Making the switch

[Issacfoo]

I have recently decided to make the switch and turn semi pro. In the past I have been using a film base minolta SLR Dynax5 camera. Having been thinking to switch to a Minolta D7. Reasons are excellent reproduction results, Anti-shake function (good for telephotoing). Imaging quality is also very good, not to mention good egronomic. Especially with switching and checking shots that you have taken.

As you can image the dismay I felt, when I realise that KM is discontinuing this line of products to Sony. I read somewhere that D7 is only a limited production of only 10,000 sets. I am from Singapore. Most of the camera shops only carry the KM D5. I have a 18-24 mm and a 108-400mm lens. which is also one of the key reasons why I am reluctant to switch to a different brand. I wanted to use back my lenses.

I am uncertain and concern in terms of the support that I would recieve should I get a KM DSLR now.

Should I consider other brands and discard or sell away current lens? =(

Friends have been encouraging me to get a Cannon instead... But that would mean re investing in a new set of lens... at least a wide angle and telephoto.

Could som expert out there help out a noob? My budget is only $2000.

[Coltess]

I am by no means an expert, but here are my thoughts.

As far as support I would not be afraid that it will stop. Sony is taking over from Minolta on April 1st, and I am confident they will live up to any warranty included with what ever camera you buy. Otherwise they could kiss any hopes of getting into the dSLR field goodbye.

Should you consider other brands? I would. Ignoring your budget for a moment, I would look at the other brands, and if your friends are using Canon (d)SLR's definitely check them out.

If your budget is 2000 USD (plus what you could get for your old gear), that should allow you to get a body and a couple of lenses, if it is 2000 SGD (~1200 USD) I would probably stick with Minolta, unless you want to save some more. This is all assuming that Singapore prices are comparable to US prices.

My biggest worry is that Sony will not continue to produce Minoltas current line of lenses, in effect limiting us to third party lenses, but hopefully Minolta will continue to make lenses and just slap a Sony brand on them. That being said I like my 7D, and the AS comes in real handy since my hands aren't all that steady (no pun intended).

[TWD]

I really doubt Sony will kill off the Maxxum mount. If they didn't want the Maxxum mount, they wouldn't have needed to buy Minolta's technology. But that is only the opinion of a wishful thinker as I have a Maxxum 7D.

I just love this camera and highly recommend it. Here is a crackin' good deal from Adorama (http://www.adorama.com/IMN7DK1.html?emailprice=t) This price is less than I paid for my 7D body only. The lens is awesome at constant f2.8. You won't often take it off.

[AlpineRaven]

I knew that Minolta will be sold to Sony area - Spoke to people at the store, if it breaks down, can be passed on to Sony for whatever warrenty reasons..

The reason I bought Minolta 5D because I have 5 lenses that will work/fit on 5D otherwise these lens are a waste, was used on Dynax 500si camera which i used a lot.

Previous Camera was FujiFilm 7000, learnt a lot but wish didnt go to Fuji, wished stayed with Minolta, and now I am back with Minolta, not regretting myself.

So main reasons was - Budget, Lens that suits, no need to buy extra lens or filters as I have them all. Very happy with Dynax 5D, looked at 7D bigger camera yeah but not *much* difference between 5D & 7D in my opinion for basic professional.

Cheers
AP