BBNC

Here's one for you pros: I have several Minolta Maxxum lenses from my 35mm days. I'm thinking of getting a digital which uses these lenses. I know they will work on the Minolta 7D (old, 6.1 Mp). or the Sony a-350 (new, 14 Mp). Both cameras use essentially the same sensor (APS-C, 1.5).

Bells and whistles aside, which camera would make better use of the sensor (with my lenses), or are we talking about a complete do-over?

I understand pixels vs. picture size and potential quality, but that's not really an issue.

The attractive thing about the 7D is the camera's functions are mostly controlled by separate knobs and buttons instead of scrolling through menus in the heat of battle, and it's built like a tank.

My P&S is a Canon SX30IS.

NewEnglandPhotoguy Loc: Chelmsford, MA

You bring back memories. The Minolta 7D was one of my all time favorite cameras. I cried when Minolta closed up shop.

Many of the Minolta lens are extremely good. If the 7D does all you are looking for in a camera, go for it. Most of those lenses can be picked up on EBay for very reasonable amounts. I've got 24 x 36 images made with a Minolta 6.1mp. Just keep the ISO down and use a tripod.

Have fun.

BBNC

Photoguy,

I had a Konica Minolta A200 P&S with 7Mp, which I gave to my daughter when I went to the SX30IS. I made some great stuff with the A200, which has caused second thoughts now that its gone.

In the time since I started reading articles on pixels vs. sensor size (3 links posted on yesterdays thread, "Sensor size, Mp's and cost) it would appear that I might not be satisfied with the 7D and it's older technology, as good a camera as it was. I need to chew on the issue a bit longer.

I do prefer separate controls for everything, vs. scrolling through menus, though.

Gidgette Loc: Boerne,Texas

BBNC, could always buy her a new camera and trade back for your good one you miss. LOL

BBNC

I probably could trade back, but that still won't help me with what to do with these good lenses sitting on the shelf. Probably the best thing would be to list what I've got (bodies, lenses, flash units), take whatever money I could get, and put it towards a whole new system. I could also donate to my local Community College (if they even use 35mm nowadays) and take a tax reduction.

I guess the only saving grace is that the stuff isn't costing me anything to store.

NewEnglandPhotoguy Loc: Chelmsford, MA

When I switched, I sold everything on EBay and went out and bought Nikon.