Nikon Coolpix 5700 or 8700???

[ray_vann]

My uncle is considering purchasing a Coolpix 8700. However, I

noticed that the 5700 is quite a bit cheaper and seems very

comparable in features. The big difference is the 8 million pixels

vs. 5 million. However, I shoot a D100 with only 6 and have not felt

a strong need for more. The big drawback that I have regarding the

8700 is that the ISO range is 50-400 where as the 5700 ISO range is

100-800. I really like having the capability of ISO 800. Anyway, I

would really appreciate input from all of you 5700 and 8700 owners.

Let me know what you think so I can point him in the right direction.

[john_koontz]

Tell him to get the 5700. I've seen pictures from both and prefer the 5700. Less noise is the biggest reason. The difference between 5 and 8 MP is not that much and your ucle will prefer working with the smaller files.

[anesh]

8700. Shoot at ISO 50 or ISO 100. The 8700 has many more features like BSS and autofocus beam. Noise will always be a problem at ISO's higher than 200 unless you use a DSLR.

[jack_carlton]

Late to this thread, but Anesh: you're wrong. BSS (Best shot selector) is a standard feature in the 5700 and not an exclusive to the 8700. I have to assist the other poster regarding the differences: there are not many, so the 5700 may be a better buy.

 

Ray, ISO 800 is really trashy (too much noise). But this is true for practically any prosumer digital camera. Try dpreview.com for in-depth comparisons and see for yourself. There is not much to justify a purchase of an 8700 over the 5700.

 

Cheers.