Nikon Digital Camera 5700 Or 8700 Comments?

PineRidge · Mar 8, 2004

Several years ago I purchased a Nikon CoolPix 900 digital camera. I have since used it to take literally thousands of digital pictures to be used in conjunction with our web site. Just recently the CoolPix 900 has become unreliable and rather than repair I am now ready to upgrade.

Since I have been extremely happy with the Nikon brand I have narrowed my 2 choices to either the Nikon CoolPix 5700 or the Nikon CoolPix 8700. I like the fit and feel of the larger camera in my hands compared to the original smaller style camera.

90% of my shooting is done inside while mounted on a tripod. I use indirect lighting the majority of the time but flash has come in handy for field use. I was hoping for some advice from owners of the Nikon cameras in mention.

THANKS!

_RaT_ · Mar 8, 2004

Look here for starters

techman · Mar 9, 2004

I've had a 5700 for a while now. I find it is a very good camera. I have always had as a requirement a wide zoom range, good resolution and an SLR type eyepiece finder. I upgraded to the Nikon from a Fuji 6900Z. The Nikon is superior on resolution and picture quality, although I did like the Fuji menu system more, just more logical. Since you have lived with a Nikon you will find the new ones a similar interface. Overall the 5700 is a great camera.

That said, I just got an 8700 delivered. It is close to an identical twin to the 5700. This was a good thing since my accessories (extra batteries, filters, CF cards. etc) do not need to be replaced with new types. The extra resolution is clearly visible in 100x magnifications, but on prints up to 5x7 I don't think you would see it. As far as possible disadvantages, such as higher noise levels present in some other 8 MP cameras, I have not had it long enough to test. There are a few other small features, like the "scene" modes that I don't really care about.

Since they are virtually the same camera, the only reason to go for the 8700 is for the extra resolution. The 5700/8700 are great cameras and I would for sure recommend them. I like the design, size weight and performance, especially compared to the 900 family.

BTW I have a "like new" 5700 for sale if anyone is interested.

paul

JerryG · Mar 9, 2004

Up until a couple of months a go I was looking to up grade to the very same cameras that you are looking at, until my wife bought one for me. She bought me a Canon Rebel 300D. I am glad that she did because I had never even looked at it. It is a fantastic camera and is a SLR that will take any of the regular 35 mm lenses.

PineRidge · Mar 9, 2004

Paul since you are well familiar let me ask you a few questions about the 5700.

How much work can actually be accomplished with the lithium battery before it needs recharged, can I expect to see a least an hours worth of use?

I shoot a lot of pictures in the macro mode. Does the camera focus well and give sharp results on say a nickel at a range of 2"?

Is the built in flash sufficient for the majority of indoor shots?

Does the (BSS) Best Shot Selector work as described?

Thanks. If you would like to drop me a PM and give me the details for your 5700 I just might be interested.

techman · Mar 9, 2004

Pineridge:

The battery life is reasonable. With nearly continuous power on it is well over an hour. Of course it goes to "sleep" after a minute, without retracting the lens, and with this "intermittent" use it goes for many hours. I carry a spare battery, and I also carry a non-rechargable lithium that fits as well. The non-rechargable is my fail safe battery, since it has a long shelf life and will be there in critical situations if needed. I have yet to use it.

The macro works well, and 2" is no problem. It is unusual in that the macro works over a fairly wide range of zoom. The zoom indicator indicates the range of zoom that is optimal for macro, by changing color. A nice touch.

The flash is also quite reasonable. I don't remember the GN, but for its dimunitive size, it covers well. As I recall up to 10' in wide.

I can honestly say that I never used the BSS, so I have no comments on it.

In general the camera has a lot of good features. Manual is nice, and the program mode allows alteration of the F-Speed settinge to change depth of field while still being in program mode. I also like that the flash can be disabled from full auto, since I like many not-so-well lit scenes w/o flash. It stay's off, but I can hit a button the side to use it. fast and simple. The user modes are also nice for quick configuration changes.

paul

_RaT_ · Mar 9, 2004

Jerry I too received a Canon Rebel (300D) from my wife. I purchased a lens for it after selling my old Canon 35mm/lens. I got the 17-40mm f4. I really enjoy using the wider angle even with the 1.6 crop factor figured in. I have a few tricks that certainly make it even more enjoyable to use. The histogram is invaluable for accurate shots. I purchased a Metz 54 flash and must say, I have never taken such quality pictures with a flash. The instant feedback using digital and experimenting with the flash I'm convinced has made me a better photographer. Prior to that, I had a Nikon 900 that was decent, but the larger sensor on the current crop of affordable digital SLR's certainly makes one a believer that bigger is better.

Boondox · Mar 9, 2004

Mike -- I have a 5700 with a 128MB card and find it enormously versatile. I've had over 800 photos on the card (obviously not on the best setting!) at a two hour company party and was just running out of battery power toward the end. Batteries last MUCH longer if you use the viewfinder instead of the LCD, and of course the flash cuts into life significantly.

Macro works well. Built in flash is okay, but I use my external speedlight to get the option of bouncing off the ceiling. I've never used the BSS, so can't offer an opinion of that. The zoom is fantastic. Used on a tripod, I got some great shots of the lunar eclipse a few months ago!

That said, Canon (and others) have come out with some serious competition! One of the computer mags (PC World?) this month came out with a nice review. And there are some good reviews on Epinions.com

Pete

JerryG · Mar 9, 2004

I stepped up from a Kodak DC210 plus or I should say leaped up. I took some pictures of my junior high daughters dance a couple of weeks ago in the dark. She thought they looked real stupid standing the way they were in the light. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif It was really dark and they were dancing but they didn't look like it in the pictures They did look strange. I still have a lot of learning to do, but have gotten some really good picture so far. One good thing was that I didn't have to change cards from the ones that I used with the Kodak except I now need larger cards.

BXMMCC · Mar 9, 2004

Cameras, tractors, autos, guns - which one to get? Lots of opinions out there. Here's a pretty decent website for digital camera infomation.
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