(PRINTWORDS NEWS)- Nikon has recently updated its Coolpix range of digital cameras. The L range stands for life and the new Coolpix L120 is the successor to last year’s L110. It looks much like a DSLR but in fact it is a super zoom compact digital camera. Nikon has equipped this model with a massive 21 x optical zoom.
It has a 14MP sensor and offers a number of shooting modes that will please the intermediate level users who want some amount of control in a digital camera. It also shoots HD720p video at 30 FPS.
As is the case with most compact digital cameras there is an easy auto mode along with 17 scene modes for the users who are not technology savvy. There is the usual Nikon Best Shot Selector and a unique Multi shot 16 option. There is a Panorama shot option as well which can produce some really interesting results.
However, it is not as good or sophisticated as the sweep Panorama feature in Sony Cyber Shot cameras. Some color options are included with the set but there is no creative filer set that you get with some rival products.
Design wise it reminds one of its predecessor aka L110. Like the earlier model it is also powered by 4 AA batteries. They are easily available but takes time to be recharged. When inserting or taking out the SDXC or SDHC card you need to be careful lest the batteries do not drop out of case.
The camera features some nice energy saving features that springs into action when the camera is left idle. Nikon says it delivers up to 330 shots or 3 hours of HD footage using the battery. The build quality of the camera is top notch and it does not look or feel flimsy in any way. By the side of the camera there is a pop up flash and to activate it you need to press a button.
There is a side control zoom button which operates smoothly but slowly. The button placement is user friendly and there is a separate movie capture button as well. In terms of connectivity you get USB, AV out and HDMI. The last one is pretty good as it allows you to hook the camera to a LCD HDTV. The wide angle TFT LCD offers a 921 dot resolution and has an anti reflective coating as well.
As far as performance is concerned the L 120 delivers well on most aspects. Till ISO 400 the noise level is very less. Nikon’s noise reduction technology is efficient but at times it takes a toll on image details. The sensor-shift vibration reduction technology cope with accidental shakes rather well. In most of the cases the AF system works fine and it offers subject tracking as well. However, the AF system sometimes struggles in low light scenes. Overall, it stacks up well against other compact superzoom models delivering consistently good results.
