Nikon coolpix 995 owners!!

[yikan]

Hi:

I am on the verge of buying a Nikon 995 now. I have never owned a digital camera so I need your help to decide what "accessaries" I really need.

It seems that this camera comes with basic things to start with (battery, charger...etc). It comes with 16MB memory card. My question are:

1. what else do I need to purchase on top of the basic model? I mean what I really need and will be useful!

2. How much does a tripod usually cost with decent quality?

Thanks for the help.....

[foozed]

I just got my 995 last week, and today I went and bought a tripd for 20 bucks at the local Best Buy.
I think you'll learn you need something to hold the camera steady to get more precision and clarity in your shots. Also, using the timer with the tripod works best for corals and still shots. I'm still trying to figure out how to get better pics of my tang or clown..

[Clyde]

http://www.digitalsecrets.net/secrets/Naccessoryupdate.html

[NKT]

Speaking of the 995..I was wondering if anyone has experimented using external flashes with the unit and/or any teleconverter lenses? Is an external flash worth the money (bracket + adapter + flash = 2-300)? Can't seem to decide...

But to answer Yikan's question...I would definitely think about getting a larger memory card (128megs, or a couple 64 megs), and an extra battery. There's a "Nikon Coolpix" package available for around $100 that includes a bag, 4 filters, card reader, and some other things that might be worth looking into. I love my 995...I think you'll enjoy yours too. :) Have fun!

[dennisV]

I got a little 'accessary'

http://users.pandora.be/kdk/ike2.jpg

Yes, that is a coolpix 995, but in an Ikelite underwater housing with a DS 50 external strobelight.


By the way, I like to use an external strobe for my normal (dry)aquarium Photography as well. It comes in handy some times.

[Marcosreef]

Yikan,
You should also get a high quality UV filter to protect your lens. Don't skimp on this! A multicoated lens or MC (Heliopan, B+W) will allow almost all the light to go through to the camera's CCD. Most inexpensive filters will reflect the light back out and will affect your image quality as well.

2Filter.com (http://www.2filter.com)

I think you will enjoy the 995 for it's awesome macro cababilities! Happy reefkeeping, Marco :fish1:

[yikan]

Thank you guys for your input! Looks like I really know nothing about the digital camera (or regular for that matter). I will order 995 today.

[kmagyar]

I have a coolpix 995 as well and would like to ask a couple questions about accesories.

Should I look for a macro lens?

What brand? I found some cheap ones here.
995 Lenses (http://www.bugeyedigital.com/product_index/index001-camera_acc-nikon.html)

What about those lens filters? Are they worth getting?

Thanks,

[jameso]

Hi Dennis,

Nice housing! Here are some photos I have taken w/ my Coolpix/Ikelite housing:

www.reefpix.org

I use an Ikelite sync cord with my camera so I don't have to use the digital slave sensor - you can too. Also important for you - contact Ikelite and see if your slave sensor needs an "upgrade" - some do.

For more info on digital undewater photography, visit www.wetpixel.com

Cheers
James Wiseman
Coolpix5000/Ikelite housing...

[manderx]

http://www.lmscope.com/produkt22/pruefmikro_e.html

:drool:

[dennisV]

Jameso,

I had seen your site before, and I loved it. It was actually one of the reasons I bought the coolpix.

The reason I prefer using the ttl sensor is :
1. no cord connection to the camera needed : no extra risk of flooding.
2. Very easy to disconnect the strobe and hold it in my hand for those 'difficult to access' shots
3. actually it was a lot cheaper to buy the ikelite 'digital package' containing strobe, arm, ttlsensor+connection cable ttlsensor-to-strobe. Because buying the arm, strobe and cable would cost me more than buying the system with the sensor. Just check the site from ikelite (ds50 digital strobe)

[jameso]

Thanks Dennis for the compliment.

Regarding the sensor - I respectfully disagree with you. If you REALLY want to sync a camera to a strobe (and I'm not just talking about TTL metering, I'm talking about the strobe actually "talking" to the camera) then you need to use a 5 pin sync cord. Only 2 of those pins are the TTL control.

Wanna guess what the other 3 do? ;)

Cheers
James Wiseman