If you enjoy shooting high-quality portrait photos--but don't want to spend a fortune on a digital camera--Nikon has created a model for you, the Coolpix 7900. This camera offers an impressive 7.1 megapixels of resolution, which allows it to create outstanding quality prints at sizes of 16x20 inches and, depending on lighting conditions, even larger.

The Coolpix 7900 has a Portrait Scene Mode, through which you can make use of the camera's new "face priority auto-focus" mode. Face priority tells the camera's autofocus system to use the subject's face in the frame when focusing. The Portrait Scene Mode is one of 16 modes. The Coolpix 7900 also makes use of an In-Camera Red-Eye Fix technology that removes red-eye problems automatically. All of these features are geared toward helping you shoot great portraits. The Coolpix 7900's 3X optical zoom lens produces high-quality images with very little stray noise and with good color and sharpness.

The Coolpix 7900's 2.0-inch LCD is one of the brightest and sharpest we've seen on an entry-level camera. It works well in all kinds of light, and you can control its brightness level, depending on the exterior lighting conditions.

This camera has about a 1 second start up time after you press the power button. Shutter lag measures less than one-half second and is almost not noticeable. Shot-to-shot delays average between 2 and 6 seconds, with longer delays occurring the farther you are from the subject and when you use the flash. The Coolpix 7900 offers several different continuous-shot modes, which is nice.

Another handy feature is the Coolpix 7900's ability to run from either a rechargeable battery or from disposable lithium batteries. Nikon says it has enhanced the Coolpix 7900's power consumption versus older models, allowing it to shoot far more photos per battery charge.

Probably the Coolpix 7900's biggest drawback is its lack of manual-control features. It does offer a few preset scene modes, but it doesn't have any manual-exposure modes that will appeal to more advanced photographers. It's best used as a point-and-shoot model. One other potential problem: The Coolpix 7900 isn't as easy to use as some other point-and-shoot cameras because most of its features are only accessible through a combination of dials and buttons and menus displayed on the LCD.

The Coolpix 7900 has a handgrip on the right side, but, overall, it has a small camera body. You'll want to try this model before you buy it to make sure it's comfortable for you to use.


Pro: Great for shooting portraits, high resolution, sharp LCD, good battery life, great overall value
Con: Many settings only available through on-screen menus, which can be tricky; very few manual-control features

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Nikon Americas
1300 Walt Whitman Road
Melville, NY 11747
http://www.nikonusa.com
631-547-4200

Warranty
1 year