Proved to be a trend setting camera with its simple, friendly and no frills design. Three basic exposure control modes in Program AE ("P"), Aperture Priority AE ("A") and Manual exposure control modes. Further, TTL OTF flash exposure control was also featured when artificial illumination is required. In particular with the Minolta X-700's Minolta Program System (MPS), it provides a simple focus-and-shoot simplicity of programmed auto-exposure (AE) control: where both aperture and shutter speed are automatically set over a wide range by the camera, with continuous viewfinder LED readout of speeds being set. The program is designed to maintain fastest practicable speeds as light dims, then give audible beeps, if desired, to guard against blur from subject/camera-movement, making the X-700 ideal if you're starting out in photography or if you want full program automation for ease of use or fast-breaking action. Although Program AE has been made available in some other cameras, but it took a X-700 to realize its potential to be a decisive marketing elements in SLR cameras as compared to sheer convenience of P&S cameras. Features incorporated into the X-700 include: Completely electronic automatic control of aperture and shutter speed in program mode. Electronically controlled stepless shutter speeds from 1/1000 to 4 seconds for aperture priority mode or program mode, and 1/1000 to 1 second plus “B” for metered manual mode. Touch-switch meter activation without having to depress the shutter release. Final check metering system (after stopping the lens down the camera performs a final check to ensure that the exposure will be correct). Very bright acute-matte viewfinder screen with details of selected aperture, camera mode (“M”, “P” or “A”) and camera recommended/selected shutter speed. Unlike the earlier XD11, the camera does not show the selected shutter speed in manual mode, only the recommended speed. This is surprising, as the model below the X-700 (the X-500 or X-570 in some markets) did show the selected speed. This is the principal cause of complaint for experienced Minolta users with the X-700 body. A range of interchangeable screens was available (see here). Automatic exposure lock button. Remote shutter release that will accept both electronic and manual shutter releases. Audible and visual slow speed alert when required shutter speed will be 1/30 second or less. Silicon photocell TTL centre weighted meter, measured at full aperture for normal display, then at taking aperture for automatic exposure calculation, with a second meter for measuring off the film during TTL flash operation. Automatic exposure range EV1 to EV18. Horizontal traverse silk shutter, enabling maximum sync speed of 1/60 sec. Plastic body construction, encased in light metal, then painted black. Can be used with the Auto Winder G for motor driven sequences of up to 2 frames per second, or with the Motor Drive 1 for exposure sequences at up to an amazing 3.5 frames per second. Exposure adjustment lever for up to two stops over or under exposure from the metered setting. Depth of field preview button. Plastic shutter blind attached to strap for tripod use. PC connection for studio flash use. Film “safe-load” indicator. Audible and visible self timer (LED). Audible alert can be disengaged.