Nikon Coolpix 5400A solid update to Nikon's upper-midrange Coolpix. 5 megapixels, 4x zoom, tons of features!(Next): Executive Overview>> Page 1:Intro and HighlightsReview First Posted: 07/12/2003 |
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Manufacturer Overview
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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 five decades now, and they've been very successful at translating that long history of expertise into the digital arena. Their Coolpix product line has led the popularity charts at the high end of the "prosumer" market segment since its introduction, and recent line extensions have broadened its appeal to include more casual "point and shoot" photographers as well. The key to Coolpix popularity has been the combination of excellent picture quality with an amazing range of features, all calculated to give the photographer maximum control over the picture-taking process, with minimal effort.
The introduction of the 5.1-megapixel Coolpix 5400, updates the Coolpix line (specifically the Coolpix 5000 model) with a slightly larger CCD, longer zoom ratio (4x), and a handful of added exposure options. No less than 16 preset Scene shooting modes (the same offering found on the Coolpix 4500) extend the camera's shooting flexibility, and the inclusion of a full Auto mode is helpful for novices. The Coolpix 5400 also has a few other exposure differences, such as a maximum 10-minute (!)exposure time under the bulb setting option, and a new audio caption recording function. Read on for all the details!
High Points
- 5.1-megapixel CCD delivering image resolutions as high as 2,592 x 1,944 pixels.
- Real-image zoom optical viewfinder and 1.5-inch color LCD monitor with swivel design.
- 4x, Nikkor 5.8-24mm lens, equivalent to a 28-116mm lens on a 35mm camera.
- As high as 4x digital zoom.
- Automatic and manual focus control.
- Maximum aperture of f/2.8-4.6 depending on zoom setting.
- Available shutter speeds from 1/4,000-second to 8 seconds, 10 minutes in "bulb" mode.
- Optional noise reduction for shots longer than 1/4 second.
- Full Auto, Program AE, Flexible Program AE, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual exposure modes.
- Scene mode with 16 programmed "scenes."
- 256-segment Matrix, Center-Weighted, Spot, and AF Spot metering modes.
- Eight White Balance modes with a manual setting and a White Balance Bracketing mode.
- Auto sensitivity or ISO equivalents of 50, 100, 200, and 400.
- Image Adjustment menu, Sharpness, and Saturation controls.
- Continuous, High Speed Continuous, Ultra High Speed Continuous, Multi-Shot 16, 5-Shot Buffer, Best Shot Selector, Movie (with sound), and Time Lapse Movie shooting modes.
- 64-megabyte buffer memory.
- Built-in self-timer.
- Built-in flash with six settings.
- External flash hot shoe.
- Images and movies stored to CompactFlash Type I or II memory cards, or IBM MicroDrive.
- Uncompressed TIFF, JPEG, and Motion JPEG file formats.
- USB cable and interface for quick connection to a PC or Macintosh.
- Power supplied by rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack (included) or optional AC adapter.
- Video cable included.
- Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compatibility.
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