Nikon CoolPix P5000

[jcm2m9]

Does anyone have any experience with this camera or any opinions? I am thinking about purchasing it to replace my old camera. I was contemplating about a DSLR, but do not think I am ready to head down that path quite yet.

Nikon CoolPix P5000

 

[jcm2m9]

bump.....anyone?

 

[maroun.c]

James,
although I have no experience with this model I can tell you from previous experience with P&S that they could fulfill what you request out of a camera today but most of the time comes the day where you realize you are strugling with Shutter lag, slower focus, increased noise at higher ISO...
I realize you said that you don't feel like moving to DSLRs but you could always consider getting a basic setup like D40 or 50 with the kit lens that wouldn't be much more expensive than your choice and still allow you to grow if you decide that you would want to push your photography further.
Good luck with whatever you choose

 

[edwing206]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10186183#post10186183 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by maroun.c
James,
although I have no experience with this model I can tell you from previous experience with P&S that they could fulfill what you request out of a camera today but most of the time comes the day where you realize you are strugling with Shutter lag, slower focus, increased noise at higher ISO...
I realize you said that you don't feel like moving to DSLRs but you could always consider getting a basic setup like D40 or 50 with the kit lens that wouldn't be much more expensive than your choice and still allow you to grow if you decide that you would want to push your photography further.
Good luck with whatever you choose

Just to add one more thing, you could always put the camera on auto and when you feel that you are ready to mess with the settings then you can.

 

[jcm2m9]

Thank you very much. Those are the two answers I was looking for. I think I might have to go look a little more at the Nikon D40. This was the camera I was previously looking out, but was not sure if I wanted to spend that much money.

I do not want to buy a camera that I am going to be disappointed with. I do not want to deal with shutter lag. I really want to be able to take good action shots and also not miss shots.

On the Nikon D40 can you use the LCD screen as a viewfinder or do you always have to view your shots through the view finder?

 

[maroun.c]

With all DSLRs (as far as I know) you have to look through the viewfinder. Although this is inconvenient at first, you get used to it and realize that it provides much more stability than holding the camera with arms half extended while looking at the LCD. Usually the viewfinder of DSLRS (Except D70 and 70s not sure about D50) is much brighter and bigger than P&S so it's not something you complain about.
One thing you have to note with the D40 is that it will not work with non AFS lenses so your lens collection could be a bit restricted, still you can manage to have a nice collection of good lenses that will cover all the ranges without costing you too much. one other camera worth looking for would be the D50 which is now discontinued so maybe if you find one you could get a good price for it.
One last important thing would be to go to a camera store and handhold the camera and see if it feels good in your hand. Maybe also try to hold the Canon equivalent as it might offer some nice options also.