Help with Digital Camera-Nikon Coolpix L2?

lozkate

I wonder if someone can give me some advice, I have searched the site but am still confused.

I am going to Australia this winter and wanted my own, small camera to fit into my bag. My husband has a Canon EOS but I wanted to be able to have a camera with me all the time (whilst in the UK and on holiday) for the just in case shots.

Due to a long service award from work I can just about get a Nikon Coolpix L3 or for a bit of additional cash a Nixon Coolpix L2. I had looked at the Canon Ixus but unfortunately that isnt in the catalogue! I have looked at some reviews of both the models but there doesn't seem to be more than a couple for each on any of the sites I've looked at. Does anyone recommend either of these models or shall I look for something else in the catalogue and just go and buy the Canon.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Kate

Tallymanjohn

I think you should go for the Coolpix - the L3 should be more than adequate at 5MP. I've had one of the older Coolpix for a couple of years now & cannot fault it for picture taking. Very easy to use, the assist modes & scene settings give very good results & the supplied software works well. The video side is not as good, not giving very smooth results but I didn't buy it as a movie camera. It will take Alkaline, rechargeable & high-power batteries - you tell the camera which you're using to get best life, though the alkaline ones are only good for emergencies, though I gather that's normal with digital cameras. I think they still use SD cards & it's worth getting a decent branded, decent size one as, aspecially at the 5MP setting, the internal memopry will not hold more than a dozen shots.

scotty

Good site with reviews of L2 & L3:

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2006_reviews/l2.html

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2006_reviews/l3.html

Have a Coolpix 775 which has served me well for a few years.

espresso

If you visit this site, you will find test reports and also be able to read user reviews on these cameras.

lozkate

Thanks for all the info.

We only need the camera for photos as we got a great deal on a Pansonic camcorder just recently (thanks again to MSE!) I had seen the sites mentioned just wondered if anyone had personal experience of the Nikons.

Thankyou for the replys
Kate

shopbot

I've only ever had Nikons and have been happy with them. All of mine have been Coolpix models. It's important to go to a shop and handle them and try the controls before you buy. I've noticed that a lot of the current Coolpix seem to have a smoother design than earlier models. The older models were easier to grip onto (for me) as often they were more curved.