Minolta DiMAGE 7

The saying about the sum of all the parts being greater than the whole could well apply to the Minolta DiMAGE 7. Even though the specification is excellent, at this stage in digital camera development the AF system isn't the smoothest or fastest, while the electronic finder won't be to everyone's taste. It has a big appetite for batteries too, as most do, but this one is a glutton. However, taking AA cells is to be applauded as an option, and you can also add a separate NiMH battery pack, which at £200 would be a better bet for demanding users. These main issues aside, the colour reproduction is first class and the optical quality is very commendable. I liked the DiMAGE 7 and, despite its small faults, it's still one of the best prosumer models you can buy.