Minolta Vectis Weathermatic Zoom APS Camera

Rating:
Summary: Water Proof? I don't think so
Review: I have owned this camera about 2 years used it 3 times on canoe trips.it took great pictures! it got wet twice from splashing water. took it snorkeling once never went below 8 feet deep on a shallow reef with my 8 year old. the lens fogged up and would not work after that. Minolta can not fix it "Water Damage" buy a new camera. Ya right.

Rating:
Summary: Highly recommended
Review: I have owned this camera for 5 years now and it's been through the ringer and is still in great shape. The key is to rinse it off and keep it clean especially after salt-water use. The picture quality is great underwater as well as land use.

Rating:
Summary: Minolta Repairs?
Review: I have owned this wonderful little camera for probably ten years with terrific results. While I would not call it "waterproof" it will take the occasional dunking and rough handling. It has been around the world with me with good result. Now it needs repaired. The Minolta USA web site provides no help nor do their published phone numbers. eMail requests result in the usual run around. I would not buy another Minolta product for this reason alone.

Rating:
Summary: SWIM WITH DA FISHES
Review: In a diving trip to the British West Indies, I found this camera to be just spectacular for shallow dives with good light, a requirement for any good under the waves shot. We took excellant snorkeling and down to 20 foot shots, and in close with the flash, got a 5 foot Barracuda napping! Shoots very clear above the waves, for a dual purpose camera. Very pleased, and it is an excellant styled and wellmade unit.

Rating:
Summary: underwater turnoff
Review: The on-off switch on my Minolta rusted, due to exposure to saltwater. The company said it was not defective...If you're buying this ... [as] an underwater camera...forget it!!! ....

Rating:
Summary: An All-Weather Camera
Review: This camera has gone to England, Scotland, Ireland, Canada, Hawai'i, and just around town. The above-water pictures are professional quality. Because of the sport housing, the camera will hold up to most bumps and bruises. It's great for underwater since you can go back and forth between underwater and above using the same camera. While snorkeling on Maui, I was able to look back and take photos of the mountains overlooking the water. Its ease of use makes it perfect for the novice as well as the experienced.

Rating:
Summary: An All-Weather Camera
Review: This camera has gone to England, Scotland, Ireland, Canada, Hawai'i, and just around town. The above-water pictures are professional quality. Because of the sport housing, the camera will hold up to most bumps and bruises. It's great for underwater since you can go back and forth between underwater and above using the same camera. While snorkeling on Maui, I was able to look back and take photos of the mountains overlooking the water. Its ease of use makes it perfect for the novice as well as the experienced.

Rating:
Summary: Caveat emptor
Review: This camera has had a recurring problem wherein the "replace battery" icon flashes and the camera will not allow us to take any more photos - even after replacing the battery. This camera was purchased for vacation photos and three times now it has malfunctioned and needed repairs during the vacation, effectively making it useless. The zoom feature was previously repaired under warranty after minimal use. It took 3 months for Minolta to return the camera on that occasion. Our experience may or may not be rare, but it was bad enough to dissuade another purchase from Minolta.

Rating:
Summary: Caveat emptor
Review: This camera has had a recurring problem wherein the "replace battery" icon flashes and the camera will not allow us to take any more photos - even after replacing the battery. This camera was purchased for vacation photos and three times now it has malfunctioned and needed repairs during the vacation, effectively making it useless. The zoom feature was previously repaired under warranty after minimal use. It took 3 months for Minolta to return the camera on that occasion. Our experience may or may not be rare, but it was bad enough to dissuade another purchase from Minolta.

Rating:
Summary: Great Shots in all conditions
Review: This camera was great! I say was as I had it stolen just recently and am replacing it ASAP. Underwater fishing shots, snow or water skiing, snorkeling, name it, it does it. I several great sunrise panoramics that I took with this box... If I can't take the FE due to the conditions, the Vectis is the choice. Mid roll film changing is a problem as it isn't possible, and it's slightly bulky but as good as it gets otherwise.