Overview
The Nikon Coolpix L12 is a very simple digital camera. Even for a point and shoot type model it has a reduced set of features that make it easy to use. The Coolpix L12 has seven megapixels and a three times zoom lens. It is likely to appeal to someone who is looking for a no fuss digital camera and does not want to spend a fortune.
Main Features
Megapixels:
Zoom:
LCD Screen:
Dimensions:
Weight:
7
3x
2.5 inches
91 x 61 x 26mm
125g
Macro:
HD Movies:
Manual Controls:
Batteries:
Memory Cards:
15cm
No
No
AA
SD/MMC
Image Quality - See Sample Images Below
Aside from the macro shot which I will describe in more detail in a while the test photos I took with the Coolpix L12 are well above average for this type of digital camera. One of the most noticeable differences is just how sharp the photos are.
The best example of the increased sharpness that this camera offers is the first outdoor photo. Starting with the brickwork in the centre of the shot the focusing is clearly better than with other similar models. Even as you work your way out from the centre towards the edges the sharpness levels remain high. The colours are also strong in this photo. Whereas many of the cameras I test have a habit of turning blues into purple, the Coolpix L12 does a good job of retaining colour levels.
Another difficulty that the Coolpix L12 handles well is sun glare. This is another area where this camera outperforms many others.
When the zoom lens is not used as in the second outdoor shot focusing levels do slip away. This is something I am used to seeing with consumer compacts.
The third photo is with the lens zoomed into its full capacity. Focusing levels improve again and this is another above average photo.
Throughout my tests I have been happy with the colour levels. They are not quite as strong as some cameras offer. This can help them to have a more natural feel.
There is one photo though that I think could have had a touch more colour. That is the outdoor portrait. It is not a bad photo, but a bit more colour may have added some extra zest to the shot.
Moving indoors I was pleasantly surprised by the way the Coolpix L12 handled my lowlight tests. Both the indoor portrait and the extreme lowlight test show that the camera is still able to focus in poorer lighting. Even so never expect too much indoors or in lowlight from any small compact. Different lighting situations can cause a problem.
If you are looking for a camera to handle close up shots then this is not the camera for you. For a start the Coolpix L12 can only focus from 15cm away from the subject. At that distance the camera struggles to really bring out the detail. The image is of low quality and after you have cropped the image to produce a close up you will struggle to make a print.
ISO levels are set automatically by the Coolpix L12. Therefore I am unable to run my normal tests to see how the camera performs at different ISO levels.
Style
For a cheaper digital camera the build quality of this camera is good. Available in silver or black it is almost small enough to fit into a pocket. It has a slightly raised area on the front to help you hold it steady while taking a shot.
Shutter Lag Times
Single Shot
Five Shots
Single Shot With Flash
Five Shots With Flash
0.42 seconds
12.78 seconds
0.59 seconds
39.76 seconds
Ease of Use
There isn"t much you should struggle with when using the Coolpix L12. It helps that the camera has a relatively basic set of features. There are a few buttons to get used to on the back of the camera, but once you have mastered these you should be well on your way.
Points I Like
Build quality - picture sharpness - overall picture quality
Where it Could Improve
Macro mode - shutter lag with flash on
Verdict
Whether or not the Nikon Coolpix L12 is the right camera for you will depend to a large degree on the type of photos you are planning to take. It handles most photographic situations well. Unless you are planning to use your digital camera for a lot of close up photography then the Coolpix L12 is well worth considering.
Product Shots
Front View
Back View
Top View
Sample Menus
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Related Pages
Nikon Coolpix L12 Review Nikon Coolpix L12 Specification Nikon Coolpix L12 Sample Images Nikon Coolpix L12 Features
Review Date
June 2007
