Nikon Coolpix L100 Digital Camera Review

Nikon Coolpix L100 10MP Digital Camera with 15x Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom

nikon-coolpix-l100

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

The Coolpix L100 puts the power of a 15x telephoto zoom into a compact easy to use design. A wide variety of images can be captured with the Coolpix L100 from wide angle scenes (28mm) to telephoto (420mm). Ideal for family sports or travel photography the Coolpix L100 can shoot up to 30 consecutive pictures at 13 frames per second. The scene auto selector the Coolpix L100 automatically selects the appropriate scene mode for best results.

Expand your range with Nikon’s Coolpix L100, with 10.0 effective megapixels with an incredible 15x optical Zoom-NIKKOR glass lens for stunning prints as large as 16x20 inches. The camera’s bright, 3.0-inch high-resolution LCD lets you compose and share your pictures with family and friends. And with Nikon’s new 4 Way VR Image Stabilization takes incredible pictures, incredibly easy. Nikon’s New Smart Portrait System, which automatically detects your subjects face, takes a picture when they smile and warns you if they blinked.

Coolpix L100 Highlights

10.0-megapixel resolution for stunning prints as large as 20 x 30 inches
Incredible 15x optical wide-angle (28-420mm) Zoom-Nikkor glass lens provides exceptional images throughout the zoom range
3.0-inch LCD and Electronic Viewfinder makes it easy to compose and share your pictures with friends and family
New EXPEED image processor ensures high-quality pictures with stunning color and sharpness
New Sports Continuous Scene Mode for shooting at up to 13 fps, up to 30 frames, when you set the resolution to 3MP or lower

4-Way VR Image Stabilization

Nikon’s Optical VR image stabilization compensated for the effects of camera shake by moving the image sensor
Motion Detection automatically detects moving subjects and adjusts shutter speed and the ISO setting to compensate for cameras hake and subject movement
High ISO up to 3200 capability helps give you sharper results when shooting in low light or capturing fast-moving subjects. ISO 3200 is available at 3MP or lower resolution
Nikon’s original Best Shot Selector (BSS) automatically takes up to 10 shots while the shutter is pressed and saves the sharpest image

Nikon’s Smart Portrait System:

In-Camera Red-Eye Fix automatically fixes most instances of red-eye in the camera. You may never see red-eye again
Face-Priority AF - Nikon’s face-finding technology that automatically focuses on faces
Smile Mode automatically releases the shutter when your subject smiles
Blink Warning displays a warning message, should the camera detect your subject has blinked

Technical Details

10.0-megapixel resolution for photo-quality prints up to 16 x 20 inches
15x optical wide-angle (28-420mm) Zoom-Nikkor glass lens
3.0-inch LCD and Electronic Viewfinder; 4-way VR image stabilization
Nikon's Smart Portrait System; Red-eye Fix, Face Priority AE and more
Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)

Product Details

Product Dimensions: 4.3 x 2.8 x 3.1 inches ; 12.6 ounces
Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
Item model number: L100
Date first available at Amazon.com: February 2, 2009

CUSTOMER REVIEWS

By Nikki S. (Texas) - Great camera for long-distance shots!, May 17, 2009

I primarily purchased this camera because I love my smaller Nikon Coolpix 7600 but wanted something with more zoom. I've only had this camera for about a week, but its great so far!

I do see the "focusing problem" someone was talking about, but its not really a problem...Its just that you can't zoom in too closely on something if you are standing close to it - I think this is because of the lens type - its for long distances. But if you choose the macro setting specifically for close-ups, this can also be avoided.

When I first got the camera and took it out of the box, I immediately started taking pictures and they weren't coming out so good, but this was because I didn't know how to make the flash work - you have to raise it by hand - a quick check of the manual revealed this, but I was too anxious in the beginning to stop and read the manual. ;-)

Also, I had trouble getting used to choosing the different scene settings becuase it doesn't have a dial like my old Coolpix did. Then I realized this is a GOOD thing, because the dial would constantly get turned when I didn't realize it and be on the wrong setting when I took a picture.

If you are an expert photographer and want the control of an SLR, this is not something you will like, but for amateurs or people who just want more zoom than a small camera offers - this is a really good choice. It is not as bulky as an SLR and you don't have to worry about changing lenses.

Be aware that the manual says this camera cannot be used with rechargable batteries.

*****

By boysinbooks (ebay, USA) - It DOES use a rechargeable battery!, June 17, 2009

I thought I would emphasize the rechargeable battery since Nikon just added it recently and some reviewers were saying the L100 couldn't use a rechargeable battery. It's a NI-MH battery with recharger. Check the NIKON webpage for the L100 and you will see it listed under "optional accessories". Personally, I don't like rechargeables because they lose their charge over time and you have to remember to recharge them when you get ready to use your camera. I'd much rather just pop in a set of alkaline AA's. Then battery cost is about a penny a pic. I can afford that.

Here are the reasons I bought this camera. I use it to do stop-motion shooting in the woods using toy action figures, also on a copy stand to copy greaseboard drawings for animation, and just for general photo shooting. This camera helps because:

(1) It has a flat bottom and with a triangular footprint which means it will not fall over when you set it down. No tripod needed. I put a flat piece of wood between it and the ground to protect it.

(2) The 15X Zoom lens widens all the way out to 5mm which is equivalent to a 28mm lens on a 35mm camera. Most digicams only go down to about 6mm or 5.7mm on the wide end. (The 75mm telephoto end of the zoom is about as powerful as you can have and still keep steady with a handheld shot. This camera has a double system of vibration control to help avoid blurred shots.)

(3) The scene modes include one called "Food" mode which is very useful to me. It automatically switches to macro close-up lens and puts control of color balance on the arrow buttons where you can easily adjust it. Then, whatever color balance you set stays in memory (just for the Food mode) until the next time you use Food mode, even if you turn the power off. That's important for stop motion because you don't want the camera automatically resetting the color balance for each shot. Obviously the Food mode is intended for close-up shooting of food, but it works for me and my toys!

(4) There is an AC adapter for the camera, which I have ordered, so I will not be using any batteries for my in-the-studio shooting.

(5) NIKON quality. I tried this camera in the store and couldn't even hear the zoom operate. By contrast, a similar-priced CANON made a distinct grinding noise. The quality even extends to the 4 manuals - a 134 page main manual in English, a 20 page Quickstart manual in English, and then both manuals completely duplicated in Spanish as well. The manuals cover every feature in clear detail. It took me 2 hours to learn the camera features to my own satisfaction, BUT, there is an "EASY AUTO" mode that requires you to know nothing from the manual other than how to push a shutter button. Of course, maybe you should buy a simpler camera if that's all you want from your camera, but with the "EASY AUTO" mode you can share this camera with all family members, even the ones who don't want to know what color balance is.

(6) Maybe I am thinking illogically, but I believe that a big lens takes better pictures than a little lens... and this camera has a BIG lens. That means you can't slip it in your pocket, but I have a nifty little belt-loop case (the Edit 100) that neatly fits the camera and has pockets for 2 sets of 4 AA batteries and room for the SD memory card's case and maybe a few more small items.

To sum it up, the quality is high, the price is low, and it takes great pictures in a variety of situations with an easy-ro-use operating system. If you want more than that, then get a reflex camera and pretend you're a pro. :)

*****