Questions re Nikon Coolpix 5400 - split from images & impressions

[Michael Folise]

Another thought. Every review complains about "shutter lag" problems with this camera. I haven't experienced this. Have you? It is because I usually shoot at 2MB? Also, I read complaints about low light focus ability. If the light is too low I just use the manual focus. Seems to work fine. Is there something wrong with this?

 

[passero]

Another thought. Every review complains about "shutter lag" problems with this camera. I haven't experienced this. Have you? It is because I usually shoot at 2MB? Also, I read complaints about low light focus ability. If the light is too low I just use the manual focus. Seems to work fine. Is there something wrong with this?

I haven't experienced a great "shutter lag" or at least not a greater than other much newer camera models. I think the main problem with this camera is the very...very slow card writing that, when you shot RAW, as I do, is very nasty. Could take 15/20 secs between two shots: this time underwater is really endless.
No problem with low ligth AF.
Anyway, a great "top end" camera.
Greetings.
Marcello

 

[Michael Folise]

Marcello, thanks for the reply. Your pictures look great. Two questions. How well does the Auto setting on the YS 90 work? I struggle a bit with my Nikonos SB 105 (manual only, camera flash sensor is blocked by housing). Second, do you find a meaningful difference shooting 5 MB v. 2MB? (no card writing issued w/ 2MB) Also, can't you still take a picture even when the camera is writing to the card? thanks.

 

[passero]

Hi Michael. I find a great difference between shooting at 5 or 2 mp. Shooting at 5 gives a greater definition in smaller details: this way You can, for istance, crop the picture, taking out undesired parts, still having good printing possibilities. I use RAW format that gives easier and more effective possibilities in post-production: correcting color dominance, increase/decrease contrast, light. etc.
You cannot take pictures untill the camera has ended writing the card.
The AUTO setting on the YS-90 works quite well even it is pure legend that if you set the same aperture on both camera and strobe your picture will be perfectly exposed: you have to make any tries changing the aperture on the strobe antill you get the proper exposure.
Greetings from Italy
Marcello

 

[Michael Folise]

Marcello, thanks for the info. I will try shooting at 5MB RAW and see what happens to my prints. It sounds like using the YS-90 AUTO (hard to find today) is not much better than using my SB-105 on manual so I will stick with that. Have you tried using two strobes? I am thinking about using a cheap slave fash and putting it in a clear waterproof case.

 

[Michael Folise]

Ciao Marcello! No parlo italiano! I just boiught a used ys-15 auto flash (F 2.8 auto sensor) and will see how that works this Christmas in Cozumel. This summer I went to Hawaii and shot 5 MB TIFF with the Nikonos SB-105. The pictures when printed really don't look much better than 2 MB JPEG. Maybe that says something about my printer. See attached. Also, I didn't notice any waiting between shots. The movie mode was great!