Minolta Maxxum / Dynax 5 vs. 600si

Hi,
[Maxxum 5 with the grip] vs. [600si] for use with a Minolta 24-85mm.

Best regards.

 

Well, yes, or maybe no. But, no. Or Yes!!! Maybe. Okay?

 

The Maxxum 5 will have a quicker AF and a more luminous viewfinder.
But the 600si has all the commands directly accessible with buttons and
knobs.
It depends what you prefer.
Both have a very good exposure metering and will make good use of the 24-85.

 

Believe it or not, I'm saying the same thing!

 

Having both cameras, the 5 focuses faster. Do you need centerweighted
metering? The 5 doesn't have it. Also, if you're going to do flash
photography, you've got a bit of a quandry. With the ADI flash metering in
the 5, the pop-up flash may give better results vs. the 600si. However,
with a non-ADI external unit, the flash compensation in the 600si often
produces better results if you knock the flash down by -1 or -1.5. I find
that Minolta's flash exposure system has (historically) had a tendency to
use more flash than I'd like. It seems to still be somewhat true with the
5, even with just the popup flash, and the lack of flash comp. is somewhat
limiting. I would've paid an extra $50 for a 5 with flash comp. The 600si
has a more stable hotshoe as well (there's a lip around it).

With the 600si, if you've got the camera set to M, having two control
wheels is handy.

The meter display in the 600si's viewfinder shows an extra EV in either
direction, which can matter if you're using the feature.

I find that I can usually set the 600si feature without taking the camera
away from my face, simply because I know where every control is and there's
some tactile feel to them. You just can't do that with a 5. It's less
fiddly than, say, the 800si was, but you just need to look at the camera more.

I'm not sure I agree with Phillpe's comments about the viewfinder. The
information panel *is* brighter on the 5, but in my experience, the overall
viewfinder isn't as bright. The actual image produced in the 600si's finder
is larger as well, and the eyepoint used (plus the diopter correction)
makes it far more comfortable with glasses.

 

My girlfriend just bought the Maxxum 5 and I find if it is used in PA
mode, or A mode then the controls are otherwise fine.

 

"Paul Coen" <> a écrit dans le message de

....

I didn't use the Maxxum 5, I just read several magazines saying the
viewfinder was bright.
I am very comfortable with the 600si viewfinder (I don't wear glasses), but
I find it a bit dark.

 

Subject: Re: Minolta Maxxum / Dynax 5 vs. 600si

I say "Splunge"! I'm not saying "yes", though I'm not saying "no" but I'm not
being indecisive ;-).

To the OP:

You might as well be asking "which should I prefer, grape or lime?" Unless you
have a specific use(s) in mind and are asking about one camera vs. another in
relation to your needs/purposes you might as well be asking "Mac truck vs.
Lamborghini, which is better?" Better for what, hauling *ss or hauling mass
quantities of ice cream? Red or blue? Up or down? Left or right? You get the
picture. Let us know when you have a specific question(s) that relate to your
needs/uses/purposes and will be happy to oblige by answering it. Otherwise its
a waste of yours and our time.