Minolta Maxxum HTsi Plus 35mm SLR Camera Kit w/ 28-80mm Lens

The picture quality of point-and-shoot cameras pales in comparison to those produced with an SLR camera, which gives you better optics, a through-the-lens view that lets you accurately frame your photos, and manual options for full control of your exposure and focus. If you are used to point-and-shoots, this camera makes the transition to SLRs easy; however, you'll have to refer to the manual to get the hang of using the extensive menu of advanced settings. In our tests, the HTsi Plus offered the full range of advanced controls--it let us set the aperture, exposure, and focus manually. The HTsi Plus also made it easy to switch into full automatic mode, in which we just pressed the shutter button, and the camera performed the focusing and exposure for us.

The Minolta Maxxum HTsi Plus is quite lightweight for an SLR and includes both a pop-up flash and an external flash shoe. It includes five preset exposure modes including portrait, landscape, and macro; burst mode; aperture and shutter priority modes; and a self-timer. For serious amateurs or professionals, the HTsi Plus offers all the standard SLR functions, although we found its aperture setting method (you have to push the aperture preview button and turn the camera's selection wheel) a bit disorienting at first. The HTsi Plus's 28-80 zoom lens gave us a good range for everything from portraits to landscapes. We especially liked the automatic exposure bracketing and multiple exposure functions; these features are useful in getting the right shot and exercising your creativity.

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Built-in flash
• Easy to use
• High-quality optics

Cons:

• Menu selection somewhat hard to figure out
• Unconventional aperture-selection method

For adaptability, the HTsi has three essential levels of complexity. Use P mode for fully automatic snapshots -- great for when you need someone else to take your picture. Use the Creative Exposure Mode for a bit more customization and to adjust it to one of five situations (portrait, landscape, close-up, sports, and night). Finally, use either the Aperture-Priority, Shutter-Priority, or fully manual modes to bring out the real photographer in you. After all, playing with f-stops and shutter speeds is where the fun of photography is anyway. I admittedly spend most of my time in this last mode, but the flexibility is highly appreciated (sometimes, one just does not have the time to fuss with dials).

The results from the HTsi have been fabulous. The flash seems to respond well to the darkest of conditions, and the 28-80 zoom lens offers the flexibility needed for a budding photographer. My only criticism is that the autofocus can be slow to respond in some lighting conditions. So far, I have taken rolls of photos for my organization, and everyone seems impressed with the results. I also bought a set of Tiffen close-up filters for doing macro photography, and the results have been quite stunning.

A final word. Amazon offers one of the best deals on the Net with service and peace-of-mind that you simply cannot beat. Believe me, I checked. I tried one of those mail order camera stores that advertise ultra low prices. By the time they "upgraded" me to what they viewed was an acceptable camera and charged me their exorbitant shipping fee, the price was higher than here. And guess what? Amazon's package already had all of those so-called "upgrades" -- without the hassle. Thanks Amazon!


An Excellent Camera   August 28, 2001
Edward Funkhouser (Raleigh, NC United States)
16 out of 16 found this review helpful

I purchased a Minolta HTsi Plus camera in October 2000 and have shot an average of two rolls of film per week with this camera since then. I have nothing but praise for this camera. The HTsi Plus has never failed me in any way. I suggest you buy the body only. Don't spend money on a 28-80 lens that may come in some camera kits; rather put that money into a lens that gives you much more flexibility, like a 28-200 lens. I use Sigma 28-200 and 70-300 auto focus lenses, and I can report nothing but satisfaction, reliability, and ease of use. I had considered purchasing a more expensive SLR camera, but today I am pleased I did not, for this camera is perfect for me, an experienced but amateur photographer. I have had loads of fun with this camera and taken hundreds of wonderful photos. I recommend the Minolta HTsi Plus without hesitation or qualification.


FIVE STAR CAMERA!   April 23, 2000
Bhong (Palawan, Philippines)
28 out of 34 found this review helpful

This is my first SLR camera... so I won't be able to compare this camera with other SLR camera. But I am able to say that if you were to buy a camera this would be a great choice. The quality of the Picture is much greater than point and shoot. You have more control on how your pictures turn out. The Minolta HTsi plus is easy to use for the basic features, but if you want to use the advance feature.... reading the manuel is recommended, but don't worry. ( )

Pros: Design, and easy to use.

Cons: Can't print date on pictures.


Love this camera   July 6, 2001
J. Talbert (McLean, VA)
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

When I was first looking for an SLR camera, I found a good deal on a Maxxum 300si. I used the camrea for a few days, and it got me hooked. I was happy with the 300si, but it was missing something, I wanted a camera with more flexibility. So I returned it and started looking around more. I came across the HTsi Plus, and it had all the features I was looking for. The pictures that this camera takes are incredible. I look for reasons to take my camera with me to places so I can take more photos. I do not see how anyone could be dissapointed with this camera. I was at the Indy 500 race this year and took some incredible pictures with this camera.


Great Fun   November 3, 2001
Daniel P. Weissbach Sr. (New York, NY United States)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

So happy we selected the Minolta Maxxum HTsi camera,the instructions make it very easy to use and it is much lighter in weight than we expected. Came on time for our first granddaughter Makenna.