|
Written by Miodrag Jovic
|
|
Thursday, 21 December 2006 |
|
Page 1 of 2 Simplicity of use with plenty of functions in small and elegantly designed body would be brief resume of Nikon L5. Here we talk about the device which will particularly attract users with life moto saying: „pour and don’t worry about it“. But, other view is right what marks off L5 from its competition. 5X zoom lens of correct optical characteristics is the first matter that marks off this Nikon from its competition. The consequence is slightly thicker device, thus L5 will not be easy to be put into shirt pocket. But, 5x optical zoom wouldn’t be that much useful by itself on such small device without such real stabilization, which represents real rarity in such cost category.
Nikon, as one of the leaders in optics specialized VR (Vibration Reduction) technology from long ago, and the result is clearly visible. L5, with difference from its competition which mainly offers only digital stabilization, may approve itself with real optical stabilization, frequently met within multiply and more expensive solutions and it’s based on mechanical lens motion that reduces smaller vibrations, up to (according to Nikon) four diaphragm openings!
Why all this is important? According to author’s experience, „digitals“ rose amateur photography onto one really higher level. First regarding resolution and sharpening, then directed to correct exposition and white balance. But, one segment of making photography’s in lower illumination conditions was its Achilles’ heel for long time. Because small flashes and because of their undiscerning or disinterest, most of users did not pay attention to put the device onto some tripod or solid support within longer expositions of some landscape or group portrait. VR technology finds its place right on that spot and closes that very last segment of automatic function, maximally reducing occurrence of blurred pictures due to longer exposition.
L5 is ornamented with CCD sensor of even 7.2 mega-pixels which provides creation of large photography dimensions within the conditions of good illumination. The quality of the picture is good except within weak illumination, when color noise somewhat overcomes our expectations. But, as we said many times earlier, miniaturization with simultaneously increasing mega pixel number may not pass without certain quality sacrifices.
L5 has big LCD screen 2.5“ diameter thus review of photography and adjustment of menus are very simple. The only one objection we must relegate to the screen is lack of pixels, thus graphics are slightly granular. After powering on, the device is operation-ready in a bit more than three seconds and the time necessary for sharpening is a bit shorter than one second, while in weaker illumination conditions it may be prolonged to one and a half second, which ranks L5 in category of mid-fast „digitals“. The reason for slower focusing is probably the lack of AF lamp, but regarding the price, all this may not be entitled as its bigger lack.
L5 does not have too many manual buttons, but there are fifteen programs to cover actually all average amateur needs and we also have exposition compensation of 2EV. There is an option of selection between Matrix and central measuring as well as auto and central focusing. According to the targeted group, beside VR, Nikon added „Best Shoot Selector“ function (BBS). When operating in weaker illumination conditions, when there is possibility of „blurred“ picture due to longer exposition, L5 may create up to ten pictures of just one landscape, one after another and then to compare it regarding sharpness and to pick the best one. There is also „D-Lighting“ function, popular digital „Fill Flash“, which should enlighten darker parts of the scene, particularly when taking photography’s in opposite color. „Face priority“ mode is Nikon’s invention and it will help beginners to create good portraits. By pressing appropriate button, device is calling this program, maximally opens the lens in order to reduce deep sharpness and turns on automatic detection of human face and finally focusing it. All this operates even in practice, thus the best results are achieved when face is turned directly to the camera.
|
Digital cameras 
