Nikon Coolpix L5

Review summary: The Coolpix L5 ($299) is the top-end camera in Nikon's entry-level camera lineup. There's a Coolpix L6 out there, but it's not nearly as impressive as the L5, and here's why. For one, it has a big 5X lens in a body that normally would have a 3X lens. ...

Pros: Decent photo quality (but see issues below) ; 5X zoom lens in a fairly compact body ; Optical image stabilization ; Large 2.5" LCD ; Powerful flash ; Redeye not a problem ; Tons of scene modes ; in-camera help system ; Handy D-Lighting and Best Shot ...

Cons: Soft photos with fuzzy details ; Since ISO is automatic, photos can be noisier than desired ; No manual controls (save for white balance) ; Audio/video sync problem in movie mode ; No AF-assist lamp ; poor low light focusing ; Low resolution LCD ; No ...

Verdict: In case you haven't heard, I like cameras that use AA batteries. They're cheap, and when your rechargeables die you can just pull some regular alkalines off the shelf to get through the day

Review summary: The design of Coolpix L5 is different than the one of L4 or L6 and I must admit that I personally don't like it. It's the 5x optical zoom that first catches my attention (not 3x like most of the cameras in this range). Then, the optical vibration ...

Review summary: If you're an entry-level photographer happy to let your digital camera do all the work, the Nikon Coolpix L5 may be right for you. With a 7.2-megapixel sensor and a 5x optical zoom with Nikon's lens-shift Vibration Reduction technology, the Coolpix L5 ...

Pros: Understated, stylish, and relatively compact body ; Long, 5x optical (38-190mm 35mm equivalent) zoom lens ; Nikon's VR (Vibration Reduction) technology helps steady long zoom shots ; Images had nice, warm color with smooth, film-like dynamic range ; ...

Cons: Max ISO sensitivity limited to 400 and always set automatically ; otherwise camera stays locked at ISO 80, This iteration of Nikon's VR Optical image stabilization does not seem as effective as competing systems, Slower than average operation speed ; ...

Review summary: The appeal of the Nikon Coolpix L5 is unfortunately only external. Despite being well specified and well built, the L5 lacks in image quality and performance. The most serious limitation of this digital camera is the inability to set ISO sensitivity.

Pros: Accurate exposure, Powerful flash, Good LCD visibility, Effective redeye reduction, Solid build quality

Cons: ISO cannot be manually selected, Trouble focusing in low light, Barrel distortion at wide-angle, Noticeable edge softness, Low resolution LCD