There are no user controls over shutter speed and aperture, although the scene selector provides a pseudo control. ISO speeds are set through the menu and picture review, exposure compensation, flash mode and macro are all easily accessible from buttons on the back of the camera.

The Coolpix 5900 is pretty and small, just on the edge of being too small to be useable. This is not a camera for people with pudgy fingers.

In use the camera is exceptionally capable. Focus is quick and accurate. Colour is always spot on using automatic white balance. There is a tendency to over-exposure, which is easily corrected using the exposure compensation button. Macro mode is especially good. All in all this is one of the best point and shoot cameras to come dpexpert's way.

The 5900 has Nikon’s new Face Priority Auto-focus function, which involves a complicated set of steps through the menu to choose the placement of the subject, by which time it has disappeared over the horizon. Face Priority Auto-focus is a gimmick which adds nothing to a basically fine camera.

Like this: The Coolpix 5900 comes with a tiny rechargeable battery that has a capacity for 270 shots -- that is according to Nikon. Imaging didn’t take that many test pictures.

Dislike that: The lack of control over shutter speed and aperture.

Parting shot: Why pay the extra $200 for the Coolpix 7900, just to get the extra two megapixels on the sensor? Up to A4 size the 5900 will do the job. At the standard 10 cm by 15 cm print size there will be no discernible difference between the two cameras. The 7900 will produce bigger prints but will show more picture noise at higher ISO speeds.

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