Minolta DiMage A1 VS DiMAGE 7hi

Can anybody tell me the difference between the Minolta DiMAGE A1 and the
Minolta DiMage 7hi?
I've read through the specs and can only find two differences :

(1). The A1 has a stabilizer - the 7hi doesn't
(2). The A1 uses own brand batteries - the 7hi can use use standard AA

When choosing between virtually identical specs the possibility of using
standard AA has always been one of my priorities. If my choice had been
between two different brands then I would opt for the one that uses standard
batteries, but I can't understand why Minolta has two identical cameras : I
must have missed something somewhere!

Can somebody shed some light, please


Thanks in advance
Steve

 

True and very effective, this unique feature itself is worth to choose the
A1. The battery provides a better power management. With the optional
battery pack available for the A1, you can use both, the brand batteries or
standard AA.

The cameras are not identical. Many minor and major improvements came into
the A1. The A1 is a real sequel of the succesfull 7 series. Some of the
differences you missed completely:

- A1 provides shutter speeds of 1/16000s (7Hi only 1/4000s)
- A1 has more AWB presets
- A1 has the much more ergonomic design
- A1 has a grip sensor (for saving power and fast activation of pre
focussing)
- A1 has more easy to access switches for fast changing of the setting,
especially at the back
- A1 has the more flexible control wheel, with all creative and scene
programs on it for quick access
- A1 LCD is moveable from -20 to 90 degree - extremly useful!
- A1 has the better and more flexible AF, including 3D predictive AF
- ...

If you own a 7Hi already, there is no direct need to change to the A1 if you
are happy with the 7Hi. But if you want to buy a new one, I can only advise
to take the A1 because of the many big advantages like better power
management, AntiShake, flexible LCD, the better handling and the much better
AF.

 

They are far from identical Steve. Go here and compare them side by side.
http://www.letsgodigital.org/en/camera/specification/compare.html

Leo R

 

Some ... would be
- A1 has the better maximum aperture of 11 instead of only (8 or 9,5)
- A1 provides up to 5 frames per second instead of 3 with the 7Hi
- A1 has a 4 times higher video resolution
- A1 has an AUTO ISO mode (100-200) which is missing at the 7Hi

 

Thanks
I should buy the A1 if I understand correctly...!!!

 

No one has mentioned that the A1 has a standard PC flash sync connector.
A big boon to me since I use a number of portable and studio strobe
units.

Tim

--

"The strongest human instinct is to impart information,
and the second strongest is to resist it."

Kenneth Graham