Nikon CoolPix P5000 First Impressions Review

by Emily Raymond
Published on March 10, 2007

Navigation
Intro	Physical Tour
Components	Design/Layout
Modes	Control Options
Image Parameters	Connectivity/Extras
Overall Impressions	Conclusion
Specs	Photo Gallery

 
 

The P5000 aims to be the all-around performance digital camera that is still cute and compact. There isn’t a ton of competition in the high-end compact market anymore because DSLRs are getting cheaper and cheaper, and so are general compacts – leaving a big hole in the middle. Filling that hole are cameras like the Canon PowerShot G7, which retails for much more at $599 and includes amenities like 10 megapixels, optical image stabilization, manual controls, and face recognition technology. The Nikon P5000 looks cheap compared to the G7, and the features aren’t quite as elaborate. While the $399 price is cheap compared to the direct competition, consumers should consider the associated costs with this camera. It has only a 3.5x optical zoom lens, so the telephoto conversion lens may be wanted. If a more powerful flash unit is wanted, that’s an extra cost too. The Nikon P5000 certainly isn’t a budget camera, but it is still an affordable fit for certain consumers.

 

Point-and-Shooters – While it does include 16 scene modes and even a Help guide, the Nikon Coolpix P5000 is geared more for the enthusiast crowd.

 

Budget Consumers – This performance digital camera is priced at $399, which is decent considering its manual controls and flexibility. But to really take advantage of all the P5000 has to offer, there will be more costs: memory, conversion lenses, a lens adapter, and a flash unit. Budget consumers may have to look elsewhere.

 

Gadget Freaks – The P5000 is lukewarm for gadget freaks. It has a hot shoe, accepts conversion lenses, and has an interval shooting function. Kind of cool but not amazing.

 

Manual Control Freaks – With manual and priority modes and a control dial to navigate them, the P5000 is equipped with all the right stuff to please these consumers.

 

Pros/Serious Hobbyists – This is the audience that Nikon is shooting for, but this camera certainly leans more for casual enthusiasts than hardcore professionals. Sure, it has a hot shoe, but its real appeal to this crowd will only be determined when the image quality is truly tested.

 

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