Ztrains: Choosing A Digital Camera For Z Scale

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Working In Z Demands Good Macro Capabilities
After 3 weeks of giving myself a headache (I seem to do that far too often) by researching all the available 1 and 2 megapixel cameras with good low light and macro capabilities, I finally bought my new camera. Actually it's a factory refurbished camera, a Nikon Coolpix 800. The 800 was designed to be a lower priced cousin to the wildly popular Coolpix 950. By slightly reducing some of the features found on the 950, Nikon developed a highly capable camera at a lower price than the 950.

Here's What The Coolpix 950 Has That The 800 Does Not:
• Microscopic macro capabilities, well not really microscopic... but pretty close.
• A higher number of steps in it's auto focus range
• Capability to sync to an external flash
• 3x optical zoom as oppose to a 2x optical zoom on the Coolpix 800
• Manual controls for aperture and shutter priority

The Coolpix 800 has actually improved upon the 950 in some areas:
• Automatic ISO adjustment
• Ultra burst mode
• More manual focus positions
• Improved battery management

After examining photos online and downloading test samples from each camera, I felt the 800 represented a solid value in both price and performance. What closed the deal for me was both the price and the condition of the camera. I paid $199.00 through B&H Photo in Manhattan. I had gone through countless user groups and determined that Nikon has an exceptionally good refurb department, not all companies do.

My Coolpix 800 arrived in beautiful condition, and while the manuals takes a little navigating, this camera produces some great shots at what I feel is a terrific price. Like the 950 the Coolpix 800 has a threaded lens so if I start feeling a little macro-envy, I can get a Tiffen macro lens for a song.

For $199.00, I didn't see any new digital cameras that approached the Coolpix 800 in terms of picture quality and overall flexibility.

Monday, August 9, 2010

Elevated or “EL” Model Railroading