I love to take photos and for 10 years I have asked my husband for a minolta camera. I got the maxxum 5 this year as a early christmas gift. From what I heard its supposed to be a good one to really get started with my photo obsesion I have, smiles. Once I learn all the features I am sure it will be great, but at camera america it was a good price and came with 2 free classes to take in january so tell me I did good with my choice of first REAL cameras.