Nikon Coolpix L830 is one of the best budget, easy-to-use Coolpix L-series cameras. Considering its relatively attractive price of $299.95, you get a lot of bang for your buck.
Key Features
The camera's specification highlights the presence of a 34x lens, which provides a usable focal length range of 22.5-765mm (in terms of a 35mm camera). To ensure sharp shots at such long focal lengths, the L830 uses a hybrid vibration reduction system. The camera is based on a 16.0 MP CMOS sensor with a maximum sensitivity of ISO3200 and Full HD video capture. Outwardly, the most noticeable innovation is the increase in screen resolution to 921 thousand dots and the ability to tilt it up and down. Nikon Coolpix L830 also follows the trend of the L-series to use AA batteries.
DSLR sizes
The first thing that strikes you about the Coolpix L830, besides the design, is its volume. The 510-gram compact measuring 111x75, 8x91, 2 mm is only slightly smaller than the entry-level Nikon D3300 SLR camera. This gives the camera great ergonomics, while the thick grip and large rubberized thumb pad give it a very comfortable feel.
Shooting modes
However, while a DSLR camera offers plenty of creative control and a conventional viewfinder, the Coolpix L830 has none of that. Instead, you should rely on one of the two automatic modes. Smart Auto will select from 18 preset scenes depending on the subject and apply the best settings. You can also switch to standard auto ISO sensitivity and white balance control. Alternatively, each of the 18 scenes can be manually selected, as can the Easy Panorama function. This addition is really useful, considering that the cheaper L330 does not have an automatic panorama mode. Unfortunately, the end result is reformatted to just 920 vertical pixels and the user is limited to either 180 or 360 degrees. In addition, Nikon offers 11 more special effects such as Selective Colour, Toy Camera and Sepia, as well as a smart portrait mode that detects smiles and blinks, automatically removes red-eye and smoothes facial skin..
Very beautiful, but apart from a few extra special color effects, the L330 and L820 have the same shooting functions.
What's new?
There are not many differences to distinguish the L830 fromhis predecessor. The sensor parameters remain unchanged, both cameras have a 16.0 MP 1/2.3 CMOS sensor with a sensitivity range of ISO 125-3200. Both cameras share the ability to record Full HD with stereo sound and noise reduction, but, oddly enough, the new model has lowered continuous shooting speed.8 fps at full resolution for a series of 6 shots is now reduced to 6.8 fps for 5 consecutive photos.
What hasn't changed
Optically, the two cameras are also very similar. The Coolpix L830 gives you a full top zoom range of 30x to 34x, but the maximum wide-angle setting of 22.5mm equivalent remains unchanged, and the f/3-5.8 aperture is almost identical to the old model. The L830 uses the same Hybrid VR anti-shake system. It works by moving the lens to compensate for any unwanted movement, but if further correction is needed, the camera can automatically take two shots at different shutter speeds and match the best parts of each.
The Coolpix L830 inherits the same switch on the left side of the lens barrel used for zoom control. It complements the standard zoom ring near the shutter button, allowing you to zoom with your left hand and free your right to shoot. However, whichever control is used, the L830's rather fast zoom speed makes fine adjustment of the focal length a matter of chance.
On the left side of the camerathere is a flash control button and a set of connectors for connection - a USB port and an HDMI output. At the top is the shutter release, main zoom control, on/off switch, and two microphones. The rear panel of the L830 is just as spartan, with buttons for video recording, scene selection, playback, delete, and the main menu. The circular navigation keys are also used for exposure compensation and self-timer settings, along with flash control and macro settings.
Screen
The main attraction on the back of the compact camera is the new flip-out monitor. Its resolution is 921,000 dots, and now it has become possible to tilt the screen and rotate it approximately 90 degrees up or down. This is a travel limit, so the user won't be able to flip the screen to protect it while in transit, or look at themselves while taking a selfie. But this is not the most compact part of the camera adds a significant bulge to the back. The display itself is worth mentioning as, unlike the cheaper L330, not only are there a lot more pixels, but there are vastly improved viewing angles and slightly better color accuracy.
Food
On the bottom of the camera is a plastic tripod mount and a cover that hides the memory card and battery compartment. User reviews call this Coolpix L830 design not very convenient - if the photographer wants to remove the SD card, then,instead, he risks four AA batteries at his feet. There is also a problem with the power supply. Of course, AA batteries are readily available, so you don't have to find a charging outlet to restore a typical Li-Ion battery, but this adds a little to the low cost of the Nikon Coolpix L830 - the price of NiMH batteries will increase the cost of the kit by $ 30. At least a set of batteries allows you to take up to 680 shots on a single charge, and ordinary alkaline batteries last for 390 photos, which is also good.
Performance
Whatever the power, the Nikon Coolpix L830 is ready to shoot a second after being turned on, and in good light, its autofocus system captures the subject almost instantly. In less than optimal conditions, the camera takes longer to set up, but it's still more than adequate and better than its L330 predecessor's autofocus. The only drawback that all Coolpix compacts suffer from is the difficulty of switching the camera to macro mode in the Intelligent Auto mode. In order to reliably exploit the L830 centimeter minimum focusing distance, you must select the standard auto mode, and then enable macro focusing using the macro button. This is not very convenient.
Thankfully, Nikon's tried and tested menu system makes it easy to switch modes and change other settings. She is far from the most visually impressiveinterfaces, but allows you to quickly navigate and is easy to read in bright sunlight. Users appreciated this, as the minimum number of control buttons requires constant use of the menu system to change modes or manually change the ISO sensitivity.
Verdict
Like its little brother L330, Nikon Coolpix L830 is puzzling. Both cameras are certainly easy to use, but no more so than most Intelligent Auto cameras. Image quality, performance, or functionality is nothing that makes the Coolpix L830 stand out. The price of the camera is certainly competitive, but you will have to factor in the additional cost of purchasing a set of AA batteries. Ultimately, it all comes down to having a 34x zoom lens.
But you have to ask yourself if that's enough to make up for the extra size of the camera, as there's no shortage of super zoom compact cameras at this price point that can give you at least 20x zoom coverage. An additional telephoto lens can be useful for some occasions, but being able to put a smaller camera in your pocket seems more attractive.
In terms of performance, the L830 is a good camera. It focuses quickly and takes sharp pictures with vibrant colors in the right conditions. The screen on the back performs better than you'd expect for the price, and the ability to tilt it makes shooting from low and high angles a breeze.
Neverthelessthe fact remains that the image quality of the camera is no different and is inferior to more compact cameras of the same or lower cost. The sensor's lack of dynamic range and overly careful exposure metering make low-light, high-contrast shots gray and lifeless, while maintaining a good level of detail requires optimal lighting and close subject matter. At least, there are few user complaints about optics. The main advantage of the Nikon Coolpix L830 is the price.
