Minolta Maxxum STsi

35mm Camera Reviews     

The Minolta Maxxum STsi SLR 35mm Camera

Minolta Maxxum STsi Camera The Minolta Maxxum STsi, is a basic, entry-level compact single-lens reflex (SLR) camera that offers a host of automatic features to make picture-taking point-and-shoot easy while also providing versatility and flexibility of more than 40 Minolta interchangeable lenses.

 A World-Class Compact SLR
Measuring 5.31 x 3.54 x 2.4 inches and weighing 12.7 ounces, the Minolta Maxxum STsi is one of the smallest 35mm SLRs offered today. Technology developed for the renowned Maxxum HTsi Plus has been used to create the STsi's ergonomic, space-efficient layout, slender grip and low-profile built-in flash.

Full-Auto Operation
The Maxxum STsi’s full auto operation turns exposure control over to the camera, giving photographers the freedom to concentrate on the composition. Pressing the program-reset button immediately restores Program mode, so the user can instantly return to full auto mode to take a picture; the built-in flash will pop up automatically and fire when necessary to properly expose the subject (the flash also functions as the AF illuminator for accurate focusing in low-light conditions). The camera's AF system uses Minolta's high-sensitivity CCD line sensor, which covers a wide focus area.

Easy Operation
The Maxxum STsi has a clear-cut, easy-to-recognize control layout to quickly familiarize beginners with SLR operation and allow advanced users to stretch their creativity.

Push Button Control
For ease of use, basic-function controls and automatic features, such as the main switch, program-reset button and subject-program button, are placed on the grip side of the camera. Photographers simply press the button until the desired setting appears on the large, easy-to-read data panel.

Dial Controls for Advanced Functions
The Function dial on the left side of the camera provides access to more advanced functions: Program/Aperture/Shutter/Manual (P/A/S/M) exposure modes, red-eye reduction, wireless/remote flash, multiple exposure and ISO setting. The functions are selected using the easy-to-recognize function dial and function button. Settings are changed by turning the control dial while pressing the Function button.

Precise Honeycomb Meter
The Maxxum STsi's eight-segment honeycomb-pattern meter precisely measures exposure levels in eight separate areas of a scene to ensure accurate exposure. The system also incorporates subject distance, magnification, position and motion information to determine the best shutter-speed and aperture combination for the picture.

Spot Metering
Spot metering concentrates all of the meter’s sensitivity into the center segment, which is approximately 5.5mm in diameter. This permits precise readings of specific portions of a scene or subject, such as a face in shadow or a back-lit portrait in front of a window, to provide the most accurate exposure in difficult or tricky lighting.

Multiple Exposure
Lets the photographer overlap two or more exposures in a single frame for dramatic creative effects.

Built-In Flash
In P and Subject Program modes, the Maxxum STsi’s built-in flash will pop up and fire automatically when necessary to provide coverage for lenses as wide as 28mm. The flash can also be manually turned on and off, providing the user with total flash control.

Wireless/Remote Flash
With Minolta flash units, the Maxxum STsi offers flexible wireless/remote flash operation with through-the-lens flash metering. Photographers can experiment with creative lighting techniques without the hassle of accessory cords and connectors. Used with the built-in flash, lighting ratio control is also available at 1:2 (built-in flash: off-camera flash).

Subject Program Selection
In addition to P mode, the Maxxum STsi offers Subject Program Selection to give beginning photographers the ability to control the camera according to the subject matter. Simply selecting an icon on the data panel sets the camera to the shutter speed and aperture combination that best suits the situation.

Kit Includes: Minolta Maxxum STsi Panorama Camera with Quartz Date Feature, 35-80mm F/4-5.6 II Silver Lens, Strap, and 2 Lithium Batteries.