@analogfusion It's a real shame that the old #Minolta #DImage cameras compressed so poorly. They all had great lenses and actually good image sensors. Although they also liked to outshine, which then often ended in a kind of foggy atmosphere. :smile:
However, I like photos like this one. It doesn't always have to look smooth and sterile. 👍
@heikor @emsquared My first "serious" digital camera was the DiMage A200. For a bridge camera, it had lots of manual options that I didn't use to maximum benefit at the time. My biggest issue was frequent missed focus, but I hate to blame the tool for what might have been my own poor technique.
A few years ago I picked up a 4MP point and shoot G400 (I think that's the model). It's surprisingly good for its specs. It has a macro capability that shoots from just a few centimeters away.
@analogfusion You're right, Lance. The autofocus has sometimes been very stubborn, and it has been slow too.
Btw, with the #DImage 7 and a newer 7i, I still have the two predecessors of your camera today. Dimage7 from 2001 and #Dimage7i from 2002 or 2003. However, I treated both of them to the latest firmware, now it is 'new like of 2004'. :smile:
These cameras also have a very slow focus drive, although more precise than other models of that time. Fortunately, it can be switched to manual.
Anyway: I still enjoy using these old ladies today. 🤩😁
@heikor @emsquared Focusing like it's 2004! 😆 Maybe the missed focus wasn't all on me, then. When it nailed focus, the A200 could create good images.
I sold mine to help fund the purchase of a Nikon D40 that I used for several years. It was a better camera in almost every way, despite having "only" a 6MP sensor, as compared to the A200s 8 MP one.
Still, I kind of wish I'd held onto that Konica Minolta.
OH Yeah, Yeah, Yeah! 🤣 I think you shouldn't worry about that. Many people have complained about the difficulty of focusing these cameras, and so have I. :smile:
Your D40 was well equipped with 6MP. Considering how small the image sensor on the A200 or my 7i cameras was compared to APS-C or similar sensor formats on D40 and others... if in doubt, the larger sensor is more important to me.
My 'latest' camera is currently the #SonyA300 dslr with 10MP, I also have a Canon #Eos300d with only 6.3MP. Both cameras are still enough for me today, even though I rarely use the Canon anymore because I have more lenses and other accessories for my Sony / Minolta cameras.
But I have to admit one thing: I probably wouldn't buy a new(er) Sony today, but I'm really in love with the old models. Somehow. So for now, I'm going to stick with Minolta, or the early Sony Cameras.
I don't care about tons of megapixels. I don't nead more than 10. 😉
@heikor @emsquared I find it hard to argue with the need for more than 10 MP - at least for most applications. In late 2013, I switched to Fujifilm mirrorless cameras, and have used them ever since.
While the latest models cram in a ridiculous number of megapixels into a half frame sensor, it's mainly their other innovations that keep me on that system. The film simulations are really useful to me.
A reason that I can understand very well. I also find it very exciting!
I am currently very happy with my cams. But they won't work forever either. Let's see where the road takes me... 😉