The
Nikon Coolpix 995 is the replacement for the Coolpix
990, which was released in the middle of last year. As its designation
indicates, the Coolpix 995 is not a fundamentally new model, but more
of a refinement of the Coolpix 990.
Internally the changes are more subtle, such as the new 4X zoom lens;
the use of a rechargeable battery pack instead of 4 AA batteries; the
addition of more image formats; and even more menu options.
Still, many aspects of the camera remain similar to the Coolpix 990, reflecting
the fact that the design was already well evolved with that model.
The
shutter release, the nearby, Command Dial, and the programmable Mode
/ Func.1 and
/ Func. 2 buttons reappear in the same position as with the Coolpix
990. But tQuick Playback above the Menu button,
used to review photos without having to turn the Mode Dial to the Play
position.
Pressing the button once places a thumbnail of the last photo captured
in the upper left hand side of the screen — a kind of picture in
a picture — and pressing the button a second time displays the image
full-screen. Using the left/right arrows of the Multi-Selector, other
images stored on the memory card can be reviewed in succession.
The
optical viewfinder of the Coolpix 995, located in the lens section of
the camera, is situated lower than it is on the Coolpix 990. It still
has both autofocus and parallax marks and the image it shows remains approximately
85% of the actual frame captured by the CCD; but the diopter correction
dial which is beneath it protrudes more.
Already easily displaced with the CP990 where it is slightly recessed,
it is now thrown out of adjustment simply by handling the camera.
The ergonomic design
of the Coolpix 995 remains basically that of the 990, which had been a
significant improvement over those of the CP 950. Still, this remains
a camera that often requires the user to press buttons and rotate the
top-mounted Command Dial, all on the same side, to accomplish some basic
changes. Even with the improvements made to the functionality of this
model, the basic design remains one that requires a fair amount of manipulation
to obtain results.
/ Func. 2 buttons reappear in the same position as with the Coolpix
990. But tQuick Playback above the Menu button,
used to review photos without having to turn the Mode Dial to the Play
position.
