Nikon Coolpix 7900 7 MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom

by Nikon

Product Details

• Item Weight: 7 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0007KQWEQ
• Item model number: Coolpix 7900
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (56 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,730 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: May 4, 2006

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

The 7.1-megapixel Nikon Coolpix 7900 combines 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. This sleek all-metal digital camera features 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.

In-Camera Solutions to Common Photo Hang-Ups
Nikon has provided the Coolpix 7900 with more features that improve the image directly within the camera and streamline the process of receiving great prints using a favorite retailer, online service or home printer. Furthermore, with its big, bright two-inch LCD screen, images are easier to review and correct than on most consumer digital cameras.

The Nikon Coolpix 7900's Face Priority AF automatically detects a person's face and autofocuses on the face area.

Imagine a camera smart enough to find a face in a portrait. Nikon's new Face-Priority AF function can do just that when selected using the Portrait Scene Mode. As its name suggests, Face-Priority AF ensures crisp focus when shooting portraits by automatically sensing the presence of a human face within the frame and setting accurate focus accordingly. The result is crisp, sharp portraits with the press of a button.

Beyond faces, Nikon Coolpix cameras can also automatically detect and remove red-eye directly within the camera. The Coolpix 7900 boasts Nikon's renowned In-Camera Red-Eye Fix technology, which detects and corrects red eyes in most typical situations without the need to press buttons or select and highlight the eyes in playback. Without the hassle of additional software, photographers will experience less red-eye photos in the print-ready portraits.

The Coolpix 7900 also uses intelligent technology to help ensure a balanced exposure and sharpness. Nikon's exclusive new D-Lighting function is another new addition that can literally turn throwaway shots into frame-able memories. The D-Lighting feature can be selected in Playback mode, automatically compensating for insufficient flash or excessive back lighting in order to obtain balanced exposure throughout the frame. The 7900 is also equipped with Blur Warning, another feature unique to Nikon which alerts the user when a shot is compromised by camera or hand shake, allowing another shot to be taken before leaving the scene.

To further address a common need among digital camera users, Nikon has also focused its technology to reducing power consumption, allowing the Coolpix 7900 to take significantly more shots per battery charge. In fact, the 7900 is able to take an impressive 220 shots (approximately) with a single fully charged EN-EL5 lithium-ion battery. The camera is also compatible with the widely available disposable Duracell CP1 lithium batteries.

To add speed to precision, the Coolpix 7900 offers continuous shooting at approximately 1.7 frames per second. It also features high-precision Multi AF with a choice of 99 manually selectable areas andfive5 choices for Auto select AF.

More Features in a Sleek, Compact Design

• 7.1 effective megapixels, 3x Zoom-Nikkor ED glass lens with a focal range equivalent to that of a 38-114mm lens in 35mm format.
• Compact dimensions of 3.5 x 2.4 x 1.4 inches
• Light weight of approximately 5.3 ounces (without battery and memory card)
• Selectable AF: 5-area auto, 99-area manual, center-focus area selection available
• AF-assist illuminator can be switched on and off at will
• 256-segment matrix metering with center-weighted, spot, or spot AF metering
• 7 manual white balance settings and white balance bracketing
• Direct printing with PictBridge compatibility
• 4 of the 16 Scene Modes offer Scene Assist (Portrait, Night Portrait, Sports, Landscape)
• World time function allows local time to be set easily anywhere
• USB compatibility enables swift transfer of image data to computers
• Voice memo function records up to 20 seconds of sound that can then be attached to an image
• 4x digital zoom capability
• Choice of Single AF and Continuous AF
• Options for playback--single, 4- and 9-segment thumbnail, slideshow, 10x magnification
• Built-in speedlight--features settings for auto, red-eye reduction by pre-flash, anytime flash, flash cancel, and slow sync.

Like all the other models in Nikon's popular Coolpix line, the Coolpix 7900 makes shooting in a range of common situations even simpler through the incorporation of Scene Modes. The camera offers four Scene Modess that feature Scene Assist, and even a new Underwater Scene Mode that brings the total choice of Scene Modes up to 16. Intended for use with the Waterproof Case WP-CP4 (not included), the Underwater Scene Mode enables true-to-life colors to be captured when taking shots while snorkeling or scuba diving. Like all the other Scene Modes, operation is extremely easy. Simply select the Scene Mode that best matches the subject, then point and shoot for optimal results.

The Coolpix 7900 also makes it easy to capture action in an expressive manner with the power to record VGA-size movies with sound at a smooth rate of 30 frames per second. They can also be easily connected to a TV, using the included video cable, to share the fun with friends and family. With a redesigned graphic user interface that lets the user navigate functions by either menu item list or icon, the cameras enable the total beginner to find the right mode at the right moment to achieve the best results time after time. It's all part of Nikon's dedicated effort to give users what they demand in a top quality digital camera.

The Nikon Coolpix 7900's technology is centered around making the entire digital process more convenient. Its PictBridge compatibility makes it possible to print directly to a printer, without the need for a computer. For those who enjoy organizing and sharing their photographs on a computer, all Nikon Coolpix cameras ship with Nikon's proprietary PictureProject software, a user-friendly photo management software designed expressly for use by Nikon Coolpix photographers, that offers a broad selection of cataloguing, editing, and sharing functions. This software package is aimed at providing a central location that is simple, intuitive, and seamless for Coolpix digital photographers.

Product Description

With its water-resistant aluminum body, the Nikon Coolpix 7900 Digital-Camera goes anywhere you go. With 7.1 megapixel resolution, this is a very serious performer capable of delivering resolutions of professional quality for sharp prints up to 16x20. There's a built-in 3x Nikkor zoom lens that offers a 35mm compatible focal length of 38mm to 114mm for wide-angle to telephoto. A built-in multimode Speedlite electronic-flash along with auto and manual exposure and focus modes helps assure that pictures are top-grade. Still and Video images are stored on an SD memory card (not included). In movie mode, this camera offers an electronic vibration filter that removes some of the shaking from normal camera handling. Storage Media - SD memory card (optional), Internal memory equipped Built-in Speedlight - Range - 0.3-4.5m/ 1-14.8 ft. (W), 0.3-3.5m/ 1-11.5 ft. (T); Flash modes - Auto, Red-eye Reduction Auto (In-Camera Red-Eye Fix), Anytime Flash, Flash Cancel and Slow sync. Interface - USB / A/V output (NTSC/PAL) Dimension (W x H x D) - Approx. 3.5 x 2.4 x 1.4 in./ Weight - 5.3 ounces

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly Recommended, June 14, 2005

By 

ADAM STANHOPE (Kingston, Massachusetts USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Nikon Coolpix 7900 7 MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

I bought the Nikon Coolpix 7900 for my wife and daughter. We couldn't be happier about it.

I have a Minolta Dimage A2 which is larger, heavier and more expensive and has a lot of manual adjustment capability. A small part of my almost regrets lugging the A2 around because the Nikon is so small and light and performs so well.

It has been perfect so far for any sort of snapshot we've used it for. If exclusively taking snapshots was all I did, I would definitely replace my A2 with one of these. I'm keeping and continuing to use the A2 because of hobby non-snapshot photography, but will be borrowing the Nikon from my wife and daughter for anytime I need a quick, easy camera for snapshots on the go.

One note: We had a Nikon Coolpix 3200 which we enjoyed very much. The 7900 is a nice upgrade from that. The only disappointing change for us from the 3200 to the 7900 is that the 3200 uses AA batteries while the 7900 requires a special rechargable battery. It lasts long, so no complaints there - but it was always nice with the 3200 to be able to grab two AAs on the road rather than recharging.

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Upgrade Camera - very few trade-offs, September 9, 2005

By 

Russell Janecka (South Texas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Nikon Coolpix 7900 7 MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

I have years of photography experience and teach a digital photography continuing ed. class in our local junior college. I've used the Sony DSC-P9 camera for the last few years. I was looking at the P100 or 200 as an upgrade option.

The shape and style of the camera and its price first caught my eye. I compared it to a very similar camera that was $200 higher but with limited extra features. I chose this one.

After reading these reviews about the complaints over focus in low light I became concerned and started shooting around my house (with regular 40watt ceiling fan lights). The results are as expected - the camera did fine. The major problem when shooting in low light is certainly shutter speed. You'll never be able to hold a camera still enough for 15th of a second shots. (30th of a second only if the subject and you are still) The camera obviously gives priority in several of its scene settings to image density, sacrificing shutter speed for capturing enough light to give an adequate shot in very poor lighting conditions.

With searching through the options and choosing the right assisting modes (Manual focus spot selection, Auto Bracketing, etc.) and with 'Best Shot Selector' the photographer is given the ability to hold down the shutter and the camera assists you by obtaining the most still shot!

But as always - if you MUST take pictures in dim lighting, use a tripod!! If you want absolute great clarity, you need an SLR camera with larger lens elements (more glass) to capture more light and focus specifically like you want to MANUALLY. (more money)

This camera offers a great trade-off and improves on previous generations' flaws by speeding up flash charging, offering rapid exposure's (1.7 per second) and many assisting modes that take a little learning curve to adapt to your shooting style, but in the end - a really good value! I'll keep mine.

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My first point and shoot, May 29, 2005

By 

Adam Fick (Auburn,WA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Nikon Coolpix 7900 7 MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

After using a Nikon N75 for 2 years and being extremely pleased with it I decided I needed something a little smaller for play/work to pack around with me
First impressions of the camera are very good, it fits my hands quite nicely, which is often an issue because most digicams dont fit my hands very well.
The 2" screen is very nice and smooth when panning around a scene and works well in direct sunlight, I can actually see it (compared to a Canon A80 which i cant see anything in the sun)
The camera starts up very quickly (after diabling the animation) so that is nice for being able to snap pics. The camera is ready to go before you get it up to your eye after turning it on.
The low light focus is a little poor, but for the other options that the camera has I'm willing to overlook it
This camera has no chromatic aberation in high contrast screens, so there is absolutely no blue fringing in any of the pictures. This was a big selling feature for me as the blue fringing that the Canon A80 & A95 had were completely unacceptable to me. Especially after using a real SLR camera.

I find the autofocus quite quick under normal conditions, and it works quite well. The zoom is smooth and has a number of incremements that you can zoom by, not like some other cameras that seem to have a preset number of zooms, this one you can just bump the button and it will just zoom a wee little bit!

I know some people are complaining about the camera taking a long time to write pics, this is because they have the in camera red eye fix turned on, and then the camera has to analyze the image to fix the red eye. Simply turn the red eye fix off and it writes the images nice and quick.

As for the people that say that it wont take a image in focus, I'm not sure what your talking about, I've taken lots of pics with it, and it either tells me with a "vibration warning" that it needs more light (flash) or that the picture is blurred and asks you if you want to save it or delete it.

The scene assist modes are quite nice such as the panorama assist mode, it leaves a phantom image on 1/2of the screen so you can line up the next shot so that they line up easily and stich together well.
There is an option for landscape shots, and an option to divide the screen into 9 parts so you can fram you shots properly, and thats just scratching the surface......!

One other note, I bought a Sandisk Ultra II 1GB Secure Digital card, and I tested it against a regular Lexar SD card that we have at work and the Sandisk Ultra II is more than 2X faster on writing to memory. I would highly recommend it.

Overall I am quite happy with the camera as a secondary camera. If you were looking for a camera for primary use in all situations, you may be dissapointed with the low light focus, but I haven't had many issues with it yet