Nikon Coolpix P90

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Nikon joins the ranks of manufacturers ramping up their top-of-the-line megazoom models to 24x. The replacement for the Nikon Coolpix P80, the P90, outdoes its 18x predecessor with a 24x optical zoom lens. The new model also has increased resolution from 10 to 12 megapixels. But what's really useful is the 3-inch tilting LCD on the camera, bringing it into parity with competing megazooms from Canon, Sony, and others.

Editors' note:

This review is based on tests done by our sister site CNET.com. As such, please note that there may be slight differences in the testing procedure and ratings system. For more information on the actual tests conducted on the product, please inquire directly at the site where the article was originally published. References made to some other products in this review may not be available or applicable in Asia.

Design

The 3-inch tilting LCD will facilitate taking pictures in awkward angles.
(Click for a larger image)

With the exception of the improved LCD and some changes on the mode dial, the P90's body doesn't differ much from the P80. It's heavier--more than 400g--and bigger in all dimensions. Like its competitors, you can access most of the frequently used shooting controls via a dedicated button, including exposure compensation, focus modes (macro, infinity, and manual), self-timer, and flash (red-eye reduction, fill, slow sync, and rear curtain sync). In addition to the buttons, you can navigate via the back dial which also controls your shutter, aperture, and exposure-compensation adjustments in the various shooting modes. Nikon has improved the mode dial, moving Setup into the menu and replacing it with two slots for custom settings and a Scene Auto Selector mode.

You can access other controls from the shooting menu. Most notable are an array of ISO sensitivity options. In addition to complete Auto and manual 64 through to 6,400, it offers high ISO sensitivity Auto (64-1600) and fixed-range auto, which lets you choose one of three ranges: ISO 64-100, 64-200 or 64-400. Given how aggressive the blurring gets at ISO 200, we would suggest you stick with the 64-200 range if you're going to use the automatic mode.

Tags: Mode, compensation, Nikon Corp., LCD, adjustment

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