color when the Nikon folks first told me about it but, it does grow on you and now it doesn't really bother me at all.

Before you think that this is a "perfect" digicam, unfortunately it isn't. The Coolpix 990 suffers from the same problem as the 950, the builtin speedlite is too close to the lens and extremely prone to redeye. The redeye reduction mode does little to help, the only real solution is to use an external flash mounted away from the lens. There is a flash sync connector that connects the 990 to a number of different Nikon Speedlites including the new SB-28DX. Using these speedlites in bounce mode is of course the perfect way to be rid of redeye forever but it a rather expensive solution.

Battery life is significantly improved when operating with the color LCD turned off. I had no problem taking a day's worth (150+) of shots on a single set of NiMH rechargeable batteries. It's the usual YMMV (your mileage may vary) once you start using the color LCD as everyone uses it a little differently. With the LCD on you not only power it but the continuous autofocus mechanism as well. Overall though I would have to say that the smaller 1.8" LCD has contributed to better battery life as well as making it easier to see in the sunlight.

The addition of the USB port was a major step in the right direction and it's no surprise that Nikon did not package a serial cable. Downloading three megapixel images with the USB port is a matter of seconds versus many, many minutes through a slow serial port. Maybe we'll see an IEEE1394 FireWire port on the next Coolpix!

The included NikonView software communicated flawlessly with the camera and downloads were very robust. The camera was detected by Windows 98 the moment I turned it on and the USB driver installed from the CD with no trouble. The new NikonView v3 software does not have the ability to control the camera though. As for the optional USB remote control, we'll just have to wait to find out -- it isn't available just yet.

The Coolpix 990 turns out some of the sharpest images I have seen yet from a three megapixel digicam. The color balance and saturation is very good and the exposure control is what we have come to expect from Nikon's best cameras. Just as the Coolpix 950 was one of the top selling digital cameras of 1999 I have no doubts that the new

990 is going to do the same in 2000. It's everything the 950 was and more, a whole lot more!

9/18/00 Nikon 990 (or 950) Firmware update

Nikon has released the v1.1 firmware for the Coolpix 990 which allows it to work with the wired remote control as well as fix or improve a few other things. The latest Coolpix 990 firmware is available from the Nikon Tech USA site and the Nikon Euro site - please get your upgrade from the appropriate source and read the upgrade instructions thoroughly before performing the procedure.

Page 45 Page 47
Page 46
Image 46
Nikon manual 18/00 Nikon 990 or 950 Firmware update
Page 45 Page 47

990 specifications

The Nikon Coolpix 990, released in 2000, marked a significant evolution in the world of digital photography. It was particularly popular among enthusiasts and professionals for its innovative features and robust performance. The camera stood out at the time for its 3.34-megapixel CCD sensor, which delivered images of impressive clarity and detail, offering a resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels. This allowed photographers to capture stunning images that could be printed in large formats without sacrificing quality.

One of the standout characteristics of the Nikon 990 was its unique swivel body design. This articulate feature allowed users to compose shots from various angles, increasing creative flexibility. The 990's innovative design was further complemented by a 3x optical zoom lens, translating to a focal range of 35-105mm. This versatility made it suitable for everything from landscape to portrait photography. Additionally, the lens was coupled with a 4x digital zoom, which could be utilized without significant loss of image quality, though digital zoom is generally less favored compared to optical zoom.

The camera boasted a wide range of shooting modes, including a manual mode that appealed to photography purists. This was bolstered by exposure compensation and metering modes, allowing for more control over the final image. Furthermore, the Nikon 990 featured a 2.0-inch LCD screen, which was a considerable upgrade for that time. The display allowed for easy framing and reviewing of images, enhancing the user experience.

Another notable technology found in the Nikon 990 was its macro mode, enabling photographers to focus on subjects as close as one inch away. This made it a favorite among those interested in close-up photography, particularly in nature and product shots. Additionally, the camera supported various file formats, including JPEG and TIFF, providing users with options depending on their desired image quality or file size.

The Nikon 990 was equipped with a robust lithium-ion battery, providing an extended shooting life, ideal for long outings. The durability and performance of this model contributed significantly to its lasting popularity. Overall, the Nikon Coolpix 990 represented a remarkable convergence of technology and user-centric design, setting a benchmark for future digital cameras in the marketplace and continuing to be appreciated by photography enthusiasts even years after its initial release.
Top Page Image Contents