Nikon Coolpix L5 Overview

[shahzadjehangir]

Smooth Style. I really like what Nikon's designers have done with the L-series cameras lately. While many competing entry-level models -- especially those that take AA batteries -- can look awkward, bulky, and sometimes just plain ugly, the latest Nikon Coolpix L cameras have smooth curves, stylish designs, and feel comfortable in your hand. Though the Nikon Coolpix L5 is bulkier than the lower-end L models -- looking a little like the Coolpix P cameras -- it's still pretty slim considering that it houses a 5x optical zoom lens. Dimensions of the camera are 3.8 x 2.4 x 1.8 inches (97 x 61 x 45mm), and it weighs just 7.73 ounces (219 grams) with the batteries and SD memory card installed. Though the lens housing still protrudes over half an inch when powered down the overall profile of the Nikon Coolpix L5 is quite slender compared to some competing models with similar size zooms. Made primarily of polycarbonate, the Nikon Coolpix L5's sparkly silver chassis has a nice metallic feel to it, accentuated by a stainless steel band that loops over the left side and top of the camera. The slight swell on the right side of the Nikon L5 provides a good handgrip and the solid metal shutter button is satisfying to press.

Low-Light Limitations. The Nikon Coolpix L5's low light sensitivity ratings are better than its predecessors, but not by much. Like the L2, L3, and L4, you cannot manually select an ISO setting on the Coolpix L5. For those readers not familiar with the term "ISO," it means how sensitive the camera's imaging sensor is to light. When ISOs are set to a higher number -- 800 and above -- the camera is able to shoot under lower-light conditions without a flash. At higher ISO settings, though, image noise can increase.
With the Nikon Coolpix L5, the camera pretty much stays locked into ISO 80. (On the Coolpix L2, incidentally, ISO was locked at 50.) However, when lighting is poor and the flash is not engaged, the camera will show an ISO icon on the screen and automatically boost the ISO. The range is limited, capping off at just ISO 400. (This is better than the earlier models which only went to ISO 200.) With most entry-level cameras offering manually selectable ISO of up to at least 800 -- and some higher-end compact models offering ISO 1,600 and beyond -- it's disappointing that the Nikon Coolpix L5 has such a limited range that's not manually adjustable. Though talk of ISOs and light sensitivity might seem complicated to beginning users, with picture-takers getting tired of blowing out their subjects with flash, it would have been nice for Nikon to offer more low-light shooting capabilities on the Coolpix L5.

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