Hi,
Yes, it is an interesting suggestion. It was really the first integrated AF SLR
system camera. It was also quite a feat, as Minolta introduced it as a complete system, with a lot of new lenses. At the same times it was not compatible with the original Minolta system.
I was one of the early buyers of that system and I am still living with it. But, I feel it was a significant evolution and not a revolution.
For me, the evolution steps were:
- 135 format, defining modern photography
- SLR, giving "what you see is what you get" view
- Conversion to digital
Regarding myself, my conversion to digital began with a digital Ixus at 2 MP I bought from a friend. Next it was a 5 MP camera with long zoom capability from Sony called the Dimage 7. Once I had the Dimage 7 I was mainly on digital. For me, the Dimage 7 even killed medium format film, as it was actually good enough.
But, at that time digital meant small sensors as sensor surface was very expensive. The Canon 30D was first affordable APS-C and first camera with CMOS having low noise image capability.
Next major step of evolution may have been the Canon 5D, offering full frame at a reasonable price.
The 5D2 (and Sony Alpha 900) increased resolution to > 20 MP, while Nikon pricing gave rise to this video:
https://youtu.be/tnwf2RShNV0The Nikon D800 finally offered high resolution at reasonable price.
On the MFD side, live view and moder technology arrived with the Sony CMOS sensors represented by Pentax 645Z, Phase One IQ-250 et al.
Best regards
Erik
I am amazed that nobody has suggested the Minolta 7000.