Nikon Coolpix L120 review

Our expectations for photo quality were lower, in light of the 14-megapixel, 1/2.3in sensor, which past experience has taught us is bad news for noise levels. Most other ultra-zoom cameras use similarly-specified sensors, though, and the L120 fared better than usual for noise. Photos at ISO 800 and 1600 displayed smudged details – a tell-tale sign of heavy noise-reduction processing – but they weren’t the spidery, blotchy messes that rivals such as the Panasonic FZ45 produced. They weren’t as clean as the high-ISO shots from the Fujifilm HS10 with its 10-megapixel back-illuminated sensor, though. Still, those who are happy to use the flash for indoor shots should find that the L120’s noise levels are on the right side of acceptable.

The same was true for colours and detail levels. Colours were punchy and vivid, and overexposure problems were seldom enough to be forgiven. Details sometimes looked a little over-processed with digital sharpening, and they were often slightly soft at telephoto settings, but these issues weren’t particularly visible when viewing photos on screen and printing at modest sizes.

Comparisons with the excellent Fujifilm HS10 don’t do the L120 any favours, with the HS10 boasting a bigger zoom, less noise, 1080p videos, faster performance and vastly better controls. It’s not much more expensive, either, currently available for around £250 to clear the shelves in anticipation of the launch of the HS20. The Nikon L120 is more compact, though, and its video soundtracks are much better. With ultra-zoom cameras often expected to be jacks of all trades, the L120’s dependable quality counts heavily in its favour.