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