The Nikon Coolpix L5 is the top-end camera in Nikon’s entry-level camera lineup. I’ve never been a fan of Nikon’s lower end cameras, but I only base that on some of the photos I’ve seen "other" people take with them.

The Coolpix L5 sports a 7.2-megapixel sensor and a bright 2.5-inch LCD with backlight. A 38-190mm Zoom-Nikkor lens (35mm equivalent) ensures compositional freedom, from zooming in for personal portraits to zooming out for outdoor scenes. Lens-shift Vibration Reduction (VR) technology allows the user to make the most of 5x zooming. While the dimensions of the L5 are surprisingly compact, it is compatible with the universally available AA size batteries. Three unique in-camera Nikon image innovations adjust the image, detecting and correcting imperfections: Face Priority AF automatically detects and achieves sharp focus on people’s faces wherever they are in the frame; In-Camera Red-Eye Fix automatically overcomes the red-eye effect sometimes caused by flash; and D-Lighting makes it possible to rescue underexposed images or shots taken with too much back-light.

"While it has its share of nice features, ultimately I was disappointed with the Nikon Coolpix L5. I like its build quality, 5X zoom lens, image stabilization, and powerful flash, but its sluggish performance, low resolution LCD, lack of manual settings, and so-so photo quality make it a camera that I’d recommend passing over.

The external controls of the Coolpix L5 are clearly labelled and easily accessed, making it easy to get familiar with the camera’s operation. This is in addition to a good ergonomic design that allows for comfortable handholds. One aspect of the design, however, could be improved. Although the monitor measures 2.5 inches diagonally, its image is relatively coarse and under some circumstances grainy, making it often difficult to evaluate sharpness with certainty.."

The good-

  • Good image quality under good lighting conditions.
  • Stabilized 5X optical zoom.
  • Excellent light metering.
  • Excellent colour rendition.
  • 2.5-inch LCD monitor.
  • Compact.
  • Very easy to use.

The bad-

  • No control over sensitivity.
  • Noise at sensitivity settings beyond 100 ISO.
  • Compression too strong at 7M*.
  • Hesitant autofocus under low light conditions.
  • Low resolution monitor.

Read the full Megapixel.net L5 review…

Batteries Included: 1
Battery Description: 2 Alkaline
Binding: Electronics
Brand: Nikon
Connectivity: AV
Digital Zoom: 4
Display Size: 2.5
Feature: 7.2-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 15 x 20-inch prints
Floppy Disk Drive Description: None
Has Red Eye Reduction: 1
Included Software: Yes
Is Autographed: 0
Is Memorabilia: 0
Label: Nikon
Manufacturer: Nikon
Maximum Focal Length: 31.4
Maximum Resolution: 7.2
Minimum Focal Length: 6.3
Model: L5
Optical Zoom: 5

Featuring
7.2-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 15 x 20-inch prints
5x image-stabilized optical zoom; 2.5-inch backlit LCD
Face Priority AF, In-Camera Red-Eye Fix, and D-Lighting
15 scene modes and three modes for recording movies with sound
Stores images on SD memory cards; powered by 2 AA-size batteries (2 AA-size alkaline batteries included)

LCD monitor - 2.5-inch with brightness adjustment Storage media - Internal memory, approx 8MB, SD memory card compatible Shooting modes - 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); Movie - WIth sound - TV movie (640) at 30fps, Small size (320) at 30fps, Smaller size (160) at 30fps Built-in electronic-flash - Range - 0.5 - 5.5m (1 ft 8 in - 18.0 ft) [W], 0.6 - 4m (1 ft 9.6 in - 13.1 ft) [T]; Modes - Auto, Auto with Red-eye Reduction (In-Camera Red-Eye Fix), Off, Fill flash, and Slow sync Battery life (approx) - 150 shots with alkaline, 250 shots with EN-MH1 CIPA standard Dimensions (W x H x D) - Approx 91 x 61 x 45mm (3.6 x 2.4 x 1.8 in); Weight - Approx 170g (6.0 oz) (without battery and memory card)

Accessories
Tiffen Traveler Tripod