Nikon Coolpix P5000

Review summary: This 10.0 megapixel digital camera is fancy with features, loaded with capabilities, but has some drawbacks. The price tag is certainly okay, but you should look for future models to increase in quality as well as come down in price. Keep in mind that ...

Pros: Very compact and lightweight, Not as impressive as SLR models, but good overall, Great backup camera, Zoom—3.5x optical with vibration reduction

Verdict: Need a good point-and-shoot for that next trip or event? Consider...

Review summary: The Nikon Coolpix P5000 ($399) is a compact, full-featured 10 Megapixel camera that is reminiscent of the Coolpix 5000 that was popular back in 2001. In addition to its 10 Megapixel CCD, the P5000 also sports a 3.5X optical zoom lens (equivalent to 36 ...

Pros: Very good photo quality when sharpness is bumped up ; Optical image stabilization ; Generally solid construction (with one big exception) ; Sharp 2.5" LCD display + optical viewfinder ; Many manual controls (though see below) ; Powerful flash ; Custom ...

Cons: Sluggish performance, especially in terms of focusing ; Soft images at default settings ; some details smudged by noise reduction ; Some redeye, despite two countermeasures ; Bizarre noise from VR system is picked up by camera's microphone ; ...

Verdict: While the P5000's battery life numbers are a bit better than the PowerShot G7's, in the group as a whole they're slightly below average

Review summary: Most cameras here are aimed at casual users, but Nikon has keen photographers in mind with the Coolpix P5000.

Verdict: The biggest problem is the speed at which pictures are captured. Autofocus takes up to two seconds, and the camera managed a shot every 3.4 seconds on average. Continuous mode was the worst here at 0.4fps. Enthusiasts wouldn't put up with this, and ...

Review summary: Nikon's Coolpix P5000, which evolved from the earlier P3 and P4, takes a wide array of features that appeal to experienced photographers and assembles them in a sturdily built pocket camera with an optically stabilized 3.5X zoom lens. Whereas this 10 ...

Pros: Good ergonomics and compact design. Wide range of exposure and other advanced controls. High-quality LCD complemented by optical viewfinder. Support for external flash units and lens converters.

Cons: Limited zoom range. Not well suited for action and telephoto photography. Average operational performance.

Verdict: The Nikon Coolpix P5000 assembles a flexible range of advanced creative controls in a very compact body with a design that makes for comfortable and efficient shooting.