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Nikon Coolpix 990 Digital Camera, Black {3.34MP}
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All rental gear is between Excellent and Like New Minus condition
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Standard accessories included
Nikon Coolpix 990: The 3-Megapixel Classic That Won Over 950 Shooters
The Coolpix 990 marked the point where Nikon's early digital compacts stopped feeling like experiments and started feeling like tools. Its 1/1.8" CCD delivers 3.0 effective megapixels at 2048 x 1536, enough resolution for a genuine 10x7.5 inch print at 200dpi, a real jump from the 950 that came before it. The swiveling body design carries a 38-115mm equivalent zoom at a fast f/2.5 maximum aperture, paired with a 7-blade iris diaphragm that gives you finer control over aperture shape and depth of field than earlier Coolpix models offered.
This is a camera built for people who want to think like photographers, not just point and shoot. Full manual exposure sits alongside aperture priority and shutter priority, with shutter speeds running from 8 seconds to 1/1000 sec and exposure compensation adjustable across a 2-stop range in 1/3 EV increments. A five-area spot meter and matching AF points bring metering precision closer to what Nikon's F100 film SLR shooters were used to. Macro focusing down to 2cm opens up close-up work that most compacts of this era couldn't touch.
Manual focus with 50 selectable positions, a histogram display, and overexposure highlighting round out a control set aimed at people who chimp their exposures and adjust on the fly. Add USB connectivity, a Nikon Speedlight sync terminal for external flash, and CompactFlash storage, and you've got a compact that still rewards deliberate shooting over automatic point-and-shoot habits.
Who It's For
Photographers who cut their teeth on manual film cameras and want that same aperture and shutter control will feel at home with the 990's full manual mode, aperture priority, and shutter priority options, plus the 8 sec to 1/1000 sec shutter range. Macro and close-up shooters get real reach here, with a 2cm minimum macro focus distance letting them fill the frame with small subjects. Anyone shooting in mixed or tricky lighting benefits from the five-area spot metering, 256-zone matrix white balance sensing, and histogram-based exposure review, since all three cut down on guesswork before the shot is taken. Flash photographers working with off-camera lighting can tap the Nikon Speedlight sync terminal and a fixed-aperture mode designed specifically for studio flash setups.
Key Features
- 3.0MP 1/1.8" CCD sensor with 2048 x 1536 native resolution
- 38–115mm equivalent f/2.5 zoom with 3x optical range
- 7-blade iris diaphragm for controlled aperture shapes
- Full manual exposure with 8sec to 1/1000sec shutter range
- Five-area spot metering and AF system
- Macro focusing to 2cm, normal focus from 30cm
- Manual focus with 50 selectable positions
- Histogram display and overexposure highlighting
- Nikon Speedlight sync terminal for external flash
- USB connectivity and CompactFlash storage
FAQ
- What resolution does the 990 actually deliver for print?
- 2048 x 1536 gives you 3.0 megapixels, which hits 200dpi at roughly 10x7.5 inches. That's a real step up from the 950's 1600 x 1200, and enough to go beyond small prints without noticeable pixelation.
- Is manual exposure control actually usable on this camera?
- Full manual mode is there alongside aperture priority and shutter priority. Shutter range runs 8 seconds to 1/1000, exposure compensation works across a 2-stop range in 1/3 EV increments, and you get an underexposure/overexposure meter to confirm your settings.
- How close can you focus with this camera?
- Macro focuses down to 2cm, well below the 30cm normal focus distance. Most compacts from that era maxed out at macro ranges that didn't come close to that.
- What's the actual aperture control like compared to earlier Coolpix models?
- The 990 uses a 7-blade iris diaphragm instead of the simple stops in the 950, which gives you finer control over aperture shape and smoother depth-of-field transitions.
- How much does metering precision improve over the 950?
- The 990 adds a five-area spot meter with matching AF points, mirroring the metering and AF setup from Nikon's F100 film SLR. That's a real move toward deliberate exposure control.
- What storage format does the 990 use?
- CompactFlash Type I cards only. The camera ships with a 16MB card, but the slot sits on the side of the body now instead of the top, making it easier to swap media without removing the camera from a tripod.
- Can you use external flash with this camera?
- Yes, the 990 has a built-in Nikon Speedlight sync terminal for external flash, though the built-in flash covers 9 meters at f/2.6 and ISO 100 on its own.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 1/1.8" (7.144 x 5.358 mm) |
| Resolution | 3.0 MP |
| ISO Range | Auto, 100, 200, 400 |
| Dimensions | 143 x 79 x 38 mm (5.63 x 3.11 x 1.5?) |
| Weight | 450 g (0.99 lb / 15.87 oz) |
This description was generated using AI based on KEH's internal product standards, product expertise, and knowing what customers care about most. While we strive for accuracy, details may vary by individual item.
| Brand Name | Nikon |
|---|
Learn what to expect from each condition, cosmetically. Images are representative of each grade and may not show the exact item you receive. All equipment is guaranteed to work as intended, unless otherwise noted. We also occasionally offer items that fall .
Exceptions
- New
- New in box complete with manufacturer's USA warranty. Not previously owned or used.
- Like New
- Essentially new with no signs of use. “Open box.” In manufacturer's packaging with original accessories and instructions. 180-day warranty.
- As Is
- Non-functional or damaged. Equipment will not work. Usable for parts. Not covered under KEH warranty and non-returnable.
Like New Minus
Like New Minus
Barely used with virtually no traces of wear. Only the closest inspections will reveal slight use. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Excellent Plus
Excellent Plus
Lightly used with limited signs of wear. Exceptionally nice but may have slight wear on finish visible. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Excellent
Excellent
Noticeably used with average signs of wear. Shows moderate wear for the age of the item, with the possibility of blemishes and/or minimal dings. Lens glass may have average dust and zoom/focus ring tension may have slight looseness or tightness overall, but will not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Bargain
Bargain
Frequently used with above-average wear. May have dents, dings, or finish loss. Lens glass may have small scratches, dust, and blemishes, and zoom/focus ring tension may have moderate looseness or tightness overall, but should not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Ugly
Ugly
Heavily used with extensive visible wear. Equipment is rough, with multiple impressions in the finish, excessive finish loss and brassing. Glass will have marks, fungus and/or heavy/cloudy haze which could affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. Not covered under KEH warranty.
