The Nikon Coolpix 990 is an impressive digital camera that builds upon the legacy of its predecessor, the Coolpix 950. With a powerful 3.34-megapixel CCD sensor, it delivers true image resolution of 2,048 x 1,536 pixels. This high resolution allows for easy cropping and ensures that your prints maintain a professional quality, even at larger sizes like 8 x 10 inches.

One of the standout features of the Coolpix 990 is its built-in 3x optical zoom Nikkor lens, which provides coverage equivalent to 38-115mm in 35mm terms. This lens, combined with a 4x stepless digital zoom, gives you the ability to capture clear and sharp images from a variety of distances. Whether you’re taking portraits or landscape shots, you’ll appreciate the versatility this camera offers.

For easy composition and playback, the Coolpix 990 is equipped with a 1.8-inch low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD screen. This display allows you to review your photos with clarity and adjust your framing on the go. Additionally, Nikon has incorporated a sophisticated 256-element matrix metering and white balance system, ensuring that your exposure and color balance are consistently outstanding.

This camera is designed for both automatic and manual operation, providing a fully automatic mode alongside manual capabilities. With a remarkable 4,896-step multi-area autofocus system, you can quickly achieve the perfect composition without missing a moment. The built-in five-mode flash and seven capture modes—including a rapid 1.5 fps full-resolution capture—make it easy to shoot in various conditions, while the movie mode allows for 30 fps QVGA video recording for up to 40 seconds.

For those who seek creative control, the Coolpix 990 offers manual focus options, allowing you to adjust focus precisely. The macro mode is particularly noteworthy, enabling you to shoot close-ups from as little as 0.8 inches away. This flexibility is complemented by shutter and aperture priority exposure modes, giving you the tools to create stunning images with ease.

Furthermore, the Nikon Coolpix 990 is compatible with a range of optional Coolpix lenses and accessories, including fisheye, wide-angle, and telephoto lenses, as well as up to five Nikon speedlights for enhanced lighting. Convenience is also a priority, with user-friendly and upgradeable CompactFlash memory options. The camera supports both NTSC and PAL video playback, making it versatile for different viewing formats.

Finally, connecting the Coolpix 990 to your PC is straightforward, thanks to its high-speed USB port. This plug-and-play functionality allows for quick and efficient picture downloads, ensuring that sharing your photos is as easy as capturing them.