which is its nearest rival in megapixels. At around £600 it is a bargain, and it has been getting very good reviews in the photographic press.

Answer 8

personally i don't rate them very high
fugifilm finepix 4900zoom is the camera i use and haven't found a decent replacement on the market yet
its 3.1 million pixels and 6 years old uses a smart-media card for storage

Answer 9

definitely Nikon much better quality than Canon

Answer 10

Canon because you can have access to all their lenses!