Nikon Coolpix L4

Note: Review images are of Nikon Coolpix L4

Model Design / Appearance
Cameras this low in price have no reason to be stylish, but surprisingly these models aren’t too bad to look at. Though they have polycarbonate bodies, there are some nice metal touches like the band that goes along the top and down the left side of the camera. Of the three, I like the gun-metal gray L2 the best, mostly because silver cameras are a dime a dozen. Though they’re not super slim, the new L-series cameras are pretty tiny and the small bulge for the batteries on the right side of the camera serves as a decent handgrip. Everything is pretty simple on these models, but the cameras’ curves and flowing lines feel good in your hands, offering an attractive, fully functional look.

Size / Portability
These L-series models take two AA batteries, making them portable as well as convenient. The dimensions of the L2/L3 are approximately 3.6 x 2.4 x 1.0 inches (w x h x d). The L4 is about the same size at 3.4 x 2.4 x 1.4 (w x h x d) though the fact that the L4’s lens doesn’t retract when it’s powered down adds some bulk to it. The L2/L3 weighs approximately 4.2 ounces without the battery or SD card and the L4 weighs approximately 4.1 ounces without the battery or memory card.

Handling Ability
All three models feel pretty solid in the hand even though they are made of polycarbonate. Balance is good on these models and it’s easy to "one-hand" them for shooting pictures on the fly. Though they’re small, design is such that it doesn’t feel like you’re going to drop them.

Control Button / Dial Positioning / Size
Buttons are a little jammed on the back of these models, but there’s not a lot manufacturers can do about that with cameras this small. I like that they’re using a mode switch rather than a dial; it makes it easier to change modes but does take away some control. All the buttons are a bit undersized for my fingers, but again this is fairly unavoidable with small cameras. I actually prefer a slightly larger, heavier camera that has bigger buttons to these tiny models, but this is a matter of preference. Some users may prefer smaller sized models that are more portable. The shutter button, however, is nicely sized and easy to use. The zoom rocker on the back though is really small and somewhat difficult to control because of it.

Menus
We’ve really enjoyed what Nikon has done with their Graphic User Interface (GUI) on their Coolpix cameras this year. Iconography on the L2/L3/L4 is very clear and easy to read. For users who don’t like icons, the menus can also be viewed as a list. To get help with your shots, simply scroll to the Help Button feature on the screen and it will explain the function in the main menu. It would have been nice to have an actual Help "button" on the back of the camera for even quicker access, but this is a minor quibble. The GUI is nice to look at too, with black and gray selections highlighted in yellow as you scroll through.

Ease of Use
As should be standard (but sometimes isn’t) for an entry level model, these cameras are very easy to use. My main gripe is the small size of the buttons on the camera – particularly the zoom rocker – which are hard to use unless you have small fingers. Otherwise though, the menu system and new GUI is smooth, logical and intuitive. Though it doesn’t give you much manual control, which is typical for these types of models, in full auto mode it’s a breeze. Changing from special scene modes to playback to shooting can be figured out quickly too, which should cut down on the frustration factor.