Nikon Coolpix 5900

Front
The lens occupies the right half of the Nikon Coolpix 5900’s front face. Directly above the lens is the flash, and to the left are the optical viewfinder and the automatic image sensor. On the far left, where the body curves out, there is a silver sliver, in place more for show rather than actual purpose. Above the lens, diagonally off to the right, is a small seven-hole speaker. Aside from the Nikon Coolpix 5900 moniker, that pretty much sums up the front.

Back
The back of any compact digital camera has quickly become prime real estate; just about everything can be accessed from the back. The most dominant feature of this camera by far is the 2-inch LCD screen in the lower left corner. It’s well designed and bright enough to see in daylight. The LCD is slightly raised from the surface of the camera, helping to create a plane of separation between it and the other important features. At the top left, users can attempt to interact with the small optical viewfinder - if they want a headache. Just to the right of the viewfinder are two LEDs that indicate flash and auto focus readiness.

Atop the back of the Nikon Coolpix 5900 is the useful trash button, which will allow you to delete those dull company party photos before you feel pressured to post them on your blog. On level with the trash button, to the far right, are the all important telephoto and wide angle zoom buttons. There is a nice little ridge in-between the two buttons that allows the thumb to rock back and forth.

In the lower right corner is the control dial. Above the dial are the Menu and Play/Review buttons. The menu button takes users into the general menu setup, while the play button allows users to review their recent photos. The back is well designed and the icons are intuitive and easily discernable.

Left Side
Aside from a few screws, the USB port cover is the only feature on the left side of the Nikon Coolpix 5900. The terminal is covered by a gray polycarbonate port cover, which is easily removed.

Right Side
The memory card port cover and a metal strap connector are the two features on the right side of the Nikon Coolpix 5900. The memory card cover snaps easily in and out of place.

Top
The top of any digital camera has a couple of standard and important features: mode dial, shutter button, and power button. The Nikon Coolpix 5900 does not break from this industry trend, and places all three of these elements to the far right of the camera body. Farthest right is the on/off button with its accompanying green LED. Slightly to the left, and forward, is the shiny shutter button. It is adequate in size and the index finger falls on it naturally. Back and to the left from the shutter button, users can access the main mode dial, which can be rotated both directions and set to one of eight settings.