The Nikon Coolpix 5900 uses the built-in lens (fixed-lens camera) with a 4.86× crop factor (about 7.4 × 4.9 mm sensor). Below: equivalent focal lengths, maximum shutter speeds for sharp stars, a hyperfocal distance chart and how to check the shutter count.
Equivalent focal length & field of view
| Lens focal length | Full-frame equivalent | Diagonal FOV | Horizontal FOV |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 mm | 39 mm | 58.0° | 49.6° |
| 10 mm | 49 mm | 47.9° | 40.6° |
| 12 mm | 58 mm | 40.6° | 34.3° |
| 14 mm | 68 mm | 35.2° | 29.6° |
| 16 mm | 78 mm | 31.0° | 26.0° |
| 18 mm | 87 mm | 27.7° | 23.2° |
| 20 mm | 97 mm | 25.0° | 21.0° |
| 24 mm | 117 mm | 21.0° | 17.5° |
| 28 mm | 136 mm | 18.0° | 15.1° |
| 35 mm | 170 mm | 14.5° | 12.1° |
| 50 mm | 243 mm | 10.1° | 8.5° |
| 85 mm | 413 mm | 6.0° | 5.0° |
| 135 mm | 656 mm | 3.8° | 3.1° |
Multiply by the 4.86× crop factor for the full-frame equivalent field of view.
Milky Way exposure: NPF and 500 rule
| Focal length | NPF @ f/1.8 | NPF @ f/2.8 | Strict NPF @ f/2.8 | 500 rule |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 mm | 16.9 s | 21.2 s | 11.6 s | 12.9 s |
| 10 mm | 13.5 s | 17.0 s | 9.3 s | 10.3 s |
| 12 mm | 11.2 s | 14.2 s | 7.7 s | 8.6 s |
| 14 mm | 9.6 s | 12.1 s | 6.7 s | 7.3 s |
NPF = (35 × f-number + 30 × pixel pitch) ÷ focal length, with a pixel pitch of 2.4 µm (typical for this format — exact resolution not in our database). The strict version (Michaud's detailed NPF for the galactic core) gives pin-point stars at 100% view; the 500 rule is a loose rule of thumb that shows trailing on modern sensors.
Hyperfocal distance chart
| Focal length | f/2.8 | f/5.6 | f/8 | f/11 | f/16 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 mm | 5.8 m | 2.9 m | 2.0 m | 1.5 m | 1.0 m |
| 14 mm | 11 m | 5.7 m | 4.0 m | 2.9 m | 2.0 m |
| 16 mm | 15 m | 7.4 m | 5.2 m | 3.8 m | 2.6 m |
Focus at the hyperfocal distance and everything from half that distance to infinity is acceptably sharp (circle of confusion 0.0062 mm). Use the hyperfocal calculator for other settings.
How to check the Nikon Coolpix 5900 shutter count
Nikon writes the shutter count into the MakerNotes of every JPEG and NEF. Upload a fresh, unedited file to an EXIF viewer or run `exiftool -ShutterCount image.nef`.
ExifTool tag: ShutterCount. Always test an original, unedited file straight from the card.
Where to buy
Compare new and used prices at these retailers:
B&H PhotoAmazonKEH (used)MPB (used)