Choosing a camera

[lizpero]

Hi again,

I am gonna buy a new camera and have decided on something in between beginner & professional. I believe they call them prosumer cameras. Anyway I was looking at this Nikon camera in particular and was wondering if anyone has this camera or if someone who knows camera's can advise me as to whether or not it would be a wise purchase. So it's a Nikon Coolpix P80 and below I will post the specs. thankyou so much.

Main specs
resolution: 10.7 effective megapixels
optical zoom: 18.0 x zoom
monitor size: 2.7 inch screen
regular $399.95 save $31.96 $367.99



camera type prosumer - advanced automatic
resolution 10.7 effective megapixels
available image sizes 1024 x 768 pixels, 1280 x 960 pixels, 1600 x 1200 pixels, 2048 x 1536 pixels, 2592 x 1944 pixels, 2736 x 2736 pixels, 3264 x 2488 pixels, 3584 x 2016 pixels, 3648 x 2432 pixels, 3648 x 2736 pixels, 640 x 480 pixels
available file formats DPOF, DCF 2.0, JPEG (Exif 2.21)
image sensor type 1/2.33 inch CCD
image processor type Nikon EXPEED
color depth 24-bit RGB
image stabilization technology Optical Vibration Reduction Image Stabilization
compensates for camera shake to prevent blur and produce clearer, sharper results in lower light or unsteady conditions . In addition, the benefits of Nikon's VR system extends to faster framing on the monitor as well as smoother action when using the movie mode.
included recording media size 50.0 MB
expendable recording media type SD Card, SDHC Card
startup time not rated
video file format AVI (motion JPEG) (with sound)
video size 640 x 480 pixels
maximum video recording length until memory card full
webcam features No
lens type Zoom Nikkor
lens construction not specified
optical zoom 18.0 x zoom
digital zoom unknown
lens mount fixed
compatible lenses none
filter mounting method not applicable
maximum aperture F2.8 (W) - F4.5 (T)
minimum aperture not rated
focal length 4.7mm - 84.2mm (equivalent to 27 - 486mm in 35mm format)
autofocus type TTL contrast detection
focusing area mode(s) 9-point AF, face priority AF, multi-area AF, single AF, auto area AF
focusing distance not specified by manufacturer
shooting (drive) modes continuous (1.1 fps), continuous (13 fps at 3M for 30 shots)
exposure (capture) modes aperture priority, auto, manual, program AE, shutter priority
scene modes beach / snow , dusk/dawn, fireworks, landscape, museum, night landscape, night portrait, party, portrait, sport, sunset
exposure metering system not specified
exposure compensation ±2 EV (1/3 EV steps)
noise reduction sensor shift image stabilization
sensitivity ISO 64 - 6400
shutter type combined mechanical and electronic
shutter speed not rated
shutter lag not rated
image quality mode not specified
white balance mode auto, cloudy, daylight, flash, fluorescent , incandescent , preset
picture adjustment D - lighting , red-eye fix, small picture, in camera barrel distortion fix
picture effects / color modes not applicable
flash type built-in auto
flash mode anytime flash, auto, auto with red-eye reduction, flash off, flash on, red-eye reduction, slow sync + red eye reduction
flash effective range up to 8.8m (28ft)
maximum flash synchronization speed adjusted to camera's shutter speed
flash compensation not applicable
recycling time not rated
dimensions (W x H x D) 79mm x 110mm x 78mm
weight 365.0 grams
available color(s) black
interface AV output compatible with NTSC and PAL formats, USB 2.0 (high - speed)
microphone and speaker both built-in
flash connection not applicable
tripod socket standard 1/4 inch
remote control not applicable
cable release capability not applicable
direct-to-printer printing capability PictBridge
operating system compatibility not specified
LCD monitor type 2.7 inch, 230,000 pixels LCD
viewfinder 0.24 inch EVF
menu language(s) Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Polish, Portuguese , Russian, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Swedish, Thai, Traditional Chinese, Turkish
playback function contact sheet (4, 9 or 16 images), single frame, slideshow, sound playback, zoom
compatible power supply EH-62A AC adapter, EN-EL5 rechargeable lithium - ion battery, MH-61 battery charger
approximate battery life 250 shots
economy mode auto power off, LCD monitor off option
water resistant capabilities not applicable
underwater capability no
included accessory not specified
included software Software suite CD-ROM
manufacturer's warranty exclusive canadian 2-year, 1-Year U.S.A. Limited Warranty

[MikeN.]

Look at ratings on line from other users. http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/nikon-coolpix-p80/4505-6501_7-32934838.html

http://www.digitalcamera-hq.com/digital-cameras/nikon-coolpix-p80_reviews.html

http://www.dphotojournal.com/nikon-coolpix-p80/

[RomeoRob]

Hello, '' lizpero '',
I am sorry, because I only use Olympus Cameras , I am not able to offer you an expert opinion on this matter ( I am sure there will be some one who can ? ) .
I think it mostly depends on what you intend to use the camera for, and if it is just for casual , everyday use, I would suggest that you do not have such a big resolution: 10.7 effective megapixels because I find they are very large photos, and are hard to send, and receive, in e-mails, etc.
At present, mine is 7, and I really prefer about 4 to 5 ?.
Also, I am sure that you could buy a much cheaper Camera , than the one you have quoted, but do NOT get me wrong, it possibly is a very good camera .
Others may disagree with this suggestion ?
Good Luck ,
Jimmy .

P.S . I have just read this review ( amongst others ) ;

''rustedReviews reviews the Nikon Coolpix P80 and writes;
“the Nikon Coolpix P80 is okay, but there are reservations. While the handling is generally good and instinctual, it feels a bit of a lightweight and it’s not the most responsive in the world. Image quality is average too, with good exposure and colour, but it’s let down by fringing and noise.”

[BigToe]

This site of Digital Photography Review has been found to be a very helpful site for reviews on cameras as well as techniques of photography and can give you some independent and user reviews: http://www.dpreview.com/ .. :)

[Kassie]

Here's info on the Coolpix P80. Nice camera. I've got a Nikon D80.
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2008_reviews/nikon_p80.html

also...

http://www.steves-digicams.com/

[mom25kids]

One more to check out....

http://alatest.com/digital_cameras/c-3/

I also like to look at consumer ratings on Amazon.

[MikeN.]

One more to check out....

http://alatest.com/digital_cameras/c-3/

I also like to look at consumer ratings on Amazon.
And Consumer Reports