Nikon Coolpix 995 3.2MP with features such as a new multimode pop-up flash that helps reduce red-eye considerably, and a handful of inventive creative controls, including white-balance bracketing, four-color saturation modes, and a 50-step manual focus mode. Its 3.34-megapixel CCD sensor captures high-resolution images (maximum of 2,048 x 1,536 pixels) for quality enlargements, and the 4x optical zoom Nikkor lens provides the 35mm photography equivalent of a 38-152mm zoom. This is currently the highest zoom range in the Coolpix line (as of July 2001). The Coolpix 995 also has a 4x stepless digital zoom, 256-element matrix metering, an advanced autofocus system, QuickTime movie mode for movies up to 40 seconds long, multiple automatic exposure modes, and a 1.8-inch LCD monitor with 6x zooming playback.
One of the best reasons to choose the Coolpix 995 is for the quality Nikkor optics and the ability to add any (optional) Coolpix converter lenses and accessories. There is even a multiflash sync terminal for attaching up to five external Nikon Speedlights. The camera’s 4x optical zoom lens incorporates two aspherical elements (10 elements in 8 groups overall) for optimal performance in a compact design, plus it features super-integrated coating (SIC) for incredible sharpness. In macro mode, you can focus as close as 0.8 inches from your subject. Other interesting features include the ability to shoot subjects in motion with a high-speed full-resolution image capture at three frames per second, an improved shutter speed of 1/2,300 per second, and a fast maximum ISO setting of 800. There is also a noise reduction mode on the 995 to minimize digital artifacts and help capture excellent images at long exposures.
To sweeten the deal, the Coolpix 995 comes with rechargeable lithium-ion battery and charger, Lexar 16MB CompactFlash memory card, USB cable for high-speed connectivity, multiple software products (even a program that allows users to edit their QuickTime movies), lens cap, and neck strap. It is covered by a one-year warranty.
Helpful consumer’s review
I will start off by saying I’ve had a CoolPix 800 for 1.5 years and was very satisfied with it. However, as I progressed with learning photography, the camera did not allow me to do all I was wanting to do. The 2x zoom got old having to deal with the teleconverter which did not allow a wide shot to be taken while on without a periscope effect. The lack of settings control wore thin as I experimented with more advanced picture scenes. I decided to upgrade to the 995 with the 4x zoom being a big factor in my decision along with allowing more control. I now had 4x zoom without my cumbersome teleconverter and could trick it to use my wide angle WITH the flash. Note: That is with the old WC-E24 lens, not the WC-E63. You’ll still get a ’shadow’ by trying to use the flash with the WC-E63 lens. Here is what I’ve gained from my use thus far:
This camera is suited for those who want more control. Auto mode works pretty well for anyone just like my 800, but if you aren’t going to take advantage of the Manual mode, you may be paying for too much camera. That being said, I had gotten used to my CP-800 doing most of the work. I was completely mortified in the beginning that my ‘better’ 995 was producing much softer, almost out-of-focus pictures. As others have mentioned, READ READ READ the manual. I’m still in the learning process of this camera since I do not take pictures every day. However, I have absorbed more knowledge of how to use this camera. My pictures have now exceeded what I could do with the CP-800 after tweaking image sharpening, overriding shutter/aperture/etc settings, and turning continuous AF off. The latter reduces lag in taking pictures and stops most of that clicking noise the lens part makes (normal for this camera).
