Need some advice to make a decision

[PlantAKiss]

Hello Everybody

I'm a noob here. :) Looks like an interesting and active forum.

I have had an Olympus D400 for a number of years. I've enjoyed this camera but some of the drawbacks are frustrating for me and I am more than ready to move up. I have pretty much decided on a Nikon. I want a camera that can give me close to professional photos if I need that (I'm a graphic artist) but I'm particularly interested in good macro ability. It will mainly be used for hobby photos and to some degree perhaps for my work. I don't have a lot of expertise in photography but I enjoy it quite a bit. I take photos all the time!

I have narrowed my focus down to either the Coolpix 5700, 8700 or 8800. I have been reading some reviews and have some concerns about what I've read. This is a pricey camera (for my budget) and I'm reading things like slow shutter speed, slow card writing, poor low light focus, etc. I don't know if this super professionals being ultra picky or if these flaws are serious enough to be a detractant to purchasing.

Can anyone here offer some advice on which camera would be the best value with the best features? Or offer reviews of any of these. Or even make a suggestion of another brand if you think its superior. Of importance to me is good macro, accurate color, ability to change lens to some degree, manual options. I am hoping to keep the price between $500-$700 (hoping to find good discounts online).

I don't want to sink this kind of money into a camera that can't focus in dim light. I have that same problem with my Olympus and its frustrating.

Any help, suggestions, information...anything...will be greatly appreciated. I want to get this camera soon!

I hope you all had a good holiday and will have a very happy and photogenic New Year!

-Suzanne/PAK

[PlantAKiss]

Just a little bump. Anybody? Anything?

[PhilR.]

OK - I'll bite.....

Can anyone here offer some advice on which camera would be the best value with the best features?

"Best value" is highly subjective. Best features however would go to the 8800.

Or offer reviews of any of these.

There are at least three or four websites that have reviews of these cameras.

Of importance to me is good macro, accurate color, ability to change lens to some degree,

Hate to tell you this, but none of the three cameras can change lenses.

I don't want to sink this kind of money into a camera that can't focus in dim light. I have that same problem with my Olympus and its frustrating.

All cameras have a limit as to how low a light level they will focus in. And too, "dim light" is also a highly subjective term. What is dim to one person (or camera, for that matter) may not be to others. It would be hard, if not impossible, to recommend a camera that will always autofocus in whatever situations you call dim. You could however get a camera that has a focus assist light, to help you out as much as possible. I believe the 8800 has one.

Any help, suggestions, information...anything...will be greatly appreciated. I want to get this camera soon!

OK. Since there isn't any appreciable difference in lens speed, I would get the one that appeared the latest, and has the most features. This means the 8800, which has vibration reduction which will help to shoot handheld 2-3 stops lower than what you could normally do.



happy holidays,
PhilR.