The Nikon Coolpix 5900 is an upgrade from the Coolpix 5200. It offers four Scene Modes that feature Scene Assist, along with a new Underwater Scene Mode. The Nikon Coolpix 5900 is intended for use with the Nikon WP-CP4 Underwater Housing, and the underwater scene mode enables true-to-life colors to be captured when taking shots while snorkeling or Scuba Diving. To operate the scene mode, select the mode that best matches the subject, then point and shoot for optimal results. The camera also has the power to record VGA-size movies with sound at a smooth rate of 30 frames per second.

Reviews of the Nikon Coolpix 5900

Imaging Resource review the Nikon Coolpix 5900

Portable and compact, the Nikon Coolpix 5900 ranks among the smallest digital cameras currently on the market. Slightly taller than a credit card (just about as wide), and a little under an inch and a half thick, the Nikon 5900 is designed to fit nicely into shirt pockets and small purses, perfect for travelers. It’s so tiny (weighing just 6.4 ounces or 180 grams with the battery and memory card loaded), I’d highly recommend keeping the included wrist strap securely around your wrist when shooting. The automatic lens cover makes it quick on the draw, and eliminates any worry about keeping track of a lens cap. The camera’s black body with shiny silver highlights is attractive and understated. Built into the Nikon Coolpix 5900 is a 3x optical zoom lens with ED glass (which stands for Extra-low Dispersion glass, used in Nikon’s finer lens elements to improve optical performance) and a 5.1-megapixel CCD for capturing high quality images, a macro mode capable of focusing as close 1.6 inches, and no fewer than 16 preset shooting modes. Since the camera operates mainly under automatic control, its control layout and menu display are very user friendly.

Steves Digicams review the Nikon Coolpix 5900

The 5.1-megapixel Nikon Coolpix 5900 and the 7.1-megapixel Coolpix 7900 combine state-of-the-art technology, image quality, and speed, with a unique all-metal design to give consumers what they truly desire in a digital camera. These sleek all-metal digital cameras feature state of the art digital technology, such as the first, big two-inch LCD screen in the Coolpix lineup and the new Face-priority AF feature, along with a sharp design that is perfect for the customer who values style along with substance. And their big, bright two-inch LCD screens make images easier to review and correct than on most consumer digital cameras.

DCResource review the Nikon Coolpix 5900 and 7900

The Coolpix 5900 and 7900 ($350 and $450 respectively) are the upper-end models in Nikon’s point-and-shoot line of cameras. They’re upgrades to the Coolpix 5600 and 7600, with these being the major differences between the models:

Smaller, metal body
AF-assist lamp (though the 7600 has one)
Larger LCD display (2.0″ vs. 1.8″) with “gain up” feature
Slightly better lens (a little “faster” plus ED elements)
Higher quality VGA movie mode
Uses lithium-ion battery (instead of AAs)
Okay so there aren’t too many differences, but believe me, some of those are really useful. There are also a few differences between the 5900 and 7900, including:

Resolution (5.1MP for the 5900, 7.1MP for the 7900)
Body color (the 5900 is silver, the 7900 is black)
ISO range (64-400 on the 5900, 50-400 on the 7900)
Electronic VR feature in movie mode (7900 only)
Before we go on, two notes. First, this review is different than most in that I’m reviewing two cameras at the same time. I will be using the Coolpix 7900 as the “model” in the product photos. I will use one or both cameras for the photo tests where appropriate.

DPReview review the Nikon Coolpix 5200

Pre-PMA 2005: Nikon has today announced its second seven million pixel camera the Coolpix 7900 and an almost identical 5.1 million pixel twin, the Coolpix 5900. Both cameras have a large 2.0-inch LCD and feature a Help button for explanation of menu functions, plus a 3x optical zoom offering a focal length equivalent of 38 - 114 mm. The pair also feature Face AF, like the Coolpix 7600, for focusing when using portrait mode. The 7900 is available in black and silver while the 5900 is available in silver. The Coolpix 5900 is due for release this month, and the Coolpix 7900 is scheduled for release in March.

Nikon Coolpix 5900 Key Features

Buy the Nikon Coolpix 5900 at Amazon for $374.00 (US dollars).

5.1 Effective Megapixels for stunning prints up to 16 x 20 inches. High Quality 3x Optical Zoom-Nikkor 38-114mm ED Glass Lens (35mm equivalent) pro-quality ED glass optics for incredibly sharp, clear images plus a 4x digital zoom for a total zoom of 12x. Big, Bright 2.0 inch LCD for easy viewing and playback of pictures. Nikon’s Exclusive Feature System: turns pictures into photographs. Featuring: In-Camera Red-Eye Fix(TM) to remove red-eye in the camera; Face Priority AF to automatically focus on faces for great portraits; and D-Lighting for in-camera repair of dark images 16 Scene Modes Portrait, Panorama Assist, Landscape, Underwater, etc.) 4 with Scene Assist to guide you in taking better pictures, automatically. Long Battery Life allows you to shoot hundreds of images with the included rechargeable battery. Adjustable GUI (Graphic User Interface) with Help Button: allows you to choose between the traditional menu item view or the new icon view. Press the help (?) button and it will instantly display an explanation for all main menu functions on the LCD

Nikon WP-CP4 Underwater Housing