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From: "Bob Dial" 
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Subject: Re: CP5000/Dan/Terrence
Date: Sat, 15 Feb 2003 12:14:48 -0600
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----- Original Message -----
From: "D Angelich" 
To: 
Sent: Saturday, February 15, 2003 10:33 AM
Subject: Re: 50-500mm Sigma Lens

Hi, Dan


> [fonix.photo]
>
>     I've got the Nikon Coolpix 5000.

Me, too.  :'(

> .. battery reminds of the 9 volt dry cell battery, about the same size and
shape..
> Seems no matter what brand, it cost $39.95. They last perhaps two to six
months

Oh, lovely!  I haven't had to replace the battery as yet but it made it past
two months, at least.

> [and it] will not charge no more. There's an optional piece that holds six
AA
> penlight batteries that I have. Got it as a backup in case the
rechargeable
> batteries went out. Can always find dry cell batteries anywhere.
>

That auxiliary unit runs about $130 plus rechargeable batteries and charger,
so say another $150 or more for what ought to be standard reliability.  Just
another of the shortcomings I've found so far in the CP5000..

In my case, a very limiting factor is failing eyesight with anything close
enough to touch.  Those blessed with good closeup vision can't appreciate
how much that is involved.  It never mattered on the first digital I bought,
a Sony FD-95, but it makes far too much difference on the CP5000.  Just
changing settings is near impossible without a magnifying glass.  It uses
about 75 Icons to identify its many modes but to me they look more like
characters from the Chinese alphabet and do not clearly resemble the
functions to which each one applies.

The CP5000 is obviously capable of wonderous things if you can see well
enough to use it.  I can't.  It's just too small to even hold, conveniently,
much less to use.  Some of its options are unreasonably difficult to locate
in a hurry from the menu listings.  And the tiny viewing area makes it
merely guesswork as to the people pictured having eyes open or closed.  Such
things are no problem with the Sony.  I have come to rely upon the eye cup
viewing arrangement and having the most commonly used functions available
via well located buttons on the exterior of the camera body rather than
buried in internal menu listings.  For those which are also menu listed, the
settings are in text that is easily read, not gibberish icons.  I can see
clearly with the shielded eye cup and need not have to be ultra careful each
time I pick it up.  One would be well advised to take care when picking up
the CP 5000, lest they also press one of too many closely located setting
buttons where the hand naturally falls when gripping the camera.  Press one
and you may be in movie mode, not still, or change the manual/auto focus
setting without knowing it.

Just using the camera, even briefly, would disclose whether it's for you or
not.  I did not take the time to do that but I'll never buy another digital
without checking it out, first.  I was very lucky on the Sony and very
disappointed with the Nikon.  I had not previously shot either one.  Stupid
is as stupid does, and I know that I qualify on that score by my own
impulsive actions. 

Seriously, I'd caution anyone who plans to buy such a camera to try to
actually hold it and, if possible, shoot it using some of the options
available.  If it works for you then you're in business.  No need for anyone
to buy first and then find out it wasn't a wise purchase.  My preference is
easily 10 to 1 in favor of Sony's FD-95 for my practical useage.  We all
know Nikon makes good stuff, but they are not the only ones, and personal
preference plays an equally important role as well.

> > Dan: I have a D100 and the batteries are one of its strong points. I can
> > easily shoot 500 photos with one charge. -- Regards, Terrence.

What's the battery system on that one, Terrence?  I have trouble getting the
5000 battery to last much over 45 minutes, just checking the menu options.
If it's in auto mode the battery saver is enabled and that may last an hour.
Problem is, when a setting change is needed, I usually change everything but
the one fuction needed just trying to get to the right one.  

BobD
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