[awinz]

The camera in review is a Konica Minolta 5D SLR. The camera is the prosumer/consumer version of the larger 7D. Main differences include a smaller body, lack of a vertical grip, less knobs and button and hence more menu scrolling, and a LCD with less resolution. The 5D however, contains several preset programs for Sunsets, Night, Sports, Flowers and Portriats. Its a 6.1 megapixel camera with a 1.5 crop factor.

Size wise, the 5D is slightly larger than its film counterpart. It fits well in my hands and has great balance with any lens than I place on the camera. The camera does lack the normal top LCD information screen that most SLR's contain, however all information is shown on the huge 2.5 inch LCD screen in the rear of the camera. The body is plastic with a magensium frame and an all metal lens mount.

Controls are very accessible. Most Minolta users would have no problems finding their way around the camera. Menu's are easy to access and all major adjustments are accessed through the Function button, which is located by the exposer compensation button and AEL spot button at the top rear of the camera. The camera accepts Compact Flash cards and USB connectivity. A Depth of Field preview button is located at the base of the lens mount. The AF/MF switch is located on the left side of the body. A diopter is found to the right of the eyepiece.

White balance is adjustable, though Auto White Balance meteres well and is aware of bright whites in the scene. A cool feature is the ability to adjust the WB and ISO for low and high ranges: eg Black tuxes and white gowns. ISO is adjustable from 80 to 3600, with noise showing up around 800 in darker scenes.

Shutter speed is adustable from Bulb, 30 seconds to 1/2500 seconds. Aperature is determined by the lens but can reach f32. The built in flash can be synce up to 1/250 with anti-shake on and 1/500 with it off. The camera has spot meter, center weight metering, 14 segment honeycomb (matrix) metering, and average metering. Exposer can be adjusted +/- 2 stops in 1/3 stops, or 1/3 and 1/7 stops using the auto bracket feature. The 5D contains full auto, programable auto, A, S, and full Manual settings.

Antishake is a big feature of this camera. Unlike Canon, Nikon, Sigma, and other, the 5D has image stablization built into the body of the camera. Ive found that I can go 2 or 3 stops below normal and not have shake, but then I have very steady hands.

Overall I'm very pleased with this camera. I have used Minolta's for many years and will continue to do so. The camera fits all AF mount lenses. A drawback however is the lack of Minolta glass as they sold their rights to Sony. All Sony Alpha lenses will fit the 5D as they are former Maxxum AF lenses with a different name and cosmetics. Two flashes as well as a remote release are avialable for the 5D. I don't have to many problems, except longish write speeds with slow sutterspeeds when noise control is on. I also prefer a slightly heavier camera than the 5D.