Wednesday 30 January 2013

Nikon CoolPix P510

In September 2009, I bought a Canon PowerShot SX120 IS. I loved it and used it a lot (it was always in my purse). The flash stopped working and I took it in to be repaired in February 2012.  I was told that it was too old and not worth fixing so I would get a replacement instead (I had bought the warranty), which was the updated PowerShot.


Or I could take the value and get a different camera (and pay any difference). The sales guy recommended that I get the Nikon Coolpix S8200 instead so that's what I did.  I liked it but missed my Canon, which I was used to.


Then Gord surprised me with the updated Canon PowerShot SX150 IS in August 2012.  What I discovered with this Canon, though, is that no matter how fresh or high quality the batteries are, it takes forever for the flash to "recharge".  Plus it is heavier and bulkier than the Nikon.  So depending on where I was going and what I was doing would determine which of the cameras I had in my purse.

I took the Nikon to Mont Tremblant over New Years and took it up on the mountain.  As I was taking pictures, the lens stopped going in.  It was -25C and apparently it was too cold for it (duh!).  I later read that it shouldn't be in temperatures less than 0C.  So it's toast :(


I still have my Nikon D5100 that I bought in August 2011.  I have a couple lenses for it ... the longest zooms to 300mm.  I'd like to get one with a longer zoom but they are huge, heavy and expensive ($1199+ for a lens than zooms to 500mm).  This camera is great when we go out with the intention of taking photographs.


I got an email from Henry's last week that they were having an online sale.  I took a look and the Nikon CoolPix P510 caught my eye.  Hmmmm ... it has a 42x zoom (which equals a 1000mm lens) and a lot of the features of my D5100 so little learning curve.  So I ordered it!

They tried to deliver it on Monday but because no one was home, left a card.  I picked it up at the post office today.  It's smaller and lighter than I expected.

It's a step up from my Canon but a step down from my Nikon D5100 ... so though I now have three cameras, it's nice to have an in-between one.

I can't wait to use it and see how it performs!

5 comments:

Knit and Purl Mama said...

I had my camera malfunction at +30c last week in Jamaica. Seems like they don't like extreme cold or extreme heat.

Margaret B said...

It's never easy to find the perfect point & shoot that will do what you want it to - particularly if you've been using a DSLR. I still like the simple but good Panasonic Lumix point and shoot cameras. They have a few small ones that are capable of capturing decent shots and are small enough to fit in your pocket. I can't wait to see your review of the Nikon CoolPixD510 - particularly the flash. Let me know what you think.

Teresa said...

Have fun experimenting with your new camera.

Teena in Toronto said...

I've been having fun playing around with it :)

Adaptable Kay said...

Sheeesh, it sounds like you are to cameras as my family and I are to phones. LOL

Unfortunately I'm not the biggest fan of Nikon so I'm really not too knowledgeable on the brand.

Good luck on your new camera! I'm sure we'll be seeing some great pictures shot with it soon enough :)