Test Images (click to enlarge)
Still Life	Multi Target

Basic Specifications
Resolution:	12.10 Megapixels
Lens:	24.00x zoom (26-624mm eq.)
Viewfinder:	EVF / LCD
LCD Size:	3.0 inch
ISO:	64-6400
Shutter:	8-1/2000
Max Aperture:	2.8
Mem Type:	SDHC / SD
Battery:	Custom LiIon
Dimensions:	4.5 x 3.3 x 3.9 in. (114 x 83 x 99 mm)
Weight:	16.2 oz (460 g)
MSRP:	$400
Availability:	03/2009

12.10 Megapixels	24.00x zoom	3.0 inch LCD

The Nikon Coolpix P90 couples a 12.1 effective megapixel image sensor with an extremely powerful Nikkor-branded 24x optical zoom lens that offers 35mm-equivalent focal lengths from a very useful 26mm wide angle to a whopping 624mm telephoto. Maximum aperture varies from f/2.8 to f/5.0 across the zoom range. Not only does the Nikon P90 offer true mechanical image stabilization - an absolute must given the strength of the zoom lens - but it also has the ability to vary its sensitivity automatically from a minimum of ISO 64 to a maximum of ISO 6,400 equivalent - so it should certainly be able to freeze camera shake and subject motion.

The Nikon P90 is capable of focusing to 1.7 feet (50 centimeters) ordinarily, and as close as 0.4 inches (one centimeter) in macro mode. Coolpix P90 images can be framed and reviewed on the camera's 3.0-inch, 230,000 dot vari-angle LCD monitor. The LCD can tilt as much as 90 degrees upward or 45 degrees downward, and comes with an anti-reflection coating. As you'd expect for a long zoom bridge camera there's no true optical viewfinder, but the Nikon P90 features a fairly high-resolution (230,000 dots), 0.24-inch electronic viewfinder.

Images are stored on Secure Digital cards, including the newer Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) types, or in a reasonably generous 47MB of built-in memory. Power comes courtesy of a proprietary EN-EL5 Lithium Ion rechargeable battery that's rated as good for 200 shots to CIPA testing standards, and is included in the product bundle. Other Coolpix P90 features include full PASM exposure modes, 15 scene modes, a Sports Continuous mode capable of capturing up to 45 3-megapixel frames at 15 frames-per-second, and Nikon's Smart Portrait System comprising of in-camera Red-Eye Fix, Face Priority AF, Smile Mode, Blink Warning and D-Lighting.

The Nikon Coolpix P90 will be offered from March 2009, with expected pricing of $400 or thereabouts.