Coolpix 4500 arrived (first impressions)

[Widowmaker]

I hate to say it but my first impressions are not what I had hoped. It may be that I am use to the F707. The display is way tiny and it may be just this camera but it has a reddish tint to the lcd image. The images come out fine though. The focus time seems to be slower than the f707 but again that may be that I got use to working with it. One major thing that bothers me, and maybe some of you can shed some light for me. The camera on, in auto mode, aiming the camera at one subject, I feel a constant little bump in the camera, like its maybe constantly trying to focus. Im going to sit down and read the book and shoot some tomorrow, unfortunately with no scope since my eyepiece is still back ordered. Meanwhile if someone can confirm the tint color on the lcd image or advise a solution.

[Andy Bright]

Hi Sean,
ou can alter the hue of the lcd display via the monitor options in the menu..... though I've never had need for this. If you're getting a reddish tint on playback of images, it may be a white balance issue.
I advise everyone to use a manual mode (aperture priority is a safe bet) because the camera will constantly hunt for a focus lock in auto. It may do the same in a manual mode but you can always change this in the manual mode menus focus options.... single AF is what you want, otherwise you're in for a confusing time when digiscoping. Single AF is where the camera only attempts to focus when you half-press the shutter button, a further press wil take the shot.
Andy

[Tannin]

Yes, that judder is quite alarming. I actually wondered if my camera was faulty at first. Andy (as ever) has the correct solution for it.

Tony

[Widowmaker]

Here are two views of the lcd. I had to use snapshot on vid cam so the quality is bad but the comparison is for the colors.
The top shot is about the color I see when looking at the LCD directly. What you are seeing there is suppose to be a white ceiling. The second shot is if I view the lcd at an angle from the bottom looking up at it. In the picture it turned out with a blue tint but it does not look that way. It actually looks how I think it should when view direct, which is normal with no tint. The top shot actually is a darker red tint than what was captured and the tint gets darker if viewed at an angle from top looking down. These are indoor shots. I am going to see if it does the same outside tomorrow. Im thinking I got a defective lcd.

[Andy Bright]

Hmm, doesn't look good. Any artificial lighting?

[Widowmaker]

The red tint image happens inside and oustide but its not as bad outside. Its very annoying. I also have found that the camera seems to have a focusing issue. Starting at about 75% zoom, up to 100% (not using digital zoom), the camera will not focus on any subject, regardless what distance the subject is. For instance if I zoom to 100% at some trees 100 yards away, it will not focus .This is with the camera on full auto. I have not tried any other settings since there is obviously a problem. Definitely not a good first Nikon experience. Im about to ship it off for repair and hope something good comes out of this.

Incandescent lighting inside. I thought maybe it was something like that but then when I went outside and the problem was still there....

[digi-birder]

Originally posted by Widowmaker
I also have found that the camera seems to have a focusing issue. Starting at about 75% zoom, up to 100% (not using digital zoom), the camera will not focus on any subject, regardless what distance the subject is. For instance if I zoom to 100% at some trees 100 yards away, it will not focus

I had a similar problem with the 995 and a trip to Nikon service did absolutely no good at all. The focusing was very hit and miss. I did get some half-decent digiscoped photos, but compared to how many absolutely awful ones I had, it was just not worth continuing with the camera. Even non-digiscoped shots were poor, in my opinion. In some Nikon camera reviews I've read in various magazines (all models), poor focusing is mentioned.

I think I had a faulty 995, as others using the Coolpix series get stunning photos. I did read on the Yahoo forum some time ago about someone else having a focusing problem with the 995 and also sent it back for testing, but I never heard the conclusion of that one.

I now have a Canon G3 and it's fantastic, if a little fiddly (http://www.birdforum.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=6128) getting it to digiscope.

If I were you, I would return it to the shop and explain the problems and ask for an exchange.

[Widowmaker]

Well I sent the camera to Nikon today and my Meade 90 arrived. Just using the Meade to spot has been really cool so far. I have been looking at birds, bugs and whatever I can find.

I hope there is something wrong with the Nikon, which would mean it could be fixed or replaced. If its not, and thats just the way the 4500 operates, its nothing more than a paperweight to me. The tinted LCD I might could live with but the lack of ability to focus in the 75% to 100% zoom range would be terrible.

Wing 4500, shutter release arm, extend a view and mounting bolt are in but still backordered on that darn eyepiece. Guess it dont really matter since I have no camera :)

[Andy Bright]

There's certainly no tinted lcd display on the cp4500, so it would be down to a internal problem. Can't understand your focus problems.... I'd presume it's another fault on this particular 'lemon'. You need to be aware that digital cameras use contrast detection for a focus lock, as well as good light. If you have the camera in 'macro' mode, it's unlikely to get a lock on a distant subject or when the zoom is up towards the top 1/4.

By and large Nikon has one of the better reputations for quality control.... though I understand it's hard to see it that way when you do get a faulty one and haven't had any problems with previous manufacturers.

[Widowmaker]

I think it is definitely an internal problem. Making sure I was not in Macro was the first thing I checked and I even switched to macro to see if maybe it was reversed somehow, if that is possible. I also made sure I was in very good light. Some subjects in the sunlight and some in a somewhat shaded area but definitely lit well enough.

After I contacted the vendor about the camera, they were going to send a replacement but did not have any in stock. They did at least give me a free battery pack for the trouble.

Regardless of my trouble I am still anxious to take my first digiscoping shots. There are no birds out at this time today where I am so I took some very detailed bird sculptures that are actual scale and set them outside in different areas. I have been practicing locating them with the scope and focusing. Is that stupid or what? Oh well I have to keep myself occupied :). My scope flips the image so it is upright but the left and right orientation are reversed. Makes it somewhat strange. I think there is a piece that corrects this but Im wondering how much it is going to effect quality.

[Widowmaker]

I checked my Nikon repair status and its finally getting repaired. I have not heard the exact problem but they have it listed as needing Moderate Repair, Major Parts Replaced. Good sign maybe. The Williams Optics Eyepiece shipped and should be in soon. From the way things have gone, I guess theres only one way to go and thats up.

Hopefully the camera will arrive back before my credit card statement is due. If things are not better, that particular transaction will be stopped and the camera will be returned.

[Widowmaker]

I have to say that without having even used this camera yet, this will be my first and last Nikon purchase. I have already taken steps to have payment stopped. Its appalling that nearly one month after purchasing this camera, I have not been able to use it. I have not received the camera back from Nikon. Its scheduled to be back to me on the 14th (one month later). I don't even care if its repaired now. I think Nikon handled this poorly. In my opinion, the camera should have been replaced. If I had used it for some time, I could understand repair but this camera was all but DOA.

Ok... now does anyone have a NON-Nikon suggestion for digiscoping? I already have the ETX 90 and would still like to adapt to that. I may also have a very good deal coming up on the 4500 wing with shutter release arm and extend a view, all unused. This will depend on if I can modify for other use.

[digi-birder]

See the link in my post above for details of my Canon G3 setup. You may be able to arrange something similar.

The general consensus is that external zooms are no good for digiscoping, but I have had more success with this setup than with the 995 that wouldn't focus for about 90% of the time.

[IanF]

I'm sorry to hear about the continued problems with the Nikon Widowmaker. I agree that as the camera was faulty from the outset, it should be replaced rather than repaired. If it wasn't for the 4500 being the iedal camera for digiscoping due to the small lens diameter, then I wouldn't be using it either as it certainly isn't anything like as user friendly as my Olympus cameras, though they have attracted some bad press too and their repairs take a month also.

If you find another ideal camera, let us know and I'll consider one next time I upgrade.

[Joe A.]

I guess I've been fortunate -- I haven't had one bit of trouble with the cp4500, or for that matter with other Nikons I have owned over the years, starting with an F I bought in 1968 at the PX in Saigon. Too bad your experience with a lemon has soured you on Nikon. In my experience they make great products. But I certainly understand the frustration. Good luck with what you end up buying. Looking forward to your posts.

[Widowmaker]

Originally posted by Joe A.
I guess I've been fortunate -- I haven't had one bit of trouble with the cp4500, or for that matter with other Nikons I have owned over the years, starting with an F I bought in 1968 at the PX in Saigon. Too bad your experience with a lemon has soured you on Nikon. In my experience they make great products. But I certainly understand the frustration. Good luck with what you end up buying. Looking forward to your posts.

I kept the Nikon after I finally got it back but for some reason I can't really make myself like this camera. It must be the design. I am still shopping around and will probably sell the entire setup, camera, etx, adapters, etc. to get another camera. Im not going to worry about getting one with digiscoping abilities.

[LorettaL]

I have the same problem with my Coolpix 5700. If you find a solution, let me know. I take my film camera with me when I know I'm taking bird shots mainly because of the delay problem. :t:

[LorettaL]

Well .... I have to say after reading all the posts I think Nikon is getting a bad rap. I love my 5700 but it is not a perfect camera. the delay shooting mode is frustrating for action shots; however, the quality of the picture, the ease of use and after becoming more familiar with the camera (which there are so many features I may never know all of them) I feel more comfortable every day using it. I didn't even know the term "digi-scoping" til I read this post. I guess that's the macro mode??? Overall it's a fabulous camera and I know when the salesman told me to read the manual, that's not what I wanted to hear but as I do that slowly but surely I am realizing what a fabulous piece of equipment I bought. Sometimes though I have to RESET ALL jut because it does have so many features that I overkill on setting them up. I agree Nikon makes excellent products.

[Widowmaker]

Originally posted by LorettaL
I didn't even know the term "digi-scoping" til I read this post. I guess that's the macro mode???

Digiscoping is taking a digital camera and attaching it to a spotting scope. It gives you large amounts of magnification. My setup is a mild example, probably giving around (guessing) 40x magnification. For example I can take a picture of a bird that is about 20 to 25 yards away but it would appear that I was very close.

[LorettaL]

WOW!!!!! I need one of those. What would I ask for if I go to a camera store? I really NEED one of those. Your photo is incredible!!!! What did you shoot that with? Is it digital and what kind. I'm going birding in October in Costa Rica and sure would like to have a better setup. Let me know. thanks....

[Widowmaker]

Originally posted by LorettaL
WOW!!!!! I need one of those. What would I ask for if I go to a camera store? I really NEED one of those. Your photo is incredible!!!! What did you shoot that with? Is it digital and what kind. I'm going birding in October in Costa Rica and sure would like to have a better setup. Let me know. thanks....

That pic is just ok compared to others I have seen on this forum. I can't seem to get the clarity that others get. Its a Meade ETX 90 Telescope with a CP 4500 attached. Its relatively inexpensive as far as digiscoping is concerned. You can pick a new one up for around $200. You need to make sure it can be adapted to your camera first though. The 5700 has the actual moving telescopic lens and the lens is a larger diameter than the 4500. The 4500 moves internally and has a smaller diameter lens. Im not 100% sure but the type of lens you have is going to make it more difficult to adapt to digiscoping, if it can be adapted at all.

EDIT: GO HERE (http://www.birdforum.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3700&highlight=5700) and you will see that the 5700 is probably not ideal for digiscoping.