User Rating: 
6/10
Small package - good pictureby - September 12, 2004
Pros: Great camera for on the go. The small size was the key selling point but the picture quality helped me feel good about my purchase.
Cons: Location of lens takes a little getting used to. Battery life has been less than I expected. Overall, I am very happy.
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User Rating: 
7/10
I never leave home without this camera!by - June 21, 2004
Pros: Extremely compact and portable, so you can comfortably take it anywhere you go. Easy to whip out and snap off pictures quickly with little hassle. The picture quality is good enough that you can even take some semi-artistic shots. The perfect camera fo
Cons: Pictures tend to darken on sunny days. Flash is good for it's size, but it still negatively effects color quality more than other in other cameras. Not sure if this is really a flash problem or something else. No macro or "action shot" functions. Rela
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User Rating: 6/10
I take it everywhere.by - June 12, 2004
Pros: Fits perfectly in my pants pocket, and I hardly know it's there. Starts up very quickly and ready very quickly for next shot. Good quality pics. Even though its a 3 megapixel camera, I take most pics at 2 megapixels because that's really enough. But havin
Cons: Will break if dropped. Buy a second battery so you won't run low. Viewfinder clouds after a few months and becomes useless. LCD display cannot be seen on a sunny day. Flash is good only up to about 12 feet. The body could be built better as it does wear d
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User Rating: 6/10
We go everywhere together!by - November 25, 2003
Pros: The size of this camera means I take it with me everywhere. That is the secret to great photography in my book. A friend has a Casio and I envy its zoom quality but little else. My Xi has taken a lot of real abuse without any problems. Now I hardly ever c
Cons: Hard to hold steady for lo-lite shots. Battery life is short - I need a spare.
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User Rating: 
9/10
Worth havingby - October 24, 2003
Pros: Quality thing. Being small and simple it manages to surprise on things it does quite often. Colors when developed are really nice.
Cons: Close range zoom is ineffective. Changing the picture parameters, swithing from picture mode to the video mode isn'nt as fast as sometimes you would need.
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User Rating: 
5/10
Very Portable, but...by - October 3, 2003
Pros: Great camera to throw in your pocket and go! I love the compact design. You can take this camera anywhere! Daytime shots turn out pretty nice!
Cons: Night time pictures are horrible. It seems that the camera has a very hard time focusing, unless you are within 3 feet. And then again...anything closer than 3 feet is blurry. I dont recommend this to anyone.
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User Rating: 7/10
Just What I wanted But Take Careby - April 21, 2003
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I have had my xi for about a month and I just read all the reviews. There are really only 2 sets of reviews for this camera. Love it OR Hate it. The hate it people complain about focus & dark etc. I have learned how to use it and am now a happy xi guy. I think many of the "focus" problems are really camera shake issues. This is a hard camera to hold still. It's tint. Secondly, it's hard to learn to keep your fingers and hat brim out of the way of the lens. But, with time, my ratio of good pictures to bad has gotten much better. I had a Canon G1 and loved it BUT, I wanted one to take with me everywhere. This is the one and I'm glad I bought it. Live and learn.
User Rating: 
10/10
Good things in small package!by - April 11, 2003
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Looking at the size and price of the camera, this is really unbelievable. Does a lot more and better than I expected from it. Decent still images and movie shots too. Just for fun, shot some pictures with the highest Q setting and on tripod (look bizarre, small camera on the tripod) but the result was incredible! Highly recommend this camera!
User Rating: 
8/10
For those who know what they wantby - April 7, 2003
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Yes, in low-light conditions it focuses so and so. Yes, it doesn't have manual controls. But hey, I have it with me everywhere and I've shot pictures I could never shoot with a normal size camera. Everyday pictures that bypass us can now be captured. And I am not in the first week of having the camera. It resides in my pocket (even trousers pocket!!!) for the last 5 months!
User Rating: 7/10
Goodpictures,and flexibleby - April 6, 2003
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Enjoy using it and very portable,allows me totake photosof X-Rays at workfor teaching purposes which are very useable.
User Rating: 10/10
OUTSTANDING CAMERA!by - April 3, 2003
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I read a lot of comments regarding many cameras and I wanted to share my experience too. Up front, no comments on Minolta support because it hasn't needed any. Picture quality is great after 3 weeks of use. The main reason I purchased this camera was to take anywhere and everywhere for point and shoot use. It is about the size of a pack of cards (literally). This is what makes it. Plus, the features, simplicity, and ease of use really shocked me. I was able with little effort to view my short video clips and pictures on my TV or Computer monitor display on the first day! For battery use - I had no problems. Buy an extra battery on eBay if you're worried - I paid less than $30 for mine w/shipping. MEMORY STORAGE: I also bought a 256MB cruzer (SD Card) for storage (approx $85). Highly recommend a large memory card for lots of pictures. Using the cruzer, you just remove the card from your camera and download to the computer in a snap. No eating up the camera's battery this way. I bought the camera to take pictures of our new baby and shoot some short videos. I am completely satisfied. I have over 100 pictures and 7 30 sec videos on the 256MB card that I bought and I still have over half the memory still available. The 128MB cards are even cheaper! PICTURES As for the pictures, they look super, lighting is fine, and the start-up time is really important to get those quick shots. I even shot pictures of my children sleeping in complete darkness and the flash illuminated the entire area. This thing does everything imaginable. If you are like me, and want a simple-to-use, point and shoot camera to carry around everywhere e.g. purse, back pocket, shirt pocket, this is perfect. The view finder is small as stated, but after a couple of shots it's just fine. The LED display is plenty big enough to view the scene, zoom, and watch the results! I just can't believe how much it can do. The instruction booklets and camera guides have plenty of options for those interested in the finer points. However, how much time is anyone going to spend reading this stuff anyway. Lastly, check prices over the net, there are some great deals. You shouldn't have to pay over $400 for this and prices are coming down (3 April 03). Also, having 3MP plus is important if you want to enlarge pictures or print display-quality shots.
User Rating: 7/10
Ingenious Pocket Performerby - March 31, 2003
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Got this for the wife because she hated lugging my Olympus C-3030 around and as a result we were missing some great photo ops. I really didn't expect a lot but I'm surprised at how much I like this innovative little camera. Super form-factor, great pics, incredible 3x internal zoom, available 256MB SD card, QuickTime movies with sound; The list goes on and on. Sure the flash is a bit weak and low light pictures aren't the greatest but these same problems plague every digital camera I've ever tried. The mini LiIon rechargeable battery system is excellent, if a little short on run time. Not to worry though, I bought four 750mAh aftermarket batteries for this camera at $16 each on (rhymes with "freeway"). The key to this camera is that it's so convenient to carry and so quick to take a shot you get the pictures other camera owners miss. For my wife and I, that makes this camera priceless.
User Rating: 
3/10
Can't Focus, Inadequate Flashby - March 26, 2003
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Your review noted that "Neither the default autofocus nor the spot autofocus worked particularly well in low light, however." That's the understatement of the century. Unless you're standing outside on a sunny beach, this camera refuses to focus. All those normal, indoor scenes you hope to capture? Think again. Every single indoor picture we took was out of focus. Your review was also far too generous regarding this camera's flash power. No matter how you set it, people standing more than 4 feet away remain in the dark. I watched, green with envy, as my friends' far inferior, much cheaper cameras deftly handled common situations that seemed to befuddle the Dimage Xi. After reading the instruction manual front to back, talking to Minolta, and shooting hundreds of unsatisfying shots, I returned it . . . for a Canon. What a relief, a camera that actually works!
User Rating: 9/10
Amazing for extreme sportsby - March 25, 2003
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i bought this camera for its amazing size and the zoom inside the camera not outside. its amazing i did like 100 skate videos and its perfect in everyway , if your a blader , bmx , skater buy one now.
User Rating: 7/10
Perfect Camera for Meby - March 18, 2003
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From an every day consumer standpoint: beautiful pictures day, night, and indoors, point and shoot ease of use, nice videos with sound, no problems with flash pictures, battery life is fine (carry an extra about $60), I have two 256meg postage stamp size cards for a zillion pictures and lots of videos(they cost about $90 ea - note: extra battery and memory are very small so they are easy to carry), carry camera in cell phone size bag attaches to belt (in other words: you won't miss any shots because this camera is easily taken anywhere), start up time is almost as fast as you can point and shoot, uploading pictures is a breeze (using Windows XP -- just use supplied usb cord between camera and pc, a letter drive appears, drag and drop), optical 3x zoom works fine, take close ups but you won't see the cracks between a bug's teeth - (get a microscope), ergonomically correct but take care not to touch the lens until your use to holding the camera; finally, don't drop it -- use the wrist strap.
User Rating: 8/10
Best Small Camera on the marketby - February 24, 2003
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Been on this machine for 4 months. Love it. Start-up time is super; makes the biggest difference between missing the moment and catching a shot. Haven't had any problems with dark pics or unreliability (so I can't say if customer service is as bad as complaints). Flash actually has been impressively strong and I haven't had dark pics even in nightclubs. I will complain about lack of an AF assist lamp and a minor delay when using flash. Other than that, it's a great machine. Good pics + realistic colors. I've used the Canon S230 and that's a great camera in the same class, but the startup time and lower zoom puts the dimage ahead with the same photo quality.
User Rating: 7/10
Intuitive menus, quick onby - February 23, 2003
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This is the perfect allway around camera. Quick to turn on and take pictures, the perfect grab shot camera.
User Rating: 6/10
Love it - great picturesby - February 18, 2003
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Wanted something very portable, knowing I would give up some control. I am very pleased with photo quality.
User Rating: 8/10
Excellent All Around cameraby - February 13, 2003
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I've had this camera for two months now and have been very impressed. With the exception of the Pentax Optio S which is coming soon, I found this to be the best camera hands down in its class (and I did my homework more than extensively). Photo quality is excellent, flash is strong, red-eye is pretty minimal even without reduction, battery isn't that bad, Zoom is sufficient, and it's been pretty tough. I've taken it snowboarding and filmed movies with the optional dive case (If you're active, get this; it's worth every penny). It's taken impact after impact from falling both in my jacket and in my hands. No problems. I love the startup time. Miss far fewer shots with kids and other opportunity shots. The negatives: a 1 to 2 second delay with low lighting conditions, no AF assist light, inaccurate viewfinder, and overall fit and finish not quite as nice as a canon. Photo quality is very good, but often I like to crank up the color saturation through the viewer. Despite the few problems, I love its function and size enough that I carry it every day. I wouldn't say this compares with larger higher end digitals by any means, but for overall balance of convenience and quality, I think this is the best out now. But do check out the pentax when it comes out; that looks very promising.
User Rating: 7/10
Great camera, very easy to use.by - February 11, 2003
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The camera is perfect as long as it's used for the right reasons. This camera is not what I would suggest for someone who wants to use it to create stunning sport photography or detailed portrait shots. It is however great for shooting events and scenery shots. Brought both the Xi and my Canon 7e for a week long trip to disney world and came back with over 150 digitals from the Xi that are all good shots, but whenever I need be specific on the exposure I'd switch to the 7e. Not sure what everyone is complaining about the flash for though. The average flash only works at a range of 10 feet, the flash on the Xi worked fine at this range even in a dark restaurant. If you're looking for a camera that will be your only camera then by all means go for a full featured camera like the Canon S30, or go back to film. But if you're looking for the camera that goes everywhere, and gets those shots when you don't have the 4-7 second to get ready, then the Xi is a very good option. My only complaints are that the zoom is a little loud, but that's just a personal preference since my 7e makes no sound when zooming or focusing. And there is no AF assist light.
User Rating: 6/10
I wish I had my money back!by - February 9, 2003
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I have had it three weeks. Took maybe 15 pictures with it. Now it does not work. No, I did not drop it nor anything else. I took it out to use it and the image is super blurry and worthless. I contacted the seller, he says send it to Minolta for repairs. Yea, that's just what I wanted to hear. Customer service? Nope. I get to go through the problems of owning a $450.00 camera that was repaired within three weeks of purchase. Thanks much Minolta.
User Rating: 6/10
Tiny, good pix but hard to focusby - February 7, 2003
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I like the size. When it focuses right, the picture is great. But, it is very finicky to focus and usually cannot focus on a person's full face: not enough contrast. You have to focus & set exposure on the torso, then recompose to get the full face. The flash is very good. Very good workmanship. I am considering returning it due to focus problems.
User Rating: 
4/10
Good looking; mediocre quality; terrible serviceby - February 7, 2003
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The first week of the camera was enjoyable--easy to take pictures, lengthy movies, quick playback. The second week the camera quit working, and rather than replacing the unit, Minolta decided to try to fix it. I still have no camera weeks later, and the customer service has no information. Poor showing.
User Rating: 7/10
Size and Features make it a winner!by - February 6, 2003
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A little pricey, but worth it if you are looking for a super-small 3mpxl camera. Great for the pointer-and-shooter. Get the 128mb card and an upgraded battery(the kind used in video cameras) for longer usage.
User Rating: 9/10
Take with you and shot the birdby - January 25, 2003
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It is funny to find out, after you have bought this camera, the many moments in your live you want to capture.
User Rating: 8/10
Does what it says it willby - January 13, 2003
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Its not a Canon S40, but it is small, light and does the job. Two problems: it is hard to tell if it is off or on unless LCD is lite, and because the "on" botton is not recessed, it has been turned on by accident more than once while in my pocket.
User Rating: 7/10
Good, but disappointing flashby - January 10, 2003
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This camera satisfies me in most areas, but I'm disappointed by the flash. Once flash is used, the whole picture seems to be very dim.
User Rating: 8/10
After careful comparison shopping, it came down to two...by - January 5, 2003
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I was looking for a ultra compact digital with enough capability, resolution, and photo quality to use as a primary camera. First were the ultra smalls; Casio's Elixim, Fujifilm's A402, and Sony's DSC-U20. Decided 2 megapixels and micro lenses would be fine for easy photos with good shooting conditions. ie; great party cameras. But for general use, none of these would do. Size was a big requirement still; the best camera is the one you have with you when the shot counts. So, Sony's DSC-P71 was out on size; as well as just about every manufacturer's machines except the Canon S230 and the Minolta DImage Xi. Tough choice. Dimage was slightly smaller by volume (10% to be exact). Mostly the same features. Canon has a better LCD screen, slightly faster photo review scrolling, and slightly nicer overall build quality. Dimage has half the startup time, 3x optical zoom versus canon's, Tiff Capable for quality shots, a minimum focal length much closer than canon's, and all internalized moving parts. Both have marine case accesories for divers and sports users. Ultimately I am glad I went with Minolta. Why? Photo qualities are comparable. Faster startup means fewer missed shots. Internalized mechanics for fewer failure modes. 3x zoom does come in handy. Better macro means you can get closer to subjects. Tiff file capability is not something I know how to take advantage of but I'm sure someone out there does. Things I don't like: once focus is locked on a shot, I can't control exposure balance. Also, there's no exposure lock button for spot metering when you want to meter off something that's not your focal point. Both these complaints are things I can work around though. Other things I like: decent shot speed, Impressively strong flash, slim body, smooth movies with good sound, quick and easy download. I highly recommend this camera.
User Rating: 8/10
My family loves this baby!by - December 29, 2002
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When I first bought this camera, I wasn't sure about it. Now, i am taking pictures like crazy! Not to mention my family can even work it! This camera is truely user friendly! If ! were a betting man, i would say anyone could run it!
User Rating: 8/10
Greatest Digital Camera Ever!by - December 11, 2002
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I bought this camera about a week ago. It has given me nothing but joy to take pictures. The startup time amazing and the quality of the pictures are great. The size is the greatest thing of all. You can take this camera anywhere. It fits in your back pocket or the front pocket of your shirt. The only problem is that with the lcd on the battery does not last long, but what do you expect from such a small camera. I suggest buying a replacment battery. The optical zoom is amazing. 3X optical zoom without a protruding lens takes the cake. If you are looking for a good quality cameara in a very very small package, then this is the camera for you. A bit pricey, but well worth it!
User Rating: 7/10
Small camera packed with featuresby - December 6, 2002
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Nicely packaged camera. You pay extra for small size as cameras with similar features are about 50-100 dollars less. Watch how you hold the camera as it is easy to cover the flash or the lens.
