Overview
The Nikon Coolpix L100 is all about ease of use and zoom power. It has 10 megapixels and a15x, wide angle zoom lens. In terms of features this is a very basic super zoom model, although it does offer image stabilisation and a 3 inch LCD screen.
Why Buy The Nikon Coolpix L100
The Coolpix L100 will be attractive to anyone who is looking for extra zoom, but would like the most straightforward digital camera possible.
Main Features
Megapixels:
Zoom:
LCD Screen:
Dimensions:
Weight:
10
15x
3 inches
110 x 72 x 78 mm
355g
Macro:
HD Movies:
Manual Controls:
Batteries:
Memory Cards:
1cm
No
No
AA
SD/SDHC
Image Quality - See Sample Images Below
Outdoor Scenic Shots in Good Light
The quality of this shot does not quite match up to that produced by the majority of super zoom digital cameras. Most super zooms are impressive when it comes to picture quality and this camera does not quite hit those heights. With the Coolpix L100 the light areas on the boat give a problem and the camera struggles to bring out full detail. Focusing is not as crisp as I am used to seeing either.
This is a better effort. Taking into account the fact a wide angle lens is inclined to take the edge off focusing the standard here is similar to a lot of digital cameras.
Zooming right in there is a lack of true sharpness again. This is especially true as you move towards the edges of the picture. The level of purple fringing also suggests this could be a problem from time to time when you are photographing reflective objects under bright light.
Overall I would award seven out of ten for sharpness. This is nothing deeply wrong, but the Coolpix L100 does not match up to the better cameras. How much of a problem this will be to you depends on the size of prints you plan to make and how serious you are about absolute photo quality.
Portraits
Moving in closer there are no problems to report. I like the colours produced here and I can see few difficulties with portrait shots in good light.
There is some shine showing on the face where the flash light bounces back into the lens. Aside from that the photo works well with plenty of detail and the colours are about right.
With no flash used quite a bit of noise has found its way into the shot. This certainly takes the edge away from the crispness and definition of the shot.
Macro and Colours
This is a mid range macro shot. As with other photos I have taken with this camera it is good enough, but lacks the true clarity delivered by better cameras. There is a slight blue colour caste produced under the artificial lighting.
In my view Nikon digital cameras normally offer the best colours with a very natural look to them. The colours produced by the Coolpix L100 tend to have a harsher look.
Summary
Picture quality is more in line with a basic point and shoot camera then with most other super zoom cameras. Most issues I have found will only be noticeable if you start to make larger size prints.
Style
The Coolpix L100 is based around a Digital SLR camera. The large lens dominates the front of the camera and there is also a grip for holding the camera steady.
Shutter Lag Times
Single Shot
Five Shots
Single Shot With Flash
Five Shots With Flash
Turn on Time
0.4 seconds
9.63 seconds
0.54 seconds
24.71 seconds
3.28 seconds
Ease of Use
Compared with most super zoom cameras the Coolpix L100 is very easy to use.
Points I Like
Ease of use
Where it Could Improve
LCD screen quality
Verdict
The Nikon Coolpix L100 gives you an option of a long lens on a point and shoot digital camera. The feature set is really cut down to the minimum. This helps to make the camera very easy to use. Picture quality is fair, but if you are looking for something extra there are a number of alternatives around. I think this camera is a little expensive for what it delivers.
Product Shots
Front View
Back View
Top View
Sample Menus
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Related Pages
Nikon Coolpix L100 Review Nikon Coolpix L100 Specification Nikon Coolpix L100 Sample Images Nikon Coolpix L100 Features
Review Date
July 2009
