Nikon Coolpix L4

Note: Review images are of Nikon Coolpix L4

Front
The front of the L2, L3 and L4 models look similar though the lens on the L4 does not completely retract when the camera is powered down or in sleep mode. The color is slightly different on the L2, which has a darker finish that Nikon calls "gun-metal gray." Both the L3 and L4 have a silver finish. The lens is placed on the center left of the camera – from the user’s perspective – with the flash on the upper right. Next to the flash to the left is a small focusing light. Below the flash on the L2 and L3 is a dot matrix, which is the camera’s microphone for recording sound with video clips. The L4 does not have a microphone for recording sound. On the front left of all three models is a small bulge to fit the two AA batteries or rechargeable NiMH batteries and serve as a convenient handgrip. On the top of the bulge in raised letters is the Nikon logo with writing underneath to denote the model name.

Back
The back of all three models is basically the same aside from the difference in color on the L2, which has the darker "gun-metal gray" tone. The zoom rocker is on the top right with the menu button below it on the left. The multi-controller is below that, followed by a playback button and a trash button. On the very bottom is a simple switch (most cameras use a control dial) for changing from playback to scene modes to movie mode. However, most of the left half of the rear is taken up by the 2-inch LCD. Below the LCD is the Nikon logo and a small light to signify when the flash is engaged.

Left Side
The left side of the camera has a stainless steel band on all three models that continues to the top of the camera. The band is bolted down with two screws. The only other marking on the band is a symbol next to the plastic gray port flap for USB and Audio/Video out on the L2 and L3 and Video out on the L4.

Right Side
The rounded right side of the camera houses the two batteries, has a raised lug for the camera strap and a door for the SD Card.

Top
The top of the L2/L3/L4 has a stainless steel band with the shutter button on the right and an on/off switch in the middle with a green power light. On the left on the L2 and L3 is a speaker for audio playback. There’s no speaker on the L4, which does not have audio playback, but there are a series of dots to rest your index finger on.

Bottom
The bottom of all three models is pretty plain aside from a sliding door for battery housing. There’s also a tripod mount cut from the polycarbonate.