Nikon Coolpix L340 Camera
Nikon Coolpix L340 Camera – Black (20 MP, 28x Optical Zoom) 3-Inch LCD
Key Features
- 20.2 megapixel 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor
- ISO80 to ISO1600
- 28x optical zoom lens, 22.5-630mm equivalent, f/3.1-5.9
- Lens-shift Vibration Reduction
- 3.0-inch LCD screen, 460,000-dots
- HD 720p video recording
- Powered by AA batteries
The Nikon Coolpix L340 is a low-cost superzoom bridge-style camera that updates the L330. Its main selling point is its 28x optical zoom which gives a 35mm-equivalent focal range of 22.5-630mm. Images captured on a 20.2MP sensor and power comes from four AA batteries. The Nikon Coolpix L340 is available now for around £240.
There is not a lot new to the Coolpix L340. In fact, the only notable difference between it and the old L330 is the marginally increased zoom range. Where the old camera had a 26x optic, the new model gets 28x optical zoom, giving a 35mm-equivelent focal range of 22.5-630mm. Nikon has equipped the lens with lens-shift vibration reduction to help tame the effects of camera shake.
Nikon Coolpix L340 Handling
The L340 measures 111.1 x 76.3 x 83.3 mm (4.4 x 3.1 x 3.3 in.) and is relatively compact for this camera style. A ready-to-shoot weight of 430g is also reasonable considering four AA batteries power the L340.
The chunky design, large rubberized handgrip, and rear thumb rest make the camera-friendly and easy to hang on to, although those with more giant fingers may find the gap between the handgrip and lens barrel slightly too narrow for comfort.
While the L340 may style like a bridge camera, its range of controls has much more in common with a primary point-and-shoot compact snapper. Buttons restricted to essential commands for the self-timer, scene modes, macro mode, video recording, and flash mode. The only nod towards any degree of manual control is the exposure compensation button, which enables up to +/-2 stops of exposure adjustment. Even the zoom ring around the shutter release is elementary with only one available speed, meaning precise focal length adjustments can be difficult.
A 3-inch LCD screen gives a satisfactory viewing experience with excellent color reproduction and brightness. While the 460k-dot resolution is far from pin-sharp, it’s the monitor’s limited viewing angles, which are more problematic, making it tough to judge exposure and contrast accurately.
Reviews
Images from my L340 instead hit and miss, especially in bright sunny conditions, results can be somewhat “washed out”. Good, the results will be until uploaded on a large screen.
The image quality is fantastic, easy to use, and a cracking zoom feature.
You cannot complain because it may not have all the bells and whistles, but considering it’s less than £150, you cannot complain. Battery life is impressive too.
Negative point of the camera; The battery/SD card compartment is finicky. Full zoom is blurry.
Works as advertised. The battery lasts indefinitely long even when one uses it for extended periods.
As for the picture quality, it is about right what one would expect from a Point-and-shoot camera: quality pictures in good natural lighting; and automatic exposure settings.
Amazing!
The quality is amazing and the zoom is unbelievable!! You get your money worth and top quality for this package deal.