nikon coolpix 8800

[puckhead193]

So this weekend i got my birthday present. I ended up getting a nikon coolpix 8800. i didn't like the canon pro 1, the zoom was slow. I like the camera from the few pictures i've taken it has amazing quality. The pictures look sharp. The only thing is the camera body when griping it like a DLSR the body, IMO, is small making it akward....
One question i had is when i half press the shutter button to focus the camera the camera makes a weird clicking noise...is this normal? Also in the dial mode, whats the difference between "M" and "P".......

here's a random picture... (i had to reduce the size so i can upload it)

 

[Cooknn]

One question i had is when i half press the shutter button to focus the camera the camera makes a weird clicking noise...is this normal? Also in the dial mode, whats the difference between "M" and "P"

[EDIT]The noise you hear when you press the button half way is normal. The camera is setting focus and exposure. Regarding M and P (from the manual)

M:Manual In manual exposore mode, the user controls both shutter speed and aperture. Shutter speed can be set to values between 8s and 1/3000s in increments equivalent to 1 EV (one step), or the shutter can be held open for long time exposures of up to ten minutes...

Programmed Auto In programmed auto, the camera automatically adjusts shutter speed and aperture according to the amount of light available, producing optimal exposure in most situations...

I use M with a Sekonic Twinmate L-208 light meter which lets me know what to set my shutter speed at given a static F-Stop and ISO setting.

 

[puckhead193]

i had a question so instead of doing a new thread i thought i would add on to mine....
in the view finder, is the image supposed to take up the whole "screen" or is it supposed to be black a little bit on each side... (left/right) i haven't used it in a while.....
Also i was thinking of getting the wide angle adapter do you think i should or will it be a waste?
As always thanks for your help