> Tag changed since this isn't likely to involve a PIC.

See your [OT] and raise you an [EE] then.

> Thanks for the comments Russell.
> I will certainly look further at the Canon line.
> But didn't Minolta just get out of cameras?

As I said:

>> While the 7D is now no longer made, new ones are available and cost 
>> probably
>> around $US800 up new.

And, as you note, the reason they are no longer made is that Minolta 
no longer makes cameras as of April 1st this year. BUT new ones are 
still available, the warranty has been taken over by Sony and the 
prices are excellent. Sony just announced their "Alpha" DSLR and the 
resemblance to a Minolta 5D (the 7D's little brother) has about zero 
chance of being accidental. ie this is about 99% certainly the next 
camera Minolta were to release and Sony has taken it over. Sony's 
DSLR's will use the Minolt lens mount system (actual mount, auto focus 
drive, electrical contacts, electrical functionality, ...) so Minolta 
lives even though it has died.

The 5D, alas, was not provided with the download to PC function.

>> That should transfer in around 0.1 s on USB2 if everything worked 
>> as
>> it ought - certainly well under 1 s.

> That would certainly be adequate.
>
>>  You can make far larger images
>> but 2 MB - 4 MB should be OK for most things.
>
> The plan was to use 1280x1024 since that's what the LCD monitors
> can display. If we get a better monitor, we'd up the camera
> settings.

Camera is 6MP full bore but can be run at lower resolutions if you 
must ;-).


        Russell

-- 
http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive
View/change your membership options at
http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist