There are three things about a digital camera that never fails to attract consumers: (1) A fairly wide digital display, (2) AA batteries as power source and (3) the Brand name. If you are making a checklist of this three, then you will surely pick Nikon Coolpix L22. This camera has a 3-inch LCD, powered by two AA batteries and of course, it comes from one of the leading camera manufacturers in the world, Nikon.

However, despite being attractive to a lot of consumers, a closer look will surely make a wise buyer think twice. Even though the camera is light (even with batteries loaded), the user will definitely be frustrated over the limited features that this camera have; couple this frustration with the built-in mediocre-quality lens and you get nothing but a camera that can be easily considered least among many of its counterparts.

Nevertheless, this camera is a good enough entry-level point-and-shoot. It may not produce outstanding pictures and it may even compromise happy moments when there is not enough light but it can still capture descent shots especially when used outdoors under bright sunlight. In addition, Coolpix L22 can also be powered using alkaline lithium-ion cells or NiMHs which are both long-lasting and rechargable. The battery compartment of the camera can be opened and closed using the attached latch. With either batteries loaded, the camera feels more sturdy.

Coolpix L22 might prove to be a disappointment to users who look to Nikon when it comes to digital cameras. Unfortunately, its low-quality lens seem to make the edges of the picture a bit softer than that of the center. This problem is even exacerbated when you will use its 3.6x optical zoom feature. Using its 4x digital zoom feature is even worse. When using zoom functions, users can easily ruin their shots if they are not paying enough attention to the display.

Read More

[amazon-product-reviews]

The still and video capture both work well in both bright light and low light.
When playing the sound back via the camera it is hard to distinquish, but fine once it is uploaded.

Great quality for the price, basically well worth the money you pay for it, it is incredibly inexpensive for a camera of such value.

Its 3.6 optical zoom may not be able to pick sand off an eagle’s beak at a thousand yards. So it won’t blow up to billboard size without a loss of definition. But as a real world everyday camera this is a fine and professional level camera that will do a far better job than you expected. Much better than just using a cell-phone.

Just to mention a few features, have you ever taken a shot to discover your subject blinked? This camera lets you know. Yes, this camera sees when your subject blinks, and lets you know, using the Smart Portrait system.

This camera also automatically fixes your red-eye special. You’ll never have to see red eye again. It finds faces, and automatically focuses on them, up to a dozen at a time. It can also snap the shutter automatically when someone finally dares to smile. The D-lighting will also save those details otherwise lost in darkness.

The panorama assist is great. You can take a series of photos in a row in either of four directions (left to right, up and down, etc.) overlapping by one third (The rule of thirds grid which you can bring up on the LCD is great, keeping the camera straight and well composed), and then join them with the included software into one long (or tall) file.

With the built in macro mode you can zoom right in on a cactus blossom from two inches away and have perfect focus. Take a photo of a baby’s toes and blow them up to 16×20. This strength of macro was recently unimaginable, and yet here you have this power within a humble, tiny and inexpensive package.

This camera also comes with the standard sized screw input for mounting on a tripod. You will really appreciate the steadiness a tripod always brings, and the freedom, no less with this great camera, which so thoughtfully has a tripod screw-in.

This camera also has great recording ability, just to top everything off.

A great camera at a small price, it could even be considered underpriced.