Nikon P500 (1 Viewer)

[Neil]

Here are some more with the P500. I like it more and have it with me all the time although AF is a little weak at the long end. The second photo was at 972 mm ( digital zoom ).

 

[Broc]

G'day Neil. How do you rate the video performance of the P500. I was disappointed to see that the P500 does not allow the use of an external flash. Cheers, Richard

 

[crazyfingers]

I have the P100 and became very dissatisfied with it's ability to focus on the thing in the center focus zone. Rather its inability. I got too much of this stuff. 9 out of 10 not focused kind of results at times. I took a photo of this bird multiple times sitting here and they all came back like this. The center focus easily fit in the bird's belly.

http://home.comcast.net/~mjdude/pwpimages/DSCN6665a.jpg

I'm marginally interested in knowing whether Nikon fixed the issue with the P500. Not that I would get one. I've since gotten the Canon SX30 and it's been great.

 

[Neil]

G'day Neil. How do you rate the video performance of the P500. I was disappointed to see that the P500 does not allow the use of an external flash. Cheers, Richard

Richard,
I wouldn't recommend it as it's not that great, although fun to use and the HD video is good up to 600 mm. The results from the Canon SX30IS are better although frame rate is slow. They both miss out on not having RAW which I like to have.
Neil.

 

[Neil]

I have the P100 and became very dissatisfied with it's ability to focus on the thing in the center focus zone. Rather its inability. I got too much of this stuff. 9 out of 10 not focused kind of results at times. I took a photo of this bird multiple times sitting here and they all came back like this. The center focus easily fit in the bird's belly.

http://home.comcast.net/~mjdude/pwpimages/DSCN6665a.jpg

I'm marginally interested in knowing whether Nikon fixed the issue with the P500. Not that I would get one. I've since gotten the Canon SX30 and it's been great.

You should be happier with the SX30IS as it seems to be the better camera at the high magnifications. I've had focusing issues too.
Neil

 

[Neil]

G'day Neil. How do you rate the video performance of the P500. I was disappointed to see that the P500 does not allow the use of an external flash. Cheers, Richard

Richard,
I'm not an expert on video but I was happy enough with this one
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7892550@N03/5549919604/in/set-72157626414882500

I was able to rest the camera on the window ledge of the hide and let it run.
Neil.

 

[Broc]

Richard,
I wouldn't recommend it as it's not that great, although fun to use and the HD video is good up to 600 mm. The results from the Canon SX30IS are better although frame rate is slow. They both miss out on not having RAW which I like to have.
Neil.

Thanks Neil. Your opinions are much valued as always.:t:

 

[firstreesjohn]

Neil,

I think you have commented previously on the Panasonic Lumix FZ38- although where, the Lord knows !

How do you compare this new Nikon with the Lumix bridges, please ?

I'm interested in a move, but not to achieve lower quality images- and I can wait.

 

[Neil]

Neil,

I think you have commented previously on the Panasonic Lumix FZ38- although where, the Lord knows !

How do you compare this new Nikon with the Lumix bridges, please ?

I'm interested in a move, but not to achieve lower quality images- and I can wait.

I haven't had any experience with the long lumixes for a few years so you should go on the reviews. For image quality I would go with the Canon SX30iS.
Neil