If you want the total creative control an SLR offers, but don't like lugging around a cumbersome kit, Minolta's Maxxum 5 is worth a look. It's one of the world's smallest and lightest autofocus SLRs, and its extensive array of high-performance features adjusts to offer something for everyone from beginners to advanced amateur photographers.
Design
Measuring just 5 by 3.4 by 2.4 inches and weighing in at around 12 ounces, the body of the Maxxum 5 is about the same size as many point-and-shoot cameras--of course, the lens adds to this size and weight, but it's still an extremely compact design. To save weight, much of the body is made of high-impact plastic, with a metal lens mount and tripod mount for durability. The camera uses Minolta A-mount lenses, and a 28-80mm Minolta AF zoom lens with a maximum aperture of f3.5 to f5.6 is included.
Key Features
Primary features include spot-metering and spot-focusing, depth-of-field preview, a built-in multimode flash, 7-point autofocus system, a maximum shutter speed of 1/4,000th of a second, 3 FPS rapid-fire shooting, and 14-segment metering. A powerful processor and speedy motor combine to provide one of the fastest autofocus systems available.
Additional Features
In addition, the Maxxum 5 features "eye-start automation," a performance enhancer that senses when you put your eye to the viewfinder and starts preparing to take a shot immediately. If you're planning to use the camera in the studio, the wireless flash setting communicates with Minolta off-camera flash units.
Contents
The kit comes with the Maxxum 5 body, 28-80mm AF zoom lens, shoulder strap, lens cap, and a pair of CR2 batteries.
Product Description:
So, you know about the high performance and superior image quality you can get with a Minolta Maxxum AF SLR camera, but you say that all SLR cameras are too big and bulky to carry around? Well, Minolta heard you. Maxxum 5 is one of the world's smallest and lightest 35mm AF SLR. It's easy to pack, carry, and handle, so you can instantly react on your creative impulses anytime and anywhere. Plus, Maxxum 5 houses a powerful array of high-performance features that will quickly satisfy beginner photographers and yet be valuable tools for photo hobbyists. If you want a true take-anywhere SLR, the little Maxxum 5 is the big winner.The Maxxum 5's high-response autofocus system makes sure your once-in-a-lifetime moments will be razor sharp. This new-generation Maxxum features an improved high-power AF drive motor and high-speed microcomputer for quicker and more precise AF control. It tracks even fast action and random movements effortlessly, right up to the moment the shutter releases. Maxxum 5 uses Minolta's new 7-point AF system. The focus sensors are laid out in a wide area to the "rule of thirds," so you have the creative flexibility of positioning your subject anywhere within the focus frame. The center crosshair sensor keeps the focus sharp regardless of vertical or horizontal subject contrast. When using the wide focus frame, you'll always know exactly what your Maxxum 5 is focusing on. Minolta's LED-illuminated superimposition technology highlights the focus sensor being used.
Minolta Maxxum 5 35mm SLR Kit w/ 28-80mm Lens