Minolta D7 vs Canon 20D - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

11/27/2004 11:33:02 AM · #1

Minolta D7 vs Canon 20D

Have a film slr - Minolta Maxxum 8000i - and a couple of lenses and flashes.

Lens:
Minolta Maxxum 35-105mm 1:3.5-4.5
Minolta Maxxum 100-300mm 1:4.5-5.6

Flash:
Minolta Maxxum 3200i
Minolta Maxxum 5200i
and one other that is in between - don't know numbers right now.

I am starting to research my best options for upgrading from my Epson digicam to a DSLR.
Including considerations for best camera and budget.

If I purchase the Minolta D7 I have the lenses and flashes listed above to get started. I also like the in camera anti-shake
technology.

However, the Minolta has about 2 less megapixels than the Canon.

So, would it be beneficial for me to get the Minolta since I already have equipment that is compatible with the camera?
Or would the Canon be a better bet since my Minolta lens aren't that spiffy (or are they)?

Thanks in advance for suggestions and feedback.

EddyG

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

11/27/2004 03:59:31 PM · #2

The D7 was mentioned in this thread. Some things to consider that may or may not be important to you.

Dr.Confuser

Nikon D800

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

11/27/2004 04:02:18 PM · #3

Originally posted by autumncat:

... However, the Minolta has about 2 less megapixels than the Canon. ...

See this thread for the relationship of scores to megapixels.

Panasonic Lumix G 14mm F2.5 ASPH

11/27/2004 06:34:17 PM · #4

Originally posted by EddyG:

The D7 was mentioned in this thread. Some things to consider that may or may not be important to you.

Thank you - that thread (although not originally about the D7) was quite informative.

Olyuzi

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7

11/27/2004 07:55:42 PM · #5

The difference in image quality when making large prints is going to be minimal between 6 and 8 MP cameras, though the larger sensor will permit you to crop more. The 20D is excellent when it comes to noise, but can the same be said about the 7D? To take advantage of the AS technology on the Minolta you're going to be shooting in lower light conditions and these can produce more noise, so that's something I would research when it comes to the 7D. Is your style of shooting and preference of subjects going to benefit by the AS technology?

MAK

Leica M Monochrom

Voigtlander Ultron 21mm f1.8

11/27/2004 08:30:50 PM · #6

I am not a canon user or a minolta user but I think that if i had the same choice as you right now I would go for the 20D without hesitation for these reasons

1.allthough minimal, MP size does matter
2. the noise factor
3. Canon lenses are way better IMHO
4. the COOL factor(joking).

I stared at the 20D for a while the other day and allthough I am a dedictaed NIKON user I have to admit it felt good and looked good and is ONE hell of a camera. the KONICA/MINOLTA combination Im affraid has not produced anything to wonderfull since they teamed up to be honest but in saying that I have never held one in my hands (D7) I used to have the Minolta Dimage 7 that wasn't too bad.

just my 2c worth

Tranquil

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro for Canon

11/27/2004 09:23:56 PM · #7

Originally posted by autumncat:

Have a film slr - Minolta Maxxum 8000i - and a couple of lenses and flashes.

I have the same exact SLR and I moved to a Canon system with ease and have found it to be very good. One problem I must say is that there is now way that our Minolta-A mounts can adapt to fit the EOS mount. This may be a factor in your decision. Hope it goes well...

Lee

jamesdak

Panasonic DMC-FZ10

12/03/2004 11:21:15 PM · #8

In what way are Canon lenses better than Minolta's? Image wise I'd put my Minolta primes against any other makers.

Click here for a side by side comparison of the Canon 20D and the Minolta 7D

12/03/2004 11:34:12 PM · #9

blemt

Nikon D70

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Nikon

12/04/2004 07:06:58 AM · #10

I got my hand on a D7 at a vendor training a few weeks back and fell in love. It's by far one of the most comfortable cameras I've ever laid hands on.

Battery life isn't as good due to the in camera Anti-Shake. But man, it was amazing how well the Anti Shake worked in actual shooting conditions.

I'd give the D7 a good long look.

KarenB

Canon EOS-70D

Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

12/04/2004 08:02:58 AM · #11

I just got the Canon 20D for my birthday (Dec 2nd), and let me tell you I am more than excited! In the past I have half-jokingly said "this is my present for the next 5 years" when I got a nice gift, but let me tell you that this time I am serious. I am so done with having to get anything else as this camera seriously rocks! Now I just have to live up to the camera! LOL
I really enjoyed my olympus e-20, but now I realize it was nothing compared to this 20D. This *feels* like a camera should.
Cheers, and good luck in your decision, but I thought I'd just add my thoughts.
:)

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

12/04/2004 10:07:24 AM · #12

Originally posted by KarenB:

Woo hooo! Congrats! Now you'll have to get a few L-lenses... ;) It never ends...LOL

BobsterLobster

Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro

12/04/2004 12:56:30 PM · #13

Originally posted by alionic:

Noise factor? What noise factor? They're virtually identical as regards noise.

awpollard

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS

12/04/2004 01:14:33 PM · #14

Originally posted by KarenB:

I'm with you on that one, I picked up my 20D on the 30th of November and sheesh what a difference. Immediately you can tell that your about to unleash the hounds once you have this thing in your hands. Like you say I think this covers me for Christmas, Valentines day, Anniversary and Birthday (have to keep next Christmas open for lenses you know).

How about the learning curve...What do you mean I can shoot IS0-800 again with little to no noise? I'm not stuck in 50-100 range? You mean I can actually go to f/22? Huh.

I slapped my measly little 420EX speedlite on there and now I know what E-TTL really does...

Wow, what a camera.

12/04/2004 01:15:12 PM · #15

Originally posted by Tranquil:

Originally posted by autumncat:
Have a film slr - Minolta Maxxum 8000i - and a couple of lenses and flashes.

I have the same exact SLR and I moved to a Canon system with ease and have found it to be very good. One problem I must say is that there is now way that our Minolta-A mounts can adapt to fit the EOS mount. This may be a factor in your decision. Hope it goes well...

Lee

Love my 8000i - but am really considering the Canon. Good to hear you liked your transition. I didn't expect my Minolta equipment to be compatible with anything else.
It does seem that Konica Minolta is not nearly as popular (for reasons?) as it once was. Minolta used to be one of elite in the camera market - but Canon & Nikon seem to be the shiz these days.

Thanks - probably won't be ready to buy until next summer.

Message edited by author 2004-12-04 13:20:04.

12/04/2004 01:16:35 PM · #16

Originally posted by blemt:

Thanks - that's a good recommendation for the anti shake.
I definitely need to find one in a store and play a bit. Same with the 20D.

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

12/04/2004 01:29:15 PM · #17

20D: 8MP, shoots at 5fps, amazingly low noise at high ISO

Less expensive than the Minolta 7D, and the availability of the widest range of high-end lenses in the market.

I think the choice is clear :D

BobsterLobster

Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro

12/04/2004 03:53:03 PM · #18

Originally posted by doctornick:

A good choice if you buy at the top end of the lens market, a bad choice if you want value-for-money lenses with IS.

EddyG

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

12/04/2004 04:04:16 PM · #19

Originally posted by BobsterLobster:

A good choice if you buy at the top end of the lens market, a bad choice if you want value-for-money lenses with IS.

Huh?

Konica Minolta Zoom Telephoto AF D 70-200mm f/2.8 APO G SSM Autofocus Lens $1,899.95

Canon Zoom Telephoto EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens $1,649.95

Message edited by author 2004-12-04 16:05:19.

BobsterLobster

Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

12/04/2004 04:11:34 PM · #20

Originally posted by EddyG:

Originally posted by BobsterLobster:
A good choice if you buy at the top end of the lens market, a bad choice if you want value-for-money lenses with IS.

Huh?

Konica Minolta Zoom Telephoto AF D 70-200mm f/2.8 APO G SSM Autofocus Lens $1,899.95

Canon Zoom Telephoto EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens $1,649.95

I'm not an expert on top-end lenses, all I know is that Minolta is a great system to buy into if you want good value for money. The impression I get is that Canon offer more choice, and with the choice of USM. Minolta lenses can never be as quiet.

jamesdak

Panasonic DMC-FZ10

12/09/2004 07:14:35 PM · #21

Think of Minolta as a poorly marketed system that is just as good if not better than what the other big two make. I've yet to run into a true photographer who doesn't fall in love with the wonderful Maxxum 7 when they put their hands on one. That said either camera should serve you well and you really should analyze your style of shooting and compare your needs to the few differences between the cameras. I will stick with Minolta because I love thier bodies and have a ton of money in glass. And despite what others wil say, Minolta has a quite adequate line of lenses. But, Nikon and Canon are more commonplace and easier to find used gear for. You also stand a much better chance of finding Nikon or Canon glass for rent than Minolta.

Sony DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Aspherical ED Zoom Lens for Sony Alpha

12/11/2004 09:02:41 PM · #22

Well - I went to check out a couple of cameras in person.
Had a chance to hold the Nikon D100 (enabled) and a disabled Minolta D7.
Not really in the Nikon market but it seemed like a vey nice camera.
Unfortunately they did not have the Canon 20D in stock to play with. Told me to try a one of their larger stores.

7D felt fabulous!! Love the LCD on the back and the hand grip was like a glove. Wish I could have checked it out in more detail.

Quick question I have regarding the side by side comparison of the Canon and Minolta.

What does the (H) stand for in regard to the ISO (seen below) - and also what does it mean for an ISO to be auto?
Canon 20D - ISO rating 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200 (H)
Minolta 7D - ISO rating Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200

Message edited by author 2004-12-18 00:17:46.

kiwinick

Sony DSLR-A550

12/11/2004 09:10:50 PM · #23

I'm in the same boat with Minolta800si bodies lenses and flashes. Have a look at this site there is a good review of the 7D
www.ephotozine.com