Nikon Coolpix P5000
More :> Nikon Digital Compact Cameras
Nikon Coolpix P5000 10MP Digital Camera with 3.5x Optical Vibration Reduction Zoom (view a larger photo)
Professional reviews and user opinions
Lars' P5000 Review
The following are thumbnails of P5000 user review samples by Lars.
In this P5000 review thread, Lars indicated that he was very satisfied with the ergonomics of the P5000, but less than impressed with the image quality (links to full-sized images are embedded in the forum post).
In my opinion, however, the high ISO images he shared are some of the best seen coming from compact digital cameras, with no visible signs of smearing from noise reduction - here's the link to his ISO706 and ISO1467 images - the non-standard ISO values is a result of the automatic ISO functionality on the P5000 which boosts the sensor sensitivity in order to maintain reasonably fast shutter speeds. Peter adds that the high ISO images are way better than from his Canon G7 and Fuji Finepix F30.
Peter Bendheim's P5000 Review
He really likes the SLR-like user interface on the P5000. He concludes that there is not much difference in image quality between the G7 and P5000, and went on to post a more extensive P5000 conclusion, saying that for ultimate control and features, the high-end G7 cannot be beat, while the P5000 makes for a "nice travel camera that is compact and light and gives you reasonable manual control". He also adds that not having manual focus and live histograms are minor irritations, but the Black and White mode on the P5000 is quite good.
GlenGrant's P5000 Review
GlenGrant (of Glenegrant.com) is full of praise for the P5000's hand grip and thumb rest, likening it to his Nikon D2H, D200, D2Xs professional cameras. He also provides a link to a full-sized, unretouched image of his cat.
Miscellaneous impressions and feedback
Ricoche finds the P5000 to resemble a mini D200 DSLR camera in terms of its handling and menu systems.
Digitalcamerainfo.com has a very nice writeup on their first impressions of the Coolpix P5000.
Sample photos, image galleries and test pictures
Miscellaneous P5000 user samples
View a fine example of travel photography with the Coolpix P5000.
PerL returned from a half-day trip to Rome with many photos, and even adds educational commentary to them. My own photos of Rome shot with a Nikon Coolpix 4500 back in 2000 are nowhere as good as these.
Here's a nice set of P5000 shots taken by Peter Bendheim at all ISO values until 3200.
Even though the pictures are resized, they give a good idea of the color chracteristics of the images from the camera, and Peter also shares some good information about his first impressions of the camera.
At Nekkoro.com, you can find 100% crops from photos that compare the ISO performance of the P5000 vs Canon EOS 20D vs Fuji FinePix F10.
Official Nikon Coolpix P5000 photos
You can find five full-sized P5000 sample photos at Nikon-Image.com. All pictures taken with the P5000 were shot at ISO64, except for the one of the dog which was taken at ISO100. Image quality is good coming from 10 MP (Megapixels) crammed into such a small sensor, and colors are vibrant. There is a slight hint of lens softness towards the edges of the Landscape image (third sample), but nothing too catastrophic, in my opinion.
P5000 test series by Glen Grant
Outdoor ISO test series
Glen shared a series of shots taken from his backyard with the P5000 in M mode and shutter speed and aperture fixed at 1/60 and f/4.3 respectively. He then had the ISO set at 400, 8000 and 1600. Links to the original images here.
Indoor ISO test series
In this series, Glen attempts to see how steady he can hold the camera, aided by the P5000's VR (vibration reduction) feature. Access the full gallery here and download the full-sized images. He seems to be able to hold the camera still at 1/2 seconds, ISO400 - see the 5th image.
Read the related forum post here.
In the next series, Glen is examining the relationship between Auto ISO and shutter speed in S mode - it seems that the P5000 is able to go to a maximum of ISO800 in automatically. Go here to access the gallery and full-sized images. Read the related forum post here.
I have to say that the images are really impressive, even at ISO800. I don't know of any other compact digital camera that can compare with the P5000's high ISO image quality.
Professional Review Samples
Cyberphoto.se has a limited range of test pictures from the P5000, plus an ISO series all the way to ISO3200. Be sure to click on the Testbilder tab in order to access the gallery.
Tips
Where to download the P5000 user manuals?
Two Nikon P5000 user guides are provided, the COOLPIX P5000 User Guide and COOLPIX P5000 Quick Start Guide, and you can access the PDF documents at Nikon Europe.
Tips and tricks
- The P5000 provides blinking highlights, a histogram, image name, exposure mode (P, S, A, M etc), shutter speed, aperture, EV and ISO in Playback mode.
- The ISO can be set to any value (even Auto ISO) in the M mode.
- It's well-known that the P5000's auto focusing system is not as snappy as, say the one found in the Powershot G7, so Sam Knopfler shares some tips on camera settings that optimize the P5000 AF.
June 2nd, 2007 at 12:13 pm edit
I'd like to add my two cents worth. I got my P5000 two weeks ago, and I am very pleased. My usual camera is a D2h, and I've shot Nikon pro level cameras for the last 6 or 7 years. I was looking at Fuji, Olympus, and even (*gasp*) Canon. When I found the P5000, and looked at it's features, I was sold. After reading reviews, here and elsewhere, I took a chance and ordered it, even though I hadn't had a chance to lay my hands on it.
I won't say I am a "photophile", but I am very pleased with the quality of the pictures I've seen. I've shot about 300 pictures so far, from the family dog chasing squirrels to fireworks. The LCD is bright and clear, the resolution in the prints is great, even using digital zoom. The ergonomics are good, with an easy to hold grip on the body, and the buttons fall easily under the fingers. My biggest issues with the camera revolve around getting used to the fact that it's not a D2h, and is different to use :).
The Auto ISO and VR features work well, and probably save shots that would otherwise be blurry. I think the flash has a good guide range, and seems to be well balanced. Battery life seems reasonable, and startup time is OK.
It's hard to fit a D2h or something like it into a compact camera body, but in my opinion, this camera offers a lot of DSLR features in a point & shoot body and price. We can quibble over details and minutae, brands and features, but any way you slice it, this is a great little camera.
I wanted something to carry around that didn't weigh 10lbs, and I could stick in a pocket. While it is a little larger than I might like physically, I am willing to make that compromise because of the features and quality that it offers. If instantaneous response is needed, I'll bring the D2h. If I want something to capture sunsets, fun times and family get togethers, I'll bring the P5000!
Thank you,
Phred
July 9th, 2007 at 1:46 pm edit
I currently take underwater digital images with a NIKON coolpix 5600-5MP digital Point and shoot camera. I Freedive only, and prefer a small/compact/streamlined by comparison camera even with the housing. In Freediving streamlining is everything. The P5000 is the next logicall step in my photographic advancement when size, and cost are a cruitial factor. the housing in this rare case is cheaper than the camera, and it uses SD cards like my current camera, so no new media purchases. The Fantasea housing doesnt have the TTl option for a substrobe (that BITES), but the Ikelite does. My current strobe will work well enough, and this option looks very tempting. I can get a 10MP camera to get serious quality Macro images underwater for around US$600.00. this is a first in sub marine photography on every level!!!
but I am not completely sold. if it takes RAW images that may tip my scales, otherwise I will hold out for either a D80 (SD card memory benefit) or a D200 (faster 5 frames/second, and better resolution may be worth new media {CF Cards}) and I would have to take land images untill I can afford to go underwater with it. not for a long time. I wish a Point and shoot in the prosumer range would be offered with a large manual dial to adjust detailed focus visually. manual focus seals it for underwater photography! build it and sales will soar!