Nikon 990 manual

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 grip (as shown here), the European models will be the black and red scheme used on the Coolpix 950's.

Another thing that can be connected to the Coolpix 990 (or the 880) USB port is the new MC-EU1 wired remote control. The MC-EU1 allows you to trip the shutter and operate the zoom lens in A-Rec or M-rec modes. In Playback mode it lets you scroll forward or backwards through the stored images.

An even more powerful record mode operation is available for time-lapse recording. There are two modes: Interval Mode A begins when you push the release button and repeats at the programmed intervals. Interval Mode B is the same but the camera begins automatically after a preset amount of time has elapsed.

The remote's shutter button is like the one on the camera and has a half-press position to set focus and exposure and trips the shutter when fully depressed. The LCD panel on the MC-EU1 shows the settings for the interval modes and also displays the camera modes (A-Rec, M-Rec, Play) and "Busy" while writing to the CF card. There is a builtin illuminator that can be turned on so you can see the LCD display in the dark.

For more info on the MC-EU1 remote cord, click here to see the user manual in PDF format, it's rather large so be patient.

Note: The Nikon 990 requires firmware v1.1 or greater to use the MC-EU1. Most 990's shipped with v1.0

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.