cheap Nikon 8400 - take the plunge?

Hi all, i recently came across an opportunity to pick up a brand new Nikon 8400 for ~$400 US. Sounds like a good deal...do I take the plunge?

Problem is my budget is limited. $400 is a little more than I have to work w/ right now (starving student), but i could make it work by sacrificing in other areas.

I guess the real question is--is the 8400 a good enough investment that I wouldn't want to pass it up for $400? I'm currently shooting w/ a Sony W1, which was fun, but also frustratingly limited. Been yearning to pick up a compact w/ more manual controls and that I can really grow into...is this the way to go? Or would you suggest something else...like the Canon A620?

Appreciate any thoughts,

Adam

p.s. i've done quite a bit of homework and read up on the 8400, and its strengths and weakenesses. also read davephdv's review of the ikelite housing here on the forums. overall, i'm comfortable w/ the functionality of the camera and its uses. (it also works well for me topside since i do a lot of landscape photography).

I guess the question is more along the lines of...$400--good deal or no??

I like this camera and the Ike housing a lot. When I got my D2X and housing I did not stop using the 8400. Like all digital P&Ss it is not perfect. It does take excellent pictures. The only complaint I have is trying to take large magnification macros. The auxiliary wide angle lens and Ike dome port is great.

I often carry this camera as a walk around camera on land. The D2X goes when I'm going on a dedicated photoshoot or if I need telephoto.

Dave, thanks for the feedback. yep, the limited macro is the only thing that's bugging me...probably the only reason i haven't picked up the 8400 already! (i was actually pining for on an Olympus c7070 for a while--both for its less fussy macro and also because its higher isos seem to be a bit more useable.) but they're so hard to get now! that and the cheapest i came across was $550-ish...

so naturally, seeing the Nikon for $400, i thought--wow! for the price, maybe dealing w/ a limited macro is worth it? anyone?

of course, i could always be prudent, save my money, and see what comes along next. but dammit, it's so hard to be practical!

I don't know anything about the camera but is it $400 for just the camera? I think for that kinda money you should definitely look at the Fuji E900. Ikelite is currently making a case for it. It looks a lot like the Fuji F810 (which i use) but maybe better battery life. Just another suggestion

EDIT: It will definitely be a camera that grows with you.

Chris

the only real limitations of the macro in the 8400 is when you compare it to the macro capabilities of 5000. The CP500 was just so damn good at macro!

With the 8400 you can focus as close as 1 inch and produce 1:1. I have found it struggles on critters less than 2cm however the addition of the Inon UCL-165 macro lens makes photographing the small critters possible.

If you are interested here are some small subjects (less than 2cm) photographed with the CP8400:

http://www.daveharasti.com/vietnam/underwa...r%20Shrimp.html

http://www.daveharasti.com/vietnam/underwa...%20Shrimp3.html

http://www.daveharasti.com/vietnam/underwa...hip%20Goby.html

http://www.daveharasti.com/nelsonbay/seasl...ea_gracilis.jpg

It is a good camera system however be wary of the 'noise' that it generates; high ISO's generate alot of noise, especially when photographing blue water.

I recently used the 8400 to photograph some Manta's rays and large stuff with the 18mm Nikon lens and the results are not to bad. Here's one of the Manta and cave pics:

The oly SP-350 just came out. If you go to www.justdiscounted.com or do a search under the model and click on their link they should have coupons good for like $70 bucks off. I got mine for $305 and that included shipping. The little camera is very flexible with S A and M modes.

Sorry for the late response all--I really do appreciate all the feedback.

Almost got the 8400, but at the last moment ended up picking up a used Olympus 8080. Not the best for underwater, I know--but for $200 and my small budget, I couldn't really say no.

Thanks!