Nikon Coolpix P90 Review

Nikon Coolpix Cameras Review » Review Nikon Coolpix P90 » Nikon Coolpix P90 Review

March 11th, 2010 | Add a Comment

nikon coolpix p90

Model: Nikon Coolpix P90

Megapixels: 12.1MP Digital Camera

Optical Zoom: 24x Wide Angle Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom

LCD: 3 inch Tilt LCD

User Review: 4 Star

Best Feedback

As with all new electronic toys, I had to take this particular model for a test drive before wrapping it up as a gift for a family member who is absolutely sold on nothing else but point and shoot cameras. Myself owning several Nikon & Canon film/DSLR systems over the years, I have to admit that I’ve never been a huge fan of point and shoot cameras. Surprisingly I did find that the Nikon P90 was definitely worthy of a second look. By far, this camera is a major leap over the much maligned Nikon P80.

Packed with an incredibly sweet 24x optical zoom (26-624mm) lens, the 4 way Vibration Reduction system incorporates Optical Image Stabilization to an ISO capability of 6400. In Sport Continuous Scene Mode, the P90 is capable of 15fps high-speed shooting at up to 45 frames per burst. When shooting outdoors in various transitions I was pleasantly surprised that the P90 operated smoothly without the usual demons associated with the older P80 system. It delivered an array of great photographs in both auto, sports and manual modes that required absolutely no editing.

Like all point and shoots, the P90 does have its limitations indoors. However, this system can be tweaked to deliver some outstanding indoor photographs. The bottom line is proper settings. A basic fix is the VR (Vibration Reduction) feature. This should be activated, especially indoors. For those that insist on shooting in auto mode and in low light situations, the noise gremlins are indeed going to be noticeable due to a higher preset ISO. This will undoubtedly lead to dark and out of focus photographs. To alleviate that scenario I suggest that if auto is the preference, try shooting in a stationary, programmed auto mode. This will at least give the photographer options to work with.

Another great feature is its 3″ tilting LCD screen. The LCD screen has a protective anti-glare coating. The tilted screen is a nice tool especially for shooting in the prone position. I only question the extension arm’s durability over time. Add in the Best Shot Selector (BSS),Red-Eye, Smile and Blink Proof features and you have the whole package.

In video mode, average quality is produced at 24 frames per second at 16:9 aspect ratio. HD would have been a sweet addition. As with all new digital cameras it comes down to memory card speed and top shelf batteries. Use of no name batteries can easily short out the system or leak. I recommend that buyers spend the extra bucks on SDHC cards and a durable tripod.

Seasoned point and shoot owners will undoubtedly enjoy all the bells and whistles that are packed onto this system. Indeed, it is the next best thing to a DSLR. As with all point and shoots the bottom line is convenience. Overall, I remain impressed with the Nikon P90.

As with all new electronic toys, I had to take this particular model for a test drive before wrapping it up as a gift for a family member who is absolutely sold on nothing else but point and shoot cameras. Myself owning several Nikon & Canon film/DSLR systems over the years, I have to admit that I’ve never been a huge fan of point and shoot cameras. Surprisingly I did find that the Nikon P90 was definitely worthy of a second look. By far, this camera is a major leap over the much maligned Nikon P80.
Packed with an incredibly sweet 24x optical zoom (26-624mm) lens, the 4 way Vibration Reduction system incorporates Optical Image Stabilization to an ISO capability of 6400. In Sport Continuous Scene Mode, the P90 is capable of 15fps high-speed shooting at up to 45 frames per burst. When shooting outdoors in various transitions I was pleasantly surprised that the P90 operated smoothly without the usual demons associated with the older P80 system. It delivered an array of great photographs in both auto, sports and manual modes that required absolutely no editing.
Like all point and shoots, the P90 does have its limitations indoors. However, this system can be tweaked to deliver some outstanding indoor photographs. The bottom line is proper settings. A basic fix is the VR (Vibration Reduction) feature. This should be activated, especially indoors. For those that insist on shooting in auto mode and in low light situations, the noise gremlins are indeed going to be noticeable due to a higher preset ISO. This will undoubtedly lead to dark and out of focus photographs. To alleviate that scenario I suggest that if auto is the preference, try shooting in a stationary, programmed auto mode. This will at least give the photographer options to work with.
Another great feature is its 3″ tilting LCD screen. The LCD screen has a protective anti-glare coating. The tilted screen is a nice tool especially for shooting in the prone position. I only question the extension arm’s durability over time. Add in the Best Shot Selector (BSS),Red-Eye, Smile and Blink Proof features and you have the whole package.
In video mode, average quality is produced at 24 frames per second at 16:9 aspect ratio. HD would have been a sweet addition. As with all new digital cameras it comes down to memory card speed and top shelf batteries. Use of no name batteries can easily short out the system or leak. I recommend that buyers spend the extra bucks on SDHC cards and a durable tripod.
Seasoned point and shoot owners will undoubtedly enjoy all the bells and whistles that are packed onto this system. Indeed, it is the next best thing to a DSLR. As with all point and shoots the bottom line is convenience. Overall, I remain impressed with the Nikon P90.

Worse Feedback

I wanted to love this camera, I really did! I have had two Nikon Coolpix during the last 4 years and loved them, so I was excited to upgrade to the P90. I had read all the reviews on Amazon as well as other sites, and assumed that the people who were writing bad reviews of the camera just didn’t know how to use it. I was wrong.

First, I know it’s a point and shoot camera and not a DSLR. But the quality of the photos the P90 took was terrible compared to my old Nikon Coolpix P5000. Unless I was outside with lots of natural light the photos from the P90 were all slightly blurred. Inside, I experimented with flash, no flash, Auto mode, P mode with ISO down to 64, reduced flash, heightened flash, adjusting the manual settings for the aperture, shutter speed, white balance and contrast. Could not get a good photo! And I’ve been using Nikons with the same features for years with no problem. Also, colors were too orange indoors, even with the flash. Another reviewer said the photos looked like they were taken with a cell phone. I thought this was exaggeration, until I saw some of my shots! Then I would take my old P5000 and shoot the same shot and it would come out perfect! I took over 400 photos with the P90 in two days, trying to see if the photos improved under any circumstances. They didn’t. I’m returning it to Amazon tomorrow. (Thanks for the painless return, Amazon!)

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Manufacturer: Nikon
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Sale Price: $449.99
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Product Description

Experience even closer encounters with Nikon's Coolpix P90, with 12.1 effective megapixels and an incredible 24x optical Zoom-NIKKOR ED glass lens for stunning prints as large as 16x20 inches. The camera's bright, 3.0-inch high-resolution vari-angle LCD and Electronic Viewfinder make it easy to compose and share your pictures. And Nikon's new 4 Way VR Image Stabilization makes incredible pictures incredibly easy. Nikon's New Smart Portrait System, which automatically detects your subjects face, takes a picture when they smile and warns you if they blinked.

Product Details

12.1-megapixel resolution for photo-quality prints up to 16 x 20 inches
24x optical wide-angle (35mm equivalent focal length: 26-624mm) Zoom-Nikkor ED glass lens
3.0-inch Vari-Angle LCD and Electronic Viewfinder
Nikon's Smart Portrait System; Red-eye Fix, Face Priority AE and more
Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)
Nikon's Smart Portrait System , Red-eye Fix, Face Priority AE and more