A basic, but inexpensive, compact, the Nikon L21 is a budget priced model aimed at the beginner. The Nikon L21 review follows...

Product Overview

Overall rating:

78%

Nikon Coolpix L21

Overall score:78%
Value:80%
Image Quality:75%
Performance:80%
Features:80%
Design:75%

Pros:

  • Cheap, easy to use, handling, large
  • buttons with clear labelling

Cons:

  • Image quality, operation issues,
  • 41mm min focal length

Product:

Nikon Coolpix L21 Review

Manufacturer:

Price as reviewed:

£79.00

This is a very basic compact with an 8MP sensor and a 41-145mm zoom. There’s a range of exposure modes on hand, including Easy Auto and Auto modes, as well as 16 scene presets. Manual control is limited to just a handful of options.

Motion Detection is included, though, as is a post-capture Electronic Vibration Reduction. The rear 2.5in LCD screen has a 230k-dot resolution, and large and clearly labelled control buttons.
It takes less than a second for the L21 to power up, while images are displayed promptly after capture. There issues with responsiveness once an image has been taken.

With just a single AF point in the middle of the frame, the camera turns in a mixed performance with regards to finding focus. Image detail fails to be resolved to the expected degree, and there’s a drop in sharpness towards edges and corners. Colour can also be very saturated, although with no choice of metering modes it’s a relief that exposures are largely balanced.

Verdict

A budget camera that's incredibly average, even for the low price

Details

LCD:2.5in, 230k-dot
Sensor:8.3MP CCD, 1/2.33in
ISO Range:80-1600
Weight:169g
Lens:41-145mm f/3.1-6.7
Dimensions:92.0 x 61.1 x 28.3mm
File Formats:JPEG, AVI M-JPEG
Memory Card:SD, SDHC