Probably too much. I previously owned a DiMage 7 and found its performance disappointing. A friend with a DiMage 5 had a similar experience. The results of the Minolta sensors are disappointing.
Minolta uses the same sensors as everyone else, made by Sony. The difference is in the amount of in-camera processing. Minolta defaults to a relatively lightly processed image, which can easily be confused as soft or out of focus. The images are really just as good as other brands but rely on you to do the processing.
My problem was not soft or out of focus, nor was it minimal processing (as I switched to a DSLR which does even less processing and I am quite happy with). My problem was with noise at any setting, particularly in the bluw channel. In many cases, there was even heavy banding visible in the blue channel.
Well, a DiMage 7 can't compete with a 10D. Prices for the Dynax 7 are projected to be about $1500 so expect it to perform between the Rebel and the 10D.
Abolutely, and I did not expect it to. My complaint is that due to the noise issues, it also did not complete with other cameras in its price range, like the 707/717 and the S602Z. It was very limiting.
I have been using Minolta film cameras since 1988. As I have three lens and 2 flashes and every thing else needed for my two film bodies, I am anxiously awaiting the Minolta Digital Maxxum 7 as I am told the US version might be called. I have read it will be worth between $1000 to $1200 for a body. The antishake technology should be great as it is in the camera and not the lens. I will wait to pass judgement on image quality until the camera is out. I suspect that it will be a great camera and I want to own one of the first ones.
The Maxxum 7D is considerably lighter than many DSLRs. It's about the size of the Nikon D70. I got to play with it a little (and will possibly get it). The anti-shake is very nice and it does use the Maxxum lenses. Although I've seen the Maxxum 7D online for as low as $809, reputable dealers seem to still have it for about $1589-$1599 (body only in original packaging w/manufacturer's accessories). (NOTE: One of the online stores that now advertises the Maxxum 7D with a price $400 lower than the current average attempted to sell me the Fuji S2 for $200 less than the going price when that came out, but they were charging an additional $225 for the manufacturer's accessory pack and really didn't have it in stock. They hung up on me twice when I questioned them about selling the accessories separately and promoting it as in stock.) I strongly suggest that you ask what's included for the advertised price and is it actually in stock if it's listed for less than the going price.
