Only recently, I got this hang of photography which made me dig deep into digital cameras. There are a wide range of cameras available in the market from normal click-o-cam to DSLR. So? Actually, I am neither interested in any click-o-cam nor any DSLR. This post is intended for those photography enthusiasts who consider themselves on the border line between being consumers and professional users. Oh yes! I am talking about you. I am talking about 'Prosumers'; the cameras or other gears which are targeted for sale to people who love photography but they're not professional photographers. So, Nikon Coolpix P7000 which happens to be the latest model in their coolpix series caught my eye. It is about to hit the market in the last months of this year. Exposed online already!
So, allow me to introduce to you, this promising new delight for Prosumers.
First, the specifications.
- 10MP CCD sensor
- 720p HD video recording with mic jack for external microphone
- ISO 100-3200
- RAW capture option (.NRW format) and NRW+JPEG (Yes!)
- 7x zoom (28-200mm equivalent) f/2.8-5.6 with 2 ED elements and built-in ND filter
- 720p (1280x720) movie mode with AF and lens zoom during recording
- 3.0 inch 921k dot LCD screen
- 4 Picture Control preset modes + custom mode
- EXPEED C2 processor
- Active D-Lighting
- Electronic virtual horizon
- HDMI output
- Zoom memory function
- i-TTL compatibility with Speedlight SB-400/600/800/900 flashguns
- Dual IR receivers (front and rear) for wireless remote control ML-L3.
The Nikon P series has long claimed to have dedicated itself for the very purpose of professional level photography in consumer arena, but there were qualities like resolution, image clarity etc. which were not up to the mark, in its previous models. With P7000, Nikon is all set to break through many traditional glitches of the P range of digital cameras.
The Nikon P7000 will have 3 image mode dials and a optical viewfinder with the 3-inch LCD screen. The camera will support RAW capturing of still images and it will shoot 720p HD videos too. It is also very prominent that this model is very different in form factor from its predecessors, and is slightly like the Canon PowerShot G series cameras. Not only looks wise, but even the sensors of image are almost identical to the Canon PowerShot Gseries. It will also have HDMI output and two infra-red receivers for remote controlling. The pricing is done very wisely and I call it the best of all features being priced at 500 USD, as revealed by Dpreview.
Coming to the looks. I am not very happy with the plasticky feel its front body has. But towards the LCD screen, it gives you a slick feeling making your heart melt. Handling, as they claim, is gonna be a good experience.
To sum up, I am expecting something very promising this time from Nikon. All this time, I will be researching over other similar models of digital cameras, just in case you are curious to see how the P7000 really ranks up.
7 Comments:
First things first, the 500USD tag is a turnoff. If one can get a Nikon DSLR at 35k, it wouldn't be a smart choice to get a non DSLR at a price as high as 25k.
Secondly, Remote controlling is a new and interesting feature. :D
Expect people holding remote controllers when they attempt self clicks. :D
What would Electronic Virtual Horizon mean? o_O
Niiiice but I don't think prosumers buy cameras worth 25K! o.O
@Alok Here, I feel that, you consider entry level DSLRs better than prosumers. I believe, for people like me, a prosumer is better deal @500USD, let me give you a list of reasons when I say that.
1)The bulk of a DSLR camera makes it inconvenient. While travelling, takes up space. A prosumer offers a considerably weight advantage compared to the lenses and accesories of a dSLR. Although the newer dSLRs are lighter, there is still the bulk factor.
2) Lenses are a heavy investment, and the default lens can not shoot everything. For any outing, you need to carry at least two lenses, and it is irritating to switch. The functionality of a zoom lens of a prosumer camera is much better than that of a dSLR.
3)In social situations, you don't want to look like you are building a portfolio, but are taking candid shots for yourself. A dSLR kills the mood, but a prosumer just takes good photos without making you stand out or awkwardly fiddle around with the controls.
4)You can actually learn a lot more about photography if you are using a prosumer camera, because if you are willing to take the time to understand the easy to use settings, you can apply the same knowledge while taking your shots. Prosumers also allow you to tweak almost as much as a dSLR.
5)Macros, portraits, and landscapes - all of these show up as the same on websites or photography forums whether you are shooting from a dSLR or a Prosumer cam.
Now, Electronic Virtual Horizon is a feature offered by Nikon in their cameras which quickly and accurately displays a graphic to show the camera’s position relative to the horizontal plane. This is an invaluable photographic tool when shooting landscapes and architecture.
*You no longer have to guess if the horizon in your scene is level.* :D
@Anurag Why do you think so? People who are enthusiastic about photography would go for more than 25K cam.
Hehe, yeah.
Good arguments. 'Prosumer' is the keyword here, it seems. Your social occasion wala point is very valid.
The virtual horizon thing is nice. I had a very similar feeling about its probable meaning. :D
"Macros, portraits, and landscapes - all of these show up as the same on websites or photography forums whether you are shooting from a dSLR or a Prosumer cam."
I humbly disagree on this, though. :)
More than the post,tumhara comment la jawaab hai..
Waise ek aur baat hai,People with artistic ambitions definitely need to be rich.
*sigh*
Pehli salary mein ek electric guitar to aa jaayega shayad *sigh*
But agar paise hain,to phir compromise nahi chalta.So 25k no worries, if one interested chap has,then he/she ll willingly spend.
Jahan tak camera ki baat hai...Mohi Ji hamein ye sab Moh maya lagti hai...Acchi Photo khinchne ka hunar to nahi hai...But pose bahute badhiya bana sakte hain hum.. :p
Hehehe Thanks. Pose hi maariye, cam photo khichne wale ko de dejiyega. :D
Even I am a prosumer. But cannot shell out 25K, lut jaoongi. ;D Plz suggest me a good digital camera -non slr/dslr within range of 7-15 k . My sony cybershot 2 megapixels sucks, big time!
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