Nikon CoolPix 995Nikon updates the hugely successful Coolpix 990, adding a pop-up flash and Type II CF support!<<Image Storage & Interface :(Previous) | (Next): Test Results & Conclusion>> Page 11:Video, Power, SoftwareReview First Posted: 4/25/2001 |
Video Out
US and Japanese versions of the Coolpix 995 include an NTSC video cable for
connecting to a television set. European models will doubtless include PAL-compatible
cabling, given the Video Mode option for PAL timing in the settings menu. All
images that would normally appear on the LCD are routed to the external video
display so that the television screen becomes an enlarged version of the LCD
monitor and can be used both for image playback and composition.
Power
The Coolpix 995 runs on either a 2CR5 non-rechargeable Lithium battery, or
Nikon's rechargeable EN-EL1 lithium-ion battery pack. Both are housed inside
the hand grip, and the more compact power source (vs the 4 AA cells used in
the 990) contribute to the more compact hand grip dimensions. The 995 can also
operate from an external AC adapter which plugs into the front of the camera.
Although a spare is a good bit more expensive than the standard AA batteries
that powered the Coolpix 990, the lithium-ion battery pack should provide the
same or longer operating times than we saw with the 990 and high-capacity AA
NiMH cells. Nikon estimates that a fully charged battery pack should provide
about 110 minutes of recording time, with the LCD monitor enabled, which agrees
well with our own measurements. Working with the LCD monitor disabled will greatly
increase battery life, and the ability to switch the autofocus mode from Continuous
to Single saves significant battery power as well. The Coolpix 995 also features
an Auto Power Off option which shuts the camera off after 30 seconds, or after
1, 5, or 30 minutes of inactivity.
The table below shows our usual power measurements, taken under various operating
conditions. The 995's power system is a little different than that of typical
digicams we test, so the numbers shown need a little explanation first: We report
current drain in digicams, as measured at the external power terminal. This
voltage is usually higher than the battery voltage, but most digicams use similar
AC power adapters. The 995's 7.4 volt LiIon battery pack has a significantly
higher terminal voltage than does a set of 4 AA cells though (which are nominally
4.8 volts), and this results in proportionately lower current drain figures.
Even allowing for the higher supply voltage though, the 995 appears to be pretty
parsimonious in its use of battery power. In fact, it's overall power consumption,
expressed in watts, is about 30% below that of the 990, an impressive achievement.
So... These observations and disclaimers aside, here are the power consumption
numbers we measured for the 995, at an external power supply voltage of 8.0
volts:
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| Capture Mode, w/LCD |
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| Capture Mode, no LCD |
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| Half-pressed shutter w/LCD |
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| Half-pressed w/o LCD |
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| Capture Mode, Continuous AF |
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| Memory Write (transient) |
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| Flash Recharge (transient) |
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| Image Playback |
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Given the EN-EL1 LiIon power pack's 650 mAh charge capacity, Nikon's claim of 110 minutes of continuous operating time in capture mode with the LCD active seems quite reasonable. Even better though, note that the power in capture mode is almost nil with the LCD off. This means you can just leave the camera on and in capture mode with the LCD off all day, without worrying about battery drain. (That way, you'll always be ready for the next shot, whenever it happens.)
The benefits of LiIon batteries aside though (higher power density, no self-discharge), we to some degree regret Nikon's decision to move to a proprietary battery technology in the 995. While it does allow for a slightly more compact camera body, the choice adds significant cost for the consumer, should they want to carry a spare with them: The LiIon battery pack runs about 5x the cost of a good set of high-capacity NiMH AAs. Kudos to Nikon though, for bundling a rechargeable battery and charger with the camera!
Another consequence of the LiIon battery technology is that the 995 requires
a higher voltage on its external power jack to operate. This isn't an issue
for studio use, but it does mean that most of the NiMH-based external power
packs out there won't power the 995 in the field. Fortunately, Maha makes a
LiIon external "PowerBank" (shown above) that will power the 995 just
fine. For about $60, this (very nicely packaged) unit will power the 995 for
a total of about 6 1/2 hours in capture mode with the LCD operating, when used
in together with the internal battery. (!) This is a fantastic run time, just
what you'd need for all-day intensive shooting! One note - Maha makes both NiMH
and LiIon versions of the PowerBank, make sure you get the LiIon model for the
995. (Model number MH-DPB140LI.) You can order these online from Thomas-Distributing.
Highly recommended!
Included Software
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Packaged with the Coolpix 995 is a software CD containing Nikon View Version
4, ArcSoft PhotoStudio 2000, iView Multimedia Pro (Mac only), and Canto Cumulus
5.0 Demo. A USB cable also comes with the camera, for quick connection to a
PC or Macintosh. The Nikon View software allows you to quickly download and
organize images, and works with the camera's Auto Transfer option (in the Playback
menu). When Auto Transfer is turned on, Nikon View will automatically download
images as soon as the camera is connected, saving you a little time. ArcSoft
PhotoStudio 2000 provides image editing and enhancement tools, allowing you
to make minor corrections, as well as apply creative effects. Since we did not
receive a copy of the software CD that accompanies the 995, we assume that iView
Multimedia Pro is an image enhancement tool for Macintosh users. However, we
aren't sure about the Canto Cumulus 5.0 Demo, but will provide the information
as soon as we receive it.
In the Box
Packaged with the Coolpix 995 are the following:
- Lens cap
- Neck strap
- NTSC Video cable (PAL for European models)
- 16MB CompactFlash Card
- USB cable
- Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery
- Battery Charger (charger only, not an AC adapter)
- Software CD containing Nikon View Version 4, ArcSoft PhotoStudio 2000, iView Multimedia Pro (Mac only), Canto Cumulus 5.0 Demo, Altamira/LizardTech Genuine Fractals 2.0 LE
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