We are about (I think) to buy either a Nikon 950 or the new Nikon 800. Our primary application is producing (8 photo) brochures of the inside of homes (printed on a HP 2000). We are currently using an Olympus (non digital) that gives us a 28 mm shot with no distortion. We really want to go digital but I am concerned that I won't get the wide angle without serious distortion (fisheye). I also have read that the aftermarket wide angle lens covers the viewfinder AND the flash rendering them useless (800 and the 950).

We can't spend more than $750 (street) for the camera itself (not including accessories). Can you give us any advice? Thanks

PS....this site of yours is OUTSTANDING

-- Flip Phillips (flip@stny.lrun.com), November 15, 1999

Answers

A great option that gives you a 28mm - 70mm zoom with low distortion (see review on this site) would be the Canon A50. The 1.3 megapixel should be fine for your use and the price is even better now that they have introduced their new S10 (without 28mm wide angle capability). I've seen it for $320-$399 at various web sites. I own one and can highly recommend it.

-- Dennis Pereira (dpereira@ultranet.com), November 15, 1999.

I have the Nikon 950 and the Nikon wide angle lens. I also have the Kiwi 900/950 panoramic tripod head.With that setup I can take a complete 360 degree pano of the inside of a room without the distortion of the fisheye lens. You can also take partial panoramas also.

-- Ralph Encarnacion (trans-am@austin.rr.com), November 16, 1999.