phatmojo's Full Review: Nikon N65 35mm Film Camera
A while back I remember getting my first SLR: the N60. As a growing photographer, I totally loved it. It had everything I thought I wanted in a camera, and I thought we were inseparable; a few weeks later we parted. In the matter of a few weeks, I was an ace at the camera (and who couldn't be?) I could put it in portrait mode to take portraits, night shot mode for night scenes, ect. or even slip it in manual and do some experimenting of my own.
But alas, I began yearning for some additional features. (Technical terms coming up, go to photo.net for definitions or questions) I wanted to be able to push/pull film, I wanted to be able to do multiple exposures and I wanted to be able to bracket shots (automatically.) [As a learning photographer I was always in the library reading up on photography or cruising the photo.net threads.] These were options my brand new, N60 couldn't do. So long story short: I shelled out more money for an N80 (checkout my article <a href= http://www.epinions.com/./elec-review-7C8E-29F159E1-39965019-prod5 > here </a> ) But now, you don't have to.
The Nikon N65: At first glance, the Nikon N65 looks remarkably similar to the N60. It has the same good handholding ergonomics and Control Program modes (portrait, landscape, sports, night scene,) but is about 30% lighter and packs a much bigger punch.
Its added features overshadowing the N60 are: faster autofocus, a depth-of-field preview button, 30 to 1/2000 sec. shutterspeed (compared to the N60's 30 to 1/1000), 5-point AF sensors (similar to the N80's), +-2 EV auto-bracketing, and a multiple exposure feature for taking multiple pictures on the same frame. Also it can shoot as fast as 2.5 frames a second (compared to the N60's 1 FPS.) and of course the camera, along with many additional features, also has the built in speed light and AF assist illuminator just like the N60.
So could you live without all these additional features? Sure you can. But with only a slightly higher price tag I wouldn't see why not. The camera is perfect for a begginer starting out in the world of SLR photography and as that person grows, he/she can start using the more advanced features that the camera has to offer.
Now the only question is: N65 or N80? The drawback of the N65 is the inability to set your own ISO speed which in turn, prevents you from push/pulling the film. (This however, isn't really a draw back unless you know how/ever use it.) Another arguable drawback is the camera's weight; Some people like heft in a camera and complained that the N60 was so light it felt like a toy. Now imagine what these people will say once they get their hands on a N65? Personally, I think it feels fine. Many people will love this camera to go on hikes or travel with (just ask a person who's hiked with an F100 or F5 [2lb 13oz!]) The N65 weights 13.9 ounces.
Before you buy this or any camera, I suggest you go to the store and try it out. Hold it in your hands, look through the viewfinder, take a quick roll if you can.
All in all, I rate this camera 5 stars. A standing ovation for the people at Nikon for making such a great camera.
Nikon F65 QD 35mm SLR Camera Body Only (F65 = N65). The features of the F65 include: Single and continues AF focus tracking to 2.5 FPS multiple AF sen...More at Buy.com Marketplaces
Over 38 Years of Customer Satisfaction! EBay's Highest Power Seller Level! Search Hotdigital Club Shipping Payment Contact Us Shop By Brand Ebay Store...More at eBay
Nikon F65 QD has a compact, lightweight design with fully automatic focus and exposure controls, built-in flash and automatic film advance. Its ergono...More at Amazon Marketplace
Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.