A Big Camera in a Small Package Nikon has moved into the high-resolution consumer digital camera arena with the release of the Coolpix 5000, a magnesium alloy black-bodied model weighing only 12.6 ounces. It's designed around a 2/3-inch 5.24-megapixel CCD with a maximum resolution of 2560x1920 pixels and an effective capture resolution of 5.0 megapixels. A 12-bit Analog-to-Digital (A/D) converter results in exceptionally sharp images with vivid color and excellent saturation.
With the new 5000, Nikon has deviated from the split-bodied, swivel design of earlier Coolpix 900-series cameras. Instead of a rotating lens, the new 5000 features a 1.8-inch swivel LCD that can be rotated 270°, making it possible, for example, for the photographer to view and shoot self-portraits. The rotating/swivel action of the LCD also makes it easier to take pictures from odd angles, much like with the 900-series cameras.
As is generally the case with Nikon equipment, the optics for the Coolpix 5000 are excellent. The camera comes equipped with a 7.1-21.4mm 3X optical zoom lens, equivalent to 28-85mm in the 35mm format. Three aspherical lens elements result in optimum color rendition and minimal distortion, even in extreme close-ups.
Four optional lens adapters are available, ranging from fisheye to long telephoto capabilities (8mm and 19mm to 2X and 3X teleconverter, in a 35mm equivalent). However, because these converters attach to the front of the lens, they are somewhat cumbersome to use. When using any of the lens adapters, framing must be done with the color LCD.
There are two LCDs on the back of the camera: One is the rotating color LCD that's used for image preview and review, as well as for selecting on-screen menu options. Three buttons above the swivel LCD are used to navigate through these menu options. There's a Monitor button, a Menu button and a Quick-Review button that brings up individual low-res proxies of previously captured images.
The Quick-Review button enables you to page through the smaller images while maintaining the main preview image in the viewfinder. Once the desired shot has been selected, a second press of the button makes it full screen. The Menu button controls a complex selection of menu options, both when taking pictures and reviewing them.
The second LCD on the back of the camera is a monochrome display used to indicate camera settings such as shooting quality, the number of remaining frames on the CompactFlash card and battery status.
Shooting modes include flexible program AE (for automatic photography with some creative options), aperture-priority AE, shutter-priority AE and manual. A variety of options are available in each shooting mode. The camera comes equipped with a highly accurate 256-segment matrix metering system with center-weighted, spot and spot-autofocus capabilities. The ISO equivalent extends to 800, while the top shutter speed is a fast 1/4000.
The power control ring is situated around the shutter release button. Three function buttons and a rotation mode dial are also situated atop the camera. A multi-directional navigation button, the zoom control and three other buttons on the back control flash modes and image quality settings. A small diagonal slider above the navigation button switches the camera between shooting and review modes.
The Nikon Coolpix 5000 has a lot going for it. However, the camera's relatively long shutter delay makes the 5000 seem slow to respond. For this reason, it took some practice before we felt comfortable shooting action. Nikon recommends using auto-exposure and auto-focus lock to speed up the process. Anticipating the action proved to be the key.
The Coolpix 5000 is also slow to recycle when shooting at the highest resolution setting. It can capture a burst of three frames at maximum resolution before the buffer is filled. But it takes quite some time for the camera to recycle and get ready for the next frame once the buffer is full. We detected a major difference in recycling times between shooting with a 4X CF card and a 12X CF card when using the 5000, so be sure to purchase the fastest cards you can.
The Coolpix 5000 comes equipped with a small built-in flash and a hot-shoe. It supports a number of Nikon Speedlights. When shooting with the built-in flash, be careful not to cover the flash sensor near the hand grip with your fingers.
In addition to its still photography capabilities, the 5000 also has a movie mode that shoots up to 40 seconds of QuickTime video with audio.
Connectivity is provided through a USB port. The Coolpix 5000 supports both type I and type II CompactFlash cards. It comes bundled with a 32 MB card and NikonView 4 software for a suggested retail price of $1099.95. For more information contact Nikon Inc., 1300 Walt Whitman Rd., Melville NY; 631/547-4200; www.nikonusa.com.
