This 7.1 megapixel compact camera also features a 3x optical zoom lens but has a narrower aperture range (f/2.8-4.7).

The L12 has ISO of up to 1600. a 2.5 inch LCD screen, image stabilization, face recognition technology and takes SDHC cards. Nikon has a reputation for being the pioneer of photography technology, and is constantly striving to develop new, better cameras for professionals and amateurs alike. The new COOLPIX L12 is the latest addition to the COOLPIX range, which has earned a reputation within the photography community of delivering excellent results through simple camera operation.

In this model Nikon has taken every possible measure to ensure that the user is able to achieve perfect pictures, whatever the conditions. The Vibration Reduction feature compensates for camera shake to produce clearer, steadier images. This function operates whenever the camera is switched on, making it possible for the user to select the best moment to take the shot by viewing the image on the cameras 2.5-inch screen.

The combination of a 7.1 megapixels of resolution and the powerful 3 x Zoom-Nikkor lens with a range of 35-105mm enables the COOLPIX L12 to deliver excellent picture detail whether the subject is a close-in portrait or a broad panorama. Light sensitivity up to ISO 1600 guarantees high image quality in low-light conditions, and also enables the faster shutter speeds that are essential when photographing fast-moving objects.

Three unique Nikon innovations make it possible to manipulate the images in-camera, enabling amateurs to achieve results that a professional would be proud of. Face-priority AF detects people’s faces to achieve sharp focus, no matter where they happen to be located in the frame; In-Camera Red-Eye Fix tackles this effect by providing automatic compensation for more flattering, natural-looking portraits in low light. Finally, Nikon’s unique D-Lighting function, available in playback mode, improves underexposed images or shots taken with too much back light by creating a copy of an image with added light and detail wherever necessary, leaving well-exposed areas untouched.

Nikon’s exclusive PictureProject software allows the user to further manipulate images once they have been uploaded onto a computer. This is an easy-to-use programme which makes it a joy to edit, organise, transfer and share the photographs taken with the COOLPIX L12.

VR image stabilization corrects camera shake
The COOLPIX L12 offers the advantage of optical lens shift VR (Vibration Reduction), which cleverly detects any camera shake and accurately compensates for it to produce sharper, steadier images. And because the VR system remains active whenever the camera is on, images also appear more stable on the LCD monitor, making it much easier to judge the right moment to take the shot. The same effect is also available when shooting movies, while a handy Anti-Shake button located on the top panel can be pressed to activate three functions for sharper shooting – VR, High-Sensitivity mode and BSS.

Compatible with AA-size batteries
The COOLPIX L12 is compatible with AA-size batteries, which are widely available around the world. As a result, users can shoot as they like without having to worry about recharging or running out of power on an important day.

One-touch portrait button
A handy standalone button offers direct access to three Nikon innovations that produce more satisfying images – Face-priority AFthat automatically detects and achieves sharp focus on people’s faces wherever they are in the frame, In-Camera Red-Eye Fix that can automatically overcome the red-eye effect sometimes caused by flash, and Nikon’s D-Lighting that can rescue underexposed images or shots taken with too much backlight.

Face recognition capability may be limited in some shooting conditions.

Nikon COOLPIX L12 Other Features

• Light weight with compact dimensions
• Choice of 15 Scene modes
• Selection of movie recording modes
• BSS (Best Shot Selector) identifies and saves the sharpest image automatically from ten sequential shots
• SDHC memory card compatibility
• Voice recording capability
• Colour Options add to creative freedom
• 21MB of internal memory (approx.)
• PictBridge and ImageLink compatibility
• Menu available in a choice of 20 languages
• Time zone function allows setting of home town and new city time zone for easy image sorting after traveling
• USB connectivity enables swift data transfer to computers and other peripherals
• Macro shooting enables shooting from as close as 15cm (5.9 in.)
• 4x digital zoom extends compositional freedom
• Choice of White Balance: Auto with TTL control, 7-mode manual (Direct sunlight, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Cloudy, Shade, Flash and White Bal. Preset)

Nikon Coolpix L12 Reviews

Digital Camera Review has a review of the Nikon Coolpix L12 and writes, "The Nikon Coolpix L12 presents something of a quandary - on the plus side of the ledger it’s currently the cheapest 7 megapixel digicam available featuring optical image stabilization. It is also very easy to use, fairly compact, tough enough to stand up to the demands of modern life, powered by cheap universally available AA batteries, and capable of delivering consistently decent images. On the negative side of the ledger, the L12 is a bit slow across the board, the optics aren’t top quality, there’s no optical viewfinder, and it doesn't allow much user input."

CNET has a review of the Nikon Coolpix L12 and writes, " In good lighting, the L12 takes very nice, colorful photos. In low lighting, the camera's ISO-boosted grain, and the noise reduction algorithms that try to keep it in check, destroys much of the detail in the captured images. Since the flash takes so long to recycle, and its high ISO noise is so obtrusive, the L12 is rendered almost useless in low light. Even though it includes features I was surprised to see on a budget camera, the Nikon Coolpix L12 simply has too many problems for me to recommend it. While face detection and optical image stabilization are both very nice, they can't make up for the camera's slow shooting, painfully long flash recycle time, and inconsistent low-light shots."

BlogCritics has a review of the Nikon CoolPix L12 and writes, "The camera takes really good pictures inside and even better ones outside. It comes with a flash, but often doesn’t need the it because of the CoolPix's low-light capabilities. It seems to work really well in low-light situations. One drawback, though, is the long time it takes for a flash to process. That has been a little disconcerting, but I don’t generally take action pictures so its less important in what I’m using it for. ... A professional photographer might want more out of a camera than this one provides, but the Nikon CoolPix L12 really fits the bill for someone who’s on the go and just wants to take occasional shots to remember an event or post on a blog."

Cameras.co.uk has a review of the Nikon Coolpix L12 and writes, "Aside from the macro shot which I will describe in more detail in a while the test photos I took with the Coolpix L12 are well above average for this type of digital camera. One of the most noticeable differences is just how sharp the photos are. ... If you are looking for a camera to handle close up shots then this is not the camera for you. For a start the Coolpix L12 can only focus from 15cm away from the subject. At that distance the camera struggles to really bring out the detail. The image is of low quality and after you have cropped the image to produce a close up you will struggle to make a print. ... It handles most photographic situations well. Unless you are planning to use your digital camera for a lot of close up photography then the Coolpix L12 is well worth considering."

PhotographyPress has a review of the Nikon Coolpix L12 and gives it a 6 out of 10: "Okay, so this is not an expensive digital camera and while it is bland in terms of styling, it still boasts a couple of standout features particularly at this £150 (all but a penny) price point. Image quality is good and there are plenty of scene modes (15 in all) to play with to help on more challenging situations. Shame though, there's no proper manual control. Overall however, L12 is plagued by its sluggish performance and the lack of control over the ISO settings, which almost completely wipes out the benefit of VR."

DCResource has a review of the Nikon Coolpix L12 and writes, "Photo quality really depending on the situation. In good light, it was fairly good, with accurate exposure and color. Images were on the soft side -- especially fine details -- and corner blurriness was a problem. Purple fringing was not a major problem. If lighting levels drop just a bit and "ISO" appears on the LCD, look out: the camera is boosting the ISO sensitivity automatically, which can greatly increase the amount of noise in your images. Since there's no way to turn this feature off, even photos taken on a tripod will be noisy, as our test shots illustrated. This is not a camera for low light, night, or tripod shooting! The one thing the Coolpix L12 really handled well was redeye, due to a software-based tool that runs if the camera detects this annoyance in your flash photos."

Imaging Resource has posted their review of the Nikon Coolpix L12 digital camera where they write - "At this modest price level, you can't expect high-end performance but you do get good performance along with a suite of in-camera image enhancement tools that really matter. And you get Nikon's excellent Macro performance, too (including a flash that works very well in Macro mode). I do miss manual control of aperture, shutter, and even ISO, but no child will. And certainly not an adult whose main interest is just in catching the moment. They'll find the camera easy to carry and use, especially with the large type in the LCD menus. The Vibration Reduction, and Macro mode are going to be a real treats, too. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, Vibration Reduction is a really useful camera feature, and to find it in a $160 camera is an unexpected bonus."