I to, use the Dimage 7, in its original version. Unfortunately I cant speak much to the Sony, as it was never a serious contender for me. At the time I was looking, only Sony produced the Memory Stick, and the price for the memory was a little higher than a comparable CF card. I also have a hang up with some of Sonys other electronics, in that they would take an accepted standard, change it a little, and call it therere own.

As far as the reason I chose it over the Nikons I was looking at, about the same as Michelle. One thing that I have come to realize, though. After purchasing a Cannon G2, the EVF or Electronic View Finder, in the Minolta is invaluable to me. The feel is more like that of a SLR in that what you see is what you get. Few other Digitals, at any price point, offer this. If I were in the market for a new non DSLR, the Minolta 7Hi is the only one I would look at. In the end though, it is all a mater of preference, and it is just a matter of learning the nuances of youre chosen tool.

PS. Welcome to the Forum