594 of 597 people found the following review helpful:
L100 - Great Camera All Around, Especially for Beginners
After extensive research on advanced point-and-shoots that use AA batteries (something I require), I settled on three: the Nikon L100, the Canon Powershot SX10IS, and the Fujifilm s8100fd. So you know the perspective from which this review is coming, I'm not an experienced photographer but I'm not clueless either. However, this is my first camera more advanced than a...
29 of 35 people found the following review helpful:
Nikon CoolPix L100 makes Bad photos
I can't recommend purchasing the Nikon CoolPix L100, - not even to my worst enemy. Especially not a good camera for any one time moments. You will be taking a dice roll with every shot, not a photograph. Too bad, it's a nice looking camera, nice lens, just junk internal works and cheap firmware apparently. Having owned and used the old reliable Nikon FG 35mm SLR...
This review is from: Nikon Coolpix L100 10MP Digital Camera with 15x Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom (Electronics)
After extensive research on advanced point-and-shoots that use AA batteries (something I require), I settled on three: the Nikon L100, the Canon Powershot SX10IS, and the Fujifilm s8100fd. So you know the perspective from which this review is coming, I'm not an experienced photographer but I'm not clueless either. However, this is my first camera more advanced than a basic point-and-shoot. So I'll call myself an informed beginner.
This is why I chose the L100:
COST: The L100 is significantly less expensive than the SX10IS. The s8100fd's price was comparable to the L100, but I felt that the technology on the L100 was better. Amazon had the best price I could find (besides some sketchy online sellers).
TECHNOLOGY: This was a toughy. All three of these cameras have comparable technology (image stabilization, zoom, megapixels, face recognition, scene modes, etc. etc.) and each has one or two unique features that I found very attractive. So this variable was not a deal maker or breaker for me. But when it came down to it, the L100 is the most beginner-friendly of the three cameras. The Auto Modes do literally everything for you: the camera chooses the shutter speed, ISO, aperture, no flash or one of a number of flash modes, AND scene mode, which neither of the other cameras do. So from bright- to low- light situations and from various distances, it will automatically adjust more aspects of the shot than will the other cameras. This, I think, would be especially attractive to the minimally experienced photographer who just wants to click the button wherever they are and come out with great pictures.
WEIGHT AND SIZE: I handled a Canon Powershot SX10IS at the store and it was just too heavy for my liking (a common complaint, from what I've read). The L100 is very lightweight. Although the s8100fd is of similar weight, the L100 is slightly smaller in size, which I like.
LARGER SCREEN: The 3 inch LCD is bigger than the screens on the other cameras, it's very bright, and it has a coating that reduces glare.
After playing around with the camera for a few days, here are some additional observations/impressions:
MENU: The menu is very user-friendly and easily navigable. No problems there. Take ten minutes to read through the manual so you are aware of all the menu options.
DESIGN AND FEEL: It's not a slippery camera, which seems to be a complaint with some of the comparable cameras I've read reviews about. The buttons seem intuitively placed to me, and the camera feels balanced in my hand.
IMAGE STABILIZATION: This works very well. As long as you are in the right mode (read the manual for descriptions of situations you should choose the modes yourself) the camera takes completely focused and clear pictures, even with an unsteady hand.
BATTERIES and MEMORY CARD: The battery life on this camera is good: 900 shots with Li-Ion batteries. Some people don't like the SD card to be accessible in the same door as the batteries (like it is with this camera), but I don't find a problem with it. I bought an Ultra II SDHC card for the camera and it processes the pictures very quickly.
MOVIE MODE: You can zoom 2x while shooting video, which is nice.
OTHER FEATURES I LIKED: The Best Shot Selector is a unique feature that I like. It's just another one of those very beginner-friendly features of this camera that will allow you to take great shots without having to do a lot. The Sports continuous-shooting mode (shooting 13 frames per second) also works well for action shots.
TAKING PICTURES: Like I mentioned before, I'm not an experienced photographer. But I found that out of the box in the "Easy-Auto" Mode, this camera takes focused, sharp, professional-looking pictures. As I started to play around with other features, I became even more impressed with the quality of the pictures in a variety of lighting, distance, and movement situations. The High ISO mode captures movement VERY well! I first tested it by waving my arm in the mirror as fast as I could and taking pictures, and the camera captured perfectly focused and crisp pictures of me. This is the first camera I've ever used that actually captures excellent movement shots. Even at maximum zoom, the shots are focused and look great. The flash is extremely bright, although I find I rarely need to use it.
The only complaint that I have at this point is that the camera has trouble focusing on objects in dim light, including close objects in Macro Mode. However, from the dozens of reviews I've read on other comparable cameras, this seems to be a common problem. It's also possible that I haven't played around with the camera enough to know how to circumvent the problem, but I still was a little disappointed.
OVERALL: This camera is inexpensive for it's class, lightweight, has the latest technology, and is extremely beginner- and user-friendly. It is the perfect camera for someone who wants something more than a basic point-and-shoot but doesn't want to spend the money on an SLR or the energy trying to figure out a more complex camera to get great shots. For those beginner to moderately skilled photographers debating between an advanced point-and-shoot and a SLR (like I initially did), you will be glad you got this over an expensive and bulky SLR. A SLR with a 15x+ telephoto lens will cost 3-4 times as much as this camera, and I'm very pleased with the quality of the photos I'm getting with the L100. The Easy-Auto and Auto modes are excellent and I think most people will be very happy with the shots they will produce while in them, even if they never leave those modes. However, learning all of the features is easy and hasn't taken me that long, and my pictures have looked more and more professional the more I've played around with them. This is a great camera.
PS-I got the M-Rock Ozark 505 case for this camera and it fits it perfectly
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Here is a video collage of pictures I took with this camera in Namibia - [...]
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This review is from: Nikon Coolpix L100 10MP Digital Camera with 15x Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom (Electronics)
I primarily purchased this camera because I love my smaller Nikon Coolpix 7600 but wanted something with more zoom. I've only had this camera for about a week, but its great so far!
I do see the "focusing problem" someone was talking about, but its not really a problem...Its just that you can't zoom in too closely on something if you are standing close to it - I think this is because of the lens type - its for long distances. But if you choose the macro setting specifically for close-ups, this can also be avoided.
When I first got the camera and took it out of the box, I immediately started taking pictures and they weren't coming out so good, but this was because I didn't know how to make the flash work - you have to raise it by hand - a quick check of the manual revealed this, but I was too anxious in the beginning to stop and read the manual. ;-)
Also, I had trouble getting used to choosing the different scene settings becuase it doesn't have a dial like my old Coolpix did. Then I realized this is a GOOD thing, because the dial would constantly get turned when I didn't realize it and be on the wrong setting when I took a picture.
If you are an expert photographer and want the control of an SLR, this is not something you will like, but for amateurs or people who just want more zoom than a small camera offers - this is a really good choice. It is not as bulky as an SLR and you don't have to worry about changing lenses.
Be aware that the manual says this camera cannot be used with rechargable batteries.
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This review is from: Nikon Coolpix L100 10MP Digital Camera with 15x Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom (Electronics)
I thought I would emphasize the rechargeable battery since Nikon just added it recently and some reviewers were saying the L100 couldn't use a rechargeable battery. It's a NI-MH battery with recharger. Check the NIKON webpage for the L100 and you will see it listed under "optional accessories". Personally, I don't like rechargeables because they lose their charge over time and you have to remember to recharge them when you get ready to use your camera. I'd much rather just pop in a set of alkaline AA's. Then battery cost is about a penny a pic. I can afford that.
Here are the reasons I bought this camera. I use it to do stop-motion shooting in the woods using toy action figures, also on a copy stand to copy greaseboard drawings for animation, and just for general photo shooting. This camera helps because:
(1) It has a flat bottom and with a triangular footprint which means it will not fall over when you set it down. No tripod needed. I put a flat piece of wood between it and the ground to protect it.
(2) The 15X Zoom lens widens all the way out to 5mm which is equivalent to a 28mm lens on a 35mm camera. Most digicams only go down to about 6mm or 5.7mm on the wide end. (The 75mm telephoto end of the zoom is about as powerful as you can have and still keep steady with a handheld shot. This camera has a double system of vibration control to help avoid blurred shots.)
(3) The scene modes include one called "Food" mode which is very useful to me. It automatically switches to macro close-up lens and puts control of color balance on the arrow buttons where you can easily adjust it. Then, whatever color balance you set stays in memory (just for the Food mode) until the next time you use Food mode, even if you turn the power off. That's important for stop motion because you don't want the camera automatically resetting the color balance for each shot. Obviously the Food mode is intended for close-up shooting of food, but it works for me and my toys!
(4) There is an AC adapter for the camera, which I have ordered, so I will not be using any batteries for my in-the-studio shooting.
(5) NIKON quality. I tried this camera in the store and couldn't even hear the zoom operate. By contrast, a similar-priced CANON made a distinct grinding noise. The quality even extends to the 4 manuals - a 134 page main manual in English, a 20 page Quickstart manual in English, and then both manuals completely duplicated in Spanish as well. The manuals cover every feature in clear detail. It took me 2 hours to learn the camera features to my own satisfaction, BUT, there is an "EASY AUTO" mode that requires you to know nothing from the manual other than how to push a shutter button. Of course, maybe you should buy a simpler camera if that's all you want from your camera, but with the "EASY AUTO" mode you can share this camera with all family members, even the ones who don't want to know what color balance is.
(6) Maybe I am thinking illogically, but I believe that a big lens takes better pictures than a little lens... and this camera has a BIG lens. That means you can't slip it in your pocket, but I have a nifty little belt-loop case (the Edit 100) that neatly fits the camera and has pockets for 2 sets of 4 AA batteries and room for the SD memory card's case and maybe a few more small items.
To sum it up, the quality is high, the price is low, and it takes great pictures in a variety of situations with an easy-ro-use operating system. If you want more than that, then get a reflex camera and pretend you're a pro. :)
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This review is from: Nikon Coolpix L100 10MP Digital Camera with 15x Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom (Electronics)
We've had this camera for a month now. Absolutely no problems with it. We do have Trascend memory card in it--works great. No focusing problem either.
I have researched a lot of Cannon Powershots ELPHS and such but decided to go with this one. It is very easy to use. Very user friendly menu. Takes great pictures with an amazing zoom. Colors are wonderful. I was very worried that I would have a problem without a viewfinder. Well, the 3'' LCD is truly great--I was taking pictures at the beach, in the middle of the day, and still was able to see the screen. I was also concerned about having to raise the flash manually, since I am not a pro at all. I realized that being able to do that is actually a great advantage for every day pictures. It makes a huge difference when taking pictures inside. I had problems with flash going off automatically with my Sony Cybershots, and now I see the difference.
Make sure to get a big enough camera bag.
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This review is from: Nikon Coolpix L100 10MP Digital Camera with 15x Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom (Electronics)
The Nikon L100 I just received appears to be just what I wanted - compact, easy to use, and I'm sure it will take beautiful pictures. Amazon has displayed other items designed to work with this camera. Beware, however, of the Transcend flash memory cards -- they do NOT work with the Coolpix L100 camera. The Nikon website and user's manual both state that there are only 4 "approved memory cards" for this model - SanDisk, Toshiba, Panasonic and Lexar. When you insert the Transcend card, the camera displays the statement "card does not work in this camera".
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This review is from: Nikon Coolpix L100 10MP Digital Camera with 15x Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom (Electronics)
This is a Great Camera. I read the reviews after I purchased it. I agree that after you take it out of the box and just start shooting pictures, they may not come out very good. That is why you HAVE TO READ THE MANUAL! After reading the manual, I LEARNED how to take great pictures indoors, outdoors, low lighting, high lighting, it all does fantastic. The pictures with this camera are perfect! Very bright, sharp, detailed, etc. If you learn how, you wont have a dull colored picture.
Tip ---- Inside pics can be taken in the Auto Mode, but NOT the Easy Auto Mode. Also make sure you use the flash.
Tip ---- Very close up pics inches away, you should use the Micro or Macro mode. You can experiment with the flash.
At first I thought I got ripped off as the pictures looked terrible. After reading the manual, I learned how to take awsome, sharp, great looking pictures.
You just have to read and learn how to use all the options such as vibration, motion, etc.
This isnt a point and shoot camera. Thats why it cost more than a $89 camera. Its a high quality camera for a low price of around $200. I am very, very picky on picture quality. This camera does great!
So far, I think the battery life is better than the cameras I have had in the past that I paid just under $100 for. It does take 4 AA batteries rather than 2 batteries. You do not want to use rechargable batteries. Just get the lithium batteries for about $7 for a pack of 4, and they last a good long time for any family get together. If your on vacation, you can spend about $21 bucks and have about 3 sets for the whole week, even though you probably wont need them all.
I had a fujifilm finepix 5mp camera that took awsome picutes with 3x optical zoom. I traded it for a samsung 7mp 3x optical, but was disappointed. My new nikon coolpix 10mp 15 optical takes just as great pictures as my old fuji film, but I now get 15x opt. zoom.
I took a picture of our Christmas tree from across the room with my new Nikon and my guitar amplifier was in the picture. After I took the picture, I zoomed on on the picture (after it was already taken), and I could read the words on the amplifier knobs, from all the way across the room. That really blew me away!!!
If you are willing to read the manual and LEARN about the camera, then this is for you. IF your not into tech stuff and learning about how to use something (like my elderly parents), then get a cheaper low end camera.
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This review is from: Nikon Coolpix L100 10MP Digital Camera with 15x Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom (Electronics)
Having returned from a National Park using a small compact Casio Exilam, I thought how nicer the photos of the wildlife I had seen would have been if I was able to bring them in closer with a better zoom. The Casio was 3x. I purchased the Nikon L100, inserted batteries,(never reading the instructions) and shot a couple of photos of my retreivers swimming and running. I was actually amazed how clear the photos came out. So much that you could see the direction of the hair blowing on the dogs. Not one that ever liked reading a manuscipt to understand how something worked, this was pretty simple. Now using some of the different modes, it is quite fun. The thing is I trust this camera to take a decent photo without having to do all of the aperture settings, etc.Is it the best out there? NO! but for those that like simplicity, this is a very good camera.
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This review is from: Nikon Coolpix L100 10MP Digital Camera with 15x Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom (Electronics)
I bought my Coolpix L100 about a month ago, before now I was a devoted Canon Powershot owner but the newer powershots are either too expensive, or too stupid. The L100 was the right price and seemed simple enough for me to try.
First, what I don't like: No viewfinder, so if you break the LCD the camera is useless. However, it was a chance I was willing to take since the price was low enough. Second, it will only take movies for 25 minutes, then you will need to start up a new movie. Usually my movies are less than that time anyway, but still I don't see a reason to limit the movie time if your SD card can handle a longer movie time. Your battery life will be VERY low, once again because of the only LCD option, and you are not supposed to use rechargeable batteries. so get used to buying a lot of double A's.
Now what I do like: It takes wonderful pictures, very warm, and is by far the simplest camera to use. If you want a camera that lets you to adjust speed/light/etc then buy THAT type of camera, don't buy the simple ones for people that just want to take pictures. This, is set up so even a child can take a good picture. Back Light option takes great pictures of people in front of windows, Macro takes great close up, etc. Zoom is awesome, although it doesn't work nearly as well when you are shooting a movie.
So, for the money, definately a good purchase. For a bit more money I would have liked a viewfinder, more movie time and more zoom capability while shooting in movie mode, other than that it's a wonderful camera.
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This review is from: Nikon Coolpix L100 10MP Digital Camera with 15x Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom (Electronics)
A very easy to use inexpensive digital camera. You are not inundated with features you will never use. The 15x optical zoom is the reason we purchased, since most lightweight alternatives are between 3x and 5x. Would recommend to anyone.
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This review is from: Nikon Coolpix L100 10MP Digital Camera with 15x Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom (Electronics)
I can't recommend purchasing the Nikon CoolPix L100, - not even to my worst enemy. Especially not a good camera for any one time moments. You will be taking a dice roll with every shot, not a photograph. Too bad, it's a nice looking camera, nice lens, just junk internal works and cheap firmware apparently. Having owned and used the old reliable Nikon FG 35mm SLR (non-digital) for many years, and also a Nikon "One Touch" Zoom 90 (Digital "point and shoot"); I was really disappointed with the dismal image quality of the CoolPix L100. Nikon really has drastically lowered the quality of their products, if this is any example. I couldn't produce many decent photos indoors or out, most were not even close. Almost every single photo was either blurred, extremely grainy, or washed out, etc...and, Yes, that's both with or without the flash. Mostly, the photos were just plain out of focus. I read the manual, tried various and multiple different settings, then buckled down and methodically tried almost every setting in a massive effort to get one single halfway decent "near" closeup facial shot, but all for naught. So, I went to the store, got some film and took shots with my Zoom 90 just to get a few focused quality shots. Needless to say, I am sending the CoolPix L100 back immediately. Thanks goes to Amazon for their return policy. The sad part is, - I paid nearly $25.00, which is unrecoverable, to have this junker delivered the next day. Apparently, there's a lot of junk cameras out there nowadays, no matter whose name is on it, so buyers beware. After a lot of research, I'm now going for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35, 12.1 Megapixel Digital Camera (Black),...wish me luck!
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