The Nikon L110 provides a 15x optical zoom for under £200. Sounds like the bargain buy, but just how good is it? The What Digital Camera Nikon Coolpix L110 review...
Nikon Coolpix L110
Nikon Coolpix L110 review – Features
The Nikon L110 is an affordable 12.1MP superzoom camera. With a broad-ranging 15x optical zoom that’s equivalent to a wide 28mm through to a 420mm telephoto equivalent. Plus it’s a pleasant surprise that the L110 can be found for just under £200 at its initial release.
Under the ‘wine red’ or black exterior (depending on your taste) is sensor-shift Vibration Reduction image stabilisation to keep images steady and sharp. Nikon’s EXPEED image processing system also means the capacity to shoot from ISO 80-1600 at full resolution, or 3200-6400 at a reduced 3MP capture. A one-touch 720p HD movie setting is also available which captures movies in the Motion-JPEG format at 30 frames per second with stereo sound using the in-built microphone. With the HDMI mini connector output it’s also possible to output your movies to an HDTV.
The Nikon L110 has a generous 3in LCD that has a high 460K-dot resolution – ideal for reviewing shots or scrolling through menus. The menus themselves are relatively thin on the ground, keeping options to a sensible minimum. There is no fully manual control, but the Easy Auto and 15 scene modes have every point-and-shoot base covered, further enhanced by face detection, a smile timer that waits for the subject to smile and a blink proof control that alerts when a subject’s eyes are closed post-capture. Auto mode provides the most control, allowing for user-defined ISO and White Balance adjustments.
Nikon Coolpix L110 review – Design
The Nikon L110 comes in a choice of two colours – ‘wine red’ or black. The former is a bright cherry-coloured finish that’s certainly eye-catching, though not for everyone.
In terms of body design the L110 is relatively plasticy, yet feels suitably hardened. Its large grip makes for easy holding and there’s a rear thumb rest to ensure easy finger-placement and a tight grip. At all times your fingers will be nowhere near obstructing the lens or flash, which makes for easy shooting. The flash itself is a ‘pull-up’ system, as there’s not a quick-release button to make the flash pop up – not a problem, but marginally more fiddly than if a preferred flash button were available.
Buttons are arranged simply and effectively, with the only button on top an on/off push-button behind the shutter. All other controls reside on the L110’s rear, with the usual d-pad directional control, main menu access, playback, plus a scene selection button for quick changes and a one-touch movie button. Interior menus are easy to navigate and select and, as there aren’t too many options to worry about, it’s not a complex process to use.
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Nikon Coolpix L110 – Performance