Nikon Coolpix L4

Manual Control Options
Aside from some basic adjustments for ISO, flash and exposure, these models have next to no manual control options. This is typical for entry level models meant to attract beginning users.

Focus
Auto Focus
Auto focus is above average for these models considering their entry level class, with the camera locking in relatively quickly for good basic snapshooting. Where all Nikon compact digital cameras set themselves apart though is with their Face Priority AF system which, when engaged, displays a yellow smiley face that locks into a yellow box when it detects a face. It cannot, however, detect faces in profile since it is programmed to detect the presence of two eyes. The auto focus is impressive on these cameras in Macro mode which can focus as close as 1.6 inches from a subject. Blur warning on these models tells the user if the image they are about to shoot might be blurred because of bad lighting or slow shutter speeds.

Manual Focus
There are no adjustments for manual focus on these entry level models.

Metering
Adjusting metering did not appear to be an option on these cameras, which is not unheard of on models aimed at novices. The L2/L3/L4 probably use Nikon’s typical 256-segment multi-pattern metering as a default.

Exposure
These models offer standard exposure compensation control, from –2 to +2 EV in 1/3 intervals.

White Balance
Despite an almost total lack of manual control on these models, there is some basic control of white balance via presets. In default mode, the camera has auto white balance with TTL control. The presets consist of Daylight, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Cloudy, Flash and White Balance Preset.

ISO
These entry-level offerings contain a fairly standard 50-400 ISO range. While conventionally this has been a typical for point-and-shoots, many manufacturers are beginning to include ISO 800 or 1600 settings for increased low light shooting capabilities as well as an additional layer of protection against blur or camera shake.

Aperture
On the L2/L3, aperture ranges from f/3.2 to f/5.3. The L4 actually appears to have the fastest lens of the three, with an aperture range of f/2.8 to f/4.9.

Shutter Speed
Shutter speed, as expected, in not manually controllable on these models. It ranges from 8 seconds to 1/2000th of second in auto mode.