Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

Duane, do you have the REAL charger, for the P600, or just the USB pass-through box? ... I have three of those things, now - the one which was in the box, and two more I ordered - each time, thinking I was ordering the real one, but each time, I got the pass-through box. It's actually silly, and totally redundant - since it acts the same as plugging the camera into the PC, or plugging it directly into the USB port, on a plug strip - but both methods require leaving the battery in the camera, and charging whilst it's connected. What I'm looking for is the charger which works on the battery, whilst it's OUT of the camera. ... I've been using Nikon cameras off and on thru the years, too, since my first F, bought in the early 70s. But, I also use Canons, Fuji, Pentax, Sony, Panasonic, Olympus, and Mamiya.

The problem I've been having with the EN-EL5, is that it just won't charge - no matter how long you leave it connected. Neither, will the back-up. Since the OEM product is Nikon, and the backup is a 3rd party product, I'm wondering if the problem is the camera. I really miss not having that 1440mm reach, anymore. But, never mind - that P1000 is out, now - which more than doubles that reach, huh?

11bravo

Another reason I like a fully articulated screen is that in the closed position it protects the screen, given I mainly use the viewfinder anyway. To change focus, I just use the half press and hold shutter button, releasing, moving camera, and pressing again, keeping eye to viewfinder, thumb wheels used to change exposure.

Lesson learned the hard way last year: used the LCD screen, didn't close, and hiked for some time before I realized that that sound I was hearing was the open LCD bouncing against an uncovered kangaroo pocket zipper on my new rain jacket. Had to replace the LCD screen due to black lines.

11bravo

I use a Green Extreme dual battery AC plug in charger. LCD display for charging info, handles multiple voltage inputs. Has various interchangable sleds to accommodate various batteries, though recommended to charge same battery types at same time. I have sleds for Panasonic FZ1000, Nikon P7800, and Olympus TG4 batteries.

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

Oh, that's a shame, Bravo ... hope it didn't cost too terribly much ....

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

I suspect the battery for the Coolpix P7800 is the one for the P600, too, Bravo ... EN-EL5 - right?

jburlinson Loc: Austin, TX

Chris -- Why do you purchase so many cameras in the entry to intermediate level APS-C dslr range? Do you teach people who might have a big range of cameras and you want to be able to guide them through their specific quirks?

When it comes to taking photographs, do you have a specific preference among your various cameras regarding image quality? I just wonder if there's much difference between the brands at this level?

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

So many, J? ... I bought the most affordable beginner DSLR, initially, the T3 (12MP) - which was my very first DSLR. A year later, I found the D3200 (a 24MP camera) was selling for not much more than I paid for the T3. Later, there was a sale on both the Canon EOS 60D - a semi-pro camera, and the T4i - an intermediate APS-C DSLR - and the first one with a Touch Screen, EVER - so I bought both of these on successive months. That wrapped up my Canon purchases. Then, I concentrated on EOS glass for a while, as I experimented, with both my Canon system, and my one Nikon body - enjoying the comparison of the results. Then, I decided to expand the Nikon system, by picking up the D5300 - which had GPS. Along the way, realizing I could not afford a more advanced Nikon DX new, I purchased a refurbished D7000 - so that I would have the capability of using two D lenses I'd already purchased, which would not work in AF on the D3200, or D5300 models. Then, as I got older, and found I could no longer hold my cameras as steady, anymore, as I did, a few years, before - I started looking at IBIS models. The first I found I could easily afford, was the Pentax K-50, so I got one of those. That camera has served me well, and I have probably used it more now, than any other, but for the T3. When I decided to expand the Pentax system, I elected a K-3, which I purchased used, but, found I could not keep it, because it emitted a wet electrical smell, so, I decided to return it. By then, the price of a new K-3 had escalated beyond accessibility, for me, so I lost interest in replacing it. Whilst I was waiting for the credit on the K-3 to be processed, the first Touch-Screen Nikon - ever - came out (the D5500) so I picked up one of those. Several months later, since I still could not afford a K-3, and found out not ALL Nikon lenses ever released, would fit the D7000, and the price on the D7100 had come down to an affordable level, I picked up a D7100, using the credit B&H issued, finally, on the K3. In 2014, I became interested in the Sony SLT system - also IBIS, and decided to purchase the very affordable a58 - my first SLT entry. I had wanted an a77, but could not afford to get one, at the time - so, I settled for the a58. Later, my fortunes changed, and I found I COULD afford the a77 - back when it was less than $700 ... now, of course - they sell for twice that, because of the GPS no doubt. No sooner had I made that purchase, than the announcement of the a77 II was made - a semi-pro camera (like the a77 before it) so I vowed to save up for that one - which had 79 focus points, and a more advanced system, altogether, than the a77. That was my last DSLR purchase.

As for the differences between them, I really cannot speak to that, fully, as they are ALL very capable cameras. However, the overall result from the IBIS-based ones, are very much more desirable, than the results I am getting from the ILIS cameras, currently. Though, the results I obtained from the ILIS cameras, were acceptable to me, five or six years ago. But, now - not so much. Except for the K-50, though - whose top ISO is 51000 - the SLTs are thwarted somewhat, by less capability in that arena. So, obviously, when it's overcast, the K-50 is my camera of choice. When it's bright and sunny, ANY of the SLTs might be taken. When I expect to be shooting lots of close-up work, the one I use, is the a77 II, which has on it my Sigma 105 Macro.

Recently, though, when I shot the terrifying results from the Quasi-Tornado, which hit this area on May 15th - I chose to use the Nikon D7100 ... glad I did, too ... as, because of the associated slow-down of traffic, I found I could take all the time I needed.

11bravo

No, the P7800 uses a EN-EL14 battery. But there is a charging sled/plate available for the EN-ENEL5. However, doesn't the Nikon P600 take a EN-EL23 battery? (There's a charging sled for that too).

https://www.adorama.com/l/Cameras/Camera-Accessories/Camera-Batteries-and-Power-Supplies/Green-Extreme~Camera-Battery-Chargers?perPage=60

https://www.adorama.com/l/Cameras/Camera-Accessories/Camera-Batteries-and-Power-Supplies/Green-Extreme~Camera-Battery-Chargers?sel=Equipment-Type_Charging-Plate

Best to buy the green extreme dual smart charger with LCD base in the option that includes your primary camera's battery plates rather than the "no plates" option, then add plates (buy 2 plates each) for other batteries.

Eg: For the P600 EN-EL23 battery
https://www.adorama.com/gxch2enel23.html

11bravo

It was a very fair price from DigiTech camera repair in Pasadena, CA. Emailed description of the problem, got an estimate, took in when I returned from travel (2 weeks before Christmas), and had it back in a week per the estimated cost. Lesson learned for a course price of $200. Would use again, though hopefully not.

www.digitechcamerarepair.com

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

Does it, Bravo? ... Thanks ... I suspect the EN-EL5 box I have positioned quite prominently near THIS PC is for the prior P500. But, since both of them are so similar, size-wise, and layout-wise - I had assumed they used the same one. Thanks for the correction. I see the Green Extreme Dual Smart Charger is also available from Adorama, so, I'll look it up. Thanks, Bravo.

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

Well, anyway, Bravo ... it's good to know there's an outfit which will see to the problem so appropriately. Did they fix the existing one, or did they just replace it?

cr1218

An articulating screen is helpful but sometimes mine collides with some element of the tripod. Gotta think that one through.

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

BTW, had a look for the P600, but could not find it. I did find the P500, which does still work, and the one for that, is, indeed - the EN-EL5. Since the P600 no longer works, it's entirely possible it's become buried at the bottom of the stack. It'll turn up!!!

The EN-EL14 (a) you indicate is used in the Coolpix P7800 - is the same one used in ALL of the D5000 and D3000 series. Since I have three of those, and at least one spare for each one, there are plenty of those floating around. And, the EN-EL15, used in the D90 and D7000 series is also covered, at least four or five times over, so there are plenty of those, too. But the other one - seems to be an elusive little bugger, as is the camera for which it operates, quite clearly. But, when it should become important to locate it, AND I can spare the money for around half-a-dozen batteries for it, and a Green Extreme charger, I'll find it.

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

How about removing the head from the tripod, CR - then screwing them both together, then - position your fully articulating screen, and THEN - reattaching the tripod head, BACK to the main column? ... Would THAT work, do you think?

11bravo

Replaced with part from Panasonic.