Nikon Coolpix P5000

Value (6.5)
The Nikon Coolpix P5000 has a retail tag of $399 but can be found almost everywhere online for under $349. This is a great deal for a 10-megapixel digital camera that is equipped with a hot shoe and a vast number of exposure modes. 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 offers features like 10 megapixels, image stabilization, and face recognition. Sound familiar? The G7 may have similar specs to the Nikon P5000, but it costs a lot more. It started at a retail price of $599 and is now offered for $499 only a few months after its release.

Unfortunately, image quality also minimizes the value of the P5000. The camera displayed very average performance across the board, with moderate color accuracy, limited dynamic range, and an average handling of noise at best. Also, 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 desirable. A more powerful flash unit is also additional. The Nikon P5000 isn’t a budget camera, but is still an affordable fit for consumers who already own Nikon gear.

Comparisons
Nikon D40 – At the bottom of Nikon’s DSLR lineup is the D40, which is one of the most compact DSLRs on the market and weighs a mere 16 ounces. It has 6.1 megapixels and the same host of manual and automatic modes that is available on the Coolpix P5000. The D40 appeals to consumers who print at home via the PictBridge connection. The camera is stocked with editing features like red-eye correction, trimming, filters, and color balancing. The Nikon D40 has a more powerful 520-shot battery, but skimps on its 3-area auto focus system and 2.5 fps burst mode. Both the D40 and P5000 have 2.5-inch LCD screens with the same 230,000-pixel resolution and 170-degree viewing angle. The D40 has a nicer built-in flash along with a hot shoe. It retails for $599 and includes an 18-55mm kit lens.


Canon PowerShot G7 – This high-end compact digital camera targets the same audience as the Coolpix P5000: enthusiasts who want great pictures from a camera that’s easier to carry around than a DSLR. The G7 is thicker than the P5000 and weighs a lot more too. Both cameras have hot shoes for flash units and are compatible with conversion lenses. They flaunt high ISO sensitivity although the G7 only goes up to 1600. The 10-megapixel Canon G7 has a longer 6x optical zoom lens with an image stabilization system that is very effective at eliminating blur from pictures and bumps from videos. The G7 has 25 exposure modes covering everything from fully manual to fully automatic, and there is a host of picture effects available. The Canon PowerShot G7 has superior face recognition technology that works much faster and more effectively than Nikon’s face priority auto focus system. At $499, it costs a bit more though.

Casio Exilim EX-Z1000 – If you’ve read this far and you’re thinking the Nikon P5000 sounds a bit too intense for you, the Casio Z1000 is a much lighter alternative. It has 10 megapixels squashed into a much thinner 3.6 x 2.3 x 0.9-inch body. It is trendier with its satin metal sheen and flat surfaces but it’s harder to handle. The camera has tiny control buttons, lengthy menus, and no manual exposure modes. It does not have an optical viewfinder but has a larger 2.8-inch LCD screen with 230,000 pixels. The built-in flash is effective to about 12 feet, which is nothing compared to what the Nikon can do. The 3x optical zoom lens is a little shorter and it locks in the movie mode just as the P5000’s does. The Casio Z1000’s movies record at the same VGA resolution but at 25 fps with worse audio than the P5000. Surprisingly, the Z1000’s burst mode is faster at 3 fps and this model even has a Rapid Flash mode similar to the one on the P5000 – except it is faster. The Exilim has 35 preset scene modes and a voice recording mode. It records to SD media like the P5000. It originally retailed for $399 but is now sold for under $250.

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters – The P5000 is designed for point-and-shooters that have grown bored of previous compact cameras. It is the step between compact point-and-shoots and DSLRs and comes with automatic, scene, and priority modes to make the transition easier. It isn’t a first-timer’s camera though.

Budget Consumers – The Coolpix P5000 is cheaper than much of its immediate competition. The Canon G7 costs a hundred dollars more at $499 and has 10 megapixels and many of the same features.

Gadget Freaks – There might be an initial spark of interest with the time lapse movie mode, but there isn’t much else to hold the attention of these consumers.

Manual Control Freaks – Full manual control is available on the Nikon P5000 and its interface is the closest to a DSLR’s available on a compact camera. There is a function button and a control dial that adjusts the manual exposure settings. Manual control freaks should appreciate this.

Pros/Serious Hobbyists – The Nikon Coolpix P5000 has a hot shoe and is designed to work with Nikon Speedlight flash units. This could make the P5000 an attractive backup camera or a good vacation camera because of its compact yet flexible nature.