| Likes |
|
- Strong value for the money
- Nice designs for low-priced cameras
- Decent features for budget models
- Double AA batteries are convenient
|
| Dislikes |
|
- Strange that the lowest priced model (L4) has the highest LCD resolution of three cameras
- No sound and slow frame rates on L4’s video feature is annoying
- Much less manual control than competing models
- Buttons too small for large fingers
|
Conclusion
Consumers on a budget would do well to take a look at these new Coolpix L-series cameras from Nikon. With decent sensors, good features and pretty snazzy designs for entry level models, the L2, L3 and L4 appear to be a great value for the money. Despite being entry level models, they still include unique Nikon features. For just $149.95 – in the case of the L4 – users can enjoy all the benefits of Nikon’s “Exclusive Feature System” which includes helpful functions like D-Lighting for underexposed images, In-Camera Red-Eye Fix for remedying red-eye in portraits, Face Priority AF for locking in focus on faces and Best Shot Selector for taking a series of photos and picking the one with the sharpest focus.
On the downside, these models don’t offer anything near the manual control you get with Canon’s entry level A-series cameras. Nikon’s also made some other strange choices on these cameras. We’re not sure why they decided to give all three 2-inch LCDs but picked the lowest-priced one – the L4 – for significantly more resolution in its screen, nor why this camera received the fastest lens. Also, while we can understand cutting corners on budget models, taking away the sound and offering slow 15 frame per second rates on the L4’s movie function renders that feature virtually useless.
In the overall scheme of things though, these are minor points. These new L-series models are welcome additions to the Nikon line so far, and we look forward to testing them further.
