Whatever
the CP 950's shortcomings in terms of its ergonomics,
it can't be faulted for its images. They are generally
outstanding.
With the Nikon Coolpix 950 and a few others leading the way, another
critical step in the development of consumer digital cameras is being
taken. The improvement in picture quality brought about by the 2 megapixel
sensors now enables digital cameras to not only challenge, but in many
ways surpass film.
The Coolpix 950 can produce images that amaze by their
detail, colours, and accuracy. If the camera is used
in its fully automatic mode, it is but a simple matter
of point, shoot, and admire the results.
A
perfect exposure. The combination of 2 megapixels,
the matrix metering system, and a precise autofocus
reveals the pebbles under the water.
A
look at its photos reveals smooth edges in the objects
photographed, and a level of detail up until now not associated
with consumer digital cameras.
The
combination of a telescope and the CP950's zoom can create a screen
filling image.
Using
the camera outdoors in manual mode, on the other hand, becomes more difficult.
The LCD monitor is required for many things, even if simply using aperture
priority. In sunlight, it is so difficult to decipher that a lot of time
is spent trying to make it out. This slows down the process of taking
a picture to the point where it is easy to miss an opportunity.
The handling of the camera improves with practice, but
its design and lack of coherent organisation take work
to surmount.
At
the full resolution of 1600 x 1200, the CP 950's images are smooth and
vividly accurate. The impression is of a slide, especially when viewed
on a large monitor, more than on a television, where much of the fine
detail is lost. The excellence of the photographic result is what makes
the camera stand out. Time after time, the matrix system is able to create
flawless images, even in JPEG
mode.
The CP 950 offers other formats than its large 1600 x 1200 format. A 1024
x 768 XGA frame is available along with the standard VGA
of 640 x 480. Images captured in these formats retain much of the qualities
found in the larger format.
The
Coolpix 950 also offers a non
compressionTIFF
format. Generating file sizes of 5.6 MB, it isn't possible
to store more than 1 image on the 8MB card with which
the CP 950 is sold. The TIFF format used is a standard
one, and does not require any special software. It
is, however, only available in the 1600 x 1200 format,
and photos take a full 35 seconds to store on the card.
