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Nikon COOLPIX 990 Point & Shoot Camera

The Nikon Coolpix 990 is a 3.34MP 1/1.8 inch compact camera — known for its 3.34MP 1/1.8-Inch Sensor and Swivel Body Design. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Nikon COOLPIX 990 Point & Shoot Camera

Nikon COOLPIX 990 Point & Shoot Camera

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Camera Overview — Nikon Coolpix 990

The Nikon COOLPIX 990 is a 3-megapixel point-and-shoot camera built around a 1/1.8-inch sensor capable of capturing images at a maximum resolution of 2048x1536 pixels. The camera offers an ISO range spanning 80 to 400, giving shooters a reasonable degree of flexibility in varying lighting conditions. Autofocus is handled via a contrast detection system with 5 focus points, delivering reliable subject acquisition for a camera in this class.

The body is constructed from a combination of plastic and metal, measuring 143 x 79 x 38 mm and weighing 450g — substantial enough to feel solid in hand without being unwieldy. The 1.8-inch fixed LCD display with 110,000 dots serves as the primary compositing tool, supplemented by an optical viewfinder for those who prefer a traditional shooting experience. Storage uses CompactFlash media, and the camera connects to a computer via USB.

Flash coverage is handled by a built-in unit, with a PC Sync terminal allowing connection to external flash systems — a notably practical inclusion for a point-and-shoot. Power comes from four AA batteries, with battery life rated at approximately 120 shots on alkaline cells or 400 shots using NiMH rechargeable batteries. Burst shooting is supported at up to 1.5 frames per second, and video capture is available at 15fps in 8-bit color.

Key Features — Nikon Coolpix 990

3.34MP 1/1.8-Inch Sensor: Captures images at up to 2048x1536 pixels (approximately 3.14MP effective), delivering usable resolution for prints and web use from a camera of this era.

Swivel Body Design: The COOLPIX 990's rotating lens section allows high, low, and self-portrait angles without repositioning the entire camera.

PC Sync Terminal: Connects to external flash units beyond the built-in flash, giving users studio and off-camera lighting options uncommon in point-and-shoot cameras.

5-Point Contrast Detection AF: Offers selectable focus points for more deliberate subject targeting than typical single-point compact cameras of the period.

AA Battery Compatibility: Runs on four standard AA batteries (alkaline or NiMH), making power easy to source anywhere — NiMH cells are rated for approximately 400 shots.

Optical Viewfinder: Provides a traditional framing option independent of the LCD, useful in bright sunlight where screens are difficult to read.

Camera Specifications — Nikon Coolpix 990

Nikon Coolpix 990 full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesMacro, Travel
TypePoint and Shoot
Sensor1/1.8 inch
Resolution3.34MP
ISO Range80 – 400
AF SystemContrast Detection
AF Points5 points
Max Photo Resolution2048x1536
Burst Rate1.5 fps
Max Frame RateOther
Bit Depth8-bit
Video Color ProfilesStandard

Description — Nikon Coolpix 990

The Nikon COOLPIX 990 is a 3MP point-and-shoot camera equipped with a 1/1.8-inch sensor and a maximum still image resolution of 2048x1536 pixels. Its ISO range of 80 to 400 covers standard shooting scenarios, while the 5-point contrast detection autofocus system keeps the shooting experience straightforward. The body is built from plastic and metal, measuring 143 x 79 x 38 mm and weighing 450g, with no weather sealing.

Compositing options include a 1.8-inch fixed LCD at 110,000 dots and an optical viewfinder. For flash, there's a built-in unit plus a PC Sync terminal for connecting external flash systems — a practical touch that extends the camera's lighting capabilities. Storage is handled via CompactFlash media, and the camera connects to a host device via USB.

The COOLPIX 990 accepts 4x AA batteries in either NiMH or alkaline format, with NiMH delivering approximately 400 shots per charge versus 120 shots on alkaline. Burst shooting is available at 1.5fps, and video recording runs at 15fps in 8-bit color.

Pros — Nikon Coolpix 990

  • ✓PC Sync terminal enables use of external flash systems alongside the built-in flash
  • ✓5-point contrast detection autofocus system provides reasonable focusing flexibility
  • ✓Dual battery compatibility — accepts both alkaline and NiMH AA batteries, with NiMH rated for approximately 400 shots

Cons — Nikon Coolpix 990

  • ✗No image stabilization of any kind — neither in-body nor digital IS
  • ✗ISO tops out at 400, limiting performance in low-light situations
  • ✗No Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity; USB is the sole data transfer method

Reviews — Nikon Coolpix 990

Videos — Nikon Coolpix 990

Precisely 3.34 megapixels of pure nostalgic fun! Nikon Coolpix 990 — snappiness

Resources & Downloads — Nikon Coolpix 990

Manuals & Guides

Frequently Asked Questions — Nikon Coolpix 990

What memory cards does the Nikon COOLPIX 990 use?+
The COOLPIX 990 uses CompactFlash (CF) cards for storage. This is a well-established format that was widely used in early digital cameras.
Can I use an external flash with the COOLPIX 990?+
Yes. The camera includes a PC Sync terminal that allows connection to external flash units. It also has a built-in flash for situations where external lighting isn't needed.
What batteries does the COOLPIX 990 require, and how long do they last?+
The camera runs on four AA batteries, accepting either alkaline or NiMH rechargeable cells. Battery life is rated at approximately 120 shots on alkaline batteries and approximately 400 shots when using NiMH batteries.
Does the COOLPIX 990 have image stabilization?+
No — the COOLPIX 990 has no image stabilization of any type. Neither in-body nor digital IS is present, so steady hands or a stable surface are important for sharp shots, particularly in lower light.
What is the maximum photo resolution the COOLPIX 990 can capture?+
The camera captures images at a maximum resolution of 2048x1536 pixels using its 3MP, 1/1.8-inch sensor. The standard color profile is available for image output.
Does the COOLPIX 990 support video recording?+
Yes, the COOLPIX 990 supports video capture at 15fps with 8-bit color depth. Maximum video resolution is not specified in the available data.

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