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The truth about Coolpix5000?
- Thread starter fede
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anthony pidgeon
Member
Ravitej,
Thanks for the very informative post. Ive been reading these to try to get as much real-life-experience info from people who have bought the camera. Since your post is the closest Ive seen to one answering the questions I have, I thought Id see if you might have some more specific info to share....
I shoot freelance for some weekly newspapers, and am looking for an inexpensive camera to use for some situations on the job. Pay is low, newsprint resolution is low, and Im hoping I can save some time and $ by going digital. What Id like to know: is the 5000 a realistic camera for this use? I know I should be looking at the D1X, but this is just my first step towards digital (although Ive been scanning my film for a while now), and my budget is low for this. Ive heard that the shooting speed on the 5000 is slow, so Im thinking of just using it for some wide interiors (long exposure on a tripod with a little bounce flash), and simple portraits. Id need resolution of 200 dpi at about 11x14. Is this realistic? Ive also heard about hot pixels, focusing problems, etc, though mostly from hobbyists.
Any input about this camera (or any other appropriate camera at $1k or less) in the context of newspaper shooting would be much appreciated.
thanks,
Anthony
Thanks for the very informative post. Ive been reading these to try to get as much real-life-experience info from people who have bought the camera. Since your post is the closest Ive seen to one answering the questions I have, I thought Id see if you might have some more specific info to share....
I shoot freelance for some weekly newspapers, and am looking for an inexpensive camera to use for some situations on the job. Pay is low, newsprint resolution is low, and Im hoping I can save some time and $ by going digital. What Id like to know: is the 5000 a realistic camera for this use? I know I should be looking at the D1X, but this is just my first step towards digital (although Ive been scanning my film for a while now), and my budget is low for this. Ive heard that the shooting speed on the 5000 is slow, so Im thinking of just using it for some wide interiors (long exposure on a tripod with a little bounce flash), and simple portraits. Id need resolution of 200 dpi at about 11x14. Is this realistic? Ive also heard about hot pixels, focusing problems, etc, though mostly from hobbyists.
Any input about this camera (or any other appropriate camera at $1k or less) in the context of newspaper shooting would be much appreciated.
thanks,
Anthony
Many thanx to everyone who answered me, dear friends, and especially to you Ravitej for your great description of all these models. Now I have a much definite idea about what I need, great job!!! 
)
)
Ravitej Khalsa
Veteran Member
HI Anthony,
Hopefully I can pass on some information that has come my way. One of our friends is a photog for our city newspaper. His department has a bunch of D1's. That is a lower pixel Nikon digital and they still are getting good results. The D1X is a great camera for newspaper. And, if you have Nikon film camera now with lots of lenses, it would be a top choice.
We also work with photograpers using the DCS series and D1X for commercial use and have to say how great they are. But, when we decided to go with a good camera for our office, it was the CP5000. We didn't have a lot of Nikon lenses. We didn't have the budget justification for the D1X. Our research led us to the CP5000. It was simply familiar territory. And it could take great photos that we could use in the office for the times when we don't need a pro or when we want to have something ready right away. Part of what we do is Corporate Interior Design and part is Marketing Design. The CP5000 allows us to do some marketing related shooting and is the absolute camera of choice for Architectural work. The wide angle and 19MM is simply the best. The CP5000 allowed us to bring a Mini-Pro camera into the office at a low cost.
The camera is not an easy one to master. It has quirks and a longer learing curve. We have made some truly wonderfull and truly awfull photos. The camera has the potential for brilliance. You just have to work at it.
I am familiar with Newspaper as we submit news releases and ads for that media. The resolution of the CP5000 camera is there. It will give you great shots for even the best newspaper work.
My opinion would be that if you can take the time to master this camera, It will be a top choice for Newspaper. I have even wondered if it could replace the D1X or even film. It is a little slow. But we use the SB50dx flash to make up for that in lower light. Great lighting tool. The camera has all these great add-on tools, adapters and extensions of it's abilities. If you look at Steve's Review and find the battery/grip, the camera looks all the world like a minature DCS style camera. When one puts on all the adapters, speedlite and battery/pack no one will mistake it for a consumer camera. It shouts professional. With a press badge, you would be there. And I have found for newspaper press photogs, the equipment needs to look the part. The only other camera that looks the part is the Olympus E series. But, a Nikon camera is what one expects a newspaper photog to carry.
You have indicated scanning experience. I would also assume Photoshop experience. The CP5000 seems made for Photoshop. We have made 8.5X11 photos at 300DPI for mag covers. We do use Genuine Fractuals for up-resing though. People posting have told of soft focus. We find it is better to have little sharpening until the final steps in Photoshop. Comes out much better in the end. Hot pixels we have not experienced. The pros on this site do not seem to have experienced it either. I can't say for everyone, but we just haven't had those kinds of problems.
The camera seems made for people shots, crowd shot and interiors, buildings or anything you need to wade into the middle of and shoot. Sound familiar? If you want to be in the middle of things with equipment that speaks of news-photogs and you can have that finger poised in the half click/focus position and make quick decisions about what to do with your camera next: If you can make lighting decisons in your head and change the speedlite, change the focus and exposure to another location - look quick to see if shot was good - reset and go, go: If you want the Archtectural shots this camera was made for.
Do I sound like this works for me. Yes, it does. I have waited a long time for a camera that fits me this well. I am very gratefull that I have had the opportunity.
Do these middle of the night rambling make sense? I hope some of them do and can help you make your decisions. The best of luck in your newspaper work. It can be quite rewarding.
Hopefully I can pass on some information that has come my way. One of our friends is a photog for our city newspaper. His department has a bunch of D1's. That is a lower pixel Nikon digital and they still are getting good results. The D1X is a great camera for newspaper. And, if you have Nikon film camera now with lots of lenses, it would be a top choice.
We also work with photograpers using the DCS series and D1X for commercial use and have to say how great they are. But, when we decided to go with a good camera for our office, it was the CP5000. We didn't have a lot of Nikon lenses. We didn't have the budget justification for the D1X. Our research led us to the CP5000. It was simply familiar territory. And it could take great photos that we could use in the office for the times when we don't need a pro or when we want to have something ready right away. Part of what we do is Corporate Interior Design and part is Marketing Design. The CP5000 allows us to do some marketing related shooting and is the absolute camera of choice for Architectural work. The wide angle and 19MM is simply the best. The CP5000 allowed us to bring a Mini-Pro camera into the office at a low cost.
The camera is not an easy one to master. It has quirks and a longer learing curve. We have made some truly wonderfull and truly awfull photos. The camera has the potential for brilliance. You just have to work at it.
I am familiar with Newspaper as we submit news releases and ads for that media. The resolution of the CP5000 camera is there. It will give you great shots for even the best newspaper work.
My opinion would be that if you can take the time to master this camera, It will be a top choice for Newspaper. I have even wondered if it could replace the D1X or even film. It is a little slow. But we use the SB50dx flash to make up for that in lower light. Great lighting tool. The camera has all these great add-on tools, adapters and extensions of it's abilities. If you look at Steve's Review and find the battery/grip, the camera looks all the world like a minature DCS style camera. When one puts on all the adapters, speedlite and battery/pack no one will mistake it for a consumer camera. It shouts professional. With a press badge, you would be there. And I have found for newspaper press photogs, the equipment needs to look the part. The only other camera that looks the part is the Olympus E series. But, a Nikon camera is what one expects a newspaper photog to carry.
You have indicated scanning experience. I would also assume Photoshop experience. The CP5000 seems made for Photoshop. We have made 8.5X11 photos at 300DPI for mag covers. We do use Genuine Fractuals for up-resing though. People posting have told of soft focus. We find it is better to have little sharpening until the final steps in Photoshop. Comes out much better in the end. Hot pixels we have not experienced. The pros on this site do not seem to have experienced it either. I can't say for everyone, but we just haven't had those kinds of problems.
The camera seems made for people shots, crowd shot and interiors, buildings or anything you need to wade into the middle of and shoot. Sound familiar? If you want to be in the middle of things with equipment that speaks of news-photogs and you can have that finger poised in the half click/focus position and make quick decisions about what to do with your camera next: If you can make lighting decisons in your head and change the speedlite, change the focus and exposure to another location - look quick to see if shot was good - reset and go, go: If you want the Archtectural shots this camera was made for.
Do I sound like this works for me. Yes, it does. I have waited a long time for a camera that fits me this well. I am very gratefull that I have had the opportunity.
Do these middle of the night rambling make sense? I hope some of them do and can help you make your decisions. The best of luck in your newspaper work. It can be quite rewarding.
Anthony Medici
Veteran Member
Anthony,
If I were shooting for a newspaper, I would not be looking at the 5000 or the D1X. These are overkill in terms of resolution. If I were shooting for a magazine, different story but a newspaper just doesn't need the resolution.
If you wanted a professional (big) camera, the D1H or the Canon 1D would be used. These are very fast cameras. It takes the picture when you want to rather than having to wait until the camera is ready. For a smaller camera (and less expensive) I would use the Olympus 2100UZ. Flash is great for its size, 38-380mm zoom with image statbilization will get you images other cameras won't without looking too intrusive, the camera is not super fast but it is not slow either. At 2.1 mp, it is enough for about 11 inches at 150 dpi.
Now if you are always standing right next to the person you want to photograph the 5000 might be the camera you want. But I see most photojournalists looking for speed and then reach as the two highest priority items.
Tony
If I were shooting for a newspaper, I would not be looking at the 5000 or the D1X. These are overkill in terms of resolution. If I were shooting for a magazine, different story but a newspaper just doesn't need the resolution.
If you wanted a professional (big) camera, the D1H or the Canon 1D would be used. These are very fast cameras. It takes the picture when you want to rather than having to wait until the camera is ready. For a smaller camera (and less expensive) I would use the Olympus 2100UZ. Flash is great for its size, 38-380mm zoom with image statbilization will get you images other cameras won't without looking too intrusive, the camera is not super fast but it is not slow either. At 2.1 mp, it is enough for about 11 inches at 150 dpi.
Now if you are always standing right next to the person you want to photograph the 5000 might be the camera you want. But I see most photojournalists looking for speed and then reach as the two highest priority items.
Tony
anthony pidgeon
Member
Ravitej,
Thanks so much for your reply. Once again great input on the things I really needed to know. A couple of other questions, if I may:
About how long is the learning curve? Ive been shooting for a while so understand photography well, but Im very novice on how it applies to digital. Are we talking weeks, months...? Also, does it give consistent results once you learn the camera?
The papers I work for are weeklies, so much more of features and profiles rather than hard news photojournalism. I shoot a lot of restaurant interiors, and some general architecture, so your input on that type of application is very encouraging.
As far as portraits, do you think its too slow for that? What is the lag time for the shutter release? Is the focus going to be a problem for off center shots and unconventional framing?
Thanks again for all your time,
Anthony
Thanks so much for your reply. Once again great input on the things I really needed to know. A couple of other questions, if I may:
About how long is the learning curve? Ive been shooting for a while so understand photography well, but Im very novice on how it applies to digital. Are we talking weeks, months...? Also, does it give consistent results once you learn the camera?
The papers I work for are weeklies, so much more of features and profiles rather than hard news photojournalism. I shoot a lot of restaurant interiors, and some general architecture, so your input on that type of application is very encouraging.
As far as portraits, do you think its too slow for that? What is the lag time for the shutter release? Is the focus going to be a problem for off center shots and unconventional framing?
Thanks again for all your time,
Anthony
anthony pidgeon
Member
Tony,
Thanks for your reply. I should have prefaced the 'newspaper work' with the fact that its a weekly - not a lot of hard news / photojournalism, mostly architecture and portraits. Also, I do magazine work as well so am looking for something with the res. to use for the simple spot photos that will run 1/4 page or less, so res. is somewhat of an issue in the overall picture.
I know, I want it all, and I want it cheap. Im going to have to compromise somewhere, but I think I can get pretty close to what I want. The D1X is definitely the camera of choice, but the budgets Im shooting on just dont justify that at this point. Eventually Ill get one, but itll probably be the next generation of them. For now its low budget.
thanks anyways,
Anthony
Thanks for your reply. I should have prefaced the 'newspaper work' with the fact that its a weekly - not a lot of hard news / photojournalism, mostly architecture and portraits. Also, I do magazine work as well so am looking for something with the res. to use for the simple spot photos that will run 1/4 page or less, so res. is somewhat of an issue in the overall picture.
I know, I want it all, and I want it cheap. Im going to have to compromise somewhere, but I think I can get pretty close to what I want. The D1X is definitely the camera of choice, but the budgets Im shooting on just dont justify that at this point. Eventually Ill get one, but itll probably be the next generation of them. For now its low budget.
thanks anyways,
Anthony
Sounds like you let Nikon's "brand" guide you to the selection. Nikon is the brand for "professionals".
Nikon doesn't manufacture these cameras. Some other company manufactures them, Nikon just gives them the name. And maybe the lens... but the reviews by Phil show that Nikon digicam lenses aren't up to the same quality as Sony or Canon. At least not the ones on the 995 or 885. The CP5000 is still a big mystery.
So maybe Nikon makes a good film camera, but when it comes to digital cameras. names like Sony are maybe better than Nikon.
Jason Iocco
Well-known member
I didn't trash any Nikon cameras... geez... I just said I like the F707... and I do. hehehehe so upset... I thought you'd be happy boosting NTF's number of posts so that they have a chance to catch sony someday. 
Ron Baker57358
Veteran Member
Ravitej,
What a great response. Very thoughtful. I can always appreciate a good honest, unbiased point of view. I thought you articulated the assets of all cameras quite well ending with your personal choice. You are a very good reason why I participate in these forums.
Thank you for posting,
Ron
What a great response. Very thoughtful. I can always appreciate a good honest, unbiased point of view. I thought you articulated the assets of all cameras quite well ending with your personal choice. You are a very good reason why I participate in these forums.
Thank you for posting,
Ron
Ron Baker57358
Veteran Member
I like Tony's post too and he's absolutely right. I've owned most all Brands and can honestly say that I loved them all- for different reason!
Regards,
Ron
Regards,
Ron
Ravitej Khalsa
Veteran Member
My experience is that once I learn what the camera is going to do, it becomes predictable. My photos are getting much more consistent and better and better. That just takes a lot of shooting in the type of circumstances you will encounter. It's a matter of creating experience. If you have done photography, the switch to digital is not hard. This Nikon is lot more like a 35MM then many other digitals. I would think you could be getting nice shots in a week. In a month's time getting to know the camera, you should be quite competent. Just shoot a lot, and don't be discouraged, think about what you did, make a change and see what happens. After a couple of week, you will feel confident to use this tool.
Well, the CP5000 is made for interiors and Architecture. It's the best camera for that. Tripod and existing light work well and the SB50dx Speedlite is more powerfull than anticipated. On bounce, it just fills a room. If one plans on interiors, the 19MM lens is superb and should be part of the purchase. Great resolution and works with Speedlite set on 14MM. I got this camera specifically to shoot interiors.
My opinion is that it works for portraits. One must do the old half click on the shutter release and at the right moment the shot takes an instant, quite what one is used to with film. It's an extra step, but works fine. For crowd and action in low light, one just has to have the Speedlite. The on-board is a last resort or when you want to pocket the camera. It looks like a snap shot. If you have studio lights of some sort for portrait - no difference from film except the model always wants to see. That can be both annoying and helpful. Depends how you work with your models.
Off center, unconventional, focus, etc. This camera can do it all. You just have to read the manual when you want to wonder off the auto path. The camera can do almost anything. It's what your abilities are and how far you want to go with them.
For table top work, with lights, no difference, except NO POLAROIDS! You can see it, change it and have the best end results.
Good Luck on your newspaper career. Most rewarding.
Fiona Westby
Member
it really helps for those of us who are reading through several sites to know which camera to buy.. thanks for the overview..
Realtor.
Realtor.
anthony pidgeon
Member
Thanks again Ravitej, excellent feedback and suggestions - just what I needed to hear. Much appreciated!
anthony pidgeon
Member
Wanted to follow up on all the questions I was asking earlier this month, for anyone with the same questions or is/was following this link....
I ended up buying the Coolpix 5000 a couple of weeks ago, largely on Ravitejs excellent feedback. So far Ive been quite pleased with it overall. The images are good, gives close to a 14mb file at max resolution, and fairly easy to use in both shooting and downloading images. A couple things Im not too excited about would be the slower shooting/reaction speed, and the chronic problem with the camera freezing up if turned on with the lens cap still in place. Apparently theres an upgrade that is possible to download from Nikon to eliminate the lens cap issue, but mine locked up before I knew this and its now in for servicing - fortunately covered by warranty.
In spite of these issues, Im generally pretty happy with it. I was pleasantly suprised at the detail and color I got, and the images have held up well in newsprint. Again, its only been a couple of weeks, and its the first digital camera Ive used, so consider this as well.
Thanks again to all for your feedback and helping me arrive at a decision....
Anthony
I ended up buying the Coolpix 5000 a couple of weeks ago, largely on Ravitejs excellent feedback. So far Ive been quite pleased with it overall. The images are good, gives close to a 14mb file at max resolution, and fairly easy to use in both shooting and downloading images. A couple things Im not too excited about would be the slower shooting/reaction speed, and the chronic problem with the camera freezing up if turned on with the lens cap still in place. Apparently theres an upgrade that is possible to download from Nikon to eliminate the lens cap issue, but mine locked up before I knew this and its now in for servicing - fortunately covered by warranty.
In spite of these issues, Im generally pretty happy with it. I was pleasantly suprised at the detail and color I got, and the images have held up well in newsprint. Again, its only been a couple of weeks, and its the first digital camera Ive used, so consider this as well.
Thanks again to all for your feedback and helping me arrive at a decision....
Anthony
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