Nikon COOLPIX L120 Review | 108 Data compared

The Nikon Coolpix L120 is a budget-friendly ultra-zoom camera that blends basic, cut-price controls with surprisingly high-end features. On the positive side, it features a sharp 3-inch screen, quick 1.7-second startup times, and an excellent 720p video mode with high-quality stereo sound that keeps motor noise quiet. It delivers punchy, vivid colours in photos, handles digital image noise better than many rivals at higher ISO settings, and successfully avoids camera blur when zooming. However, the camera cuts corners by using bulky AA batteries instead of a rechargeable lithium-ion pack, which also slows down the flash recovery time to a long 10 seconds. It lacks an electronic viewfinder, manual exposure options, and basic features like face detection in standard auto mode or an automatic photo rotation sensor. Furthermore, continuous burst shooting is very slow, images can look a bit soft at the full 21x telephoto zoom, and the electronic video stabilisation can cause sudden, jerky movements when zooming in closely.

The Nikon Coolpix L120 is an entry-level bridge camera highlighted by its powerful 21x optical Nikkor zoom lens (25-535mm equivalent), which can be extended further using a 4x digital zoom. Priced at £249 at launch, this point-and-shoot camera features a 14.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, a 720p HD video mode at 30fps, and a unique 1cm macro mode for extreme close-ups. It caters well to action and low-light photography beginners through specialized modes like the Sports Continuous mode—shooting 20 frames at 15fps at a reduced 3MP resolution—and the Best Shot Selector, which isolates the sharpest photo out of ten rapid shots. A major benefit of the Coolpix L120 is its outstanding overall image quality, delivering highly accurate detail and rich color replication. However, the camera falls short for advanced hobbyists due to a lack of manual shooting modes, though basic variables like ISO and white balance can still be adjusted within the auto settings. Furthermore, its autofocus system struggles consistently in low-light environments. Reviewers also noted frustrating limitations with the Panorama Assist feature, which lacks built-in automatic stitching and locks exposure and...

The ePHOTOzine review highlights the Nikon Coolpix L120 as a budget-friendly all-rounder, praising its excellent macro performance, easy handling, and large rubber grip. It delivers good image quality in bright lighting, making it suitable for casual, everyday photography. However, the camera lacks built-in creative features like panoramic stitching or HDR modes. Additionally, capturing sharp images at maximum zoom requires a tripod due to instability at full extension. ePHOTOzine

The Nikon Coolpix L120 is an affordable, entry-level megazoom camera designed for simple point-and-shoot snapshot photography. It serves as a direct refresh to the older L110 model, upgrading its capabilities with a wider and longer 21x optical zoom lens, a higher 14-megapixel photo resolution, and a significantly sharper 3-inch LCD screen boasting 920K dots. The device is highly user-friendly, features simple operations, and relies conveniently on standard AA batteries for its power source. Reviewers give it an overall score of 7.0 out of 10, concluding that it is an attractive option for budget-conscious "snapshooters" who want a long focal range but do not require complex manual controls. However, the camera comes with notable performance and hardware limitations. On the positive side (pros), it delivers a generous 21x wide-to-telephoto lens range, a sharp LCD display, an affordable price tag, and convenient AA battery compatibility. Conversely, the major drawbacks (cons) include mediocre photo quality when shooting at light sensitivities above ISO 200, making it poorly suited for indoor or low-light situations without a flash. Additionally, it lacks an electronic viewfinder, which makes...