A review of the Nikon Coolpix L3 digital camera
Nikon have introduced the Life range in which simplicity is key and they use the phrase ‘memories made easy’ which will appeal to many who can be scared off by the high spec models about. This range provides great cameras starting with 4.0-6.2 mega pixels and up to 2.5” LCD screens. Here, we take a tour of the Nikon Coolpix L3. Design |
| The first thing that comes to our minds when we see the Nikon L3 is that it could be a kids camera, especially the black version, as it is so minimal and robust. It’s a bit plastic looking and feels like it has been made from cheap materials. On the front of the camera is the Nikkor 3x optical lens and flash and speaker holes. On the left side there is a thicker grip section which makes the camera much comfier to hold. On the top of the camera is a nice shiny chrome silver panel which has the power button and shutter release. It’s a shame Nikon didn’t incorporate some of the chrome on to the front of the camera to improve the overall look. On the back of the camera there is a 2” glare-resistant LCD screen which does look quite minute compared to some of the larger 2.5” or even 3” LCD screens we have seen on other models, however it is very bright and clear and will, hopefully, do the job. Next to the LCD is a zoom rocker at the top, a menu and delete button, d-panel and at the bottom is a camera mode switch to move from stills to movie. |
| Features |
| The Nikon Coolpix L3 has 5.1 mega pixels and a 3x Nikkor-Zoom optical lens to assist you in achieving some spectacular results. There are some great in-camera technologies that are becoming absolutely necessary on a digital camera and they are, Face Priority AF, D-Lighting and Red-Eye Fix. For a camera to have the ability to automatically focus on faces in an image is a fantastic feature and this baby has it. It will pick out the faces in a shot and ensure that they are correctly focussed so that there are no disappointing snaps when printed. The D-Lighting function is as equally intelligent in the way that it will correct underexposure by improving brightness and picture detail where it is needed but it will leave the rest of the image as it is. The results we have seen using this feature are great and it does exactly as it says on the tin. The Red-Eye Fix is also very clever and will detect if there is any red eye on an image and automatically correct it. These features are a fantastic combination and reflect the Nikon statement of ‘memories made easy’. |
| Performance |
| We were particularly impressed with the battery life with the Nikon Coolpix L3 as with the AA batteries included we managed to squeeze nearly 200 shots and just about 600 shots with the lithium battery. It also claims to take around 330 shots with the EN-MH1 battery. There is an improved menu on this model and it really is so simple to use that we hardly needed the manual at all. The icons and text used on the interface were really easy to understand and read and there is a very handy help button that gives you a full explanation of anything you don’t understand. Simplicity is written all over this one. Printing is also massively simplified with the compatible Pictbridge so there I no need for a computer, just attach to the printer and away you go. Although, the ease of using this camera is a massive plus the speed of the camera is not so exciting as the time it took to start up was about 4-5 seconds but then around 2 seconds between shots. Not so bad. Shutter lag wasn’t too sluggish at about 1.5 seconds when in good light, but in poor light it was a disappointing 2.1 Seconds. The images we took using the Coolpix were surprisingly good, and showed very clear and true colours. |
| What's In The Box? |
Nikon L3 digital camera , Wrist strap, Audio Video cable, USB cable, Two alkaline AA batteries, CD-ROMs loaded with Nikon Picture Project software and reference manual, and drivers, Quick Start Guide, Guide to Digital Photography and registration kit. |
| Overall Opinion |
| For an entry level digital camera the Nikon Coolpix L3 just kept on impressing us and if you are after a digital camera with limited manual settings and a mega easy interface this is the one for you. |
| By Hayley Malyon |
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Pros + Very user-friendly + Good bright LCD + 5.1 mega pixels |
Cons - Lack of manual settings |
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Picture Quality 9/10
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Battery Life 10/10
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Setup Simplicity 10/10
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Build Quality 9/10
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Ease of Use 10/10
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Overall Rating 
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30/11/2006
at 10:45:23am
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