Nikon Coolpix L100 Review
Review Date : Fri, 24 Apr 2009
Author : Mike Lowe
- Product Shots: View product shots of the Nikon Coolpix L100
- Sample Photos: View sample shots of the Nikon Coolpix L100
The Nikon Coolpix L100: with 15x optical zoom, is this chunky superzoom the perfect compact for shooting from afar? Mike Lowe investigates...
| Pros: | Nikon L100 pros: Easy to use, has much needed VR image stabilisation, lens is good quality for this level and a large 3in screen is always a bonus |
|---|---|
| Cons: | Nikon L100 cons: No manual ISO control, noisy and soft “Hi ISO” option limits to 3MP, Macro mode ill-effective, AA batteries at a £240 price point may not be for everyone. |
The Nikon L100:
The Nikon L100 is an AA battery-powered superzoom compact nestled at the high end of Nikon's Coolpix 'Life' range. If you're looking for a compact with a long lens for serious shooting from afar then the L100 could well make its way onto your wishlist.
Nikon L100 Features
The Nikon L100 scribes a solid list of features - though from the outset the dominantly large lens makes it clear that superzoom is very much the name of the game. Capable of 15x optical zoom (that's a wide 28mm through to 420mm in good'ol 35mm speak) with some additional, though less useful in practice, digital zoom at the upper end. This is backed up by Nikon's vibration reduction technology, helping keep those shaky hands capable of taking sharp images. 10 megapixels ensures large and resolute images at a more than sufficient resolution; it's good to see manufacturers have stopped pushing megapixel digits through the roof at the expense of image quality.
Nikon Coolpix L100 example image - 28-420mm (15x optical zoom range) - click for full size gallery
A variety of modes - including 14 scene modes, movie mode, a 13 frame per second sport mode (at 3MP only), 'Hi ISO' (3MP only), panorama assist (computer-loaded stitching software comes in the box) and smile detection - help to cover all photographic bases. Whether you're shooting portraits, landscapes, or at night then the L100's settings plump to assist. Moreover the ‘Easy auto mode' makes best use of all settings to allow you to point and shoot with best results.
More info:
Nikon Coolpix L100 - Image Quality & Value For Money
Nikon Coolpix L100 - Design & Performance
Nikon Coolpix L100 - Specifications
Verdict
The Nikon Coolpix L100 is a good superzoom compact ? from wide to telephoto you can expect good quality images from a sterling lens, that?s only let down by a lack of more developed manual controls, in particular no comprehensive ISO options. At £240 the L100 is hardly pocket money, but it?s as affordable as they come when pitched against viable competitors? offerings. The 4xAA batteries certainly won't appeal to all, with a li-ion battery option lacking. Fundamentally, if there was a more consistent autofocus that successfully dealt with those near-side subjects, then the Nikon L100 would offer a more accomplished all-round purchase. Sadly, it doesn?t quite tick all the boxes, leaving a feeling of disappointment for those seeking a developed all-rounder.
Have your say!
Latest comments
December 31 11:06
G. Kennedy
Have been an avid Nikon fan for many years, with the colpix 3200 handy pocket size digital, was very keen to try this latest offering L100 with all the singing and dancing frills, but to my disapointment, when compared to the 3meg 3200, the 10 meg L100 did not give such good picture quality, with colours to vivid and unatural, also the auto focas was not as sharp and flash was either bleeched out at the close objects and dark in the background,also, does not alow 'rechargable' batteries to be used just hope my 3200 keeps going, as trying to find a replacement without first buying is a worry and a real hasle.