Nikon Coolpix L1 Review

Click on the Coolpix L1 to take a QuickTime VR tour

The Coolpix L1 is a compact and lightweight, six-megapixel digital camera with a 5x optical zoom, a large 2.5-inch LCD, and a host of advanced in-camera features that can automatically improve your pictures.

For creative freedom to compose shots, the 5x optical, 38-190mm Zoom Nikkor lens (35mm equivalent) lets users zoom in for tight portraits or zoom out to capture wide-open scenery. The L1 can compensate for insufficient flash or excessive backlighting with the touch of a button, the D-Lighting function will add detail and brighten the image where necessary. The Face-Priority AF function is able to automatically detect the location of a human face within the frame, providing sharp focus on it to produce sharp, clear portraits wherever the subject is positioned in the frame. The In-Camera Red-Eye Fix™ technology automatically detects and corrects red eyes in an image while Blur Warning will alert the user that a shot has been compromised allowing for it to be retaken before leaving the scene.

The newly-designed GUI (Graphic User Interface) enables users to select functions either by name or icon. And, the Help button can be pressed to display simple explanations for functions in the main menu. With a choice a 15 Scene Modes, the L1 gives users the ability to achieve crisp, clear images in a variety of situations such as Beach/Snow, Fireworks, Museum, Party/Indoor and more. Four of the Scene Modes offer Scene Assist to help compose shots for optimal results. To capture moving memories, Movie Mode will record at up to 30 fps with sound.

Additionally, the L1 includes handy features such as Best Shot Selector (BSS), 4x digital zoom, Single and Continuous AF, Choice of White Balance and Noise reduction to ensure better color reproduction in darker lighting conditions. Consumers can record images to an SD Card or onto the 10 MB of internal memory. For added convenience, the L1 uses two AA-size batteries and comes included with PictureProject Software.

Coolpix L1 Features at a Glance:

• 6.2-megapixel effective CCD for prints up to 13x19 inches
• Nikkor 5x optical zoom ED glass (38-190mm in 35mm equivalent)
• Compact, durable and lightweight body
• Macro focus with AF as close as 1.6 inches
• Selectable AF: Auto-multi or Center-focus area selection available
• AF-assist illuminator can be switched on and off at will
• Exclusive Face Priority AF makes taking incredible portraits easy
• 256-segment Matrix Metering with Center-weighted, Spot, or Spot AF metering
• Large 2.5-inch TFT color monitor
• Program AE and 15 pre-programmed Scene modes
• Single, Continuous, Multi-Shot 16 modes
• 640x480 @ 15fps movie with sound, length limited only by memory card capacity
• Attach voice memos up to 20 seconds to still images
• Automatic shutter speeds from 1/2000 sec. to 4 sec's
• Built-in flash with auto, fill, slow sync, and red-eye reduction
• Nikon's D-Lighting automatically brightens dark images in playback mode
• In-Camera Red-Eye Fix™ automatically fixes most instances of red-eye in the camera
• TTL Auto White Balance, 6 presets, custom set and bracketing
• Exif 2.2 and PictBridge compatible
• 14MB internal memory and SD memory card slot
• Plug-n-Play USB connectivity
• PictBridge direct-print compliant
• Runs on two AA type batteries

The Coolpix L1 includes PictureProject, NikonView 6, a complete image editing and processing package, alkaline batteries, hand strap, A-V cable, and USB cable. The Coolpix L1 is available now at an MSRP of US$329.95.

Coolpix L1 Specifications