HELP! Nikon F90X VS Minolta Dynax 800
Mehrdad Ghassempoory
I have been looking for a new camera, my old Cannon A1 is getting a bit
out of
date. Looking through the camera magazines/reviews, I have narrowed the
choice between Minolta Dynax 800 and Nikon F-90X. Everybody seems to
praise F90-X. But I have not got a lot on Dynax 800 apart from
statements like "Feature Packed" and "Capable". I am not even sure the
comparison between these two models is fair.
I am looking for performance and long term support from the
manufacturer. Features
are important to me, but I have no experience with the new generation of
35mm equipment and find it difficult to differentiate between essential
and gimmicky. Any ideas? Any comments, suggestions, advise on what to
look for is most welcome.
William T. Lowe
I don't know much about the F90x, but I have looked at the 800si. It
has the essential features for a AF SLR. Things like selectable AF
sensor, continuous predictable AF, low light AF assist light, and
release priority and focus priority. It also has an 28-80mm built in
zoom flash (don't know if that's something you want), custom functions
for setting things like whether the film leader is left out, whether the
AEL button locks, and various other things. It also has a good
viewfinder set up, which has all the relevant information at the bottom
in green LCD digits. It has a built in intervaler, and three custom
memory settings, and the ability to remember the last 9 rolls of film
upto 40 exposures each. The metering system is Minolta's best TTL
metering, which is as good as any other pro camera's, and it has
wireless flash capability, as well as high speed sync. But there are a
few drawbacks that may be relevant. The 800si, like all Maxxums, does
not have mirror lock-up. It only has a 3fps motor drive. As far as
support, I haven't heard too many more complaints about Minolta's
support policies than any of the others. The build quality of the
camera is pretty good, light but not as solid as an F5 by any means.
Its also not an 9xi, so you probably want to handle it before deciding
if it will be durable enough. I don't know how durable a F90x is, but I
know it isn't an F5 either. Some people complain that they don't put
out as many "pro" products as the other manufacturers, so you probably
want to see if they have the accessories that you need before deciding.
And for that you'll have to do more than look on their web page. I'd
suggest going to a decent photo shop and asking. Maybe you'll be better
supported by Nikon, but for most applications I'd suggest that Minolta
has what you'll need, and probably for less. I'd say these two cameras
can compete, although the F90 has fewer AF sensors and the 800si has a
slower motor drive.
Randy2lor
I have both a Minolta 700si and a Canon A2 a year ago( sold the A2). Using
Velvia (ISO50) and 50mm lenses for both, I get consistently better exposures
with the 700si than the A2. The A2 seems to underexpose from 1/4 to 1/2 stop
all the time and on some instances overexpose in the same range. In program
mode, the 700si is more versatile in selecting exposure for different subject
types ( you actually get a f/2-3.5 on portrait type subjects and a high shutter
speeds while the A2 may go for f/5.6). Again, this is my personal experience
and everybody may have different opinions.
Randy2lor
I'm sorry for my earlier post. It should have gone to a question about the A2.
David Bindle
Don't forget to check out the verticle grips. The Minolta's VG is way
better than just the shutter release you get on the F90x.
D flash technology is great but I could make better use out of the
wireless TTL flash technology that the Minoltas offer. Minolta also has
an incredible 4 tube ring flash for macro work.
Yes, I wish it had MLU but the F90x is no better here.
The F90x is probably more robust. How rough are you going to treat your
camera? The Minolta has many more features and more bang for the buck.
The Nikon *might* be more reliable and of course is compatable with all
those old lenses. How many lenses are you planning on buying? Can you
afford the camera manufactures's lenses or will you be buying third
party lenses anyways?
I'd probably go with the Minolta for the flash system and the VG. I also
like Minoltas metering system. Plan on spending the same amount that you
would spend on the Nikon system but get the VG and two wireless flashes
(or more or better glass!)
Just my 2 cents worth. (And probably not worth much more than that)
D.B.
Hans Henrik Appel
The UK magazine Photo Technique did a comparison of these two cameras in
October '97... It ended up with both cameras getting 5 out of 5 stars! And
to quote their final conclusion:
"Each of these models has so much that makes them stand out from the crowd
that any minor failings are blasted into insignificance"!!!!
Anyway, I ended up choosing the Nikon F90x as my latest camera... Surely the
Minolta is 'feature-packed' as you called it, but those features didn't seem
to be of any interest to me...
I mean, the Minolta can turn on the camera whenever you pick it up?
Honestly, I just keep my Nikon turned on when I'm in the field... And the
F90x uses AA-batteries, in contrast to the Minolta, that use the 2CR5
lithium battery...
I've never tried shooting with the Minolta, but have held it briefly once,
and I honestly didn't like the feeling.. When I first held a Nikon F90x I
instantly knew that this camera was made for me... In the end, I think it
all comes down to how the camera 'feels' when you hold it... You have to be
able to get a good grip on your camera and intuitively know where the
functions are situated...
Go to your local dealer, hold the cameras, listen to the sound and decide...
Love at first click?
I don't think you'll regret buying neither one of them!
Yours,
Hans Henrik Appel
H/A Photographic Studio
http://www.haphoto.com
Appel Books - Photographic Bookstore
http://www.appelbooks.com
ICQ #3249125
Tommy Zablan
I almost bought a new F90x at a local store yesterday. Having used one
extensively (borrowed), I can say that its build quality and feel is
excellent. However I ended up not getting it in favor of an 800si. Why?
1) The F90x lacks a lot of features without the MF-26 (another $180, adding
to the $800 body cost). Among these are multiple exposure, autobracketing,
and flash exposure compensation. All this vs. the $630 800si, which has all
the above features, plus some others like leader-out rewind, selectable
focus points, metering index, and data memory, and the cost of the F90x
didn't seem justifiable.
2) Minolta has the lens choices I need at important zoom ranges and focal
lengths. (Nikon does not have a 24-85 and a 28-105)...ok ok..Nikon has a
24-120 but its expensive :)..adding to the cost of an already expensive
body.
3) 3rd Party lens manufacturers are turning out some very good lenses, i.e
Tamron 90mm 2.8 macro, Tokina 28-70 2.6-2.8 Pro II, that give professional
results at (sometimes) a fraction of the price of OEM lenses. I read
somewhere that "minolta makes the best bodies", and they are cheaper too,
and with good 3rd party lenses you are getting the best price/performance
ratio.
4) While it seems the choice to go 800si was a price/practicality decision,
this is not the case. The 800si is no push-over even compared to an F90x
(and even beats it in terms of features), in terms of handling and feel.
5) I'd probably have more fun with the features of the 800si, as well as
with the lenses I could get with the money I saved by not getting an
F90x:)<--this clinched it.
Good luck!