Minolta Maxxum 5 The smallest AF 35mm SLR, the Maxxum 5 packs lots of features and performance into its compact body. And it sports the lowest street price of our five favorites. (Note to those who read our User Report in the September 2001 issue: The current U.S. version of the Maxxum 5 does not offer the panoramic mode that our test camera had.) The lowest-priced and most compact of our five choices, Minolta's Maxxum 5 nonetheless offers a full range of "serious" features along with terrific exposure and AF performance. Five subject programs (the Landscape program was used below) make it easy for even beginners to get great shots. Focusing—The Maxxum 5 incorporates Minolta's Multi-Dimensional Predictive AF, which provides terrific performance with action subjects—even if they change speed or direction. A seven-sensor AF system provides a wide AF area, and you can select any of the seven AF sensor areas yourself. The central focus sensor is a cross-hair type, able to handle both vertical and horizontal lines. There are three AF modes: continuous Multi-Dimensional Predictive, single-shot, and auto, in which the camera automatically sets continuous AF when subject motion is detected, and single-shot AF if the subject is stationary. Of course, you can also focus manually when desired. As with all current Maxxum cameras, the Maxxum 5's AF system operates in light levels down to EV -1. In dim light, the built-in flash (or accessory flash, if in use) emits a few short bursts to assist the AF system, theoretically permitting autofocus photography in total darkness. Exposure—The Maxxum 5 incorporates Minolta's excellent 14-segment honeycomb metering, plus spot metering via the central honeycomb segment. Exposure modes include programmed AE, shutter- and aperture-priority AE and metered manual, plus five subject programs (which set the camera for point-and-shooting portraits, landscapes, close-ups, sports action and night portraits with flash). The program mode isn't shiftable per se, but you can use Custom Function 8-3 to set PS mode, in which you can change shutter speeds using the control dial, or Custom Function 8-2 to engage PA mode, in which you can change apertures via the control dial—in each case, with the camera automatically adjusting the other control to maintain correct exposure. You can set ±3 stops of exposure compensation in any of the AE modes. There's also automatic exposure bracketing, and you can use exposure compensation and bracketing simultaneously. Flash—The Maxxum 5's built-in pop-up TTL autoflash unit (ISO 100 guide number 39, in feet) covers the field of view of a 28mm lens. ADI (Advanced Distance Integration) metering is employed when D-type Maxxum lenses are used. This takes subject distance data from the AF system into consideration along with the TTL flash metering for flash exposures that are less influenced by background conditions and subject reflectance. When Minolta 5600HS (D), 3600HS (D) or 5400HS flash units are used, pre-flash metering is added to the mix: the flash fires a burst before exposure, which is used in conjunction with the 14-segment honeycomb pattern for the most accurate flash exposures of all. HSS mode allows flash photos to be made at shutter speeds up to the camera's top 1/4000 (at close range); normal maximum flash-sync speed is 1/125. Photo by Lynne Eodice Wireless TTL flash is possible with Minolta 5600HS (D), 3600HS (D), 5400HS, 5400xi and 3500xi flash units. If you press the camera's flash button while taking the picture, you'll get a 2:1 lighting ratio between the off-camera and built-in flashes. More Features—Film transport is automatic, with a maximum advance rate of 3 fps). Multiple-exposure mode lets you make as many exposures as you wish on a single frame. Shutter speeds range from 30 seconds to 1/4000. A bulb setting keeps the shutter open as long as you keep the button depressed. You can use the optional Remote Cord to lock the shutter open. Eye-Start automatically activates the camera's focus and exposure systems when you bring it up to your eye for quicker shooting, and can be switched on and off as desired. The P button just forward of the LCD panel returns the camera to fully auto mode at a touch—handy for point-and-shooters who want to experiment with different camera settings without fear of "getting lost" in the camera's many features. Like all Maxxum cameras, the Maxxum 5 will accept the full line of Minolta AF lenses, which currently range from 16mm full-frame fisheye and 20mm superwide-angle to 600mm supertelephoto, including soft-focus and 1:1 macro lenses, a 500mm mirror, and lots of zooms, from 17-35mm superwide to 100-400mm tele. The Maxxum 5 provides 14 Custom Functions, which include such things as DX memory (the camera remembers a manual change to the DX-set film speed, and automatically sets the new speed when that film speed is loaded), locking the shutter release when there is no film in the camera, leaving the film leader out of the cassette after rewind, and de-activating the AF illuminator (handy where it would be a distraction).