The Nikon Coolpix L100: with 15x optical zoom, is this chunky superzoom the perfect compact for shooting from afar? Mike Lowe investigates...

Product Overview

Overall rating:

76%

Nikon Coolpix L100

Overall score:76%
Features:75%
Value:70%
Performance:75%
Image Quality:80%
Design:80%

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.

Product:

Nikon Coolpix L100 Review

Manufacturer:

Price as reviewed:

£239.00

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.


NIKONL100-28-420-building.jpg

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 – Verdict

Nikon Coolpix L100 – Specifications

 

 

  1. 1. The Nikon L100:
  2. 2. Design & Performance
  3. 3. Image Quality & Value For Money
  4. 4. Verdict
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