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Minolta XTsi

by J Greely

The short version

Take the features of the 600si, omitting wireless flash sync, depth-of-field preview, the flash compensation dial, the adjustable diopter, and the vertical grip (and, sadly, the metal tripod mount), put them into a smaller, lighter body with controls that are easier to operate than a 700si, and add in eye-start autofocus, a central cross AF sensor, and a sensible mix of custom functions. Throw in consumer favorites like a quartz-date back and a mid-roll "panorama" switch while you're at it.

Now, just to confuse everyone, give the Japanese and European versions different names and slightly different features. For more fun, give pre-release versions to journalists that don't quite match what you eventually release. Just in case anyone tries to outsmart you, don't put any information onto your US web site for months, despite prominently including the URL in your full-page ads.

Usability

The 600si remains the most usable Maxxum, with every function on clearly marked switches, dials, and buttons, but the XTsi is number two. Most functions are set from the large, friendly command dial on the upper left side of the camera, with confirmation on the LCD. As an experienced camera user, the only thing I needed to use the manual for was setting the custom functions.

I can only find two things to complain about in the user interface: the grip sensor for the eye-start autofocus function doesn't work reliably for people with large hands (it is a small camera), and the custom functions are identified only by number, requiring you to carry around the manual or the provided cheat-sheet if you expect to change them often.

Most of the custom functions are set-and-forget sorts of things, like leader-out on rewind and "never pop up the flash automatically", but others, like release-priority autofocus and manual rewind, can bite you if you're out on a beach and suddenly realize you left them set the wrong way (this happened to me on my first day; fortunately I had the manual in my camera bag). There's plenty of room to have screened this information onto the back, which is where I think it belongs, but this would no doubt be more expensive than printing a small card in several different languages and dropping it into the package.

Who's the target market?

I'd say that this is the new mid-range amateur camera in the Maxxum line, replacing both the 400si and 500si series. If it had a few more features, it would be competitive with the 600si, and for many people it might be a better choice anyway. I've noticed that it's attractive to women, due to the size, weight, and finish.

Metering

The metering is the standard Minolta high-end system, combining a 14-segment matrix meter and roughly 2.5% spot meter. TTL/OTF flash metering is still a basic centerweighted sensor; very good, but not competitive with the best the competition has to offer.

Flash

High-speed flash sync is supported at up to 1/4000 with the 5400HS flash, but wireless flash sync has been omitted for, reportedly, "corporate reasons". The Japanese and European versions of this camera are not crippled in this fashion.

Construction

Mostly plastic, with a metal lens mount; the tripod mount and film guides are plastic. It feels a bit small in my hand, especially compared to my 600si, which is equipped with the optional vertical grip. Good for small and average-sized hands. Nice non-traditional finish, neither black nor chrome, which would be even nicer if there were any lenses or flashes that matched.

The viewfinder is reasonably good for those who wear glasses; I can see the entire frame and the in-finder display clearly, with just a tiny amount of room to spare. Like all Maxxums that don't have adjustable diopter correction, you can buy add-on diopters to adjust the camera for your vision.

Bottom line

This is my second-favorite Maxxum, and if it had an adjustable diopter and a vertical grip, I'd seriously consider making it my primary body, and adding flash compensation would likely push me over the edge. I'd keep my 600si for some things, like tripod, macro, and copy-stand work, but the XTsi would be the carry-around camera.

I can see no reason to recommend the 300si, 400si, or 500si to anyone. If you need something that costs less than $350 at B&H, the even-newer HTsi is the best bet, but for anyone else considering a beginner or intermediate-amateur body, the XTsi is the winner.

Text Copyright © 1998 J Greely.

Article created 1998

Readers' Comments


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Marcus Erne , April 24, 1999; 07:06 P.M.

Today I read that the "HTsi Plus" covers pretty much the features of the XTsi. It is lacking eye-start, the data back and a metal lens mount. Fortunately it features the far more valueble wireless flash operation and a remote cord port.

B&H has a Maxxum body comparison chart on their Minolta section:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/photo/35mm/minolta/maxcomps.html

I had a quick test drive in a local store, it is very small and light. It is probably well suited for women and as a back-up body.

The price is as of April 24th, 1999 $ 275

Bill Tuthill , July 05, 1999; 12:57 P.M.

Apparently the only difference between the two models is that the HTsi lacks metal lens mount, remote (cable) release, eye-activated start, panorama mode, quartz data back, and chromy look. These extra features make the XTsi weigh slightly more than a ZN-5n, while the HTsi weighs slightly less than a Rebel G.

The HTsi Plus adds remote release, chromy look, and wireless flash control! Minolta can convert an HTsi to an HTsi Plus for about $30 plus S&H.

Jack Daniels , January 12, 2000; 02:14 P.M.

I just got a Minolta XTsi with a 28-80 lens kit at B&H. It's my first SLR camera, although the custom settings took some time to memorize, overall I found this camera quite easy to use, and it didn't take long to learn all the features. I was pleasantly surprised that this camera did have the wireless flash mode, apparently Minolta heard your complaints. I'm sure that I will be happy with this camera years down the line. It's light, compact, -Maybe too compact if you have big hands- feature rich and "enhanced cosmetic appearance with a silver metallic finish and leather-like grip coverings adds head-turning good looks." (atleast according to MinoltaUSA.com). I have two minor complaints about this camera, the af/m switch is too close to the lens release, and the eye start dosn't always activate when I have glasses on. For such a great camera -especally for the price- I'll learn to live.

Joseph A Worrall MD RDMS -- , June 07, 2000; 01:15 A.M.

I just received an XTsi from B&H, (my Maxxum 9 is so darn heavy I do not take it on trips - and now that I have added the vertical grip, wow what weight!) and contrary to their adds and web site, this camera does have the wireless remote feature.

It is a neat little camera.

Joseph A Worrall

Carlo Consoli , February 22, 2001; 05:57 A.M.

After having started with a Zenit 122 TTL, then prosecuting with a Yashica FX-3 2000 in a bag of 3 lenses, and carrying all this stuff in my travels all around, I bought a 505si. I did it for many reasons, above all: wheight, autofocus for candid and sport shots and spot-metering. The 505 solved all these problems. First of all, my bag lost 1Kg, which can be a real relief for one-days out trip in hot countries, such as Cuba, the far east or Australia. In two years I carried my Minolta 505si everywhere and it did not get me tired at all. Second, the spot metering is very effective and tight, allowing the beginner and the expert to do a lot of fine work. In these days I restarted studying Ansel Admas books and my Minolta was really fine for working with the Zonal system. Now the bad sides: 505 has not a common flash socket and it lacks the shutter release cable connection (you have to buy the remote control). I solved these problems by using a sensor cell driving a remote flash whose GN is far greater (GN 32) than the bult-in flash (GN 12). For the release cable, simply use the self-timer with long exposure time (the camera allows up to 30''). Finally, the camera has nice customizing features (the custom menu), use them to customize the AF/AE lock button to become toggling. This feature will allow you to use the aperture priority mode and aperture compensation (+/-3 stops) while locking the exposure metering on the zone of your choice. One really bad thing of the camera: it has a software feature that inhibit using 42mm screw lens (e.g. Russian), the camera does not release the shutter. So you have to use only dedicated lenses. I think this camera is great for the beginner and the advanced amateur photographer.

Brent Haydamack , March 12, 2001; 03:14 A.M.

Some XTsi bodies are equipped with Wireless/Remote Flash Option

I purchased the XTsi with a Sigma 28-105 F4-5.6 UC-II Lens as a replacement for my trusty X-700 I had been using for 14 years. I purchased the camera brand new in April 2000. My camera did indeed come ready for wireless/remote flash. Apparently this is something Minolta added after the initial realease of the camera becuase this feature was listed in a single sheet 8.5" X 11" supplement to the manual. The feature is not described anywhere in the manual itself. To quote the supplement, "Wireless/Remote Flash is avaiable with the Minolta 5400HS, 5400xi, and 3500xi accessory flashes. Wireless/Remote flash lets you experience the creative control available with an accessory flash."

I could not find the manuf. date on the camera, box or in the literature, but note that the function dial of my camera lists the option "WL" which controls the Wireless/Remote Flash mode. You might look for it on the dial if you are considering purchasing this camera. Interestingly, in the illustrations in the manual, the WL option on the fuction dial does not appear!


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