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Minolta Dynax 8000i

A 8000i lurking in the shadows...
This is a quick review of the Minolta Maxxum 8000i. I was not sure whether it would be better to add it as a footnote on my previous post about the 7000i or not but I am convinced that the 8000i needs a separate post of it's own as in many ways it is a different camera than the 7000i.
 
In terms of looks and user interface the two cameras look identical. I like the way they look, low profile with a chubby handgrip and a tilted LCD Panel. In terms of features, the 8000i offers a bit more: multiple exposures and a high eyepoint viewfinder that makes it easier for people with eye glasses to look through.

Expansion Card compartment
The biggest difference thought is the shutter, Minolta had to keep up with both Nikon and Canon who introduced cameras with 1/8000 sec shutter speed. So, new shutter and mirror box was developed for the 8000i. Also flash synchronisation went to a very decent 1/200. The AF feels slightly faster too although I have to say that I have used it with the old bad 35-80 f:4-5.6. With this lens, in low light conditions and with wide AF zone selected, the AF loses some of its accuracy. I am pretty sure it performs much better with faster primes. No issues with spot AF though.
 
Viewfinder showing some LCD bleeding
 As with all the 7000i and 8000i, mine has a bleeding LCD in the viewfinder. Still visible and functional though. 
Using this generation of cameras comes with an element of familiarizing with it first. Minolta's interface was not good back then, it involves quite a few buttons been pushed and pulled. Once you are used to it, you are ready to go and this is still a very functional camera (it went out in the now so distant 1991) and remains a cheap entrance to the exceptional Minolta system. 
 
 
Conclusion:
A camera that looks better in person than in pictures. It is very comfortable to hold and performance is very good indeed. I wish i had a better lens to test it with, the 35-80 is nothing special. I hope i'll manage to get my hands on a 50 f/1.7 and see how it performs. The 8000i was the top of the range Minolta back in 1991 and still is a very competent camera. With them been sold for less than £20 you get a lot of camera for your money. Recommended!

A rather nice looking camera
Exposure is spot on.

Comments

  1. Anonymous23 May 2024 at 04:47

    Grazie per la buona recensione. Renato (Italy)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Nor Slim Salman29 October 2024 at 22:40

    I agree. lots of camera for your buck. I am still using mine!

    ReplyDelete

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