BetterPhoto Q&A
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Choosing Between Minolta XG7 and SRT 101

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May 08, 2001

Essentially that's the difference. The SRT will work without batteries (though the meter does not work).

The SRT is also heavier and older. If this is to be your ONLY camera, I'd recommend the XG. If it's a second camera, get the SRT for it's brick-like construction and battery-less operation.

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May 10, 2001

Battery voltage output drops off as their temperature falls below freezing. If it's cold enough and you're out in it long enough, an electronic shutter will quit or "lock up" when the battery voltage drops too low (been there; done that). I live in a region where ambient outdoor temperature can be below zero (F) during part of the winter, do outdoor winter photography, and have several mechanical shutter camera bodies because of this. My camera bodies with electronic shutters quit working in less than an hour in temperatures that cold. There are workarounds to keep batteries warm, but they are also a royal pain. [The batteries recover when warmed up to room temperature.]

This will _not_ solve a metering problem in severe cold. It will also be affected as battery temperature (and voltage) drops. Meter usage may have to be abandoned and exposure estimated (and/or bracketed), but with a working shutter working you can still make photographs.

You mention "good quality photography" in your question. Lens choices will affect this much more than the camera body will. Select the better lenses in excellent condition as you build your system, even if it means scrimping and saving for them. As long as the body is in good working condition, lens quality is the most important part of the hardware.

-- John

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May 13, 2001