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Nikon CoolPix L20

Price range:

$89.97 - $89.99

This model has not been tested.

2 people have reviewed this model.

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Type: Subcompact models

About - Nikon CoolPix L20
The CoolPix L20 is a point & shoot digital camera available from Nikon. The CoolPix L20 typically costs between $89.97 - $89.99. Consumer Reports recommends that you match the features on a model to the needs you have. Here's our take on some of the specifications and features that are commonly available on point & shoot digital camera models like the CoolPix L20. Optical zoom: Magnifies the image using a real multifocal-length lens, whereas a digital zoom uses electronics to enlarge the center portion of the image using interpolation. Some cameras have both optical and digital zoom. The optical-zoom range is what really matters; image quality decreases the further one goes into the digital-zoom range. The magnification ratio available for optical zoom is expressed by a value such as 2X or 3X. A 2X optical zoom with a minimum focal length of 7 mm would have a maximum focal length of 14 mm. Image stabilizer: This feature minimizes the effect of camera shake. Face detection: Face detection uses in-camera software to automatically set the focus, exposure, and color balance so that faces appear sharp, well exposed, and the proper color.

About - Nikon CoolPix L20

The CoolPix L20 is a point & shoot digital camera available from Nikon. The CoolPix L20 typically costs between $89.97 - $89.99.

Consumer Reports recommends that you match the features on a model to the needs you have. Here's our take on some of the specifications and features that are commonly available on point & shoot digital camera models like the CoolPix L20.

Optical zoom:: Magnifies the image using a real multifocal-length lens, whereas a digital zoom uses electronics to enlarge the center portion of the image using interpolation. Some cameras have both optical and digital zoom. The optical-zoom range is what really matters; image quality decreases the further one goes into the digital-zoom range. The magnification ratio available for optical zoom is expressed by a value such as 2X or 3X. A 2X optical zoom with a minimum focal length of 7 mm would have a maximum focal length of 14 mm.
Image stabilizer:: This feature minimizes the effect of camera shake.
Face detection:: Face detection uses in-camera software to automatically set the focus, exposure, and color balance so that faces appear sharp, well exposed, and the proper color.

About This Brand
Nikon has a fairly extensive line of point-and-shoot models, known as Coolpix cameras. Its subcompacts, compacts and super zooms are divided into three series—a budget L, step-up S, and high-end P series. Nikon has recently introduced an innovative S-series camera, which includes a built-in projector that lets you beam images or video clips onto any surface. Like Canon's SLR lineup, Nikon's D series offers cameras for every SLR user and budget and a wide range of lenses. High-end SLRs include large, full-frame sensors, which offer better quality in low light. Some newer point-and-shoots and SLRs include the ability to shoot HD-resolution video, which is stored on the memory card along with the still-image files.
Read our Brand Reliability

About This Brand

Nikon has a fairly extensive line of point-and-shoot models, known as Coolpix cameras. Its subcompacts, compacts and super zooms are divided into three series—a budget L, step-up S, and high-end P series. Nikon has recently introduced an innovative S-series camera, which includes a built-in projector that lets you beam images or video clips onto any surface. Like Canon's SLR lineup, Nikon's D series offers cameras for every SLR user and budget and a wide range of lenses. High-end SLRs include large, full-frame sensors, which offer better quality in low light. Some newer point-and-shoots and SLRs include the ability to shoot HD-resolution video, which is stored on the memory card along with the still-image files.

Read our Brand Reliability

Features & Specs - Nikon CoolPix L20
Optical zoom Magnifies the image using a real multifocal-length lens, whereas a digital zoom uses electronics to enlarge the center portion of the image using interpolation. Some cameras have both optical and digital zoom. The optical-zoom range is what really matters; image quality decreases the further one goes into the digital-zoom range. The magnification ratio available for optical zoom is expressed by a value such as 2X or 3X. A 2X optical zoom with a minimum focal length of 7 mm would have a maximum focal length of 14 mm. Optical zoom	3.6x
Image stabilizer This feature minimizes the effect of camera shake. Image stabilizer	Yes
Face detection Face detection uses in-camera software to automatically set the focus, exposure, and color balance so that faces appear sharp, well exposed, and the proper color. Face detection	Yes
Wide angle This shows which model has a lens that can zoom as wide as a 28 mm lens. Wide angle	Yes
Manual controls Some cameras allow the user to set the aperture (f-stop), shutter speed, or (usually) both. This feature is used to override the automatic exposure settings when more control is needed. During a sporting event for example, you may want to use a high shutter speed to freeze the action. Or, you may want to use a low shutter speed to blur moving objects (like a waterfall) while keeping stationary objects sharp. Using shallow depths of field can be used to blur the background of photos while keeping the foreground in focus. Typically up/down arrow keys are used to change settings displayed on the LCD or in the viewfinder. These controls are not as easy to use as on conventional film cameras. Manual controls	No
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User Reviews - Nikon CoolPix L20

Average User Rating

(based on 2 reviews)

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Displaying Reviews 1-2 of 2

An OK camera

By woodsdweller from maine on 11/9/2009

Pros:

Easy to Use, Good Battery Life, Good sized screen

Cons:

Not Good In Low Light

Best Uses:

Everyday Photos

Describe Yourself:

Casual Photographer

How long have you owned it:

Three-to-six months

Bottom Line:

No, I would not recommend this to a friend

My old camera was great in low light, and I hate to use a flash as it seems so artificial. I am forced to use flash in this camera.

[3 of 3 customers found this review helpful]

Great camera for the money

By Stan from Camarillo, CA on 11/6/2009

Pros:

Easy to Use, Fast Shutter Speed, Good Battery Life, Good sized screen, Great Resolution, Nice Features and Settings

Best Uses:

Everyday Photos, Home, Outdoors, Travel, Weddings/Events

Describe Yourself:

Casual Photographer

How long have you owned it:

One-to-three months

Bottom Line:

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

We mostly use the camera to take pictures of the grandkids. It is very easy to use--even my wife loves it.

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To find the model that is right for you, read our expert advice on which features to consider and how to find the best value. Here's one tip: Don't pay for more features than you'll use.