chip_chipowski

<p>Great shot Howard - very nice color.</p>

<blockquote> <p>Oh well, I'm sure there'll be a D850 at some point, and we can all argue about whether our lenses can resolve for it while hand-held again...</p> </blockquote> <p>It doesn't have to be that way, Andrew. To quote Sarah Connor, "There's no fate but what we make for ourselves."</p>

<blockquote> <p>it's a good idea to read the entire manual cover to cover and learn the cameras functions before using</p> </blockquote> <p>The 810 manual is nearly 500 pages long. </p>

<blockquote> <p>you can set the front function button to allow instant access to the video option</p> </blockquote> <p>Elliot, I also set mine up this way. It really helps for quick access. I am looking forward to shooting more video with the A. </p>

<p>Dieter - how is the autofocus on the Ricoh GR?</p>

<p>Al - I like the view-camera idea ;) I have not used the camera much on a tripod, but it should work great. Manual focus using the LCD is a snap. I do plan on using the A with a tripod, especially for landscape. First I need to pick up the RRS body plate. I am hoping the plate does not take away pocketability.</p>

<p>Portland Art Museum</p><div></div>

<p>A few people have mentioned the X100, which looks like a great camera. Also a bit chunkier than the Coolpix A.<br> http://camerasize.com/compare/#445,566</p> <p>I like both 28mm and 35mm FOV, so I think I would enjoy the Fuji. </p>

<blockquote> <p> I am afraid that the Coolpix A is not at all a business success</p> </blockquote> <p>Agreed - the $300-$500 clearance sales seem to indicate the Coolpix A did not generate a ton of demand. On the other hand, I am happy Nikon produced this camera. I doubt the success/failure of Coolpix A has much bearing on the overall financial health of Nikon. So they lose some money on the camera and make a small contingent of its customers happy. </p>

<p>Impression #3: Coolpix A makes a good second camera.</p> <p>In some settings, I like to use a double camera set-up - usually with telephoto on one and wide angle on the other. The Coolpix A works nicely in this fashion. Very easy to switch from one camera to the next and Coolpix A stays out of the way when not in use. </p>

<p>Impression #2: AF is a weak point.</p> <p>AF performance has been mixed. I take photos of my 3 year old, which can be challenging on autofocus. Coolpix A has face recognition, which seems to work pretty well for people photos. Otherwise, the AF just seems inconsistent so far. Mostly it works well, but the camera has become confused in at least a few situations. Manual focus is pretty straightforward. When you switch to manual, you can see a distance scale on the screen. You can also zoom in to check critical focus. </p>

<p>Coolpix A with 35mm cousin, L35AF.</p><div></div>

<p>Another small detail: the battery charger is compact. A nice touch, making it easier to travel light with the Coolpix A.</p><div></div>

<p>Compared to the D200.</p><div></div>

<p>I like using the "i button" to quickly check and adjust major settings. I have never really used this button on my DSLRs but it is useful on the Coolpix A, which lacks a lot of dedicated controls. The rear scroll wheel works nicely.</p><div></div>

<p>The top deck is nice and clean. You can see the spring loaded on/off switch.</p><div></div>

<p>I picked up a refurb Coolpix A on fire sale, and I have been using it for about a month. I thought I would share some feedback. I really like it overall. When the camera was released, I did not pay a lot of attention because I think retail was something like $1k+. </p> <p>Impression #1: This camera is small.<br /></p> <p>I was expecting small, but I am still surprised how tiny this thing is. It easily slides into the back pocket on my jeans, even with a small neck strap attached. I like to carry the camera using the neck strap, but it is nice to be able to get it into a pocket if need be. With such a compact form factor, you would expect some ergonomic compromises. However, the layout works well for me. Fellow member Ralph Oshiro mentioned the nice "on/off" switch and I completely agree. It is a little thing, but the nice on/off actuation really adds to the user experience. You can quickly and easily power the camera on and off, which I find myself doing often in casual photo situations. Also, the little nub grip on the front works fine for me. Despite the small size, one handed operation works fine. Otherwise, the buttons and menu operation are very similar to Nikon DSLR.</p><div></div>

<p>Marcello - a VR noise does not necessarily represent a problem. I think all of my VR lenses have made a sound. Sometimes it can be a clunk, like you described. Sometimes it is more of a running water sound. </p> <p>You mentioned you bought this lens from a store - if it is local, why not take the lens back in and compare it to another 24-120? </p>

<p>I'm with Dieter - it sounds a little like the VR clunk I am used to hearing.</p>

<p>Playground</p><div></div>

Andreas - I got the 700 to use for off camera flash but it's not really my thing. Since I bought used, I feel okay thinning the herd a little. On a side note, I bought an SB-400 and it is just great. The compact size makes it a great compliment to the SB-800. It's a little thing but the SS-400 soft case is a great design. The case zips up to perfectly fit the flash in a neat little package.

<p>Khai - I have the Type K version of the 28mm f/3.5 and it is one of my favorite lenses. I use it on film and DX, so cannot comment on digital FX performance. According to Bjorn Rorslett, the Type K version is characterized by more vignetting than the later versions (which I like in a wide angle).</p>

<p>Thanks everybody! Craig and Wouter - you are right on, and my instinct tells me to keep them all. Ultimately, I think I'll sell the SB-700. I bought it used and I will have no problem getting the same amount for it. I think concerns about age are valid, but who knows right? The SB-28 for example, is working perfectly and it could be 10-15 years old by now. I am a light flash user so I am comfortable lacking some redundancy. </p> <p>I am buying the SB-400 later this afternoon - I am excited to try it out.</p>

<p>Nancy - Eric made some good points about camera choices, but a lot of this discussion is abstract because we do not know much about you. It would be helpful to know more about why you upgraded to the D750. This forum is full of gear heads, and "superzoom" lenses go over like an automatic transmission on a Porsche forum. I think there is nothing wrong with a superzoom as long as the user understands the pros/cons. </p> <p>Unfortunately, you might not find a lot of users here with first hand experience with the Nikon or Tamron. </p>

<p>Thanks Lex - this is helpful. </p>