Daily Archives: October 23, 2011

 

I have written often about how handy the compact cameras are when you simply don’t want to be burdened with a big DSLR.  For the trip to New York this week, I hope to shoot some great images, so I thought, what a great place for a test of two great compacts; the P7100 (the new updated version of the killer P7000), and the new nifty and stylish Nikon 1.  On the Nikon 1 I will use the beautiful and compact 10mm (equivalent to 27mm) f 2.8 lens, its super sharp and the speed will allow some great available light situations.   The P7000 proved itself out west in 2010 and the new model has many great improvements so I’m anxious to try it out in a urban environment.  With the P7100’s 28-200 zoom it contains a complete lens system right in the camera!  Since both cameras shoot High Definition video (P7100 720P and the Nikon 1 1080P) I hope to also record some video segments.  To further make the test interesting I will forgo any kind of tripod and shoot everything hand-held, which should be greatly aided by the Vibration Reduction system built into both cameras.

 

I will post images from the show and “the city” each evening in the Pilgrim’s Chronicles blog.  If I have technical things to share I may post some work and info here in the Learning Center as well.

 

the pilgrim

 

End of trip, and test thoughts:

 

This is a very tough decision and I can’ actually declare an overall winner, both cameras excel at certain things.  For me I would lean to the P7100 simply because it’s included, built in, 28-200 covers so much range!  The Nikon 1 has lenses that will allow you to have even more range, but with them attached the camera is no longer compact.  For video and high speed shooting the Nikon 1 is the hands down winner.  For low light it also edges out the P7100 with the virtue of a larger sensor.   If you attach just the 10mm pancake type lens it is a joy to carry and use, until you need something longer than 27mms, then you long for one of the longer zooms or the P7100.   The cool white Nikon 1 makes a lot more of a fashion statement for sure.  Since I’ve spent very little time on the fashion show runway, that is not as important to me, but to some it is!!!

 

The bottom line is that these are both very capable cameras for travel and use when carrying a full size DSLR is just not  convenient.  For travelers that is lots of times.  Just to muddy the water even more, the P300 should have been included as it is a great camera when small is the key thing, and it’s 24mm wide end of it’s zoom is very nice when space gets tight.  If I am very, very concerned about getting killer images, I will have at least a small DSLR (D7000) and a couple of lenses.  I could travel with just the 12-24 and the 24-120 for the D7000 and do just about anything!!  Add a 77mm diopter for the 24-120 and a 70-300 VR and  I’m ready for anything, but then that won’t fit in your jacket pocket!!!!!!!!

 

So it’s time to go home, and maybe it’s a good thing!!      *See below

 

 

 

 

I’m posting my Monday blog today so I can travel tomorrow to New York for Photo Plus.  I don’t like New York, let me rephrase that, I hate New York.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure there are lots of reasons to be a New York lover, but I’m a mountain boy and my idea of crowd is waiting in a line of six to buy a movie ticket in Corbin!  One of the assignments that a tech rep can’t get out of is working the big Photo Show in New York each late October.  So I’ll be there, even if I would rather be anywhere else.

 

I enjoy seeing my team, some of whom I seldom see accept at these big shows.   I’ve had more than few good meals there, and I do enjoy taking in a Broadway play one evening.  So o.k. maybe I just don’t love New York, maybe hate is a strong word.  So what are my plans for this required trip.  Well, (1) I hope to make a few interesting images to share in posts this week with you. (By-the-way), I will likely post in the evenings each day, just so you know I haven’t skipped a post.  (2)  I also look forward to visiting with many friends that work for other companies in the photo industry, always a great pleasure.  (3)  I’m looking forward to another  RAK Attack!!!!   RAK is Random Acts of Kindness.  I try to do something really fun every time I am in “the City”,  I am nice to people, strike up conversations, make compliments, simply try to share God’s love with everyone I meet, even if it is only a nod and a smile!  It amazes me how many people respond very positively to just a small act of kindness.  It doesn’t happen near often enough there!

 

Here is the deal, life is not about me.  It’s not about my comfort, my satisfaction, or my being where I would prefer to be.  It’s about knowing that God has a plan and His plan sometimes includes Him placing me somewhere I’m not comfortable, or some place I can’t leave fast enough.  I once said that one of  the most beautiful things I ever saw was New York in my rear view mirror, that’s not completely true.  No, one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen is the twinkle in someone’s eyes,  that knows you care, and didn’t expect it……….

 

the pilgrim