Nikon Coolpix 995 Review

We all like more zoom so Nikon has given the Coolpix 995 a 4x 8-32mm (38-152mm 35mm equivalent) F2.6-5.1 optical Zoom-Nikkor lens. The lens is comprised of 10 elements in 8 groups using two aspherical elements to maximize optical performance but minimize the overall size. The all-glass lens is coated with Nikon's Super Integrated Coating (SIC) to insure its sharpness and quality. The Coolpix 995 also has a 4x stepless Digital Zoom to further enhance the focal length when needed.

Like the Coolpix 990, the 995 employs the Nikon exclusive 5-area Multi AF focusing system. The user can allow the camera to select the "best" focus target or you can select the desired focusing zone manually. The autofocus range is 11.8 inches to infinity in normal mode or an amazing 0.8 inches to infinity when in macro mode.

The Coolpix 995, like the 990 and 950, accepts all the existing Nikkor Coolpix lenses and filters via the 28mm threads on the lens barrel.

When using any large and heavy lenses such as the Coolpix TC-E3 telephoto or FC-E8 fisheye, you'll appreciate the new swivel lock.  It keeps the lens section from "drooping" downwards beyond the 90-degree point. The lens section may still be turned upwards even when the lock is engaged.

Here we see the Coolpix 995 easily supporting the large CrystalVue Optics 8x32 SharpShooter lens in the proper shooting position thanks to the swivel lock.

It took three generations of the Coolpix 9xx cameras before Nikon finally did the "right" thing and got the flash away from the side of the lens.   It's now mounted on a popup arm that places it up above the lens, thus reducing redeye problems.

Seems as though Peter iNova and Nikon were thinking along similar paths, here's a "concept" photo that Peter created in mid-2000.

And there's another good reason for putting the flash up higher, here we see it easily clearing the Nikon WC-E63 wideangle lens. It won't completely cover the angle of that lens but it's better than being hidden completely behind it. The flash sensor is also mounted up there, just below the flash tube.

The ultimate flash system for the Nikon 995 (in my opinion) is the new Nikon Speedlight SB-50DX connected to the Nikon AS-E900 Multiflash Adapter and my favorite flash bracket is Modular One's The Rollbar.

On the underside of the lens unit is the diopter control for the optical viewfinder and the Nikon-dedicated external flash sync port. The eyelevel optical viewfinder is mounted alongside of the lens and has two LEDs to indicate the flash and focus status.