Trying Nikon P500: prefers low ISO in Auto mode? Slow AF?

[740gle]

This is my first experience with a CMOS sensor.

I have just got a Nikon CoolPix P500. Taking same picture side-by-side with P500t and Olympus SP-810UZ, both in AUTO mode, same 36x zoom.
P500 selects lower ISO (200 vs 800), and slower shutter speed (2 sec. vs. 1/2 sec.) both select same full open aperture (5.7?).
Is P500 selecting lower ISO because it has a CMOS vs. Olympus having CCD? Sensor sizes are the same per specs.

I am taking a shot of a not very well illuminated flower in the dark corner, about 25-30ft. away from a rather well lit couch in my living room.

Olympus pic looks obviously sharper - I am not using tripod, and the blur from my hand pushing on the shutter dominates P500 picture, while Olympus picture lloks sharper. It seems to compensate better?

Olympus AF seems to handle this situation much better too.

[dlambert]

Sounds like the makings of a helpful review.

[OsmosisStudios]

Sounds about right:

1/2s, 800iso, f/5.7 is equivalent to
1s, 400iso, f/5.7 which is equivalent to
2s, 200iso, f/5.7

Why its picking 200iso over 800iso is beyond me, but that's one of those questions only a Nikon engineer can answer.

[740gle]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

Sounds about right:


Why its picking 200iso over 800iso is beyond me, but that's one of those questions only a Nikon engineer can answer.

Yes, I thought may be I am doing something wrong, or is there a way to configure the preferences?

[OsmosisStudios]

Couldnt tell you: i dont know.

[740gle]

Well, I guess Nikon Engineers still have work to do on this one... The Firmware on it (1.1 - the latest according to Nikon website) is not very stable. It just managed to freeze Twice. Removing the battery brought camera back to its senses, but...
I really liked P500 based on all the specs better than Canon SX40, but it looks like it is not ready... It goes back to the store, and Canon SX40 is on order...

[OsmosisStudios]

Nikon compacts (like the P500) are actually better performing than most of their counterparts, assuming you know how to use them properly and can take advantage of manual or semi-manual modes; in full-auto they're not as good, except in low-light.

[740gle]

P500 manual focus adjustment is not very convenient using the motor switch. My overall impression is that they really rushed this project to release, firmware problems are a strong indication of that.
AF algorithm is getting confused all the time except in the very easy conditions with about half-range zoom and high-light. When there is low light, manual focus would help, but the way it is controllled thru the zoom switch is tricky, and there is no way to see the results on the screen as it is rather dark.
I am also looking at P7100, at least there they made a wheel to adjust the manual focus, and then one can also refine it with AF. I like that. It's a lot better implemented in P7100, although there is only 7x optical zoom.

[OsmosisStudios]

I think youre expecting too much from a superzoom compact in likely not ideal conditions

[STB]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

I think youre expecting too much from a superzoom compact in likely not ideal conditions

I think this is dead on. I've had my Nikon P500 for about a month and I love it. I am far from an expert on any camera or photography but I've shot about 2000 photos in the last month getting to know this camera for backyard birding. It doesn't do well in lowlight at all. The S8200 is better for that but you lose the superzoom.

I shoot through glass at full zoom most of the time in AP mode in handheld mode and getting some pretty good shots. But I know the photos aren't going in a magazine.

It all depends on what your expectations are for the camera.