Value
With average sized sensors (6 MP in the L2, 5.1MP in the L3 and 4 MP in the L4), a solid feature set including Nikon’s exclusive D-Lighting, In-Camera Red-Eye Fix and Face Priority AF, all packed into reasonably attractive camera bodies that are small and portable, the new Coolpix L2, L3 and L4 offer great value for the money. Our only concerns are why Nikon chose to put more resolution in the LCD of the lower-end model (L4) than the L2 and L3, and why bother putting a movie feature in the L4 if there’s no sound? There could be a logic to all this, which we’ll examine further in the full review, but otherwise these cameras seem to be pretty good deals. Since they take two AA batteries, they’re obviously designed to take on Canon’s popular A-series cameras. Where the A-Series models shine over these cameras though is in their manual control options, which Nikon’s L-series is sorely lacking. It’s a minor quibble on an entry level series, but worth noting.
Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters – They are not exactly the smallest cameras on the market, but these L-series are pretty slim considering they had to make room for two batteries. They’re great for the point-and-shoot crowd but missing some manual control for those users who want to kick it up a notch creatively.
Budget Consumers – While these models aren’t the cheapest on the market, they’re pretty reasonable considering what you get. If you’re on a budget but you want cameras with quality, you probably can’t go wrong with these new L-series cameras.
Gadget Freaks – There’s really not anything too gadgety on these models to attract users who like a lot of bells and whistles on their cameras.
Manual Control Freaks – There’s practically no manual control on these entry level cameras. Those on a budget who want manual control should try Canon’s A-series offerings.
Pros / Serious Hobbyists – Designed to compete with Canon’s hugely popular A-series cameras, the Nikon Coolpix L2, L3 and L4 all have a 3x Zoom-Nikkor lens, 2-inch LCDs of varying resolutions and take easy to replenish AA batteries. They are all available this month for $249.95, $199.95 and $149.95, respectively. Pros and serious hobbyists will have little interest in these basic digital cameras unless they plan on giving them as gifts to their photographically ignorant friends.
