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Nikon Coolpix L21 Review

Matt Golowczynski |

Pros

  • Cheap, easy to use, handling, large
  • buttons with clear labelling

Cons

  • Image quality, operation issues,
  • 41mm min focal length

Key Specifications

  • Review Price: £79

This is a very basic compact with an 8MP sensor and a 41-145mm zoom. There’s a range of exposure modes on hand, including Easy Auto and Auto modes, as well as 16 scene presets. Manual control is limited to just a handful of options.

Motion Detection is included, though, as is a post-capture Electronic Vibration Reduction. The rear 2.5in LCD screen has a 230k-dot resolution, and large and clearly labelled control buttons.
It takes less than a second for the L21 to power up, while images are displayed promptly after capture. There issues with responsiveness once an image has been taken.

With just a single AF point in the middle of the frame, the camera turns in a mixed performance with regards to finding focus. Image detail fails to be resolved to the expected degree, and there’s a drop in sharpness towards edges and corners. Colour can also be very saturated, although with no choice of metering modes it’s a relief that exposures are largely balanced.

Verdict

A budget camera that’s incredibly average, even for the low price

Trusted Score


Score in detail

  • Value 8
  • Design 8
  • Features 8
  • Image Quality 8
  • Performance 8

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