After much deliberation and list creating I have bought the Minolta 5D today! I think I've done the right thing, but after a week or two of scouring forums, reading reviews and lying in bed at night wondering which way to go, a decision had to be made.
Thanks for everyone who has commented in the forums regarding the Nikon/Canon/Minolta/Olympus pros and cons. It helped a lot (I think!).
Next question is what zoom lens to go with? I like the look of the Sigma 70-300 DG lens, but how does that compare to the Minolta lens?
The 70-300 APO is a really well-liked lens. The optics have reportedly been improved a lot in this latest incarnation. It also features a macro mode.
The 18-70mm kit lens plus the 70-300 is a fine mix.
How do you find the optics on the 18-70 you Konica folk?
Believe it or not, this is my #2 choice right after the 30D and I would have already got one if this L lens didn't come along for a great price.
I don't know if it fits your shooting style, but the 50mm f/1.7 is another really popular and highly affordable lens.
My guess is that the Minolta Lens equivalent to the 70-300 is going to be pretty close in optics, but their DG or high end lens is going to both cost a lot more and blow it out of the water.
You get what you pay for, but you might be happy with the 70-300.
Another one to look at seriously is the Sigma 70-200 f/2.8
People rave about that and you would pay for the camera in the money that you save in achieving the coveted 70-200mm with constant aperture f/2.8 and anti-shake. It costs like 5 times more than the Sigma, but a fair bit less than the Minolta.
If it was me, and I was pinching pennies, I'd go for the Sigma 70-300.
If it was me and money felt flush, I'd go for the Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 and grab a TC of some description (kenko?).
Glad2, I didn't match your great scores on the Z3 page, I'm afraid, but managed a couple on there! I think the Z3 is a great camera, but was getting to feel a bit too restricted. I'm certainly keeping it, though.
Paddles, I'll check out that website, but hopefully I'll have something fairly soon.
