Summary of the content on the page No. 1
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Nikon
Coolpix 990
User Review
Posted 3/4/2000
(updated 10/18/2000)
Summary of the content on the page No. 2
Click on the camera for 360-degree QTVR tour The Nikon Coolpix 990 is the first of the new wave of 3.34-megapixel resolution digital cameras. It retains the best features of the Coolpix 950 like the razor sharp Nikkor 3x zoom lens, the closest macro capability of any digicam, the highly durable magnesium alloy body and the unique swiveling lens design. It now includes many of the user-requested improvements (CF card slot on side, USB connectivity, improved battery life, better LCD) and adds powe
Summary of the content on the page No. 3
Nikon has finally answered the question of how to keep the lens cap with the camera. They now include a "lens string" that slips around the joint between the two sections of the camera. Read the: Nikon Coolpix 990 Manual 8-page Coolpix 990 sales brochure
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The Coolpix 990 has an exclusive Multi-Area autofocus mode for quick composition without interruption. It searches the 5 zones for closest subject or sharpest subject. It is a direct descendant of Nikon pro film and D1 digital SLR cameras. The 990 also features a 50-step manual focus, Nikon’s 256 element Matrix metering and new 256 element Matrix white balance system to insure the best possible exposure and color balance in every shot. New is a 7-blade iris diaphragm for true depth of field cont
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files to a PC or Mac very fast. This is a dual I/O port supporting both USB and serial RS-232 connections. Nikon does not supply a serial port cable and the NikonView software is not capable of controlling the camera other than image downloads. The 990 now has user-selectable video output (NTSC or PAL). This eliminates the need to build two different camera models but the 990 will come in two different color schemes. The North American cameras will be charcoal grey with a purple colored finger g
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The 990's CompactFlash card slot is located on the side, making it easy to change cards without removing it from a tripod. Nikon is supplying a 16MB 8x high performance Lexar CF card. This is a CompactFlash Type I slot, it is not Microdrive compatible.
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Nikon has bundled one of Lexar Media's new and fast 8x speed, 16MB USB-enabled JumpSHOT CompactFlash cards. Included is a mail-in coupon for the JumpSHOT USB cable for $9.99 (50% discount) if you'd like to have an untethered way of downloading your images. Click here to Continue on to Lenses & Options
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Coolpix 990 Specifications CCD 1/1.8-in. high-density CCD; total number of pixels: 3.34 million 2,048 x 1,536 pixels XGA-size (1,024 x 768) Image size VGA-size (640 x 480) 3:2 (2,048 x 1,360) selectable 3x Zoom-Nikkor; f = 8-24mm (equivalent to 38-115mm) F2.5-4 with macro; 9 elements in Lens 8 groups; all glass Contrast-detect TTL AF; 4,896-step autofocus control including macro range Autofocus 5-area Multi AF or Spot AF selectable 1) Continuous AF mode (when using LCD monitor) Focus modes
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1) Single 2) Continuous 3) Multi-Shot 16 (16 frames in 1/16 size) Capture modes 4) VGA Sequence 5) Ultra High-speed Continuous (approx. 30 fps for 80 QVGA-size images) 6) Movie (40 sec. for QVGA-size images at 15 fps) 4-mode TTL metering: 1) 256-segment Matrix Exposure metering 2) Center-Weighted 3) Spot and 4) Spot AF Area Mechanical and charge-coupled electronic shutter Shutter 8 to 1/1,000 sec. 7-blade iris diaphragm Aperture 3 EV range in 1/3 EV steps 1) Programmed Auto with Flexible Pro
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Power input Video output I/O terminal Digital output terminal (USB/Serial) Sync terminal for external Speedlight NikonView Version 3, Altimira Group's Genuine Fractals 2.0 LE, Canto's Cumulus 5.0 LE Image and Asset Management Software, iPIX's Immersive Imaging Software, and QuickTime Video Version 4. Great Photo! image correction software for Mac and PC to Bundled Software be added by June 2000. The Reference CD-ROM includes Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.0, Instructions for Using Nikon View Version 3
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copied without the author's prior permission.
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Free shipping, no sales tax & in-stock -- order today ! Nikon Coolpix 990
Summary of the content on the page No. 13
The all glass, 3x Zoom-Nikkor lens has 38-115mm coverage (35mm equivalent) plus a virtually stepless 4x digital zoom option. If you enjoy shooting close-ups you can get as close as 0.8 inches away from your subject with the Nikkor lens' superb macro capability. The Coolpix 990 accepts optional Coolpix Lenses and accessories, including the Nikkor fisheye (above), wideangle, 2x and 3x telephoto converters. Third-party 28-37mm stepup rings, filters and auxilliary lenses are available from various d
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Shown here is the older WC-E24 and the new and larger WC-E63 wideangle conversion lenses. The WC-E63 features ED glass for less distortion and flares and is threaded for 72mm filters. Closeup of the large monochrome data display, the Mode/Power switch and the
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programmable mode/function buttons. The command dial has been moved to the top-rear of the camera and is easily operated with your thumb. Note the "P*" -- the Coolpix 990 has a Flexible-Program mode. Rotating the command dial lets you use different combinations of shutter speed and aperture. The Coolpix 990 has TTL support for an external flash such as Nikon's SB-28DX shown here on the SK-E900 flash bracket. The 990 has menu options for control of both the internal and external speedlights, the
Summary of the content on the page No. 16
The Coolpix 990, like its sibling the Coolpix 950, has a swiveling lens and an all-metal magnesium chassis for lightness and durability. The 990 sports a charcoal gray textured color with a blue grip area and lettering. The hand grip has been significantly enlarged to give you more stability when shooting at extreme telephoto or slower shutter speeds. Improvements on the bottom of the Coolpix 990 include a perfectly flat tripod mounting area with rubberized grips, all metal tripod socket and a s
Summary of the content on the page No. 17
The Coolpix 990 uses four AA size batteries as its power source. I highly recommend NiMH rechargeables as this camera like all digicams, eats alkaline batteries like candy. At first I was a little concerned about the DC power input jack being on the front of the camera. But after plugging the cable in that goes to my Unity Digital ProPower pack I was thrilled to see that it was a match made in heaven. There's still plenty of grip surface left for your fingers and the angled plug makes the cable
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There's a whole range of accessories available for the Coolpix 990. Click here to Continue on to Page Two
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Summary of the content on the page No. 20
Free shipping, no sales tax & in-stock -- order today ! Nikon Coolpix 990 Features Menus