Say cheese!
Written: Nov 17 '00 (Updated Dec 09 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: easy to use
Cons: expensive
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| ONLYTRUTH's Full Review: Nikon Coolpix 990 Digital Camera |
The Coolpix 990 has a sharp 3x zoom lens, rendering 9 Megabyte images from moderate wide-angle to short telephoto with the choice of a quick all-auto shooting mode or a fully customizable auto/manual shooting mode. You can choose between previewing the image through the fast real zoom rangefinder or the near-100% digital color LCD monitor, plus you can watch the settings in the simple LCD symbol display or complete data superimposed over the color LCD image.
I like to let the camera choose all settings for quick, instantly ready snapshots, or use any of the multiple features to get the best possible semiautomatic or manual exposure when time and needs are suitable.
I bought extra memory cards and 3 sets of rechargeable NiMH batteries that last forever. I get 120+ pics per set of NiMH Vs 60+ with regular alkaline batteries(please note when rating the batteries poor I am talking about the battery shipped with the camera). They are rechargeable which ends up saving money. There are many add on accessories for this camera including zoom lens, filters, external flashes, panorama brackets, you name it.
I'm adding lenses and flashes myself. There is a photo book written for the 990 that details the manual settings, with examples, that allows you to take advantage of the powerful control options built in to this camera. Your possibilities are enormous. The main point, with Nikon Coolpix 990, you always have the choice. Plus, it is well built, compact, rugged, quick, and allows you to choose from a wide range of add-ons.
A few drawbacks about the 990 (yes, they do exist): BSS (best shot selection) feature is kind of weak. It's supposed to let you take 10 shots and it chooses the best ("the one with the most detail" I believe the manual says, whatever that means). On some occasions it has actually chosen blurry photos over the sharp ones. I've no clue how this works, but Nikon needs to reevaluate this function. And a warning: don't rely on this camera for good long-exposure shots. Shutter times of 4 seconds and longer in a dark setting will sometimes show a lot of noise in the photograph.
This is a very noisy camera (audibly and graphically), so try to limit your exposure times. Also, please note that you will NOT be able to access the "info.txt" file that people in other reviews have mentioned. Yes, the camera saves all photo details (shutter speed, ISO, flash, aperture, etc.) to a file called "info.txt", but you CANNOT access the file unless you're using a card reader. The NikonView software will only let you pull photos from the camera, nothing else.
The camera is truly amazing, buy it now. Yes, it has drawbacks, but no camera is perfect--and this one comes pretty close to perfection. This camera is comparable to the Olympus C3030, so check that out as well.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
ONLYTRUTH
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Member: Mom
Location: Michigan
Reviews written: 55
Trusted by: 36 members
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