very versitil
easy to use
has professional qualities
is a great all around camera

battery life

love this camera, if you want professional pictures,at a not so professional price this camera is for you .......

Similar Products Used:

None

Metal Lens mount, better AF than N60, depth of field preview. Made in Thailand.

Viewfinder only shows 89% of the image area. Can't manually change ISO.

First of all let me explain that I have sold and will sell photographs. However, I do not make my sole income from photography, so I do not cosider myself to be a professional. Nor do I consider myself to be an expert, photography equipment and methods are costantly changing and I find myself constantly learning as a result. So here goes, this camera replaces the N60 which had a pretty out dated AF module in it (AM200 same as the one in the F4). The N65 has the same AF module as the N80 (Multi-CAM900). Both are pretty fast and very accurate. It seems to have the same High Eyepoint as well, as I have no problem seeing into the viewfinder with my glasses on. Also, the addition of depth of field preview is a major plus and is now found on every current Nikon camera. The controls are easy to learn and you can start using this camera sraight out if the box if you are familiar with modern SLR's. If you aren't, the quick start portion of the manual is very helpful. I traded in my N60 and picked this camera up to back up my N80 and I have found that with some good lenses (stay away from the 28-80mm kit lens, and buy the 50mm 1.8 instead) and some carefull composition, this camera can produce excellent images. I have listed the fact that it is made in Thailand as a strength, because it is the reason why N65 and the N80 cost less and have the features they do. I think some people really need to get over their prejudice. To say where the camera is made is a weakness implies that the people employed by Nikon in Thailand can't make a quality product. Which is hardly the case. Nikon had to move production to a place where the cost of labor is cheaper not the quality of their product. Canon makes some of their cameras in Taiwan (Rebel 2000 and probably the Elan 7/7E), Pentax makes their cameras in the Phillippines (ZX30) and I'll bet Minolta has some factories stationed somewhere other than Japan as well. The reviewers of cameras from these manufacturers don't put the product down because of where it is made and I think it's very unfair to jab Nikon for staying competetive instead of going out of business. If your just interested in where this camera came from, perhaps 35mm SLR photography isn't for you. Also, if your expecting to get the same build quality and feature set as the F5 ($2300 USD) for under $300 USD, you should seek some mental help. I give this camera 5 stars for value, it really is nice to have depth of Field Preview and faster better AF in this entry level/back up camera. And I give it 5 stars overall despite the weaknesses I mentioned. I can't take any points away when I knew what the specs. of this camera were before I bought it.

Customer Service

Never needed

Similar Products Used:

Nikon FM2n, N70, N80, N60, Pentax K1000.

None

None

In my quest for an entry level SLR camera I looked at the N65 and the Canon Rebel 2000. I asked a number of "experts" to compare and contrast the two models and offer their recommendations. Basically everyone said the two cameras are identical. In terms of picture quality they are identical. In terms of features the Canon has a several more. The only fundametal difference is in how the camera feels in your hand. Bottom line the N65 is Nikons answer to the Rebel 2000 and it tries to imitate it in every way. Now, being inquisitive and curious I bought both cameras and here are the differencens some of which no one tells you about. The Nikon "feels" better. Whether you have small hand and especially if you have largers hands the Nikon feels "right". You really can get a good grip on it. The Nikon is heavier as a result of using more metal. All in all the Nikon feels like a more expensive camera. Now, getting to the most important part. In terms of picture quality-color, sharpness, etc. The Nikon rates second to the Rebel 2000. I performed my own experiment to see if I or anyone else can see a difference. Anyone who tells you you cannot tell the difference either A.) Doesn't know, but they feel they must say something B.) Does not have good vision. There is a difference. I took two rolls with each camera under IDENTICAL lighting and subject matter, with their factory 28-80 lenses, identical film Kodak 200 ISO and told my developer to process them as identically as possible. The Rebel 2000 pictures had a warmer tone; picking up the whites and greys more strongly than the N65. The Nikon on the other had was slightly(very,very slightly) sharper in picture quality. It had a tendency to pick up the browns and yellows in my subject matter. Especially in taking picures of people. All in all the Canon pictures looked better. Obviously this is subjective but out of the half a dozen people I asked everyone liked the Rebel 2000 (even two Nikon "enthusiasts") pictures better. The Canon especially in low light (taking pictures indoors)focused in quickly and accurately. The Nikon has a REALLY annoying habit of hunting to focus in on your subject matter. It seems lost. It is this last point that really led me to keep the Rebel 2000 (I really tried to like the Nikon better). With the Rebel 2000 you never feel like you can lose a photo opportunity. With the Nikon it is a definite possibility and belive me a definite reality. In this class my recommedation is buy the Canon.

Similar Products Used:

Canon Rebel 2000

An entry-level camera with an impressive collection of advanced features.

The shutter release button is too sensitive, easy to take unintended shots.

I won't get into a heavy review since I bought this camera for my wife. However, I will point out that Nikon did a bad thing when it went cheap on the shutter release switch. On all the other Nikon cameras I own or have owned, there is a more distinct separation between the finger-touch pressure to engage the focus and the pressure to release the shutter. This camera is the most hair-trigger of the Nikons (including the Coolpix 990) I've used. This is unfortunate because this camera is designed for beginning SLR users who will have a more difficult time learning how to use the camera's most important control without wasting shots (and getting frustrated).

Otherwise, the camera has an amazing level of performance built in for the price. I would not have purchased an N60 for my wife since it lacks depth of field preview. The N60 not only adds this important feature, but it also adds more sophisticated metering. The size and weight of this camera will apeal to anyone looking for a light SLR to travel with.

Check out other reviews here for a rundown of details. Ignore the idiots who post "reviews" without either using the camera or understanding how to operate it. You will not find more performance for the money in a modern SLR body.

Customer Service

Not needed on this camera. Acceptable for film Nikon cameras.

Similar Products Used:

F100, N80, N70

Fast af with my Nikkor 1.8 50mm, decent with my trusty old metal bodied Sigma 80-300mm zoom. Depth of Field preview. Good feeling camera, buttons are easy to use with you eye to the viewfinder. About the same size as a Minolta X-370.

No manual ISO setting, but can be compensated for. No cable release but the remote costs about the same.

I've run several rolls of T-Max 100 and 400, as well as some Royal Gold 200 through it and all of the photos came out great. The color and b&W shots at the zoo with the 300 mm zoom lens are excellent, the color was "real"-not supersaturated, digital looking. The AF kept up with the hungry otters much better than the photographer did. This is a great camera for beginners as well as experienced photogs. Yes, I do sell my photographs. No, I don't make a living at it; but, photography is an important part of my job & I wish the company would ditch the digital cameras and buy me a N65 for work. I think some of the reviewers want an F5 or F100 for the price of an N65. I tried the Rebel 2000 but, didn't like the feel or where the controls were located. I spent too much time hunting for them. I tried an N80, a F3HP, F2, FM2N, F100. But, decided the N65 gives the biggest bang for the buck an important feature for those of us who don't have an employer to buy us a camera or deduct the cost from our taxes. So, it's plastic, so's my 4004s that's still running after 11 years of use in places most people would not like to find themselves--burnt out buildings, tornado damaged buildings, flooded buildings, on roofs, etc.

Customer Service

Never needed it with my 11 yr old 4004S. Don't expect to with the N65

Similar Products Used:

Nikon 4004S, 6006
Minolta X-370, 700

Basic entry level camera.

No AE lock or ability to
use a remote control. Only offers matrix metering mode.

I was surprised to find that the Canon Rebel 2000 offers the features that the N65 lacks. Even an entry level camera should have AE lock! I bought the camera so I could shoot night shots with tungsten film, while I left E100VS in the F100. It worked great for this, although I had to use the timer function since I could not use a remote control. Now, I find it too useless to keep as a backup to the F100. I may just use the F3 or get an N80.

Customer Service

Never needed

Similar Products Used:

Canon Elan (first AF camera)
Nikon F3 and F100

Point and shoot capability allows my wife to take reference pictures without having to figure out the camera.

She took 'brag book' pictures of her paintings with the standard lens at AUTO. They turned out better than she got from a professional studio.

Considering cost/market: none.

Sensitive button is a minor nit.

Must have for an Nikon user's extra camera. Great for a primary camera.

We spend a lot of time taking varmint pictures in the wild. Ritz is always glad to see me. The last several rolls (taken with the N65) have been better overall quality. There are a few pictures that we ask each other "What did you take that for?" They were taken while checking focus and depressing the button part way.

I have won a few prizes for my pictures, but my primary qualification as an expert is a couple of advanced degrees in optical science & sensors.

Customer Service

Not needed

Similar Products Used:

Over the years: Nikon F, F2, EM, FG, N2000...many P&S

Excellent beginner to intermediate camera that is very easy to use.

Shutter release is a bit sensitive, cannot use a release cable, spot metering would be nice, significant problems with red-eye due to flash placement.

The N-65 is an overall excellent camera that has delivered great pictures for me in a variety of formats. It's a good alternative to an N-80, for those not looking for a sophisticated consumer grade camera.

To really get the most out of it, I would recommend purchasing a Nikon 28-105 lens. This is a really nice mating for all-around use.

Similar Products Used:

None

--Small Size
--General Feel
--Easy to use controls
--Fairly good features for a beginner to intermediate user

--Lacks ability to push film
--Cannot use IR film
--Can be awkward with large flash and lens attached.

This is a pretty good beginner to intermediate camera. You get the quality and reputation of Nikon photography products, which is a major plus.

The eyepiece is comfortable. Looking through it, there is a LCD showing all the vital statistics of the camera: f/stop, shutter speed, flash, metering/autofocus zone, etc. This display screen is easy to read day or night. Pressing the shutter button down to one half, this display is activated for a few seconds.

The main LCD screen on the body is large and easy to read. It is not backlit, so you can't read this in low light or at night. It shows basically the same information as the viewpiece display, with the addition of battery status, flash mode and a few other options.

The command dial on the right hand side has 10 modes: six for the beginner and four more for the more advanced photographer. The six program modes can be useful to the advanced photographer sometimes, however.

The rotating dial on the right side is in a perfect position to be used by your thumb, whether you are looking through the eyepiece or not. This controls settings like f/stop and shutter and in conjunction with other buttons on the camera, controls the flash mode, timer mode, etc.

The feel of this camera is wonderful. The grip is just right. The actual dimensions of the camera make it easy to handle and the small weight of it makes the camera easy to hold for extended periods of time.

Autofocus is pretty good on this camera. Not excellent, but useful.

Expandablity is just like most other beginner camera: basically only flash and lens. Of course, the camera can take the entire line of Nikon/Nikkor lenses available.

I think the best feature on this camera is the Depth-of-Field preview button which stops the lens down, showing you exactly what would be in focus if you pressed the shutter button.

Overall a good camera. Maybe a little expensive, but it's pretty much worth it. Perfect for the point-and-shooter interested in getting into the realms of SLRs and more serious photography. I'd say it's the ideal camera for long trips as it's so small. I'm happy with it.

Customer Service

I haven't had to use the Ritz or Nikon customer service.

Similar Products Used:

--Nikon N60, N80
--Various other, much older Nikon and Pentax cameras.

Lightweight.Excellent ergonomics & handy buttons/thumbwheel, camera feels solid, fires with little sound or vibration, 3D matrix evaluative metering works great, cheap 28-80 lens is sharp at 8x10, good autofocus, good information readouts, auto,semi-auto or manual modes if you need them, AF tracking, fast motor, great flash metering,metal lens mount,films loads easily,and more

Only shoots continuous in sports mode, no spot meter (has 25% meter in manual) Could use an audible signal for autofocus lock (has visual) Batteries don't last too long.

Great choice for me, a serious casual photographer!! So easy to use that I can concentrate on composition. The more I use it the more I like it. Flexibility between full auto, full manual or in-between. Nikon's 3d matrix evaluative metering is surprisingly accurate and lightning fast so I never miss that quick shot. I bought it because when I tried it in the store the reflex was incredibly smooth and noiseless... a sure sign of quality. Shutter has a hair trigger which annoys at first but takes a better photo once you get used to it (it should surprise you when it fires). Autofocus works well (same as n80). Fast motor but continuous only in sports mode. Pop-up flash always meters just the right amount of light. Even photos with cheap 28-80 3.5/5.6D lens come out razor sharp at 8x10 with brilliant, accurate color (with Kodak gold 200)and sharpness and thats the bottom line! Its very automatic so if you prefer manual everything you might dislike it. Or you might say it needs more features but for the price it can't be beat. Nikon has loaded it with quality and features. Incredible camera for non professionals, maybe even a few pros!!

Customer Service

few calls to Nikon were quickly & well-answered

Similar Products Used:

compared to Rebel 2000 &HTsi before purchase