Pros: Simple To Use, Good Interface, Good Quality Photos, Inexpensive entry to SLR cameras
Cons: Lack of manual overrides on exposure settings
The Bottom Line: This camera is good for a point-and-shoot photographer who wants to move into the world of SLR cameras but is nervous about manual settings.
jps246's Full Review: Konica Minolta Maxxum 300si Film Camera
I have had the 300si for about several years now and have found it to be a very reliable camera. I have taken the camera hiking, skiing, canoeing and practically all over the place and have not had any problems with it on those trips. Additionally it has been in my car trunk when it's been below zero, been dropped in snow, splashed with water and left out in the sun without any harmful effects.
Basics
The only problem I did have with the camera was when I first purchased it. The lens got pressed and the plastic on the lens that holds it to the body broke. Since then I have been very careful in packing the camera and when I am using it. I would warn anyone with a Maxxum AF lens about this problem. The plastic on the lens attachment rings is not all that strong and can break fairly easily. Otherwise I have not had any problems with the camera.
I had owned an all manual SLR camera before this camera and at times I do find myself missing the ability make manual settings. The preprogrammed modes do not do all that good of a job of taking pictures in different types of situations.
The auto-focus does a fairly good job of focusing, however it has trouble focusing in cloudy or foggy conditions. In addition to focus on certain subjects in a photo, it is often better to switch the lens to manual so you can focus on what you want.
My prints and slides from the camera have always been top notch and I have no complaints from the quality of the photos from this camera.
The controls on the camera are straightforward and easy to learn. The different exposure modes are marked with different pictures that make it obvious what the mode is for.
Final Thoughts
Overall control of the camera is user-friendly and I think this camera would be a good first time SLR for a photographer who was looking to move up from point-and-shoot to SLR photography but was a bit anxious about having to handle manual settings.
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