Lets get some facts and myths right.
1. I am a Nikon user, and still use and highly rate my 990.
2. I have been a user of this site for over 3 years, but chose not
to use my real name to put this posting on, because I feared the
reaction, and in some instances quite rightly so.
3. I wanted a new camera to move to 5 megapixel, and was eagerly
awaiting the 5000 like most people on this forum, but I really feel
this is not a vast move forward on the 990, especially when using
Genuine Fractals, which produces excellent results.
4. I checked out the report from Phil and Steve Digicam's and they
are somewhat careful in their conclusions, but both reports really
do not urge you to go out and buy a 5000. Whilst waiting for the
5000 reports I have tried out the F707, because I have a Sony Vaio,
and have been impressed by its quality, plus I have a Sony Video
Cam, again excellent quality. I was impressed by some of the
features, and the quality of the lens is excellent.
5. Yes I admit there are some missing features, but I want a camera
to get superb clear sharp photos, I use photoshop to make any
adjustments to colour etc., and with a zoom 35mm - 190mm it means I
can just capture even more shots I have been unable to do with the
990. What really impressed me the most about the 707 was using the
Nightshot facility. In a pitch black room, I switched the camera to
Nightshot feature, and it used a set of lazer beams to focus in
complete darkness, judge the right amount of flash, and produce a
perfect picture as if the room had been fully lit. I have struggled
for good shots in low light with the 990, especially with the focus
in low light.
So a long winded explanation for which again I apologise, but I
wanted to get over to those who believe me to be a Troll, well
thats your opinion. I somehow feel that if you have to react so
abusively and aggresively just because I did not chose a 5000, this
time (and I stress this time because when Nikon bring out their
next Coolpix and there is a marked upgrade from the 990/995, I will
be first in the queue) then perhaps you are having to defend your
decision to spend a large amount of money on not such a hot upgrade
from the last Coolpix.
Oh and by the way, I have never ever posted on the Sony site or any
other site in the past other than Nikon.
I have something to own up to. I am a fanatical Nikon enthusiast,
having had the 950, upgraded it to the 990, and was anxiously
awaiting the 5000. When I read Phil's report on the 5000, it made
me re-think, and I started to review the Sony F707. Anyway to cut
a long story short, I bought it a few days ago, and all I can say
is Wow. It is brilliant, easy to use, focus is pin sharp in low
light conditions thanks to the infra-red matrix, and the quality of
the images are truly outstanding. I never thought I would say
this, but I am now ready to ditch the 990. I had the idea I would
run the two side by side, but after seeing the quality of the
images of the F707, I cannot see a use for the Nikon.
Don't get me wrong, I love Nikon, and I am now saddled with loads
of Compact Flash Cards, an Iomega CF Portable Clik Drive, etc. etc.
not to mention additional lenses and Flash, I was more than keen to
keen buying Nikon, but they need to seriously upgrade their digital
pro-sumer cameras before I will consider buying again.
I am ducking, I said you wouldn't like it!!