It can be pretty much what you want. Full auto (equivalent to a P&S), semi-auto (shutter or aperture priority) or fully manual. In all modes, the camera gives you as much help as you could ask for.

Setting up each photo takes longer than on a P&S camera, but hey, what do expect for the amount of control this camera gives! Depth of Field is a missing feature that I'd like.

The user interface takes a little time to set for each photo, but that means that I take more time making sure that the photo is well-framed and well-considered before I take it, so I see this as a plus. The variety of available lens is great, the photo quality is excellent. Its a great camera for people transitioning from P&S towards the fully professional cameras

Customer Service

Never used.

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I had an Olympus 0M10 for about 15 years, but it recently died and its too old/expensive to repair

Easy to learn/use, durable, versatile. Can be used with virtually all Nikon lenses (which is a huge plus). I have gotten great results using this camera for weddings, portraits, and landscapes. Spot to matrix metering and focusing. Has built in programs for particular situations -- I have seldom used, but those that I did use worked well.

No Deapth of Field preview! The only other problems that I have had are stemming from a bad lens. If you have a nice, fast, quality lens, this camera will perform as well as any.

A great camera for the value. I would reccommend it for any amateur to intermediate photographer. I bought this camera 5 1/2 years ago and compared it to a Minolta and Cannon in the same class -- I chose Nikon because of its functions, adaptability (lenses & peripherals) and its feel in my hand. I think it is a great camera and I still use it for a majority of my shots. A joy to use!

Customer Service

Never needed -- works wonderfully.

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Minolta Maxxim 7000si, Nikon N90s, Cannon Rebel EOS

Very quiet camera, bright viewfinder,simple layout-once you learn it,flash is a godsend when you need it,matrix metering saves me time,can use all (99.5%) nikon lenses,clean and efficient

DOF,DOF,DOF! (if not for this...)

This is a good platform for use of nikon lenses. Note that the new N80 will NOT meter manual lenses- what a shame. Nikon left out DOF (critical for A-priority) on the N70- a big mistake for any photographer, but now it, the N70, looks pretty good because it can meter manual lenses (which are as good if not better optically than their AF counterparts). I must say that the lack of DOF is the only thing that I found seriously lacking after I learned how to use the interface. The results from my N70 are the best out of any that I have taken and I don't have any fancy lenses, which says a lot for the body and nikon lenses (they are all decent, no real dogs). The N70 lets me work on composition because I know that I can depend on it. I do believe though that equipment shouldn't matter that much as i still enjoy using my FE, but in most cases, AF saves me so much time and can capture fleeting moments quicker (snap and go). Control is the key-I learned how to use the interface- it is pretty quick to use, but like anything digitally set, I still need to visually check it to know that it is set correctly. Really, if not for the lack of DOF...but then the N80 doesn't meter manual lenses... why all the compromises? I believe that the compromises exist just to setup a price/ use structure. Why can't nikon build a super usable amateur body (1/4000,flash 1/125)that isn't as durable as a pro user body(all metal, 1/8000,1/250+)? This is ridiculous. Of course, if $ is no object, I'd have a slim F100-that's what we nonpros want, right? (NIKON-you sure are fustrating the amateurs by leaving out critical features- if not for AF, almost none of the AF bodies are a pleasure to use as my FE)

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canon

Auto program functions

No DOF, complicated use with the programing modes

I have been using Canon for well over 20 years as an amateur. But this does not mean that if you are an amateur that does make money with pictures you don't want a good camera.
After my Canon got stolen I had to get a new system so I got the N70; after some 30 rolls of film I'm ready for a 'real camera. I guess somtehing like a N100 or perhaps the N80, the problem is neither the store nor Nikon would trade it for a better body...what a pity.
Thw fill flash, however is FANTASTIC.

Customer Service

Haven't used it yet.

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Canon EOS with eye control

Great Camra to learn with. Gives the abilaty to start,learn, and expand apon. Great point and shoot with preset controls yet shows you how to go farther. better to take the step and buy the n70 than the n60, will get you a lot father, with the same amount of eas

None for this level of camera.

If you are looking to learn, this is the camera. Just start with the pre-set control and look at all the info. This camra will help you expand quickly. Very reliable and balanced. With all your lenes you have to choose from, you dont have to worry about nikon changing the mounts. Cannon Has that problem.

Customer Service

Have not needed, takes the abuse of extream weather

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N6006,F100,F5,

Accurate, quiet, light. Many features.

(see summary)

If you don't shoot in program mode, this is not a camera for fast, impulsive shooting. SInce it control most features and requires visual confirmation, the fanned control dial slows down operation. Lotsa functions, good weight and takes abuse well. Get the N80 if prices are close.

Customer Service

Nikon USA very good IF you purchase USA (non-grey market) goods.

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N8008, N6006, N90s, F5, N50, N 60, F100, N80.

the metering system
will accept lenses I own

not aware of any

I just bought this camera. My decision to purchase was based on reviews on this board and on camerareview.com/ As a result, I feel responsible to post my review of this camera. I just love this camera, and I am so thankful that I bought it. Today I took this camera inside a large church. It was a cloudy day, and some light was coming in the north windows. I knew the shutter speed had to be slow, so I mounted the camera on a tripod. I set the camera on hyperfocal, and it set itself to f8 & 1/6 sec. To my surprise, the picture turned out perfect. You should see the colors! I just couldn't believe it. Here I thought there was hardly a chance there would be enough light. This has got to be the best camera on the market around the $ 400 price range. Buy it! You can't go wrong!

Customer Service

no experience here

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Nikon N50

This is an all-around great camera. Good metering and flash
Lenses are excellent

DOF
Back-lit LCD

This is a great camera for a beginner or a more advanced user. Some cry that its hard to use - but all you have to do is look at the manual once. Nikon lenses are great! I like that fact that Nikon has kept its lens mount the same. I've tried some Canon products...they're nice...but stayed with Nikon (Eye-controlled focus on Canon IIe isn't as great as it sounds.)

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Canon

N70 has automated mode for
portrait, close-up, sunset, night, sport capture/drag mode ... ,+/- delta EV mode, easy to use & reasonable price. Finally, have no limit for amateur to go up to serious photographer.
backward & forward compatible with many nikkon lens.

Not as I have seen so far other
than require to read the manual at least once. :)

Excellent affordable camera for amateur to serious photographers.

Customer Service

I have not tried yet

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Minolta, Canon

Nikon metering, nikon lenses, built in flash, no fuss camera

eats batteries (expensive batteries)

Nikon does make good cameras and lenses. Matrix metering is great for quick no fuss picture taking. The built in flash is credible for fill in and some light duty night shots- Night mode (-1&slow sync) makes for beautiful night photos with enviornment feel. I really do feel, though that Canon make better bodies- I still lust for the A2E with eye control DOF (now the EOS 3- incredible). For some reason, I trust the Nikon system and all the pics that I have taken have turned out extremely well. The lenses are fantastic, but I would like a compact 24-85 Nikkor, like the Canon one. The user interface gets easier and easier the more you use it, because it only uses a few buttons to change almost anything. The ONLY thing missing for me is DOF (and AA battery use). I have never missed a shot when I brought my N70 along.

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canon