Nikon Coolpix 8700

Barry L. Wallis wrote:
> sammy wrote:
>> I recently purchased a Coolpix 8700. Great camera so far. I'm
>> just
>> wandering if anyone out the has the sam e camera and what your
>> feedback on it is.
>>
>> As well, it shoots in RAW, TIFF, JPEG formats, but I couldn't
>> believe it when I was only given a trial version of Nikon Capture
>> which is needed to process the RAW images to my computer from the
>> camera. Any thoughts on that?
>
> I tried the 8700 and then returned it and bought an 8800 (which I am
> very happy with). The 8800 has a longer zoom (10x vs. 8x), it comes
> with a wireless shutter release (I almost called it a cable release
> but that would be anachronistic) and a few more preset modes.
> Considering that I decided against a DSLR, I am very happy with it
> (although it took a bit to learn how to get the most out of it).
>
> I second the suggestion to get Pixmantec's Raw Shooter Essentials
> (which is free).

I have an 8700, used it to excellent effect for a year or so before
seeing the light (Canon 20D). I still use it as a grab-and-run
supplement to a compact, when conditions and requirements (swiveling
LCD is wonderful) promote its use in that wise. The 8800, in addition
to the higher zoom ratio, has image stabilization, if I recall
correctly. Either of those plus the CP5000 with Wide Adapter is a
formidable arsenal in most theaters. No place to go from there but to
dSLR...

--
Frank ess
 >> Stay informed about: Nikon Coolpix 8700 

Barry L. Wallis wrote:
> Frank ess wrote:
> > Barry L. Wallis wrote:
> >
> >> sammy wrote:
> >>
> >>> I recently purchased a Coolpix 8700. Great camera so far. I'm just
> >>> wandering if anyone out the has the sam e camera and what your
> >>> feedback on it is.
> >>>
> >>> As well, it shoots in RAW, TIFF, JPEG formats, but I couldn't
> >>> believe it when I was only given a trial version of Nikon Capture
> >>> which is needed to process the RAW images to my computer from the
> >>> camera. Any thoughts on that?
> >>
> >>
> >> I tried the 8700 and then returned it and bought an 8800 (which I am
> >> very happy with). The 8800 has a longer zoom (10x vs. 8x), it comes
> >> with a wireless shutter release (I almost called it a cable release
> >> but that would be anachronistic) and a few more preset modes.
> >> Considering that I decided against a DSLR, I am very happy with it
> >> (although it took a bit to learn how to get the most out of it).
> >>
> >> I second the suggestion to get Pixmantec's Raw Shooter Essentials
> >> (which is free).
> >
> >
> > I have an 8700, used it to excellent effect for a year or so before
> > seeing the light (Canon 20D). I still use it as a grab-and-run
> > supplement to a compact, when conditions and requirements (swiveling LCD
> > is wonderful) promote its use in that wise. The 8800, in addition to the
> > higher zoom ratio, has image stabilization, if I recall correctly.
> > Either of those plus the CP5000 with Wide Adapter is a formidable
> > arsenal in most theaters. No place to go from there but to dSLR...

One more thing I forgot to mention. The menu system on the 8800 is
improved over the 8700.

- Barry
 >> Stay informed about: Nikon Coolpix 8700 

sammy wrote:
> I recently purchased a Coolpix 8700. Great camera so far. I'm just
> wandering if anyone out the has the sam e camera and what your feedback
> on it is.

Generally a nice camera (I use one). Very good macro.

A few issues though, not very critical
- raw takes ages to store, I gave up on it
- autofocus often prefers the background to an close subject
- no magnification for manual focus
- USB1 only - I use a USB reader, no problem
- RAW is not compressed

> As well, it shoots in RAW, TIFF, JPEG formats, but I couldn't believe it
> when I was only given a trial version of Nikon Capture which is needed
> to process the RAW images to my computer from the camera.

The other supplied software has no problems handling RAW. Update it
from the Nikon support site.

> Any thoughts on that?

I had good experience with it (my first one was a CP2000) and am now
ready to move to SLR.
 >> Stay informed about: Nikon Coolpix 8700