Nikon Coolpix 950 Digital Camera
The Nikon Coolpix 950 offers an impressive 1,600 x 1,200 maximum resolution--it even lets you save uncompressed images for the ultimate in picture quality. You can also take photos at resolutions of 1,024 x 768 and 640 x 480. Every resolution lets you choose between Basic, Normal, and High-Quality compression, giving the Nikon Coolpix 950 one of the largest image-quality selections. This digital camera comes with a removable 8 MB CompactFlash storage card that stores about 40 images at a resolution of 1,024 x 768 (Normal compression). You can purchase additional storage cards in larger configurations (up to 32 MB). We were awed by the Nikon Coolpix 950's autofocus and exposure-metering capabilities. With 256-segment matrix metering and over 4,000 autofocus steps, it was simple to get perfectly exposed and focused pictures in any situation. Unlike some digital cameras, it was also easy to lock the focus. The range of manual options elevates the Nikon Coolpix 950 close to the creative control level of a traditional SLR camera--we were able to manually set shutter speed, aperture, focus, and white balance, plus shoot in aperture- or shutter-priority modes. The 3x optical zoom lens was one of the most powerful we've seen on a digital camera, making it possible to shoot close-ups and telephoto pictures with no loss in image quality. In addition, the Nikon Coolpix 950 let us save custom settings--a great use of digital technology to make advanced shooting easier. The Nikon Coolpix 950 offers a number of highly useful image-save options, including the ability to create folders, edit individual photo names, and ensure that each photo is saved with a unique name. This last feature is important, as it prevents you from overwriting older photos when you download new ones to a computer. While the Nikon Coolpix 950 is still relatively lightweight compared to many higher-end digital cameras, it's not as compact as a point-and-shoot. However, its wider body is justified by the handy swiveling lens, which lets you shoot at a variety of angles. (It even allows you to include yourself in the picture.) This digital camera's solid, durable construction is on par with Nikon's flagship SLR cameras. In addition, the Nikon Coolpix 950's high-resolution LCD screen is one of the best we've seen on a digital camera. The unit uses 4 AA batteries and, like all digital cameras, drains them rather quickly; you may consider investing in rechargeables. The printed manual is sparse; however, the online documentation is comprehensive and easy to read. Overall, the Nikon Coolpix 950 made us feel like we were using a professional piece of equipment--something missing from most of our digital camera experiences. And, while suitable for high-level professional work, the Coolpix 950 is easy enough for amateurs to use. |
If you're looking for a top-of-the-line
digital camera with professional quality and features, look no further--the Nikon Coolpix
950 finally brings high-level digital performance to the consumer camera market. The
Coolpix 950's combination of a high-quality Nikkor nine-element lens with a 0.5-inch
2.11-million-pixel CCD provides incredibly sharp, clear pictures. In addition, this
camera's ultrasensitive autofocus and metering capabilities make it easy to take great
pictures in a variety of lighting and focus conditions.