Best 35mm Advanced Amateur: The Minolta Maxxum 7

Minolta has hit the 21st century with a truly innovative 35mm single lens reflex. The radical departure Minolta chose was in the 7's unique user interface screen nestled on the back of the camera. At first glance it may look like your usual LCD; however, this large screen is based on a dot matrix system, allowing it to provide previously unheard-of amounts of information. This new screen displays the usual exposure information as well as offering the option to delve many stages further. Without going into great detail, this one has to be seen to be believed. Needless to say, it also offers a wide range of high-quality Minolta interchangeable lenses and enough features to please even the most picky and demanding user. $1200.