Subscores
The Nikon Coolpix L110 is a basic compact camera that has the same simplified interface as the L100. It has the same huge 15x zoom lens with a wide angle of 28mm, as well as an Auto mode for automatic scene selection. Like the previous model, it's a mix between an easy-to-use compact for beginners and a superzoom bridge. But does it really offer the best of both worlds?
Handling
Nikon has reworked the design and handling of this camera after receiving a fair amount of criticism for the L100's build. The L110 is much easier to hold and grip onto, notably thanks to the larger, more deeply-set handle with its textured rubber covering. That said, users with larger hands won't be entirely at ease, as they'll have to tense up their hand to keep firm hold of the L110. The camera is, however, well balanced.
The battery compartment isn't particularly well made, as you have to force it shut and there's a slight wobble to the hinge. Another rather unflattering design feature is the choice of plastics used in the body and controls. Let's just say these don't really bring out the best in this camera's design.
The L110, like the L100, only has an LCD screen for lining up shots as there's no optical viewfinder. It's therefore effectively a 'false bridge' camera, since the bump on the top of the body only houses a flash (which you have to open with your fingers to activate).
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The LCD screen is fairly good quality, and has 460,000 dots and an anti-glare coating. It remains perfectly useable in bright sunlight but soon becomes noisy in low light, even if movement remains smooth. Colour reproduction is fine, if a little over-exaggerated. Unfortunately, as the screen uses a TN-type panel, the viewing angles are quite restricted.
During our tests, the L110's battery life was excellent. The manufacturer announces a battery life of 840 photos, and although we didn't test this specifically, we can certainly say we were impressed with how long this camera kept going.
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Handling
Nikon has reworked the design and handling of this camera after receiving a fair amount of criticism for the L100's build. The L110 is much easier to hold and grip onto, notably thanks to the larger, more deeply-set handle with its textured rubber covering. That said, users with larger hands won't be entirely at ease, as they'll have to tense up their hand to keep firm hold of the L110. The camera is, however, well balanced.
The battery compartment isn't particularly well made, as you have to force it shut and there's a slight wobble to the hinge. Another rather unflattering design feature is the choice of plastics used in the body and controls. Let's just say these don't really bring out the best in this camera's design.
The L110, like the L100, only has an LCD screen for lining up shots as there's no optical viewfinder. It's therefore effectively a 'false bridge' camera, since the bump on the top of the body only houses a flash (which you have to open with your fingers to activate).
The L100 has a video record button for direct access to the video mode
During our tests, the L110's battery life was excellent. The manufacturer announces a battery life of 840 photos, and although we didn't test this specifically, we can certainly say we were impressed with how long this camera kept going.
Picture quality 
The Nikon L110 takes decent pictures up to 200 ISO. There's a slight amount of coloured noise from 400 ISO, from where smoothing is also visible. In spite of this, the image remains acceptable up to 800 ISO, before things really go downhill. Past this point the picture goes fuzzy and noise is visible on an A4 print.
Most cameras tent to give a slightly yellow tint to pictures taken under halogen lights, but the L110 gives a strong orange overtone to the shot, which can be unpleasant.
In wide-angle settings the pictures are sharp in the middle but quality is much less impressive around the edges, with purple fringes and visible chromatic aberration. In telephoto the picture is consistently hazy across the frame but the edges are les affected by chromatic aberration.
In wide-angle settings the pictures are sharp in the middle but quality is much less impressive around the edges, with purple fringes and visible chromatic aberration. In telephoto the picture is consistently hazy across the frame but the edges are les affected by chromatic aberration.
Video
The Nikon L110 films in 720p HD and the optical zoom is fully operational. The zoom is perhaps a little on the fast side though, which can cause problems for the continuous autofocus (taking a couple of seconds to refocus). The stereo sound is disappointing. There's a continuous kind of rushing noise and the stereo effect is barely audible.
The Nikon L110 films in 720p HD and the optical zoom is fully operational. The zoom is perhaps a little on the fast side though, which can cause problems for the continuous autofocus (taking a couple of seconds to refocus). The stereo sound is disappointing. There's a continuous kind of rushing noise and the stereo effect is barely audible.
Pros
- Easy to use
- 15x zoom and 28mm wide angle
- Easy to hold and grip
- 720p HD video with zoom
Cons
- Slow to start up
- No PSAM modes
- TN screen with tight viewing angles
- Automatic functions not very effective
Conclusion
The Nikon L110 would be perfectly adequate for beginners looking for a simple, easy-to-use camera. However, other cameras can do much better than this, even if you never bother touching their more advanced manual settings.
OUR SCORE
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