Nikon Coolpix L22

This latest addition to Nikon’s popular range of Coolpix digital cameras is a bit of a bargain, as it manages to provide impressive 12-megapixel resolution pictures for just under £80.

It also has 3.6x optical zoom lens and a 3in rear screen, both good for a cheap camera, but as with most cheap cameras there is no viewfinder so shots must be composed on the screen.

Despite the low price, the L22 is well built. It’s a little chunky compared to some rivals, as it has to accommodate two AA batteries for its power supply, but it’s still only about an inch thick with the lens retracted inside the body of the camera.

Some people might prefer a camera with its own rechargeable battery but it’s an acceptable compromise given the Coolpix L22’s low price. Pictures are saved on to an SD memory card, which you will have to buy separately.

The L22 is nice and easy to use, so you don’t need to be an expert to get good results. When it is first switched on, the L22 starts up in its ‘easy auto’ mode, which can analyse the scene and lighting conditions and automatically adjust the exposure and other settings.

We shot a number of test photos using the Easy Auto mode and were pleased with its strong colours and the sharpness of the pictures.

The camera’s settings can also be fine-tuned further by pressing the mode button on the back of the camera. This displays a series of options on the camera’s screen which are designed for taking different types of photos, such as portraits and landscape shots, close-up macro shots, and even tricky night-time firework displays.

There is also a video mode that allows users to record short video clips that are ideal for sharing on websites such as YouTube. And, of course, there are now-standard features such as red-eye reduction, and a self-timer that gives you time to run in front of the camera and join your friends in group shots.

Experienced photographers might prefer something a bit more sophisticated but the Nikon L22 is aimed at the casual snapper who needs an excellent and affordable compact camera.