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Average rating:
3.54
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Nikon's second generation 'SLR like' super zoom compact ups the sensor to 12 MP and the zoom range to 24x (covering an astonishing 26-624mm range) and adds a 3.0" tilting screen to produce a camera that - on paper at least - offers a compelling 'all in one' option for anyone wanting the versatility, but not the bulk, weight or expense, of an SLR. We only hope the issues with the P80 (focus errors and poor high ISO perfomance) have been ironed out of the new model. (April 2009)
| Quick links: | Announcement | Forum |
| Announced: | Feb 3, 2009 |
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Average rating:
3.54
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Opinion: 24x zoom is impressive, let's see how good is the image quality and other features.
Opinion: I think this is Nikon's attempt at matching the Canon S10 - its not there yet.
In First handling the camera feels light and a bit awkward for my bigger hands. This
can be overcome as the camera is light enough to be held with only a few fingers
engaged.
The camera came well packed with descriptive and effective manuals, a CD with
image transfer software (actually not needed in most pc or mac configurations).
Most controls are intuitive and generally straight forward. The battery goes where
you'd expect, as does the SD card.
I was surprised to see the lens extend as much as it does when first turned on. I'd
worry about potential lens actuator failures if the camera is turned on with the lens
cover attached. The motor "hunts" when you do that.
Picture quality appeared good - relatively snappy pictures with accurate color
rendering. An exceptional feature is the apparent capability of this camera to see in
the dark. Yes the pictures can get noisy, but the ability to capture a sharp image in
near darkness is surprising and a bonus feature.
The vary angle of the excellent 3" display screen is a useful feature, and the
electronic viewfinder provide a clear though somewhat darker image. The menus are
clear and intuitive to work with - easily glancing through the manual will sort out
anything that doesn't just jump out at you.
Problems: While the camera functions as advertised - the fast-image capture feature is not at
full resolution. Rather it is a reduced format image and in the "birds at a feeder"
series I captured - many were blurry and unusable. Some were marginal but none
were of a quality that I would use for publication.
While focusing on a smaller subject the camera was easily fooled into focusing on
the
wrong thing making it difficult to follow a bird in flight. It seemed to work more
reliably in manual mode.
I bought this camera (because of the X24 zoom) to supplement my D300 that I
often leave behind because it is so heavy. Of course with the weight comes the
quality of the performance that this P90 unfortunately doesn't begin to match. Call
me naive - but I did expect better from Nikon - particularly after seeing the quality
of performance of the Canon S10.
I have much more to try and experiment with - and will update these comments as
time permits.
Opinion: Although this is my first non-Sony digital camera, I found it quite intuitive. Controls are well located. The weight is perfect for carrying regularly. This camera has far more features, especially the 24X zoom than my prior Sony (a DSC-R1) and it is less than half the weight and size.
Problems: Unless you remember to hold the "display" arrow button while powering on, the lens will extend at power on. Thus, if you don't remove the lens cap, the mechanics will "Grind" trying to push out.
The picture quality is far less than what I would have expected from Nikon. The first digital I had back in 1999 took clearer pictures.
Color and contrast are not good. I've had to adjust both on most pictures.
Yes, I've had the camera only about 10 days now so possibly am doing something wrong. If I find that the above are results of my error, I WILL update this post.
Opinion: Any one who has played with the Coolpix P90 compare it to a Lumix DMC FZ 28?
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 | 22.3 megapixels 3.2" screen Full frame sensor |
