picking a SLR

[giles]

Without some more idea of what you're planning to do and your background, maybe not.

Do you have any existing lenses?
Have you used a film SLR before?  Digital SLR?  Digital point&shoot?
Are you planning to buy lenses, rent them, borrow them?
How did you narrow your choices to the Minolta and Nikon models?

When I was choosing about a year ago, factors that influenced me included:

o the range of lenses available for each brand
o the price of each model (not very relevant in the long term, but there was the possibility I'd lose enthusiasm and I wanted to put a 'toe in the water' to begin with)
o who I knew using each brand who might answer questions, perhaps share lenses, etc
o features that I needed/wanted/thought I wanted in particular camera models

Have fun deciding, and more than that, have fun using whatever you chose!

Giles

[toadhurley]

  looking for a Slr and need some help a narrowed down to minolta maxima 7 or a nikon D70s looking in doing more outdoors work and wildlife can anyone help

[jcarlin]

Without knowing more about your situation I'm making a recommendation in only the most abstract sense.  Given the built in anti-shake technology the Minolta is probably a better camera.  The Nikon however is part of a better system.  If you think that you're just going to have the kit lens and maybe a telephoto zoom then the Minolta is probably a better choice.  On the other hand if you think that you're going to have several lenses and feel you may want a professional body then the Nikon is a better choice.

Both will give you excellent results.