Pro1 vs Nikon Coolpix 8700

ReeferBenReeferBen Registered Users Posts: 50 Big grins
edited May 6, 2004 in Cameras
I already went with the Coolpix 8700 but which would have you choosen? Its not to late for my to sell it and grab a canon!

Which uses better optics nikons or canons?

Thanks

Comments

  • wxwaxwxwax Registered Users Posts: 15,471 Major grins
    edited March 27, 2004
    Reefer, I think the reason no-one's answering is that it's too early to answer your question. No-one's had a chance to use the Pro1. Canon makes a big to-do about the L lens on it... but who knows if it will make a significant difference? ne_nau.gif Nikon makes fine cameras and lenses. I don't see how you've made a bad choice.
    Sid.
    Catapultam habeo. Nisi pecuniam omnem mihi dabis, ad caput tuum saxum immane mittam
    http://www.mcneel.com/users/jb/foghorn/ill_shut_up.au
  • pathfinderpathfinder Super Moderators Posts: 14,708 moderator
    edited March 27, 2004
    ReeferBen wrote:
    I already went with the Coolpix 8700 but which would have you choosen? Its not to late for my to sell it and grab a canon!

    Which uses better optics nikons or canons?

    Thanks

    There is an excellent review of the Powershot Pro 1 here ... http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/canon/powershot_pro1-review/index.shtml and another one here

    http://www.steves-digicams.com/2004_reviews/pro1.html


    He has many nice things to say about the Powershot Pro 1 - focuses and shoot faster than the G5, but it still seems to suffer at times from purple fringing and some vingetting at times too. Overall they rated it higher thatn the Sony 828 which I thought was impressive. They did not compare it to the Nikon 8700.

    If I may ask, how much is the 8700 selling for these days? My wife has a Nikon 5000 and has been pleased with it - menus are not real intuitive, but it takes very nice pictures. Show us some f your pictures with your new camera too.
    Pathfinder - www.pathfinder.smugmug.com

    Moderator of the Technique Forum and Finishing School on Dgrin
  • ReeferBenReeferBen Registered Users Posts: 50 Big grins
    edited March 28, 2004
    I got it new off ebay for $820.00, including a 256 m CF card tripod and case. Now I can't wait for the ikelite housing to come out so I can take it diving. I just lost my Olympus C-4000 due to the housing flooding on a dive so that is why I upgraded.

    This picture was taken in my 150 reef tank. Not a great shot a bit blurred around the mouth. Maybe a higher ISO?
  • pathfinderpathfinder Super Moderators Posts: 14,708 moderator
    edited March 29, 2004
    ReeferBen wrote:
    I got it new off ebay for $820.00, including a 256 m CF card tripod and case. Now I can't wait for the ikelite housing to come out so I can take it diving. I just lost my Olympus C-4000 due to the housing flooding on a dive so that is why I upgraded.

    This picture was taken in my 150 reef tank. Not a great shot a bit blurred around the mouth. Maybe a higher ISO?
    Not real sharp Try USM maybe? But the colors look great!
    Pathfinder - www.pathfinder.smugmug.com

    Moderator of the Technique Forum and Finishing School on Dgrin
  • ReeferBenReeferBen Registered Users Posts: 50 Big grins
    edited March 29, 2004
    The menus on this camera are throwing me off. Much different then on the olympus. It takes me forever to cycle through the modes and I keep ending up with a ot of fuzzy shots. I'll try again and post some more.
  • ReeferBenReeferBen Registered Users Posts: 50 Big grins
    edited March 29, 2004
    What do you think?
  • pathfinderpathfinder Super Moderators Posts: 14,708 moderator
    edited March 29, 2004
    ReeferBen wrote:
    What do you think?
    Fantastic picture - sharp and great color! Years ago I used to shoot with an Ikelite case with a Canon F1 inside it. I'll see if I can find any of those slides.

    I love fish shots! Ya get that FISH? Laughing.gif
    Pathfinder - www.pathfinder.smugmug.com

    Moderator of the Technique Forum and Finishing School on Dgrin
  • wxwaxwxwax Registered Users Posts: 15,471 Major grins
    edited March 29, 2004
    ReeferBen wrote:
    What do you think?

    Sweet! Good color and sharp. D'ypou think the menus are not user friendly, or is it just taking some getting used to?

    I ask because user interface is one of the reasons I ended up buying the Canon G3 a year ago, instead of the Nikon 5700.
    Sid.
    Catapultam habeo. Nisi pecuniam omnem mihi dabis, ad caput tuum saxum immane mittam
    http://www.mcneel.com/users/jb/foghorn/ill_shut_up.au
  • ReeferBenReeferBen Registered Users Posts: 50 Big grins
    edited March 31, 2004
    Thanks!

    AS far as the menus they arn't as user friendly as I would have hoped. It takes me some time to get the right mode selected then configure the mode the way I want it. They made lots of "scenes" but all of these are only used if you don;t know how you want the camera to be set.
  • wxwaxwxwax Registered Users Posts: 15,471 Major grins
    edited March 31, 2004
    Yeah, on my camera those 'scene' functions make horrible pictures.

    What functions are you having to dive into the menus for?
    Sid.
    Catapultam habeo. Nisi pecuniam omnem mihi dabis, ad caput tuum saxum immane mittam
    http://www.mcneel.com/users/jb/foghorn/ill_shut_up.au
  • gubbsgubbs Registered Users Posts: 3,166 Major grins
    edited April 14, 2004
    I too am about upgrade my camera, and would be interested to hear any comments you may have about the Olympus 8080.
    Thinking of using 17th Street Photo or Buydig.com any comments or other recommends would be appreciated.
    Many Thanks
  • pathfinderpathfinder Super Moderators Posts: 14,708 moderator
    edited April 14, 2004
    gubbs wrote:
    I too am about upgrade my camera, and would be interested to hear any comments you may have about the Olympus 8080.
    Thinking of using 17th Street Photo or Buydig.com any comments or other recommends would be appreciated.
    Many Thanks
    Welcome Gubbs


    Michael Reichman has an excellent review of the Oly 8080 at http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/cameras/olympus-c8080.shtml

    He tends to review cameras from aspect of usability for a photographer who wishes to take excellent pictures - He does not dwell at length on the hardware side too much as the Oly 8080 and several other 8Mpxl digicams all use the same image sensor. Got to dpreview.com for that.

    Michael does not worship cameras, he is a working pro, and is interested in using them as working tools. Listen to what he has to say carefully - it is very worthwhile. I find he makes few recommendations I disagree with, and many that I wholeheartedly agree.

    Again I say welocme Gubbs
    Pathfinder - www.pathfinder.smugmug.com

    Moderator of the Technique Forum and Finishing School on Dgrin
  • SeamaidenSeamaiden Registered Users Posts: 339 Major grins
    edited April 14, 2004
    Wow, Ben! That Sailfin and the Rusty angel.. those are fantastic shots! That's actually one of THE prettiest Rusty angels I have ever seen. The tang looks like a juvie, but in fantastic condition. Of the two shots, the Rusty is, by far (in my opinion) the best. Bookworthy!

    Huge bummer about the Oly.. damn. Where were you diving that you lost it? Btw, I visited your scuba photog site you have linked on RDO, it looks pretty nice. My problem is that I can't get my certs because I cannot find my logbook. Even though I'm one dive short of OWII, no dice, gotta start all over again. This time no beach dives for me (the back), but Aragorn's hot to get back to Bali for more diving, just don't know if I'll do the Sport's Chalet thing here first, or go ahead with the dive center out there.

    Again, great shots.
    Youth and Enthusiasm
    Are No Match For
    Age and Treachery
  • gubbsgubbs Registered Users Posts: 3,166 Major grins
    edited April 15, 2004
    Thanks for the welcome & the link, he's certainly made me rethink!!
  • patch29patch29 Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 2,928 Major grins
    edited April 20, 2004
    dpreview.com just posted four 8mp camera reviews. For those who were shopping for an 8mp this should give you some detail info on these cameras.
    • Olympus C-8080 WZ
    • Canon PowerShot Pro 1
    • Nikon 8700
    • Konica Minolta A2
  • wxwaxwxwax Registered Users Posts: 15,471 Major grins
    edited April 20, 2004
    This should make Humongoose happy - the Olympus comes out on top. In the real world it might get hurt by only have a 5X zoom. But other than that, it sounds outstanding. I really like that it takes both CF and xD cards - nice to be able to hold onto old memory cards.
    Sid.
    Catapultam habeo. Nisi pecuniam omnem mihi dabis, ad caput tuum saxum immane mittam
    http://www.mcneel.com/users/jb/foghorn/ill_shut_up.au
  • gubbsgubbs Registered Users Posts: 3,166 Major grins
    edited April 21, 2004
    patch29 wrote:
    dpreview.com just posted four 8mp camera reviews. For those who were shopping for an 8mp this should give you some detail info on these cameras.
    • Olympus C-8080 WZ
    • Canon PowerShot Pro 1
    • Nikon 8700
    • Konica Minolta A2
    Very different perspectives between dpreview and http://www.luminous-landscape.com/r...pus-c8080.shtml. I think I need to go and have a look the C8080!
  • gusgus Registered Users Posts: 16,209 Major grins
    edited April 21, 2004
    Mate...im out on a limb here (god i am an Olypus fan)..........bbuuuuuuuuuuuuuuttt

    When the camera is getting to be that size & that cost then i would have to look at the lower end DSLR's. They are better no matter what you throw at them.
  • cletuscletus Registered Users Posts: 1,930 Major grins
    edited April 21, 2004
    Humungus wrote:
    Mate...im out on a limb here (god i am an Olypus fan)..........bbuuuuuuuuuuuuuuttt

    When the camera is getting to be that size & that cost then i would have to look at the lower end DSLR's. They are better no matter what you throw at them.
    nod.gif

    I'm with tRotWL on this one!
  • ReeferBenReeferBen Registered Users Posts: 50 Big grins
    edited April 30, 2004
    Thanks Sea maiden! I lost the oly 4000 due to a flood at ginnie springs. Had to be the clearest water I've ever seen! I didn't do the proper pre dive checks on it before diving in and the housing flooded enough to destroy the camera.

    I am going diving for a week in the BVI in three weeks and wish I had a camera to take Uw with me but I guess I am stuck doing all my photo work on land this time. At least my dive buddy will be happy no more wiating around for me to get the shot, and Ill be able to get better air consumption. Wetpixel has some great UW shots and was recommended to me by James Wiseman also a mod on RDO but spends most of his time on wetpixel.
  • Johnny LuckJohnny Luck Registered Users Posts: 3 Beginner grinner
    edited April 30, 2004
    gubbs wrote:
    Very different perspectives between dpreview and http://www.luminous-landscape.com/r...pus-c8080.shtml. I think I need to go and have a look the C8080!
    You definitely should! I really wanted to buy the Pro1 (I mostly had Canons before) but the shutter lag and the LCD freeze was too much of an issue for my motorcycle action shots (see galleries). Then, I redirected my search towards the A2 but was not really convinced. Finally, the 8080 that I had originally "ruled out" because of its shorter zoom appeared like the best choice for my use. I especially like its sturdiness (Magnesium body), very usefull when carying it on a motorcycle off-road. I recieved it a couple of days ago and so I don't have action shots yet, but so far I like it VERY MUCH thumb.gif.

    Here is a macro example in "P" mode with no adjustment, post processing or tripod:

    3808800-L.jpg

    You can access the other pics in original size (to check the definition)there
  • gubbsgubbs Registered Users Posts: 3,166 Major grins
    edited April 30, 2004
    You definitely should! I really wanted to buy the Pro1 (I mostly had Canons before) but the shutter lag and the LCD freeze was too much of an issue for my motorcycle action shots (see galleries). Then, I redirected my search towards the A2 but was not really convinced. Finally, the 8080 that I had originally "ruled out" because of its shorter zoom appeared like the best choice for my use. I especially like its sturdiness (Magnesium body), very usefull when carying it on a motorcycle off-road. I recieved it a couple of days ago and so I don't have action shots yet, but so far I like it VERY MUCH thumb.gif.

    Here is a macro example in "P" mode with no adjustment, post processing or tripod:
    You can access the other pics in original size (to check the definition)there
    Thanks, after a lot of deliberation I have now ordered an 8080 for much the same reasons as you. I considered the A2 and the Pro 1 and after the replies on here I was tempted by the DSLR's. Forgetting the price difference of the SLR's for the moment, I like the convenience of the "Point and Shoot's". I try to take my camera pretty much everywhere nowadays and remember how inconvenient my old film SLR was!

    Its good to hear how pleased you are with it and the picture look great, Thanks again.

    Jon
  • pathfinderpathfinder Super Moderators Posts: 14,708 moderator
    edited May 1, 2004
    pathfinder wrote:
    Fantastic picture - sharp and great color! Years ago I used to shoot with an Ikelite case with a Canon F1 inside it. I'll see if I can find any of those slides.

    I love fish shots! Ya get that FISH? Laughing.gif
    I found my fish shots..... some from aquariums.... some not.......


    If I hide right here, maybe they won't notice me thinks this squirrel fish
    3858878-L.jpg


    Some of my ancient history....

    3858870-L.jpg
    Pathfinder - www.pathfinder.smugmug.com

    Moderator of the Technique Forum and Finishing School on Dgrin
  • pathfinderpathfinder Super Moderators Posts: 14,708 moderator
    edited May 1, 2004
    I found my fish shots..... some from aquariums.... some not.......

    A couple more

    3858880-L.jpg



    3858877-L.jpg
    Pathfinder - www.pathfinder.smugmug.com

    Moderator of the Technique Forum and Finishing School on Dgrin
  • ReeferBenReeferBen Registered Users Posts: 50 Big grins
    edited May 4, 2004
    Good shots Path! I can't wait to get back under to some new shots. Let me dig up some old UW shots for ya and post them tonight.
  • photobugphotobug Registered Users Posts: 633 Major grins
    edited May 4, 2004
    gubbs wrote:
    I too am about upgrade my camera ...
    Thinking of using 17th Street Photo or Buydig.com any comments or other recommends would be appreciated.
    Many Thanks

    I bought my Canon Powershot G2 from Buydig.com a couple of years ago -- a very positive experience. Bought on the web, it was delivered about 3-4 days later, everything exactly as promised, no pressure to buy *anything* else, etc, etc. So that was a "5-star" experience for me.

    I bought a Canon Speedlite 420EX from 17th Street Photo a couple of months later and again, that worked out to be a no-hassle, everything-as-promised experience.

    I've bought a lens and a bunch of accessories for my 10D from Adorama, which is certainly a very long-time, reputable business. Its prices are good, although not rock-bottom -- probably a "you get what you pay for" deal, since they can probably back up what they sell better than some others. B&H is supposedly in the same category. After I bought the lens from Adorama, it offered me free shipping on the next couple of follow-up orders for accessories, which made it very price-competitive on those orders.

    Web stores to AVOID LIKE THE PLAGUE: A&M Photo, Digital Liquidators, Broadway Photo, Royal Camera (and others!). Horrible, "nightmare" buyer comments/ratings for those at http://www.resellerratings.com (the first three on the above list suspiciously even share the same street address!). Most of these folks advertise too-good-to-be-true prices, which of course are too good to be true. They're usually selling gray-market goods (without saying so, unless you "corner" them) and push you to buy tons of overpriced, high-margin accessories. When you don't agree to buy the accessories they suddenly shift to "oops, your camera just dropped out of stock and won't be available for 6 weeks". In other words, even if you want the gray-market camera, they'll never actually sell one to you without buying a ton of accessories so they end up with a fat enough profit on the sale. But none of this is probably news to anyone reading this forum ;-).
    Canon EOS 7D ........ 24-105 f/4L | 50 f/1.4 | 70-200 f/2.8L IS + 1.4x II TC ........ 580EX
    Supported by: Benro C-298 Flexpod tripod, MC96 monopod, Induro PHQ1 head
    Also play with: studio strobes, umbrellas, softboxes, ...and a partridge in a pear tree...

  • wxwaxwxwax Registered Users Posts: 15,471 Major grins
    edited May 5, 2004
    nod.gif Agree with everything you say, Photobug.
    Sid.
    Catapultam habeo. Nisi pecuniam omnem mihi dabis, ad caput tuum saxum immane mittam
    http://www.mcneel.com/users/jb/foghorn/ill_shut_up.au
  • ReeferBenReeferBen Registered Users Posts: 50 Big grins
    edited May 6, 2004
    Not my best UW shots but heres a couple all taken two years ago in the BVI. With a olympus 4000 z and PT-010 housing no external strobe.
  • ReeferBenReeferBen Registered Users Posts: 50 Big grins
    edited May 6, 2004
    one more for now.
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