Design
Measuring just 5 by 3.4 by 2.4 inches and weighing in at around 12 ounces, the body of the Maxxum 5 is about the same size as many point-and-shoot cameras--of course, the lens adds to this size and weight, but it's still an extremely compact design. To save weight, much of the body is made of high-impact plastic, with a metal lens mount and tripod mount for durability. The camera uses Minolta A-mount lenses, and a 28-80mm Minolta AF zoom lens with a maximum aperture of f3.5 to f5.6 is included.

Key Features
Primary features include spot-metering and spot-focusing, depth-of-field preview, a built-in multimode flash, 7-point autofocus system, a maximum shutter speed of 1/4,000th of a second, 3 FPS rapid-fire shooting, and 14-segment metering. A powerful processor and speedy motor combine to provide one of the fastest autofocus systems available.

Additional Features
In addition, the Maxxum 5 features "eye-start automation," a performance enhancer that senses when you put your eye to the viewfinder and starts preparing to take a shot immediately. If you're planning to use the camera in the studio, the wireless flash setting communicates with Minolta off-camera flash units.

Contents
The kit comes with the Maxxum 5 body, 28-80mm AF zoom lens, shoulder strap, lens cap, and a pair of CR2 batteries.

Product Description
So, you know about the high performance and superior image quality you can get with a Minolta Maxxum AF SLR camera, but you say that all SLR cameras are too big and bulky to carry around? Well, Minolta heard you. Maxxum 5 is one of the world's smallest and lightest 35mm AF SLR. It's easy to pack, carry, and handle, so you can instantly react on your creative impulses anytime and anywhere. Plus, Maxxum 5 houses a powerful array of high-performance features that will quickly satisfy beginner photographers and yet be valuable tools for photo hobbyists. If you want a true take-anywhere SLR, the little Maxxum 5 is the big winner.The Maxxum 5's high-response autofocus system makes sure your once-in-a-lifetime moments will be razor sharp. This new-generation Maxxum features an improved high-power AF drive motor and high-speed microcomputer for quicker and more precise AF control. It tracks even fast action and random movements effortlessly, right up to the moment the shutter releases. Maxxum 5 uses Minolta's new 7-point AF system. The focus sensors are laid out in a wide area to the "rule of thirds," so you have the creative flexibility of positioning your subject anywhere within the focus frame. The center crosshair sensor keeps the focus sharp regardless of vertical or horizontal subject contrast. When using the wide focus frame, you'll always know exactly what your Maxxum 5 is focusing on. Minolta's LED-illuminated superimposition technology highlights the focus sensor being used.

It is small and light in your hand (not quite like a point-and-shoot, but definitely so for an SLR) and the automatic mode works very well. Out of the box it comes in the autofocus mode where as you bring it up to your eye it starts focusing; interesting in the first couple of days but I eventually took it out of that mode... I like it focusing when I press the button lightly.

That is one of the nice things about the camera... how configurable it is. You can select among tons of options and configure it to behave just as you'd like. Because of all the options I'd highly recommend some quality time with the manual :-)

My only dissatisfaction so far (and the only reason for the 4 and not 5 stars) has been not with the camera, but rather the Minolta lenses - actually something I did not think about ahead of time; don't get me wrong they are nice lenses but I have the following problem: focusing turns the front of the lens and this makes using certain filters (for example the Cokin system) problematic. It is fine for the typical circular filters like Tiffen and Hoya.

Overall I'm very happy with the Maxxum 5. I wanted to add that Amazon is an excellent place to buy it. Much cheaper than the stores, maybe not the cheapest on the internet (I found it for a little less), but they are trustworthy, fast shipping and reliable!


Great buy   October 5, 2001
 38 out of 39 found this review helpful

I'm new to the photography scene. I'm taking a photo 101 class and have never used a manual camera. The Maxxum 5 is an excellent camera. It's manual modes are numerous and all user friendly. But, if things get sticky you just hit the "panic" button and it goes into autofocus. Every photo is perfect. It's a great camera at a great price. I'm glad I made this buy. :)


great features...great deal.   January 25, 2002
 25 out of 26 found this review helpful

Taking the step to my first slr took some searching. All arrows pointed to the Maxxum 5. Believe what your read this camera is awesome. Full auto mode is great and ready to shoot strait out of box. The manual is very informative and user friendly. I have shot 8 rolls varying films, conditions, subjects and setting so far very hard to take a bad piture.
Those of you looking to step up to an slr camera dont hesitate. The creative modes and options are fun to work with, the hardest part is waiting to see the results while film is being developed!
The deal on amazon is competitive with all other sellers (better than 95% out there) service and shipping was great. Also look at the great deal on the 210 lense and tiffen filter kits, i have not found better prices on either. enjoy!


Maxxum 5, easy to use, excellent pictures, very forgiving   January 9, 2002
 18 out of 18 found this review helpful

If you appreciate quality pictures and want to go beyond point and shoot this is the camera. It is so fully automatic that you can have great pictures even while you are learning how to play with the settings and experiment. In a week I was doing double exposures, night time photography and close portraits each step I took more control of the camera as I learned the functions, what I did not know the camera compensated for me. I love this camera. One complaint that is not serious. I do not like the smaller size and do not like the small single focus buttons. But everything performs beyond my expectations, this is my 3 35mm and first auto focus.


Minolta Maxxum 5 Rocks!!!!   May 5, 2002
 17 out of 19 found this review helpful

Whatever you do GET THIS CAMERA! I have had it for almost 6 months now and I am continually impressed with it. In auto mode this camera is a dream to use. Even a beginner (such as myself) will get stunning results. In the past six months I have read books on photography and read the manual of this camera extensively. There isn't anything this camera won't do or won't let you do. If you are a pro then you can put this puppy in manual mode and it will let you have your way with everything. A truly amazing piece of photographic equipment at a very reasonable price. This is my first SLR purchase and I have never regretted it. I am just sorry I took so long to jump in a make the investment. With proper care this camera will last a long time and provide years of enjoyment. I just ordered a Tokina 80-400 mm zoom lens for wildlife photography for this baby! I can't wait to try it out. If you buy it though be prepared to read the manual. The camera is so feature packed that in order to appreciate it all you MUST read the manual. Fortunately, the manual is exceptionally well written and very easy to understand.