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. An underwater housing, WP-CP 4, is also available in Europe.

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Press Release:

Nikon COOLPIX 7900/5900

Two highly sophisticated, high-quality compact digital cameras with a wealth of easy-to-use features and the ability to achieve exceptional results.

Tokyo — Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of the COOLPIX 7900 and COOLPIX 5900. Two superior quality compact digital cameras with the power to take highly impressive images, they also feature appealing exterior designs and boast a range of convenient functions and features that are highly advanced, yet easy to use.

For easier composition and anytime viewing, the COOLPIX 7900 and COOLPIX 5900 feature a large 2.0-inch amorphous silicon TFT LCD monitor. Bright and clear, this makes it easy to view images at any time. It also makes it much easier to navigate the new Graphic User Interface (GUI), which has been specially designed to allow the user to select functions on the main menu by either name or icon. There’s also a Help button, which can be pressed to display a straightforward explanation of each function on the main menu and the cameras can be configured to display the menu in a choice of 11 languages.

For impressive imaging performance, the COOLPIX 7900 and COOLPIX 5900 both feature a 3x optical Zoom-Nikkor ED (Extra-low Dispersion) lens with a focal range equivalent to that of a 38-114mm lens in 35mm format. They also offer the imaging advantages of 7.1 and 5.1 effective megapixels respectively and a 1/1.8-inch CCD. As a result of these factors, impressive quality is retained even when images from the COOLPIX 7900 are enlarged to A3 dimensions and when images from the COOLPIX 5900 are enlarged to A4 size.

As for speedy performance, the COOLPIX 7900 and 5900 offer continuous shooting at approximately 1.7 and 2fps. They also feature high-precision Multi AF with a choice of 99 manually selectable areas, 5 choices for Auto select AF and the advantage of the new Face-priority AF function*, which can be easily selected when 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 in the frame and setting accurate focus accordingly.
* Face recognition capability may be limited depending on the shooting conditions.

Nikon has also turned its ingenuity to reducing power consumption, allowing the COOLPIX 7900 and 5900 to take significantly more shots per battery than other compact digital cameras. In fact, the COOLPIX 7900 is able to take an impressive 220 shots (approx.) with a single fully charged EN-EL5 battery, while the COOLPIX 5900 is able to shoot as many as 270 (approx.). Both cameras are also compatible with widely available disposable CP1 lithium batteries.

Like all the other models in Nikon’s exceptionally popular COOLPIX range, the COOLPIX 7900 and 5900 make shooting much more simple in a range of common situations through the incorporation of Scene Modes. Both cameras offer four Scene Modes that feature Scene Assistance and there’s also 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, 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 — it is that simple. Both cameras are also ideal for capturing action too. Both the COOLPIX 7900 and 5900 have the power to record VGA-size movies with sound at a smooth rate of 30 frames per second.

Perhaps one of the most impressive features of both cameras is Nikon’s innovative D-Lighting function, which adds light and detail to dark areas of shots, while keeping brighter areas just as they are. Nikon’s In-Camera Red-Eye Fix function is another advantage that allows the quality of the shot to be improved after the fact — automatically detecting, then correcting red eyes in-camera to turn shots affected by flash into pleasing night portraits. In addition to these exceptional features, the COOLPIX 7900 and 5900 also feature a handy Blur Warning function that alerts the user immediately whenever an image is blurred due to camera movement. This enables the user to recompose and shoot again before leaving the scene of the shot. The BSS function (Best Shot Selector) is also beneficial in similar circumstances — it allows several shots to be taken and the best shots to be kept. The COOLPIX 7900 is available in both black and silver while COOLPIX 5900 in silver**.
** Availability of body colors may differ by country or area.

Nikon will also be complementing the excellent performance of these new additions to the COOLPIX range with the release of the latest version of Nikon’s unique PictureProject software. Enabling the user to edit, organize and share images with greater speed and ease, PictureProject comes bundled with both cameras.

Sales release schedule: The COOLPIX 5900 is scheduled for release in February 2005. The COOLPIX 7900 is scheduled for release in March 2005.

Note: Specifications, design, product name, standard accessories, and release schedule may differ by country or area.

Nikon E7900/E5900 Feature Highlights

Comfortable, compact and sophisticated

The compact COOLPIX 7900 and COOLPIX 5900 simply exude superior sophistication, priming the user to expect images with a distinctive level of quality. They also inherit the same grip as their predecessor COOLPIX 5200 and COOLPIX 4200, adding a sense of comfort to the digital shooting experience. Furthermore, the elegance of the COOLPIX 7900/5900 stems not only from their attractive lines and overall ergonomic appeal, but they are also available in eye-catching colors — with a choice of black and silver for the 7900 and silver for the 5900.
* Availability of body colors may differ by country or area.

Impressive imaging capability

The sheer quality of the exteriors is an excellent indication of the imaging capabilities of the COOLPIX 7900/5900. Each possesses a renowned 3x optical Zoom-Nikkor lens with ED elements (plus 4x digital zoom) to achieve high-level clarity with absolute minimal dispersion. The COOLPIX 7900/5900 offer the respective imaging power of 7.1 and 5.1 effective megapixels, enabling the capture of images with high-level definition that remains stunning even when considerably enlarged.

Accurate, yet easy and convenient

Despite their high-level sophistication and innovative, advanced features, the COOLPIX 7900/5900 are extremely easy to operate. With a newly designed Graphic User Interface (GUI) that enables the photographer to select functions by either name or icon, it’s so easy to access the desired functions in minimal time. With a large 2.0-inch LCD monitor, composition is made easy and recorded shots can be viewed at any time. The COOLPIX 7900/5900 also come complete with internal memory, enabling them to record images without the need for an SD memory card. And because both cameras have been designed to consume power at a significantly decreased rate, battery life is considerably extended. In fact, the COOLPIX 7900 can take approximately 220 shots* with a fully charged EN-EL5 battery, while the COOLPIX 5900 can take approximately 270 !*
* According to data obtained in accordance with CIPA standards.

Nikon E7900/E5900 Other Features

• Both models feature the same comfortable grip as their highly popular predecessor COOLPIX 5200/4200
• Compact dimensions of 88 x 60 x 36.5mm (3.5 x 2.4 x 1.4in.).
• Light weight of approx. 150g (5.3 oz.) (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
• 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
• All main buttons located on camera back for easy operation
• 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.
  

Nikon Coolpix 7900 and Coolpix 5900 specifications

	Nikon Coolpix 7900	Nikon Coolpix 5900
Sensor	• 1/1.8 " Type CCD 7.4 million total pixels • 7.1 million effective pixels	• 1/1.8" Type CCD • 5.1 million effective pixels
Image sizes	• 3072 x 2304 • 2592 x 1944 • 2048 x 1536 • 1024 x 768 • 640 x 480	• 2592 x 1944 • 2048 x 1536 • 1600 x 1200 • 1024 x 768 • 640 x 480
Movie clips	• 160 x 120 @ 30 fps • 320 x 240 @ 30 fps • 640 x 480 @ 15 fps / 30 fps • Electronic VR (Vibration Reduction)	• 160 x 120 @ 30 fps • 320 x 240 @ 30 fps • 640 x 480 @ 15 fps / 30 fps
Lens	• 38-114mm (35 mm equiv) 3x optical zoom • F 2.8 - 4.9
Digital zoom	Up to 4x
Focus	Contrast-detect TTL AF
AF area modes	• Auto - five area selection • Manual - 99-area selection • Center focus area selection
AF assist lamp	Yes
Focus distance	• Normal: 30 cm (12 in ) to infinity • Macro: 4 cm (1.6 in)
Exposure bracketing	Auto exposure bracketing
Shutter speed	4 - 1/2000 sec
Aperture	F 2.8 - F8.2
Scene modes	• Scene Assist (Portrait, Landscape, Sports, Night portrait), • Party/Indoor • Beach/Snow • Sunset • Dusk/Dawn • Night landscape • Close up • Museum • Fireworks show • Copy • Back light • Panorama assist • Underwater • BSS (Best Shot Selector)
White balance	• 7 settings • Auto • Preset
White bracketing	Yes
Self timer	3 or 10 secs
Continuous shooting	1.7 fps	2 fps
Image parameters	• Image sharpening • Saturation control • Auto exposure bracketing
Flash	• Built-in Speedlight • Auto, Red-eye Reduction by pre-flash, Anytime flash, Flash cancel and Slow sync • Range: 0.3 - 4.5 m / 1-14.8 ft. (W), 0.3-3.5m/ 1-11.5 ft. (T)
Viewfinder	Optical
LCD monitor	• 2.0" TFT LCD • 115,000 pixels
Connectivity	• USB • AV out
Storage	• SD card • Internal memory
Power	• EN-EL5 rechargeable lithium ion battery • Charger optional
Weight (no batt)	150 g (5.3 oz)
Dimensions	88 x 60 x 36.5 mm (3.5 x 2.4 x 1.4 in)

Nikon Coolpix 5900 images