The Minolta Maxxum QTsi is the easiest-to-use single-lens reflex camera in Minolta's Maxxum product line. It handles and operates similarly to a fully automatic point-and-shoot camera, but provides the picture quality and system flexibility that only an SLR camera can offer. It is a camera you can grow with by adding lenses, flash units, and accessories.
The Minolta QTsi features a detachable 35-80mm lens, selectable automatic or manual focus, a built-in pop-up flash with four modes, a self-timer, and TTL-type metering. It also offers programmed autoexposure with an additional five modes for portraits, landscapes, close-ups, action shots, and night portraits. Film transport is automatic as well. A large on-body LCD panel displays exposure mode, battery condition, mode selection, and whether manual focus or autofocus is selected.
In the box, you receive the Minolta Maxxum QTsi body, a Minolta lens and lens cap, an adjustable neck strap, a user's manual, and warranty information. It operates on two 3-volt CR2 lithium batteries, which are sold separately. This camera is covered by a one-year manufacturer's warranty on parts and labor.
1 Best Camera For Beginners
I used this camera for my photography classes in high school and college. I was afraid that this camera wasn't as good as the one priced more. I love this camera. It goes everywhere with me. The pictures are amazing, and you can buy tons of lenses for this camera. I will tell you, out of all the camera's that I own, and have used, this is my favorite.
2 Wonderful Camera
Since I am married to the military, I travel a lot to different countries. This camera is perfect, whether I am taking pictures of Mt. Fuji or my newborn, this camera always delivers great results. The auto focus is slow at times, but you can override that and manually focus on the object.
3 GREAT for beginning photography enthusiasts!
I started using the QTsi two years ago and I've NEVER used anything else since then (my fully automatic Olympus has been permanently retired from my usage).
This camera is easy to use, and can be switched to manual control for more challenging and more creative photography options.
It's perfect for someone with an interest in photography but not a lot of experience as a photographer. The QTsi is a perfect beginner's camera but can be used even by more advanced photographers as well.
My interest in photography has quadrupled since discovering the ease of use for the QTsi and I thoroughly enjoy working with this camera and trying all sorts of filters and lenses for it.
4 Still better than most digitals
After five years of heavy use, the QTsi still blows many digital cameras away when it comes to photo quality. Every roll I bring back from Ritz is sharp and vibrant. I can't stress this enough; the colors jump off the page and the focus/contrast/balance is just amazing. Try to find that in a comparably priced digital. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to have my cake and eat it too (see Canon EOS Digital Rebel), but when it comes down to choosing between quality and convenience, I'll take quality any day.
5 I love this camera!
This is a great camera! I received a Minolta, as a gift, years ago but lost it in Turkey. I decided to stick with Minolta even though friends suggested I try Canon and my sister owns a Canon Rebel. In my opinion, this camera is equal to the more expensive brands plus I get more compliments on the picture quality than she does.
I just bought a refurbished lens and find that accessories are less expensive but do a great job.
I've taken this camera everywhere! I'm currently stationed in Korea and will be moving to Japan next month. I wouldn't trust these memories with anything else!
I've read the less than favorable comments from other consumers but can't agree with them.
6 Return
I baught this camera because it was a little cheaper than the canon but soon found out I should have spent the extra money. It is an ok camera but the versatility is limited and I question the durability over the long haul. For a beginer's camera it works but don't expect to much more.
7 Minolta QTSI ...300+ rolls and going strong
I bought this camera in June 2000 to use on our trip across country. We shot 93 rolls of film in 19 days of Lake Michigan, Mt. Rushmore, The Badlands, The Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, Las Vegas, The Grand Canyon, San Francisco, The Pacific Coastline, the St. Louis Arch , and 11 lighthouses. Neither of us are great at taking pictures but we were VERY pleased with all our photos!
Since 2000, we have had a new son and we have shot an estimated 125 rolls of him. I would recommend using Kodak Max 400 speed film. My son has big blue eyes and with this film I PROMISE you, we have no red eyes! We travel alot we have been to see numerous lighthouses in Ohio and along the East Coast as well as the Tribute in lights in New York City in April of 2001. We always return with at least 30 rolls of film to be developed. (Eckerds loves us)
I received a 70-300mm zoom lens for Christmas . I am looking forward to many more great shots(only my lighthouse shots will be even better now).
We have never had any trouble with this camera except for running out of film. (wink-wink)
You don't have to be a pro to use this camera. This camera takes great photos from close ups to landscapes.
8 The Honeymoon wore off...
This was a great camera for us for two years. It had great features but began to experience electrical problems after two years of use. It was stored properly and never damaged by a drop or anything traumatic. The estimate to repair is [a lot]! ... What bothers me is two friends with Minolta cameras had similar stories after two or three years!
9 A camera for amateur, hobbyist, and casual photography
I like to think of myself as an amateur photographer, although I don't necessarily know much about the technical aspects and jargon that more advanced shutterbugs are familiar with. That said, I got this camera as a means of improving my photos and learning a little about speed, light, film, lenses, etc., and it has more than satisfied that need! The pre-set photo buttons have helped me learn what speeds and settings work best for what types of photos. I've learned a lot about when to use and not use my flash, and I've improved my overall phototaking technique greatly. I especially love the close-up setting for taking pictures of flowers and such.
This camera is good for the hobby/amateur photographer as well as the casual photographer who simply wants to take better photographs. I haven't had any problems at all with the quality of my photos. I recommend using Fuji 400-speed film with this camera, as that seems to come out best in processing and takes great pictures regardless of location.
10 $275 piece of junk
Do not buy this camera, I bought it because it looked like a professional camera and because I thought Minolta was a good brand. I was wrong on both, learn from my mistake. The picture quality is poor to average at best. I thought maybe it was the developers fault so I tried another developer, same results. I can't tell the difference between the pictures taken with this camera and the cheapo I used before I got this one. You could spend a lot less to get the same picture quality. Minolta has poor customer service when you have a problem. Buy a Nikon or a Canon, I'm going to.
11 Minolta Maxxum QTsi 35mm
This is a great camera. It takes fantasic pictures and is very easy to use. I especially like the easy loading film and the autofocusing that allows for sharp, detailed pictures every time. The "action" or "sports" setting works very well for all types of action photos. The only draw back is that I've tried to attach it to my telescope to photograph the moon and it can NOT be used for this type of photography.
12 Best Pictures!
I love this camera! I bought it to take pictures of my newborn, and the pictures are more than I ever expected. Very good camera for the price. Great buy.
13 Great for beginners and the experienced
I have had this camera for a 3-4 years now and I have never had a problem with it. I have only owned full automatic, compact cameras in the past, so this camera was such a joy to use! Automatic or manual, its flexible in its picture taking, and its really simple to understand. A quick flip through the instruction manual and you too will be able to take pictures like a pro. I have had great luck with all my pictures -- close up and far away. I would love to purchase another lens for distance though.
The only downfall of having a real 35mm camera is its size. It is definitely not compact, so if you want to tote it around, you need a camerabag to protect it. Luckily this camera is not heavy, so it does not take that much effort to keep it with you on vacations, etc.
14 I LOVE IT!!!!
I bought it to replace a 35mm camera I already had because I wanted the clarity and vibrant colors the SLR offers. I took it to Disney World and I loved it! I recommend using either Kodak or Fuji 400 speed film. Out of 240 exposures, I may have had 10 pictures that weren't clear and I'm an amatuer.
15 No durablility!
After buying this camera online and comparing it to competing brands which friends had purchased at similar prices, it seemed a little cheap. It just did not have a solid feel to it, although it was lighter. Well what do you know... not more than 6 months after the 1-year warranty expired, so did our camera. It will cost us over [a hundred dollars] to fix. They (Ritz camera) tell us something went wrong with the "clutch". We took very good care of this camera, but if we would have compared it in a store with others and trusted our instincts as to the "feel" of the camera, we would probably not be out half the cost of buying a new one. A big thumbs down. Quality-wise it was nothing special compared to the competition either.
16 takes a lickin and keeps on clickin
i am extremely pleased with my purchase. after comparative shopping amd looking at everything from canons to pentax, i found the minolta the best for the price. this camera is excellent for beginner's like myself. the design is attractive...and simple(unlike other cameras burdened with complicated dials and thingamajigs a beginner like myself will probably never use). the instruction booklet is easy to read and understand. i even showed my nine year old nephew how to take pictures with it(in a couple of minutes) using the manual focus and the pics came out great.
also this camera is tough!! i didn't attach the carrying strap properly(one i bought, the one included is useless), and while getting into a cab, the camera fell to the ground with quite a clunk. neither the flash nor lens nor any other part of the camera was damaged and it still takes great pictures.
17 Perhaps for a pro but not for an amature
I got this camera for my dad thinking that he needed a hobby but he also needed a camera. This camera claimed to be easy enough for an amature, but powerfull enough for a pro. He has had very little success with making it do anything beyond the duties of a traditional camera, and in that function it is simply over complicated. For all I know it is a fine Professional camera, but as far as being a good personal camera it falls short.
18 Don't know what ya 'll R talking about
... I can take it fully manual or totally automatic! The flash is great.... The lens is perfect.... This camera is just as good as the Rebel! I have had my hands on that one as well. She is a perfect camera!
19 Great camera for beginners and beyond
I've had the Minolta QT for the past several months. I'd wanted to buy into the maxxum series for awhile and after doing some research the QTsi seemed to be the model for me. I haven't been dissapointed. If you're looking for something that will take most of the work out of your hands and allow you to simply point and shoot this is the model for you. I'm sure there's a way to be more manually involved but I happily let the camera do much of the work for me.
My only complaint about the camera is the auto-focus feature. Every so often the autofocus will go into a little fit when you try focusing on two different subjects at different depth fields. I'm sure this isn't particular to just this camera, but it will go back and forth for several long moments sometimes forcing your subjects to hold a pose for longer than they'd like while the auto focus gets its act together. But that alone hasn't dimmed my appreciation for the model. Do your research but I highly reccomend this model. Good luck.
20 Wish I bought a Canon Rebel Instead
I bought this camera a year and a half ago. Love the feel - very comfortable. I also love that it can be fully manual or fully automatic and anywhere inbetween. My biggest problem with it is that when I use it as a point and shoot (regardless of mode - portrait, landscape, etc.) all my pictures come out overexposed. They just look washed out. I've tried different speeds, different brands of film, but I have to say that my Fiance's little Canon Sure Shot takes pictures 10x better! I haven't given up yet, but I do wish I had spent the extra money and bought the Canon Rebel instead.
21 Very good result with proper usage.
I bought this Camera few months back and then onwards I was not happy with its result. Even normal camera was giving better result. I was not getting result what I expected from SLR Camera by paying big bucks.
Then I studied the manual and some better photography tips and just used "auto focusing" feature in the manner suggested by the manual and I got amazing pictures. Earlier I was using manual mode but that was giving poor result. I suggest using automatic focus and "400 Kodak Max" role with this Camera for the best result.
22 Takes Great Pictures
My wife and I chose this camera as our first non-phd camera (push here dummy). It is very easy to use and takes great pictures. So far we have not had any problems finding accessories for this camera when we have wanted to purchase them. It's functions are easy to learn and my wife had everything she needs to start a photography class next semester. I would recommend this camera to anyone purchasing one.
23 Just Right
I am not an expert at taking pictures. I have tried many cameras and have been disappointed in the pictures I would get from them. I bought the QTsi because all of the reviews said it was any easy camera to use. They were right.
You have the ability to use the auto focus capability or manually focus in on your subject. It is easy to remove your lens and replace it with another lens. It helps a novice, like me, take better pictures and seem like a pro. When people see the QTsi, they are impressed by its' looks, easy of use and the quailty of the pictures you get from it. It has gotten me hooked on taking pictures, good pictures.
24 Very disappointing SLR
I took what I thought was a step up from my point-and-shoot Ricoh, and bought a Maxxum QTsi last week. I got my first roll of film back from Kodak today (Kodachrome 64) and almost all of the flash pictures are so underexposed that they are worthless. Nothing tricky about these shots, either; flash pictures of groups taken from ten or twelve feet. The outdoor pictures, taken in bright sunlight, tend to be a bit underexposed but are not too bad. The savy owner of my local camera store tells me that I'm going to need a much better camera if I'm going to use Kodachrome. (But I have no doubt that all of the pictures on this roll would have been correctly exposed if I had used my inexpensive Ricoh, even with Kodachrome.) He says that he refuses to carry the QTsi, because it is just too badly made, though he has a high opinion of Minoltas in general. Very disappointing, particularly since I really liked the feel of the camera.
25 Perfect step up from a Point and Shoot
After years of playing with all kinds of point and shoot cameras, in all the price ranges, I decided to get a camera that I could improve my skills with. This baby is IT! For the price and the features (I got two lenses with it) this is a no-brainer.
If you are an amateur, looking to get more out of your pictures, this camera will have you shooting nicer, sharper, and more appealing pictures right from the start. In FUll Auto mode, it works similarly to any poiint and shoot camera (but MUCH nicer picture quality!) and if you want to tweak, you can adjust a (nearly) full range of settings.
The body itself is smaller than the average SLR, (which I like) and the overall fit and finish is top notch. You'll get stares and "wow! can I see that?" lines from everyone.
26 Great For the Aspiring Novice, Nice autofocus
A Great Camera for the begginer, or intermeditate looking for good price, It feels a bit unstable, but hasn't broken on me for 3 months. The Autofocus is very helpful, and the sports shutter speed is accurate for anything slower than a skateboarder, or else its a bit blurry. Its Perfect for its value though. If You are starting out. Have a tight budget. Or want to start a new Hobby. Buy It
27 This is a junk camera...
I bought this camera in oct-99 in Orlando (FL) ... before eight months I have a problem with the instruction panel, it doesn't work... In may-00 I sent it to an Minolta authorized center in Miami, then they said "It's working again" but it didn't true... In Jan-01 I send it (again) to an authorized center in Indiana, they fixed it (again), and again it didn't work... at this moment I spend about $80 trying to fix the camera but the camera is junk...
28 Landscape mode is not the same as Panorama
A friend interested in buying this camera asked me if the landscape mode was the same as taking a panoramic picture. So I checked it out. According to Minolta, the landscape mode is simply for taking pictures of subjects that are outside of flash range. This is great for snapping shots of wildlife where you don't want to get too close for fear of chasing the animal away.
29 Finally something for the novice
For years I have waited for a SLR camera that allowed the user to change lenses and had features common to most instamatic cameras. A camera that would take the guesswork out of focusing or choosing the right settings, and at a price that I could afford. Minolta's QTsi had what I was looking for. With the 35-80mm lens, that comes with it, it allows for closeups as well as extending the shooting distancen and all with professional quality. By adding a lens or two, Minolta allows the user to take telephoto or extreem closeup photographs without breaking the bank. The QTsi comes with a flash that takes excellent photgraphs in little or no light, as long as the subject is not out of the recommended distance, it also allows the attachment of a larger flash unit that will increase the flash distance. The booklet is very helpful and honest in informing the user on how to use the camera and lens properly to achieve the best results, and does so in easy to understand language. The AF (Automatic Focus) feature is great for those of us who wear glasses or contacts, and may have trouble knowing if the subject is actually focused. No more out of focus shots because we have compensated for our poor vision. With the addition of a tripod, taking family photos can be done any time, like when the grandkids come for the weekend and there is no time to get to a professional studio. With the 10 second timer, you can get in the picture too, and even eleminate redeye in closeups. If you are like me and have been wanting to step-up to SLR photography but they seemed complicated, complex and to expensive Minolta's QTsi is the camera for you.
30 Easy To Use
I love my camera. It's lightweight, easy to use, and the pictures came out great. I took it to a race track, where the cars were going very fast, and the pictures came out great. Great for a beginner or experienced photographer!
31 Works for everything but night football
I purchased this camera for a last minute trip to New York. Pictures from the City turned out very nicely, though I need some composition classes.
Unfortunately, I was recruited by my finace to photograph his old high school football team for a website. Even though the camera has a 'Sports' mode, I use recommended film speed and a tripod, the photos have consistently been blurry. I think I'm going to trade up to the STsi and see if I can get better results.
32 Minolta always offers great value
To me, Minolta SLRs have always offered the best value in their feature range. I've owned two Nikons, a Canon, an Olympus, a Pentax and two Minolta SLRs & liked all of them for different reasons. Everything else being as equal as possible, you can generally get a Minolta camera and Minolta lens for the same or less than the other brands with a Sigma or somesuch lens.
The last time I bought a Minolta, I also noticed that it had slightly more heft than comparably priced cameras, which I like because it makes holding the camera steady easier (and also because it gives at least the illusion of higher quality).
33 Easy to use SLR
Very nice camera. Easy to use, fully functional for a beginner or experienced photographer. Lightweight. Controls are easy to understand and use.
34 It's only trouble!
I bought this camera 2 weeks ago in Paris Charles De Goule Airport duty free. Until now it fixed two times on it's flash.My minolta service said "It has production mistake by flash".
35 Great Beginner Camera
This camera is lightweight and easy to carry. The easy auto functions with the optional manual functions make this a great beginner camera. It is my first SLR camera and I love it.
36 A must for beginner photographers!
The Maxxum Qtsi is a beautifully crafted SLR camera that is as easy to use as a point and shoot. The programmed autoexposure gives you five preset exposure modes, for sports, portraits, landscapes, close-ups and nightscenes. I have tried each one and I have got nice pictures on each mode quickly and without complications. The only drawback in this matter is that the Maxxum QTsi has not a B (Bulb mode) so you won't be able to take longer exposure pictures, so this camera is of not use for astrophotography. Other than that, for less than $ 300.oo, you will get a pretty lightweight camera that will give excellent pictures with its 35-80mm zoom lens also crafted by Minolta. A plus is that you can attach to this camera all of Minolta's extensive line of AF lenses,as well as AF lenses and filters of other brands. For its price, its simplicity, the quality of the pictures, and its looks, this camera is a must for the casual or the beginner photographer, for the tourist or even the camera buffs!
37 Minolta Maxxum
Saw this camera with a friend and fell in love with its features. Great design and greater ease of use. A novice at SLR usage coming from a basic point and click genre, I found that I could become really good at taking some fantastic shots.
