Nikon Coolpix L23 Digital Camera Review

Features
Handling
Performance
Verdict
Specification

The Coolpix L23 was added to Nikon's Life range of digital cameras in February 2011. It is aimed at  photography begiiners and has a 10.1 megapixel sensor, 5x optical zoom lens (35mm equivalent: 28-140mm), 2.7in LCD monitor and is powered using AA-size batteries.

The L23 is available in blue, pink, red, black and silver for £59. Another camera you may be considering at this price range is the Canon Powershot A800, which is also ideal for beginners but only has a 3.3x optical zoom lens.

• Easy operation with conveniently placed control buttons and automatic technology
• 5x optical zoom lens (35mm equivalent: 28-140mm)
• 10.1 megapixel sensor
• 3x anti-blur methods including Electronic VR, Motion Detection and Best Shot Selector
• 2.7in LCD monitor with brightness boost
• Smart portrait system with smile timer and red-eye fix
• Easy Auto mode
• 17 scene modes

Nikon Coolpix L23: Performance
Images produced by the Coolpix L23 are extremely respectable for a camera within this price range. Colours are reproduced well and detail is good. When viewing the wide-angle shot at full size more detail is lost around the edges but detail is good throughout when using the camera at its full optical zoom length. The Coolpix L23 produces well exposed images.

Wide-angle shot - ISO80, 1/250, f/5.4, 4mm (35mm equivalent: 28mm)		Full optical zoom - ISO80, 1/250, f/6.8, 20mm (35mm equivalent: 140mm)

The Coolpix L23 has Easy Auto and Auto modes. When using Easy Auto the only option the user can change is the image size, whereas Auto allows the user to also change the white-balance, shooting mode (single, continuous, best shot selection and multi-shot 16) and colour options (standard colour, vivid colour, black and white, sepia, cyanotype). On top of this there is smart portrait mode, 17 scene modes and movie mode. The 17 scene modes available are portrait, landscape, sports, night portrait, party/indoor, beach, snow, sunset, dusk/dawn, night landscape, close-up, food, museum, fireworks show, black and white copy, backlighting and panorama assist.

The camera also boasts a Smart Portrait mode. In the two pictures below I have taken a portrait using Easy Auto and one using Smart Portrait. The Smart Portrait softens the skin giving a much smoother look. Using this mode the shutter will automatically focus and take a picture, reducing the effect of camera shake, although it struggled in poorly lit scenes.

Portrait in auto mode - ISO100, 1/25, f/2.7, 4mm (35mm equivalent: 28mm)		Portrait using Smart Portrait - ISO200, 1/60, f/2.7, 4mm (35mm equivalent: 28mm)

Below is a sample of pictures taken using some of the scene modes available. Landscape has given a boost to the blues and greens creating a good image of the countryside. Macro mode, with a focus distance of just 3cm, is impressive for a budget camera. Sport mode has given a quick enough shutter speed to capture a sharp image of water from the fountain. In backlighting mode the sun is shining through the trees into the lens but there is plenty of detail in the statue. To create panoramas, the Coolpix L23 will take the images needed but they need to be stitched together using the software that comes with the camera.

Landscape - ISO80, 1/320, f/5.4, 4mm (35mm equivalent: 28mm)		Macro - ISO160, 1/30, f/3.1, 5mm (35mm equivalent: 35mm)
Sports - ISO110, 1/500, f/5.3, 14mm (35mm equivalent: 98mm)		Backlighting - ISO80, 1/200, f/3.6, 7mm (35mm equivalent: 49mm)

ISO and noise performance
It is not possible to set the ISO speed on the Coolpix L23 as it is done automatically. In testing, noise was handled well up to ISO800 where noise becomes evident although images are still good. At ISO1600 noise becomes very noticeable and the images produced are only really suited for web use.

White-balance
White-balance performance is very consistent when using the Coolpix L23 which is clearly seen in the test shots taken in our studio. The fluorescent preset under the fluorescent lights has given a slight magenta cast but overall the auto white-balance is adequate in all light conditions.

Nikon Coolpix L23 White-balance test: Click on the thumbnails for larger images.
Auto white-balance in incandescent lighting - ISO200, 1/30, f/3.6, 7mm (35mm equivalent: 49mm)		Incandescent preset in incandescent lighting - ISO200, 1/30, f/3.6, 7mm (35mm equivalent: 49mm)
Auto white-balance in fluorescent lighting - ISO200, 1/10, f/3.6, 7mm (35mm equivalent: 49mm)		Fluorescent preset in fluorescent lighting - ISO200, 1/10, f/3.6, 7mm (35mm equivalent: 49mm)

Video Mode
The video mode shoots VGA, 640 x 480, at 30fps, but doesn't allow the use of the optical zoom during recording. The maximum length of a video is 29 minutes.

Nikon Coolpix L23: Verdict
If you are a photography beginner or are looking to buy a present for a child then the Nikon Coolpix L23 is good value for money. Many competitors in this price range only offer a 3x optical zoom rather than the 5x offered by the Coolpix L23. The auto modes make taking images simple and the settings available are not going to complicate matters. For that extra bit of flexibility many of the scene modes won't disappoint although it would be good if the camera created panoramas automatically.

Nikon Coolpix L23: Pros
Cheap
Easy to use
5x optical zoom
Good macro mode
Smart Portrait mode

Nikon Coolpix L23: Cons
Noise performance above ISO800
Panoramas not created in camera

FEATURES
HANDLING
PERFORMANCE
VALUE FOR MONEY
OVERALL

Nikon Coolpix L23: Specification

The Nikon Coolpix L23 costs £59 and is available from Warehouse Express here:

Nikon Coolpix L23