Here
are a few images that accurately reflect the abilities of any given camera
model. The images are altered only in terms of size and sharpness after
reduction and by the JPEG compression used. Unless otherwise mentioned,
assume that any marbling or artefacts visible in the images are due to
the compression required to display them here. We feel however, that they
still faithfully represent the results we experienced.
STILL
LIFE PHOTO
The
table is lit by a window. Flash is added to fill-in the
shadow areas. The complex patterns created by the objects
on the table allow us to check the resolution of the camera.
For
these photos we used the TIFF
image format of the Coolpix 950. We did so to avoid any
artefacts generated by JPEGcompression.
This is one of the best images we have obtained with a
digital camera. All the objects in the image showed smooth
edges and accurate colours. The high resolution of the
CCD makes even very small details visible.
Photo
Information
Format:
TIFF
Aperture:
f
2.6
Exposure:
P
- Matrix
Shutter
Speed:
1/87
Resolution:
1600
x 1200
Flash:
On
Quality:
HI
Exp.
Comp.
0
File
Size:
5632
KB
Focal
Length:
38
mm
(35mm Equiv.)
The
only "negative" we found was that the lens exhibited
some barrelling
in wide angle. This becomes noticeable in images, where
there are vertical elements in the photo, that can be
compared to the edges of the image.
ZOOM
PHOTO
For
cameras that offer a zoom, we zoom in on the centre of
the table. The intent is to test the sharpness of the
image at the zoom's maximum setting, with the camera remaining
at the same distance as in the preceding photo.
Another
one of these jaw-dropping images the Coolpix 950 seems
to produce so easily. Here the bread rolls are
almost three dimensional. Similarly, the image shows the
quilting and texture of the placemats so precisely, that
the stitching thread is visible, and the thread shows
as a slightly different white than the white squares.
Photo
Information
Format:
TIFF
Aperture:
f
4
Exposure:
P
- Matrix
Shutter
Speed:
1/31
Resolution:
1600
x 1200
Flash:
On
Quality:
HI
Exp.
Comp.
0
File
Size:
5632
KB
Focal
Length:
115
mm
(35mm Equiv.)
MACRO
PHOTO
The
Coolpix 900 had acquired a reputation for its macro
capabilities. The CP950 continues the tradition, and even
betters it due to increased sensor size.
Even though the camera can autofocus continuously, it
is still a bit of challenge to make it focus precisely
where the focus should be. These lichen, growing on a
tree stump, are a case in point.
In
macro mode the depth of field can become very shallow.
In this photo, the camera wanted to focus on the larger
surface of the trunk below, and not on the small red flower
at the top of the plant. Using the BSS system (Best Shot
Selection), resulted in the camera throwing away the shots
we wanted. The system works by finding the image with
the highest contrast, and, therefore, the one that should
be the sharpest overall. In this case, it would invariably
select those shots where the trunk was in focus, but not
our target, the small red flower.
Photo
Information
Format:
JPEG
Aperture:
f10.6
Exposure:
P
- Matrix
Shutter
Speed:
1/85
Resolution:
1600
x 1200
Flash:
Off
Quality:
Fine
(Macro)
Exp.
Comp.
0
File
Size:
701
KB
Focal
Length:
17.7
mm
FULL
SCALE IMAGE
The
solution was to give the autofocus a larger target: the
tip of a finger, placed at the same level as the flower
which is perched at the tip of the 2.5 centimetre stem.
So, with the camera happily focusing sharply on the fingertip,
it was possible to lock the focus, remove the intruder,
and get the picture!
The Nikon Coolpix 950 does offer a manual focus mode,
but it is limited to a minimum distance of 10 centimetres,
making it impractical for this shot, which was taken from
approximately 5 centimetres away.
The red flower presented here measures 3 millimetres
across, precisely.
BUILDING PHOTO
This
image is our "outdoor" test. The architecture of the building,
the paving stones and planters in the foreground make for
a challenging photo. The angled girders immediately show the
presence of jaggies and the darkened entrance can get too
dark for any detail to show.
Perfect metering and amazing image sharpness and detail,
appear to be the hallmarks of the Coolpix 950. Indeed,
the quality is so high, that these two photos easily surpass
the quality obtainable with a quality colour print film.
The level of detail was so high that in both photos, we
were able to distinguish the leaves on the distant trees.
Similarly, the paving stones exhibited crisp edges, and
definition. We could even spot a small piece of paper,
lying by the exterior wall of the building...
Photo
Information
Format:
TIFF
Aperture:
f7.4
Exposure:
P
- Matrix
Shutter
Speed:
1/385
Resolution:
1600
x 1200
Flash:
Off
Quality:
HI
Exp.
Comp.
0
File
Size:
5632
KB
Focal
Length:
38
mm
(35mm Equiv.)
ZOOM
PHOTO
We zoomed
to 115mm, choosing to frame only the south corner of the
building. Our intention was to closely inspect the angled
beams, and the beige pot lights in the photos. These parts
of the structure have often revealed the resolving limitations
of either a lens, or a CCD.
Once again, the level of detail was so high, that the
twin electrical conduits leading to the lights, and which
are strung along the third beam from the right, were clearly
visible. The pot lights themselves had sharply defined
shapes, standing out from their background.
