The Minolta Freedom Zoom Explorer is one of the more compact 35mm cameras we've seen; its automatic sliding lens cover and smooth form make it easy to carry in a pocket without a case. We found it easy to use, although we recommend reading the manual to learn how to use the preset exposure and continuous-drive modes.

The Minolta Freedom Zoom Explorer reads DX-coded film from ISO 25 to 3,200, making it suitable for specialty slow and high-speed work. (Many point-and-shoots accept only a limited range of film speeds.) It offers both automatic and manual rewind options.

The Minolta Freedom Zoom Explorer has a 28mm to 70mm zoom lens for shots ranging from wide-angle to portraits or medium close-ups. The only drawback we experienced was that the zoom lens retracts in steps rather than in one continuous motion; if you need to frame a photo exactly, we recommend zooming in instead of out. Besides auto-exposure mode, the Minolta Freedom Zoom Explorer also provides macro, night-portrait, and landscape settings for optimal exposure and focus. The built-in flash can be set to auto, red-eye reduction, fill-flash, or off.

The Minolta Freedom Zoom Explorer's continuous-drive mode lets you take pictures continuously by holding down the shutter release. This advanced feature is good for sporting events and other action subjects--just be prepared with extra film if you take a long series of photos. The Minolta Freedom Zoom Explorer also offers panorama capability via an easy-to-use switch. You can take panoramic photos on the same roll as regular pictures, although you'll have to have them specially reprinted to get the larger-size panoramic prints.

Pros:

• Preset exposure and focus options
• Accepts a wide range of film
• Continuous-drive option
• Panorama switch
• Compact construction

Cons:

• Lens zooms out in steps

It takes good pictures. Panoramic pictures, printed at about 4"x10", are a real crowd pleaser. The flash is a little weak in some indoor situations. I'd wish it takes regular AA batteries like those digital cameras, so I can use rechargeable NiMH. Overall I'm very satisfied.


Excellent all-around point and shoot camera   October 17, 2000
Tim Mantyla (Ypsilanti, MI)
23 out of 23 found this review helpful

I like this camera for its all around versatility and picture quality. I've used it in work, for art and for family fun--and it's a good choice for all.

The camera is small, light and easy to use on the job. I photo houses for insurance inspections. The zoom helps getting close ups, and the 28 mm wide angle is great for shooting the entire house--I don't have to move very far away. Likewise for landscape photos, sunsets, etc.

The flash is very versatile, and can be turned off (with only a little trouble) to save batteries when not needed. The red-eye reduction helps a lot for family shots.

This new version is missing the very useful date/time stamp--present on the older model I use.

The picture quality is probably not that of a professional SLR, but pretty close for most of the things I shoot.

The camera seems quite durable. I used it for 2 years occasionally for fun and art, and recently put it into professional service. It held up for 10 months with daily use--25-40 photos and being turned on and off 10-15 times per day--before it broke down. I also dropped it several times, but it kept on ticking. It will probably last you a few more years, if you just use it for a family camera!


Very Satisfied!   April 21, 2000
Jeffrey (Nashville, TN)
13 out of 13 found this review helpful

I bought my Minolta Explorer Freedom Zoom a month ago and I am totally satisfied with my purchase. For the price, you can't beat it. What you are getting is next generation technology, yet a user friendly point and shoot camera that takes very clear, very crisp pictures that rival the more expensive SLR's. I can't believe what this camera can do and for it to be so small and compact! Also, I am really into the way it feels in your hands, it's well balanced and just a sharp little camera. I never thought I could get excited about a simple point and shoot, but I am. Go ahead and shop around, but you won't find a better camera for the money.