I read a review (actually several) of the Minolta A2, and the only gripe anyone seems to have is noise in the image, particularly at ISO settings above 100. My question: does it help to use a lower resolution setting?
I think it helps a little bit, but I suspect taking the image at 5Mp and downsizing with good software (PS CS, LE, Qimage, etc) might get more from the image. CF storage is awfully cheap these days.
The A2 images do respond fairly well to NR tools. ISO 200 is usable with them, ISO 400 is probably still good to at least 5x7.
Remember that when you view an image at 100% on your screen you are looking at the equivalent of a 16x20 or so image. Printing the image at a more normal size, 8x10 or 11x14, will give better results than you might think.
Download some sample A2 images and try printing them yourself. DPReview and Imaging Resource have full size samples, I think.
It's not a DSLR, but the A2 can produce extremely good images. Combined with a tool like NI or NN, the results are excellent.