Nikon Coolpix 5400 - about to take the plunge

[Kim M]

Hi!

I've been doing a bit of research and I'm about to buy the 5400 from Amazon for $299 (after the $200 rebate). I have decided to forego the risk of the NY online retailers as I really don't want to be bothered with the high sell tactics, restocking fees, gray market crap, etc. From what I can tell this is a lot of camera for $299. It is my first digital camera and I think I mostly want it for candid shots and sharing pictures on the web with long distance family. But I also realize that once I get it and use it I will appreciate the extra features that a very basic camera would not have.

Is there another camera for the same or less money that I should consider instead?

I've read that one of the cons of many digital cameras (including the 5400) is the low light limitation. Can someone clarify what will be my low light limitations? For instance - will I be able to take pictures indoors with normal lighting as I would with my SLR and a flash?

Thank you in advance for taking the time to answer. I'm sure you all get sick of this part of the forum.

Regards,
Kim M

[D70FAN]

Hi!

I've been doing a bit of research and I'm about to buy the 5400 from Amazon for $299 (after the $200 rebate). I have decided to forego the risk of the NY online retailers as I really don't want to be bothered with the high sell tactics, restocking fees, gray market crap, etc. From what I can tell this is a lot of camera for $299. It is my first digital camera and I think I mostly want it for candid shots and sharing pictures on the web with long distance family. But I also realize that once I get it and use it I will appreciate the extra features that a very basic camera would not have.

Is there another camera for the same or less money that I should consider instead?

I've read that one of the cons of many digital cameras (including the 5400) is the low light limitation. Can someone clarify what will be my low light limitations? For instance - will I be able to take pictures indoors with normal lighting as I would with my SLR and a flash?

Thank you in advance for taking the time to answer. I'm sure you all get sick of this part of the forum.

Regards,
Kim M

The 5400 will serve you well. Low light limits are no worse than shooting 400 speed film in a SLR and noise at ISO400 is very low compared to the newer 5MP "tiny" sensored cameras.

The 5400 is a pro-sumer grade camera now at a consumer all-in-one price. In flash mode it will work just as well as your SLR (with internal flash) Just remember that digital is not a panacea. It has the same rules as film. :)

The only feature missing is an AF assist lamp (common for Nikons released around mid 2003).

At $799 the 5400 was a very good camera. At $299 it's a great bargain.

Enjoy! :)

[Kim M]

Thanks, George. I am so tired of the research phase, but as with anything that I know little about I tend to over-research it. I guess I just need to jump in somewhere!

[D70FAN]

Thanks, George. I am so tired of the research phase, but as with anything that I know little about I tend to over-research it. I guess I just need to jump in somewhere!

I am still considering getting the CP5400 just because it would complement my D70 so well, and at the <$300 level it's hard to beat. The 4X, wide angle, 28mm-112mm zoom is rare in an all-in-one, and I use wide angle, quite a bit, for building interior shooting.

I think you will be very pleased with the CP5400 as the close digital equivalent of your film SLR. Again, the only drawback may be (very) low light focusing (I used to carry a penlight for this with my CP990).

[Rhys]

I am still considering getting the CP5400 just because it would complement my D70 so well, and at the <$300 level it's hard to beat. The 4X, wide angle, 28mm-112mm zoom is rare in an all-in-one, and I use wide angle, quite a bit, for building interior shooting.

I think you will be very pleased with the CP5400 as the close digital equivalent of your film SLR. Again, the only drawback may be (very) low light focusing (I used to carry a penlight for this with my CP990).

I Have a similar kind of setup. I'd love to have wide-angle but I think I already have plenty with my existing setup:
Nikon 3100 - ancient but handy for shirt-pocket portability, holidays etc.
Canon S1 IS - great for video and for creative photography.
Nikon 995 - ancient but excellent for macro work

I suppose a 5400 would be handy for wide-angle work but I've never really seen a lot of difference between 28mm and 35mm (or 39mm). I'd say that for wide-angle, you really do need 24mm. Interestingly, I noticed a stitching mode on my S1 that allows me to stitch 4 photos together as a single wide-angle picture.

[Kim M]

I ordered it last night...now I'm just looking longingly at the UPS man each time he drives by my house. I need to get out and find a good deal on memory so I'll be set when it arrives.

[speaklightly]

Kim-

I took the Nikon CP 5400 "plunge" and I am very pleased with the experience. It is a nice digital camera with some attractive wide angle possibilities.

If you would like to see some sample digital photos from the Nikon Coolpix 5400 go to: www.digicamlady.smugmug.com/gallery/400941

Speaklightly

[PhilR.]

I ordered it last night...now I'm just looking longingly at the UPS man each time he drives by my house. I need to get out and find a good deal on memory so I'll be set when it arrives.

Hi Kim,

I found some good deals on memory cards at newegg.com recently. Might be worth a look...

I'm also thinking about taking the 5400 plunge, and I don't even need one!

PhilR.

[David Metsky]

Any thoughts about how this now discount 5400 compares to the newly announced 5600? The price is pretty close, there are some nicer features on the 5600 (AF-assist, better movies).

[gary_hendricks]

Hi!

I've been doing a bit of research and I'm about to buy the 5400 from Amazon for $299 (after the $200 rebate). I have decided to forego the risk of the NY online retailers as I really don't want to be bothered with the high sell tactics, restocking fees, gray market crap, etc. From what I can tell this is a lot of camera for $299. It is my first digital camera and I think I mostly want it for candid shots and sharing pictures on the web with long distance family. But I also realize that once I get it and use it I will appreciate the extra features that a very basic camera would not have.

Is there another camera for the same or less money that I should consider instead?

I've read that one of the cons of many digital cameras (including the 5400) is the low light limitation. Can someone clarify what will be my low light limitations? For instance - will I be able to take pictures indoors with normal lighting as I would with my SLR and a flash?

Thank you in advance for taking the time to answer. I'm sure you all get sick of this part of the forum.

Regards,
Kim M

Low light is a challenge for all digital cameras. Your decision shouldn't be influenced by this.