What Happened to Minolta?

[sixbits8]

OK, I have a Minolta Maxxum 7000i Which I love. Finally decided to go with a Digital SLR (I tend to ride the backside of the technology curve). So I figured I'd stick with Minolta. Can't find them, what happened? I Want to leap ahead so I can get great pictures for our trip to the Grand Canyon, plus my son's basketball games (he just made the team). So I will also need a good low light camera. I'm disappointed Minolta is not around. Any suggestions? Willing to spend in the $800-$1,200 range. Any help would be appreciated!

 

[ukcatfan]

Sony bought them. Your lenses will work on any of their models.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

As ukcatfan replied Sony bought them. I didn't know this either (having had a Minolta SLR) until I went looking at DSLR's. I ended up with the Sony A700 and LOVE it! That would be right in your price range and they are on sale currently for the holidays. You can buy it body only or with a couple different lens options. It shoots at 5 fps, does quite well in low light (you will want to update to the current firmware v.4), and has numerous creative settings for getting the saturation/contrast etc. that is your preference. It also has a Dynamic Range Optimizer (DRO) that I've recently started playing around with and am really liking for landscape shots.

Sony also released the A300 and A350 earlier this year that have live view and articulating view screens that could help with odd-angle shots. Those two models are priced a little lower than the A700. And then there's the entry level A200 without the live view.

They retained the Minolta Auto Focus mount so all the AF lenses will work with the Sony's.

 

[ILuvCrush]

I had a Minolta SLR too... I finally bought a DSLR last summer... a Sony A100 before they upgraded them. I picked it Soley because of the lens compatability. I've been thrilled with it ever since . I'd love to upgrade, but this one works for what I need it for

Paula

 

[sixbits8]

You guys are awesome! I never even thought about my lenses being compatable with anything anymore. I think I'm shopping for a Sony this weeekend! I'll definately look at the A700! Thanks!