I started off digisocping with P5100 and found that details from the P series lens are not as good as its counterpart CP8400. This is especially obvious for the range from the mid to the far telephotographic ends. At the wide-angle end, because less vignetting problems appear, P5100 is way better than CP8400.
Noise control is much better in P5100. At 64, the noise is low, 100 slight and 200 beginning to be unacceptable.
As regards vignetting, P5100 is practically problem-free from the 28mm to its tele-end. C8400 can only be so starting from around 36-38mm onward. On this, I am referring to situations in which the DCA has been used.
The buttons for initiating the self timer and for controlling exposure and the manual cursor for focusing are just terrific, as good as the ones on CP8400 and can be well managed with in no time.
The default adaptal ring by Nikon for connecting the camera to the 30x poses vignetting problems at the wide angle end. I changed for another one from another manufacturer. That one accepts a 52mm filter at the far end of the tube. I further add a 52-58mm adaptal ring to it to lengthen the tube a little bit before screwing it onto the DCA which is provided with a variety of adaptal plates for ease of screw-mounting different adaptal tubes to it.
The absence of an EVF in the P series cameras is something to be regretted for in a camera so suitable for digiscoping. It makes it impossible for the camera to be used in unshaded environments. The LCD has already been good enough but frankly speaking, no matter how good it can further evolve, it has no match with the light from above, which drastically reduces the contrast on the LCD to a visually catastrophic level. Have to say it is a torture doing digiscoping focusing in unshaded environments with the P5100. Presumably, P6000 can't be any better on this. This limits the applicability of the camera in the field. But then, there should be no blame about it for probably, this kind of camera is for snapshot purposes only, not digiscopy.
Pete
[ Last edited by lwingkay at 1/12/2008 15:34 ]
