I have been told that the swivel on the Nikon CPs was a really nice feature, and that it was VERY FRAGILE too. Does anyone have already experienced troubles with the 'old' Coolpix (950 and so on...). This is a major concern for me, since I want a really sturdy digicam. Do you know if the swivel on the CP990 has been improved ?

-- Olivier Poudou (olivier_poudou@yahoo.com), March 17, 2000

Answers

I can tell you tht unless you drop it on a hard surface (which is well beyond normal wear and tear) you should have no problems with the swivel.

Non-impact damage swivel problems are much less than 1/10 of 1% of problems that come in for service.

The magnesium alloy body and design of the Coolpix are very rugged.

Michael

-- Mike Rubin, Product Marketing Manager Nikon (web@imaging-resource.com), March 23, 2000.

I Have taken over 500 pictures with mine and it shows no signs of weakning. Any expensive camera needs to be taken care of and this one it no different. With care and respect, you wont have any problems. THe swivel is very positive feeling and secure .You wont be unhappy going with the 990.

-- Joseph (joedawn2001@yahoo.com), March 17, 2000.

No problem with the swivel, but the card slot is right next to the tripod mount. You must dismount the camera to transfer the card to a reader... slow, bummer, but great pictures... t

-- tom meyer (twm@mindspring.com), March 18, 2000.

Like others, I've not had any problems with the swivel on my 950. I heard the swivel on the 900 was a little wobbly but Nikon strengthened it on the 950 and it looks similar on the 990 pictures. I especially like the creative edge it gives you I can hold the camera low and shoot up and see exactly what I'm doing without hurting myself or getting dirty. Similarly, overhead shots are a snap. (Try taking a picture with any othe camera holding the camera at arms length over your head.)

-- Richard Pytlak (rpytlak@qix.net), March 18, 2000.