Nikon Coolpix L1 6.2MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom (Black)

by Nikon

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.5 x 3.4 inches ; 6.2 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B000AXQSVC
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (56 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,176 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: April 18, 2005

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Nikon's Coolpix L1 combines 6.2 effective megapixels and a generous 5x optical Zoom-Nikkor lens (38-190mm zoom in 35mm equivalent) for stunning 14 x 19-inch prints. The incredible, bright 2.5-inch LCD makes for easy composition and image playback. The L1 incorporates Nikon's Exclusive Feature System, including Face-Priority Autofocus for great portraits, In-Camera Red-Eye Fix to automatically fix red-eye, D-Lighting to lighten overly dark images, and 15 Scene Modes to automatically set the camera for great pictures in standard situations, like portraits and panoramas. On-Screen Help eliminates the guesswork by providing explanations for main menu functions. Easy to use and feature-packed, the Coolpix L1 is a camera that suits any lifestyle.

Quick Review
View images stored in internal memory or on inserted SD card at the press of a single button. Zoom in to see a detailed view of the image. Fast, easy access to view images. Zooming in allows the photographer to check details in the image, e.g. are everyone's eyes open.

Voice Memo Function
In playback
Record vital information regarding the image that was shot. Camera will record up to 20 seconds per image. This is a quick method for recording important shooting data or special information about an image.

In-Camera Cropping
Photo Trim
Use zoom and 4 position rocker buttons to select part of a picture; camera saves this as a new image without changing the original picture. Uses standard camera controls to trim an image to create a new image that is part of the original image.

Full-Featured Bundled Software
Nikon: PictureProject
Arcsoft: Panorama Maker
The bundled software will enable the user to set up a complete digital darkroom without having to purchase additional and costly image editing software packages.

This easy-to-use image editing software allows you to easily edit, e-mail, and print images.

Easy E-mailing
With Nikon PictureProject software Select image(s) to send and click the Mail button. Choose to send pictures as individual prints or a single index print and select image size from the drop down menu. It's that easy!

Small files are best for e-mailing, and PictureProject makes it easy to select and send small images, regardless of the size of the original image. Clicking the Send button opens a new e-mail with the pictures already attached. All you need to do is address the e-mail and add a message!

Autofocus Face-Priority AF
Contrast detect Autofocus system. Face-Priority AF can be activated in Portrait Scene Mode and will set focus on the face when taking a picture of a human subject. Incredibly sharp images from close up to infinity. Face-Priority AF will assist in getting sharp, incredible portraits of people.

AF Assist Lamp
Provides extra light when focusing in low-light situations. Enables sharp focus even when the subject is not well lit.

D-Lighting
Automatic compensation for insufficient flash or excessive backlight. User selectable in image playback mode; saves a copy of the picture with the correction made without affecting the original image. Incredible versatility for the end user. Enables them to adjust images taken in a low light situation when the flash is not strong enough, or when harsh back light causes underexposed foreground detail--all done incamera (no computer).

Nikon's Exclusive In-Camera Red-Eye Fix
When the flash is set for red-eye reduction, the camera automatically removes most instances of redeye from the subject(s) before writing the image to the card.

Instances of red-eye are removed while the picture is being taken. Produces excellent pictures with no redeye! No extra steps necessary--just download and print!

Best Shot Selector (BSS)
Press and hold the shutter release; the camera will take a series of images, saving the one with the sharpest focus. Ensures sharp focus when shooting in situations where a slow shutter speed could result in motion blur.

Five Color Options
Standard Color, Vivid Color, Black and White, Cyanotype, Sepia Get creative by selecting one of 5 color options. Choose the mode that best suits the output: standard color for beautiful prints; vivid color for e-mail/internet; black & white for dramatic shots; and sepia or cyanotype for brown or blue tones. Get creative easily. Create old style photos with the sepia option, or imitate an Ansel Adams shot with the black & white option. The only limit is your imagination!

Date/Time Imprinting
Prints indicate the date and time the picture was taken. A great archiving tool for those who need to know when an image was taken.

PictBridge Compatible
Connect the COOLPIX L1 to a PictBridge compatible printer and print images stored on the camera, either in internal memory or on the SD memory card. Print images directly from the camera; no computer required!

One-Touch Upload
Easily upload images from the camera to the computer at the press of a single button. Makes moving images from the camera to the computer fast and easy.

TTL White Balance with 5 Mode Manual or Preset
Incandescent, Daylight, Cloudy, Fluorescent, and Speedlight
Select Automatic White Balance, choose one of 5 manual settings, or Preset to a white or gray card. Always get an accurate color balance, regardless of lighting conditions.

Shutter Speed Range
4 seconds to 1/2000 second
Capture a wide range of exposures from low light (using slow shutter speeds) to action (using faster shutter speeds to freeze movement). Maintain creative control over your images with a wide range of shutter speeds--take long exposures or catch the action--it's your choice!

Exposure Compensation
+/- 2 EV in 1/3 EV increments
Increase or decrease exposure when using Automatic mode. Ensures you get the exposure you want, giving you great pictures every time.

2-Mode TTL Metering System
64-Segment Matrix, Center Weighted
Choose the 64-Segment Matrix Meter when there are changing light conditions or when the exposure should be set for the entire frame. The Center Weighted option is excellent for portraits or when the subject is in the middle of the frame. Properly exposed images are achieved automatically.

15 Scene Modes
4 with Scene Assist (1st 4 listed)
Portrait, Night Portrait, Sports, Landscape, Beach/Snow, Close-up, Copy, Backlit, Party/Indoor, Night Landscape, Panorama, Museum, Fireworks, Sunset, Dawn/Dusk
Automatically sets the camera for optimum performance in most popular picture-taking situations. Scene Assist is available in 4 popular Scene Modes (portrait, night portrait, landscape, sports); these offer additional assistance for framing, focus and exposure. The COOLPIX L1 makes taking great photographs easy. The design is comfortable to hold and use. The controls are well marked, making it easy to access all the timesaving functions. Turns snapshots into photographs!

Macro Mode
Close Up
Take pictures as close as 1.6 inches from the subject using the Close-up Scene Mode. Take incredibly sharp macro images using the built-in Zoom-Nikkor lens--no attachments necessary!

Movie Mode with Audio
15 frames per second
Time-Lapse Movies
Movie size is user selectable (TV 640x480; Small 320x240; Smaller 160x120). Movie length is determined by the amount of memory available. Your camera operates as a digital video camera to record a movie with sound. File is saved in QuickTime format, which makes it easy to share with others.

Noise Reduction Mode
Dawn/Dusk and Night Landscape Scene Modes only
Noise is minimized when using either the Dawn/Dusk or Night Landscape Scene Modes. Capture clear, sharp images, even with long shutter speeds.

5 Mode Built-in Flash
Auto, Flash Cancel, Slow Sync, Anytime Flash, Red-Eye Reduction There is an appropriate flash mode for almost any lighting situation. Get the shot you want with the light you need.

5x Zoom-Nikkor Glass Lens (35mm equivalent: 38-190mm)
Made with world-renowned Nikkor optics, the lens features 9 elements in 7 groups and incorporates 2 aspherical elements, allowing for a lightweight, compact lens design.

Excellent image quality. Capture a broad range of pictures, from wide angle to a longer telephoto to extreme close-ups, all in a compact camera design.

Incredible, Bright 2.5-Inch LCD
Frame and review your images with the big, easy-to-see 2.5-inch LCD.

Help Function
The COOLPIX L1 includes an in-camera help feature that explains the function of specific menu items. In-Camera "instant tutor" helps the user better understand the different features of the camera.

Selectable GUI (Graphical User Interface)
The user can select how they want to see the menu options on the camera's LCD. Choose the traditional Menu Item View or the all new Icon View. Selecting Icon View displays all the menu options on one screen; no scrolling through a list of menu options.

Menu Item
View displays the complete name of each feature.

LCD Gridlines
Turn on gridlines (composition lines) that are displayed on the camera's LCD; aids in framing the shot.

Helps user ensure horizon lines are level and architecture is perfectly vertical, resulting in better pictures.

Ergonomic Design
This simple yet streamlined design integrates a 5x Zoom-Nikkor lens into a compact digital camera. The confident grip coupled with the compact design enables ease of use and go-anywhere portability.

Power
Two AA alkaline batteries included
Convenient and readily available power source. AA batteries are carried at most stores, worldwide. Get approximately 100 shots with alkaline batteries, or 230 shots with optional COOLPIX rechargeable AA batteries or approximately 400 shots with lithium batteries. You will never be without power with an extra set of AA's on hand. With COOLPIX rechargeable batteries you will always be ready to shoot.

10 MB Internal Memory
SD Slot for optional memory card
No memory card is required for taking pictures. Images can be copied between internal memory and SD cards.

Camera is ready to go right out of the box! Plus, you can continue to take pictures when memory card is full.

Accepts SD Memory Cards
Compatible with any size Secure Digital (SD) Memory Card.

Four Resolution Setting, Plus Small Pic
2816 x 2112
2272 x 1712
1024 x 768
640 x 480
Choose from a wide range of resolution settings. Small Pic button enables the user to instantly save a copy of an image at a resolution small enough for e-mail or Web.

Choose from four Small Pic sizes: 640 x 480, 320 x 240, 160 x 120, or 96 x 72. Customize your resolution to the final output, getting the maximum resolution necessary while conserving valuable space on the SD card. In addition, with Small Pic, you can instantly save an image to the memory card that is an appropriate size for e-mail or for posting on the Web.

What's in the Box
Nikon Coolpix L1 digital camera, two AA alkaline batteries, USB cable, strap, AV cable, imaging software, including Nikon PictureProject

Product Description

Beyond the numbers and behind the specifications, there are some key elements in choosing a digital-camera: Ease of use, Ease of carrying, Attention to detail, Creative potential. Nikon Coolpix L1 has a 5x Zoom Lens that extends from 38mm to 190mm (35mm equiv) focal length for diverse photo applications. A bright 2.5" LCD screen lets you preview and play images without squinting. With automatic, manual, and a menu of different shooting modes, the L1 offers simplicity without compromising your creative potentials. Then, of course, there's Nikon's reknowned reputation. There are lots of numbers but, overall, the L1 takes the lead in this class. 2.5-inch 115,000-dot TFT LCD Monitor with brightness adjustment Media - SD Memory card compatible (not supplied), 10MB of internal memory / For practical use we advise getting an Optional 256MB or 512MB memory card as an initial SD Storage accessory Shooting Modes -- Still - Auto, Scene Assist (Portrait, Landscape, Sports, Night portrait), Scene (Party/Indoor, Beach/Snow, Sunset, Dusk/Dawn, Night landscape, Close up, Museum, Fireworks show, Copy, Back light, Panorama assist), BSS (Best Shot Selector), Color Options, Blur Warning, Date Imprint, Self-timer (10 sec.) / Movies - With sound - TV movie (640) at 15fps, Small size (320) at 30fps, Smaller size (160) at 30fps Built-in Speedlight (Flash) - Range - 1 ft. 8 in. - 11ft. 6 in./0.5-3.5m (W), 1 ft. 8 in. - 6 ft. 7 in./0.5-2m (T); Flash modes - Auto, Auto with Red-eye Reduction (In-Camera Red-Eye Fix), Off, Fill flash and Slow sync USB and Audio Video Output (NTSC/PAL) connectors Capture Modes - 1) Single, 2) Continuous (approx. 0.7fps), 3) Multi-shot 16 (16 frames 1/16 in size) Battery Life (approx) - Approx. 100 shots with alkaline, 400 shots with lithium AA Dimension (W x H x D) - Approx. 3.5 x 2.4 x 1.9 inch

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

223 of 237 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Camera, October 15, 2005

By 

Gustavo Coca-Perraillon "GCP" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Nikon Coolpix L1 6.2MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom (Black) (Electronics)

If you are reading a review is probably because you are new on the digital camera world or you want to upgrade your camera. If the previous line is true for you, this review can be helpful for you.

This is a digital camera to take pictures without worrying about the technical aspects of photography. You have plenty of scenes modes that will automatic adjust the appropriate settings for the picture, so it is an automatic digital camera, there are a few settings that you can adjust manually but those ones aren't the key ones of professional photography.

Almost every Nikon's camera I used have great quality, this one is a better and more interesting model because it is from a new generation of Nikon's digital cameras, so on the Nikon's learning curve, this one of the latest state of the art consumer digital camera (September 2005).

So I give you a few tips in order to help you on the decision of buying this product:

1. Great photo quality, read the entire manual before and after you first shoots (Don't complaint about quality if you fail to do so). Get a tripod if you can.
2. It is automatic, great for a person that only wants to get decent, great pictures and from time to time take wonderful ones without being experts on the technical world of photography; I if you find yourself falling in love with photography, take some curses and then buy a pro or an almost professional camera.
3. Great photo quality! Nikon has it! The best way to notice this fact it is looking at the "view shared images from other users" on the models and brands you want to choose from. Let your eyes make the decision.
4. Visit web sites where you can find information about megapixels, autofocus, composing pictures with autofocus, multi area focus, memory cards, and rechargeable batteries. You will find this information helpful on the future and on your buying decision.
5. L1 has a 5x zoom lenses, a close up from 1.6 inches. This optical combo is hard to find on the market. 6.2 Megapixels, excellent definition.

Cons:

1. Multi Area Focus, great new feature on L1. Bad explain it on the manual. I recommend you get the default setting to Auto Focus Center and then take a tour on the internet in order to fully understand what Multi Are Focus is and how you can take advantage of this feature.
2. Be aware on buying mini tripods, this digital camera has the tripod adapter on the left side of it, making the camera not well weighted; try mini tripods before buying one. You won't have problems with normal tripods.

I used other brands, I keep Nikon. I hope your had find this review helpful for you.

37 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Pictures, Great Camera, April 29, 2006

By 

missk7 "missk7" (FL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Nikon Coolpix L1 6.2MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom (Black) (Electronics)

I have had this camera for almost 6 months and have never had any complaints. It is a really universal camera that will take beautiful pictures in a wide range of settings.

I saw that some people left reviews about the camera being having blurry pictures and I have not had this issue at all, even without a tripod. (They must have mistakenly reset some of the settings) The colors come out beautifully. The settings are logical and easy to use, but I still recommend reading the instructions. With this camera, and knowing how it works, you can take beautiful, professional-looking photographs.

I do recommend investing in a good pair of batteries, but this is true with all digital cameras these days. As the cameras get more powerful they need more power and I have not seen any new camera out there that you can get more than 30-40 pictures on a regular pair of alkaline batteries. And the type of memory card you use makes a BIG difference in the time between shots, again this is true of all cameras.

Overall, I will never buy another camera except Nikon. This camera helped me capture perfectly come of the most important moments of my life and I could not be more pleased.

37 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent pictures just need to outfit it right - oh, and tough, April 10, 2006

By 

Scott A. Gallaher (Phoenix, AZ) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Nikon Coolpix L1 6.2MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom (Black) (Electronics)

Excellent pictures, easy, intuitive interface, and a great 5X zoom that really makes the difference compared to 3X or even 3.5X are all the things I really like about this camera. There are some negative reviews on this product but I would counter with this: accept the fact that AA Lithiums are the only way to go and spring for a solid, dependable, ultra-high speed SD card and you'll be fine and happy. The LCD screen is the view finder and I have no problems with it-- I live in Phoenix and it is very, very, bright here to say the least. I have taken over 200 pictures with the camera on one set of batteries, so far, and it's been four days since I've had the camera. I use the Energizer Lithium AA's (are there any others?). For an SD card I use the SanDisk Ultra II 1 Gig (currently like $50 on Amazon) and the card is significantly faster than the Lexar I bought at Sam's. Yes, with the flash, you still have to wait-- but the faster the memory, the less you will have to wait. Without the flash, even on the 6mp + setting, it still only takes a second or two to write to the card. I like the fact that the camera has a tiny bit of bulk to it making it more "grippy" for my hands. Using AA's for me is great because I really hope to do a lot of travelling and hiking and I know that I can pack one pair of spare AA lithium batteris that weigh nothing and be fine for a whole week of solid picture-taking. I also know what can happen on 100 foot escparments and accidents with a $1000 digital SLR, so given the current street price, the outstanding quality of the pictures, the street price, the zoom, the street price, and the fact that I use the camera for travel, this camera was a great buy for me. Also, I think the shortcomings are manageable, in my opinion. What are they? Lithium batteries are the most expensive kind so if you plan on using the camera 24X7 365 days a year, then probably you should look at a different kind of power supply! The camera doesn't offer the sheer speed of an SLR in picture capture, so if you are going to be bouncing around in a jeep on an African safari, then you might want to go with an SLR or Nikon's P3 or P4 with "vibration reduction." But for me, I bought this camera for five things: 5X digital zoom, great pictures, SD card memory-type, double AA battery power, and ease of use.

-May 29th update dumped camera inside makeshift vinyl case into a fast moving creek. went running downstream after something else, then noticed my Nikon bobbing through my ankles. Picked it up, took the batteries out immediately, took the memory out, let everything dry for 48 hours, put the batteries back in..... the camera still works fine. Kids do not try this at home.