This is probably too late but, and I am presuming that you are looking for a point and shoot, try the Nikon Coolpix 5000/5400 as well. Not only does it give you 28mm but shoots incredible closeups without the need for extension tubes. Minolta has a greater zoom range but is also slightly bulkier than the 5000/5400 and cannot focus as close.
I owned a Minolta 7 and then a coolpix 5000 and over the past few years found both are quite good.
Take BOBTRIPS advice and check out dpreview.com . You can do a side by side comparison on these cameras and any others that are available with the wider lenses.