Nikon COOLPIX L810 16.1 MP Digital Camera with 26x Zoom NIKKOR ED Glass Lens and 3-inch LCD (Black) (OLD MODEL)

I use my new camera for work (print advertising business) and it does an excellent job out on location. I have used it for studio shots as well as portraits and action shots. I bought this in June 2012 after a long search for features and value of numerous cameras. My first shots with the L810 have now printed in our magazine and they look great. I'm sure that's the 16 MP resolution quality coming through. It is easy to use and has a lot of settings. I was amazed at the resolution and quality of the pictures in low light with the flash off.This is my second Nikon camera and I debated buying a more expensive body only model so I could use the lenses I already owned. But I was looking for something fast and easy and this fit my needs without time consuming lens changes or need for a big bag to carry them in. The 26x Zoom is very good and is quick to auto focus when panning in and out. Uploading to computer is easy after quick software install. 3 inch screen is very clear and makes it simple to do a fast review of the picture I just took and make adjustments for next shot without having to wait until I load to computer and possibly need to go back for a re-shoot.I didn't buy this for the video mode since I work for a print magazine but my initial trial with video is very good. I only wish I'd waited a couple of days because Amazon dropped the price $20 just after my order date but that's just my bad luck and makes it an even better deal for others. I still can't believe you get Nikon quality and all of these features for 200 bucks.

I was simply looking for a camera to take good photographs and maybe even try my hand at some professional photography in the near future. This camera is a great product to start with. it does not shoot in RAW but the image quality is just as great to work with.The learning curve is pretty low, which is a good thing, there are many preset features for different shooting situations, from all-purpose shots to sports to fireworks/night shots. As I mentioned the fireworks mode, it would be good for me to note on this particular setting the camera's shutter speed is at its max of 4 seconds. I make mention of this because I know some folks may want to try their hands at light painting. Four seconds is more than enough to get a word or 2 in and with enough practice and experience you will be creating perfect light painted images each time. It must also be noted that for optimum performance natural daylight is the best time to take photographs with this camera, the images are shot at its best, crisp and clear.What I like the most is the ability to get just the right amount DOF needed for commercial product photography. Once you have proper lighting and a tripod or anything that will keep your camera steady, most if not all your shots will be near perfect.For what it's worth, the 720p recording works fine. My only gripe with it, is that the autofocus does not work on items that are within 1-5cm of the lens. I guess I may need to try a macro lens and see if it would make a difference. Other than that, for general video recording it works just fine.All in all, for it's price and size the COOLPIX L810 is worth the buy. It will be the perfect gift for any budding photographer.

First Impression:Great looks and many settings, oh my! Out of the box this camera looked quite capable, which is what I expected, already having a Nikon that was my main camera. Side zoom, dedicated record button are all great pluses for it, and opening up the side panel, there it was, mini HDMI that can spit out your 3D photos onto a capable device. Wow!Design and Case:Nikon made it look like a DSLR, as many cameras in this class do to be able to have a large zoom and bigger, well, everything including the screen, flash, microphones, and even four batteries in the hand-hold. The blue glossy plastic looks great and can hold up to scratches relatively well. Buttons are well placed, although there is one to let the flash up, meaning you better remember to release it on a dark shot, because it doesn't automatically. Lens cap is basic, you might have to finagle to get it on. The hand hold is rubberish, very nice to your hand and your shot.Tech:You can choose the type of batteries you put in in setting for better efficiency. Zoom in two places is a little overkill for me, but some may like it. Stereo mikes really don't make to much of a difference considering they are an inch from each other. Buttons are basic, you will recognize the symbols from your first digital camera. Screen is great quality with what looks like a high ppi, size is just right.Shooting:Simple as ever if you want to take a picture, no settings, no filters, auto everything. It's called auto mode, and it's for the people who just don't care and want a good quality pic. But oh you can do so much more! Straight up modes also include portrait (recognizing faces), scene (I'll get into that later), and easy auto, where it picks a scene for you.Scenes:Very good ones to pick from, most have special things about them such as; in sports mode, it takes three, food mode you change the tint. Panorama assist is dreary along with it's brother, 3D. On both, when you take a picture, it shows the out line of the edge of it that you have to line up with your surrounds, which isn't as easy as it sounds.UI and Settings:Hit that little menu button and it will take you to different settings depending on the mode you were in. Some are obvious, white balance, megapixel count, ISO, filters, and how many shots to take on a click. But that's just the shooting menu. When you cruise onto movie menu from the side, again, even easier than shooting. Go to set up and you open a big can of worms. Anything you possible want to change about the camera is found on three pages of options. Those intimidated by technology are warned to leave them be. Those who like cameras, dive on in. I recommend going over every setting and figuring out what it does, so in the future you know. Things like Eye-Fi upload, vibration reduction, and motion detection are wonderful.Overall the UI is straightforward as long as you know what it all means, as navigation is easy.Recommend for anybody