Need nikon replacement camera

[RachelleFav]

8 megapixels! That sounds great. How would the photo results of this model differ from that of a digital slr and a N65 for example? Would this be a suitable replacement for an N65 with better results? I'm going to do more research but all of your comments and advice far exceed anything I can think of. Thanks.

[another view]

Are the results from a coolpix and dslr comparitive?

Yes and no (just like everything with photography). With a coolpix (as in my experiences with the coolpix 5000 which has been discontinued), the images look better right out of the camera. They're designed to be that way - easy to get a good print without much work. With a DSLR, put in just a little work and the results can be better. You'll get used to Photoshop and in a lot of cases can make a huge improvement to a shot in a minute or two. I chose not to sharpen inside the camera because I have more control later, for example.

DSLR's have a larger imaging sensor than a Coolpix (using that term generically, any P&S digital). Bigger sensors help in low light situations when you shoot at high ISO settings - less noise (digital grain). Mine's about 1/4" x 3/8" versus 1/2" x 3/4" in the DSLR (standard size of a sensor with the 1.5 factor). Do you know about the 1.5 crop factor? Your lenses will have the angle of coverage that a lens 1.5 times the focal length has (50mm becomes 75mm, etc).

Just trying to remember all the pros and cons of it...

[RachelleFav]

I don't know about the 1.5 crop factor. Once again I'm at a loss. The only thing I use my camera for (though quite often) are for pictures of my children and family and related events. I was having problems with my N65 in low light situations so I want a camera that will do well in this area and provide clear sharp images of the kiddos. I don't think editing images on the computer should be too much of a problem with some practice. I was so impressed with slr results that the point and shoot results may not be comparable. But of course I truly don't know at this point.

[Franglais]

Charles, what are the main differences between the three cameras you mentioned? There are so many to chose from!

I've also been very pleased withe B & H. I've gotten some accessories there for my N65 and they were quite speedy with delivery. I really fear not buying an extended warranty or service agreement but I've read that warranties are a waste of money...not sure on camera equipment. I'd hate for such an expensive camera to break!

Let's start from the N65 that you already know.

- It has P/A/S/M modes where the parameters are modified with a single knurled dial under your right thumb. This is rather clumsy in M mode where you have two parameters to modify (aperture and shutter speed), because you have to press on an additional button to switch from one to another.
- It also has lots of subject program modes which I never use
- Focussing zone selection is controlled by yet another button with the knurled dial. This is really clumsy
- If you want to turn off the focus assist light (which I always do because I don't want my subjects to see me) then you have to either press yet another button or else choose a subject program mode
- You can't set the ISO setting manually. You can just tell the camera to over or under expose
- There are no programmable settings
- There is no 3D TTL flash in some circumstances (I forget which ones)
- The metering system is fairly accurate (only)

Now the N80:

- Two knurled dials so controlling aperture and shutter speed is natural
- Joggle pad on the back to control focussing zone assist (with focussing zone visible in the viewfinder)
- Lots of programmable settings including one to turn off the focus assist permanently
- Full control over the ISO settings
- 3D TTL flash all the time
- 3 metering modes
- Focus hold button
- No subject program modes
- Very accurate metering system

And the N75:

- All the advantages of the N80 mentioned above except only one knurled dial & metering system (*)
- The Subject Program modes from the N65 if you really like that sort of thing
- An extra focussing mode
- Cheaper & lighter than either the N80 or N65
- Slower film wind-on than either N80 or N65
- Smaller viewfinder

Overall the N75 comes out as a really good deal. The N65 is frustrating for serious work. The F80 is nice but much more expensive.

No idea about extended warranties. I don't use them. If I break the camera I buy another one.

Charles

(* Edited 15/5. Checked out the knurled dials & spotmetering found - they don't exist on the N75. If ytou have something really difficult to do where you need the utmost control then take the N80)

[RachelleFav]

More great information. There are so many to chose from. I am leaning towards the D70 or the N75 or N80. The prices on the N75 and N80 are really good now and the D70 outfit seems a bit hard to find. I typically don't get warranties either and have been lucky so far but with such an expensive piece of equipment as the D70 I'm a bit afraid. Thanks again!!!