Yes, someone else trying to make a decision!

I'm considering the Kodak DC280 and the Nikon CoolPix 800. Open to options of the same price ($599 list). Good & bad on both cameras. The Nikon seems to have a some flash inconsistencies and barrel distorion but some great features; the Kodak doesn't appear to be good in very low light or very bright light but has great color. A few other things seem to recurr in reading comments on both as well. I've tried the Kodak, and it does seem to lock up periodically. Don't know about the Nikon.

Again, opinions invited, alternative suggestions welcome.

Thanks!

-- William Bauer (bbauer@scripps.edu), May 24, 2000

Answers

I just went through the same decision. The CP800 was about $50 cheaper (~$400) vs. the Kodak (~$450). In the end, I went with USB support and a free battery charger (Kodak). The only hangup I had was that the Kodak uses JPEG compression for all pictures, and the Nikon will save uncompressed TIFFs in the highest resolution. I asked around in a couple forums, and folks said that it probably didn't make much difference for regular use. On DPreview.com, the Nikon got a better overall rating. I got my Kodak yesterday and love it. BTW, the Kodak now comes only with an 8 meg card...not a 20 meg card, as is advertised in many places.

Good luck.

Sam

-- Sam V. (volcs@hotmail.com), May 24, 2000.

I suggest canon S10 or nikon 800 (extremely similar cameras) over the kodak 280.

-- benoit (foo@bar.com), June 02, 2000.