Coolpix 4500 vs Contax SL300RT: which one would you pick?

[trealawboy]

I currently use a Nikon FS EDIIIA with a x24DS eyepiece and a Coolpix 7900. I'm disappointed with the images I get, and find focussing to be really problematic.

I've therefore, decided to buy either a Nikon Coolpix 4500 or a Contax SL300RT. I know they've both been discontinued but they are still available in a few places. After a lot of reading on this forum I've narrowed my choice down to one of these, but find it difficult to make the final choice.

The Contax appeals due to its small size and 3.5 frames per second facility. The downside may be the power supply issue and the fact that it is only 3MP. Also by the time I buy a digimount, cable release and power supply its going to come in £50 or so more than the Coolpix. That's not a worry, so long as I'm confident I've made the right choice.

On the other hand the Coolpix also appeals, as its 4MP, got a good macro facility and I've seen some terrific shots with it. Its a bit more bulky of course and may make my setup a little back heavy.

Can any of you who experienced with these cameras help me decide? Discussion on these cameras has dwindled a little recently as newer models have come along, but I guess there are quite a few BFers out there now who are experienced with both machines and would prefer one over the other.

[Neil]

The 7900 should give good images and if you are having problems with focusing you will probably find the same problem with the 4500 and 300Rt. The 300RT is faster than the 4500 but doesn't have many of the nice features, like remote control and multiple focus points. Why not look at some of the newer large screen digicams , or even the Nikon CP8400 which has plenty of good features , including the Electronic Viewfinder which makes focusing much easier. It's not a good idea to go backwards with digicams unless you get a very,very good deal.Neil.

[IanF]

Having used the CP4500 and SL300RT, out of the two the CP4500 is far the better digiscoping camera. The Contax is smaller and simpler to use but image quality I always equated with the CP990 or slightly lower rather than the CP4500.

The CP4500 is old technology now but still holds it's own for digiscoping which personally I think it is still the best design for that purpose. Having said that I also agree with Neil that newer technology cameras should be a better option - I just haven't seen one that stands head and shoulders above the CP4500.

[bobwoodcock]

Having used the CP4500 and SL300RT, out of the two the CP4500 is far the better digiscoping camera. The Contax is smaller and simpler to use but image quality I always equated with the CP990 or slightly lower rather than the CP4500.

The CP4500 is old technology now but still holds it's own for digiscoping which personally I think it is still the best design for that purpose. Having said that I also agree with Neil that newer technology cameras should be a better option - I just haven't seen one that stands head and shoulders above the CP4500.
I think you are absolutely right Ian,if only they would make an updated version of the cp4500 of about 8mb, it would be great.

[yossi]

Ian, you are right.
If only the CP8400 had the optics of the CP4500...Zoom range, Internal Focus, 28mm thread...
All the rest is there - a good EVF, 8 MP, an IR remote, relatively fast focusing, accurate exposures...
Maybe someone at Nikon is looking at this thread now?...

[christineredgate]

Yes,definitely the 4500.I did try the Contax but somehow the quality was somewhat under par compared to the 4500.

[mayoayo]

Yes,definitely the 4500.I did try the Contax but somehow the quality was somewhat under par compared to the 4500.
I use the kyocera sl400,very similar if not the same features of the contax(if anything the contax has better lens)i get pretty good pictures out of it.NIKON processing time is EXCRUCIATING!!!!!you have to WAIT AND WAIT..before shots,WAIT AND WAIT to review your shots,WAIT AND WAIT to even erase your shots.....!!!!

[postcardcv]

I'd agree with others, of the two I'd go for the 4500. I have used both a 4500 and a Kyocera (much the same as the Contax), both have pros and cons, but the super image quality and stunning macro of the Nikon would sway it for me. If I ever see one cheap I'll be tempted to buy another 4500 as I do sort of miss it...

[Dave B Smith]

I have the Contax U4R which is 4 mp. I love its small size, swivel viewfinder and quick shot time. I don't like that is is discontinued, that the autofocus (no manual option) is often not spot on, it struggles with focus in low light, and the battery life is short. Also, not real keen on the plastic attachment ring (had the first one break and took months to get a replacement) and you need quite a set up to add a cable release.

I'm looking to upgrade.

[Paul Jarvis]

Dave you've hit the nail on the head with that, I used the U4R before upgrading to my current A620.

[mayoayo]

I have the Contax U4R which is 4 mp. I love its small size, swivel viewfinder and quick shot time. I don't like that is is discontinued, that the autofocus (no manual option) is often not spot on, it struggles with focus in low light, and the battery life is short. Also, not real keen on the plastic attachment ring (had the first one break and took months to get a replacement) and you need quite a set up to add a cable release.

I'm looking to upgrade.
HI there....i have a kyocera 4 mp..it surprises me that it has a manual focus option and the contax doesnt!!!! my experience is that ALL digital camers struggle with focus in low light(i have owned and still have 2 different nikon 5 mp cameras)....the battery life in the kyocera is short,i agree .but i use an externel battery pack and works quite good...

[Rob Smallwood]

I use the Kyo SL400R wih a battery pack - it is so small, simple to use and surprisingly good for a small camera.

I've tried the Contax SL300R as well, its probably a bit better - but either make great digiscoping cameras - especially for beginners like me with no photographic background.

[christineredgate]

Met a guy in the hide today who was using a Samsung cam.It looked identical in layout to the Contax.He was taking some very sharp images.