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Nikon CoolPix 995 Nikon updates the hugely successful Coolpix 990, adding a pop-up flash and Type II CF support! Select a topic Reference: Datasheet CoolPix 995 Sample Images --------------------------------- 1. Intro and Highlights 2. Executive Overview 3. Design 4. Viewfinder 5. Optics 6. Exposure & Flash 7. Shutter Lag & Cycle Time Tests 8. Operation & User Interface 9. Camera Modes & Menus 10. Image Storage & Interface 11. Video, Power, Software 12. Test Results & Conclusion --------------------------------- Print-Friendly Review Version Additional Resources and Other Links Reader Comments on CoolPix 995 Review --------------------------------- Digital Camera Comparometer (TM) --------------------------------- <-- Digital Cameras (Home) <-- Digital Camera Reviews Index (Next): Executive Overview>> Page 1:Intro and Highlights Review First Posted: 4/25/2001

	*	Full 3.34 megapixel sensor delivers 2048x1536 images
	*	Exceptionally well-designed user interface & controls
	*	32 Megabyte SDRAM buffer for 2 second cycle time
	*	Enormous creative control and flexibility
	*	Excellent color and tonality

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Manufacturer Overview
Nikon is one of the few companies that you can say truly needs no introduction in the world of photography. Their name has been identified with professional and high-end amateur photography for a good 5 decades now, and they've been very successful at translating that long history of expertise into the digital arena. Their 2.1 megapixel Coolpix 950 and 3.3 megapixel Coolpix 990 digicams have led the popularity charts at the high end of the "prosumer" market segment since their respective introductions. The key has been the combination of excellent picture quality with an amazing range of features, all calculated to give the photographer the maximum control over the picture-taking process.

Now, Nikon has updated the 990's design to create the Coolpix 995. They've obviously listened to their large and growing user base, having incorporated many enhancements in the new camera that were most frequently requested by owners of their earlier models. The net result is a camera that again defines the high end of the spectrum in terms of advanced features and capabilities, while actually improving ease of use and flexibility. If the past success of the earlier designs is any indication, the Coolpix 995 should be hugely popular!


High Points

• 3.34 megapixel, 1.13 inch, high-density CCD delivering images as high as 2,048 x 1,536 pixels (including a 3:2 aspect ratio, 2,048 x 1,360 pixel size).
• 1.8-inch LCD monitor and real-image optical viewfinder.
• 4x optical zoom, 8-32mm lens (equivalent to a 38-152mm lens on a 35mm camera).
• Manually adjustable apertures from f2.6-f/10.4.
• User activated digital telephoto in incremental steps from 1.1x to 4.0x.
• Continuous and Single autofocus modes with multiple focus areas and manual focus with distance readouts.
• Infinity and Macro focus modes.
• Variable ISO with Auto, 100, 200, 400, or 800 equivalent settings.
• Full Automatic and Manual capture modes with several manual options (Program, Flexible Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and full Manual).
• Single, Continuous, Ultra High Speed Continuous, VGA Sequence, Multi-Shot 16, and Movie shutter modes.
• White balance with Auto, Manual, Fine (Outdoors), Incandescent, Fluorescent, Cloudy, and Speedlight options.
• Shutter speeds from eight to 1/2,300 seconds as well as a Bulb setting for longer exposures.
• Built-in, pop-up flash with Auto, On, Off, Slow Sync, and Red-Eye Reduction modes.
• External flash sync terminal.
• USB interface.
• Image capture in compressed JPEG or uncompressed TIFF.
• Images save to CompactFlash memory cards (Type I or II) or IBM Microdrive, 16MB CompactFlash card included.
• NTSC video cable (PAL for European models).
• Power from EN-EL1 lithium-ion battery pack (charger and AC adapter included).
• DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) compatibility.

What's New

Since many of our readers are already familiar with the previous Coolpix 990 model, we thought we'd include a list of the new features Nikon has included on the 995. Here's what we noticed as new to the 995:

• 4x zoom lens (instead of the previous 3x zoom). - A nice addition.
• Popup flash to help reduce the Red-Eye effect. - Big cheers from Nikon fans for this feature.
• Hybrid (metal/high-impact polycarbonate) case. - Grip half of the case is magnesium, lens side appears to be high-impact polycarbonate.
• Lithium-ion battery pack for power (as opposed to AA batteries). - Good news: Li-Ion battery & charger are included in the box!
• Supports (?) the IBM Microdrive (512MB and 1GB sizes only) (??). - Severe conflicting info on this: Verbal "Yes", Printed "No!".
• Menu type size adjustment for large or small type.
• Slide Copy Adapter auxiliary lens option.
• Expanded ISO range, including ISO 800 equivalent setting. - ISO 800 is noisy but usable for those "must have" shots.
• Faster, 1/2,300 maximum shutter speed setting. - A much-requested feature
• White Balance auto bracketing function. - Very useful for critical shots.
• Noise reduction setting for low-light exposures. -Very effective, in our testing.
• Quick Review button for fast review of captured images while in Record mode. - Very nice addition.
• Swivel lock to prevent "drooping" with heavy auxillary lenses. - Very nice addition.