Nikon N50, Nikon N70 or Minolta 430si???
Peter Joyce
I've tried to compare these 3 cameras recently and I can't decide what
makes them different. I haven't had an SLR camera since my old Nikon FG
got wet a couple of years ago, I bought a cheap Minolta point and shoot
for it's verstility (it was all I could afford as well.) Now I'm in a
shopping mood again but alot has changed, or so it seems.
Any suggestions. . .
Peter
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Tom Willson
One of these things is not like the others...
That would be the N70.
The Minolta you mentioned is a fairly basic model with a plastic
lens mount, single AF sensor, no spot-meter, no program shift, no
depth of field preview...
The N50 has a metal lens mount and program shift, but still a single
AF sensor, no spot meter, no DoF preview ...
Like the Minolta 600si (and above) and the Canon Elan II (and above)
the N70 is a very complete, feature rich camera, with most of the
features that most photographers want. It's controls have been
criticised by some, but it's flash metering capabilities are about
as advanced as you can get. With the current rebate program it's
about the same cost as a Minolta 600si (noted for especially nice
controls) and the Canon Elan IIe (noted for eye-controled focusing -
a potentially awsome automation feature). I expect the new Pentax
ZX-3 to come in at about this price as well (apx $430 mail order).
On the other hand, your talking about a lot less cash for the 430si,
N50 and similar models.
Tom Willson
Thomas E. Hines, III
> Any suggestions. . .
>
I have had a lot of fun with my Minolta 430si.
It's a great camera for under $400.
There are some fancy features that it does not have,
but it allows me to either use complete Auto mode or
Manual mode. The lenses are fairly inexpensive as compared
to the OTHERS.
To obtain all of my current equipment in another (Cannon or Nikon) brand
would have
cost twice as much. I would still be breathing on the camera store
window... wanting.
Tom Hines
Ron Lewen
Peter... All three are quality cameras, but of the three, the N70 has the
most features and capabilities, but, of course, the price is higher as
well. I wasn't impressed by the N50 when I was looking. For the price,
the 400si family is a better value. One note... the 430si and 450si are
only available through department stores and a couple of large camera
chains (Ritz Camera is one). Not that this means anythin, but if you try
to compare prices with mail order, you won't find the 430 listed.
Now for a couple of other alternatives... take a look at the Minolta 500si
if you like their products. It has a couple of features that the 400
lacks, including a metal lens mount and depth-of-field preview. You should
also look at the Canon Rebel G, which, IMHO, offers the best value for the
money (I own one... No bias there!). It has more features and
capabilities than the 400si, 500si or N50. If the price of the N70 doesnt
bother you, look at the Canon EOS Elan II or IIe. This is my favorite of
the bunch, and the one I'm saving my pennies for!
Whatever your decision, take a look at the whole product family. the body
is just the first step. you should make sure that the manufacturer has the
lenses and acessories that you want. this is why you see Canon and Nikon
name so much
Good luck!
Peter Joyce <p...@mail.utexas.edu> wrote in article
<33A67...@mail.utexas.edu>...
> I've tried to compare these 3 cameras recently and I can't decide what
> makes them different.
-snip-