CameraDecision
  • CAMERAS
    • All Cameras
    • Cameras by Brand
      • Sony Cameras
      • Canon Cameras
      • Nikon Cameras
      • Pentax Cameras
      • Fujifilm Cameras
      • Olympus Cameras
      • OM-System Cameras
      • Panasonic Cameras
      • Leica Cameras
    • Cameras by Body Type
      • Mirrorless Cameras
      • DSLR Cameras
      • Compact Cameras
      • Bridge Cameras
      • Waterproof Cameras
    • Cameras by Lens Mount
      • Sony E Mount Cameras
      • Canon RF Mount Cameras
      • Nikon Z Mount Cameras
      • Micro Four Thirds Mount Cameras
      • Fujifilm X Mount Cameras
      • Leica L Mount Cameras
      • Nikon F Mount Cameras
      • Canon EF Mount Cameras
      • Canon EF M Mount Cameras
      • Canon EF S Mount Cameras
      • Pentax KAF Mount Cameras
      • Sony Alpha Mount Cameras
      • Fujifilm G Mount Cameras
      • Sigma SA Mount Cameras
      • Nikon 1 Mount Cameras
  • LENSES
    • All Lenses
    • Lenses by Mount
      • Sony E Mount Lenses
      • Canon RF Mount Lenses
      • Nikon Z Mount Lenses
      • Canon EF Mount Lenses
      • Canon EF M Mount Lenses
      • Canon EF S Mount Lenses
      • Nikon F Mount Lenses
      • Fujifilm X Mount Lenses
      • Micro Four Thirds Mount Lenses
      • Leica L Mount Lenses
      • Pentax KAF Mount Lenses
      • Fujifilm G Mount Lenses
      • Sigma SA Mount Lenses
      • Sony Alpha Mount Lenses
    • Teleconverters
    • Cinema Lenses
      • Sony E Mount Cine Lenses
      • Canon RF Mount Cine Lenses
      • Nikon Z Mount Cine Lenses
      • Canon EF Mount Cine Lenses
      • Nikon F Mount Cine Lenses
      • ARRI PL Mount Cine Lenses
      • Fujifilm X Mount Cine Lenses
      • Micro Four Thirds Mount Cine Lenses
      • Leica L Mount Cine Lenses
  • TOOLS
    • Cameras
      • Smart Find
      • 1-on-1 Comparison
    • Lenses
      • Smart Find
      • 1-on-1 Comparison
  • BLOG

Nikon L100 Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
  • Nikon L100

    Select a Camera to Compare

    x
    Add a Camera for comparison

    Main Features

    • 10MP - 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor
    • ISO 80 - 3200
    • 28-420 mm F3.5-5.4 Zoom Lens
    • Optical Image Stabilization
    • 3.00" Fixed Type Screen
    • fps continuous shooting
    • 360g. 110 x 72 x 78 mm
    • Replaced by Nikon L110
    CHECK PRICE
    CHECK PRICE

    Nikon L100 Overview

    First introduced in February 2009 , Nikon Coolpix L100 is a 10.0MP Small Sensor Superzoom camera with a 1/2.3-inch (6.08 x 4.56 mm ) sized CCD sensor, built-in Image Stabilization and 15.0x zoom 28-420 mm F3.5-5.4 lens. Nikon later replaced L100 with L110. Follow the link to read our in-depth comparison of these cameras:
    Compare Nikon Coolpix L100 vs Nikon L110

    Nikon L100 Review - Click for Table of Contents

    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Sensor and Photography Features
    4. Physical Specs
    5. LCD and Viewfinder
    6. Connectivity, Storage and Battery
    7. Other Features
    8. Lens
    9. Photography Type Scores
    10. Alternatives
    11. Popular Comparisons
    12. Frequently Asked Questions
    13. Detailed Specifications

    Nikon L100 is a member of Nikon's Small Sensor Superzoom class cameras. Below you can see the latest models in this class and how their main specs have changed with each new model.

    Nikon Small Sensor Superzoom Series History
    Model Release Date Sensor Max FPS Dimensions Weight
    Nikon P950
    Compare
    2020 16.0MP - 1/2.3 7.0 fps 140 x 110 x 150mm 1005g
    Nikon A1000
    Compare
    2019 16.0MP - 1/2.3" fps 114 x 72 x 41mm 330g
    Nikon B600
    Compare
    2019 16.0MP - 1/2.3" fps 122 x 82 x 99mm 500g
    Nikon P1000
    Compare
    2018 16.0MP - 1/2.3 7.0 fps 146 x 119 x 181mm 1415g
    Nikon A900
    Compare
    2016 20.0MP - 1/2.3" 7.0 fps 113 x 67 x 40mm 289g

    Check the link below to compare specs of the latest cameras in this series side-by-side:
    Nikon P950 vs A1000 vs B600 vs P1000 vs A900


    **This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Related Blog Posts

    Top 10 Lightest Full-Frame Mirrorless Cameras in 2023
    The Most Rented Compact Cameras in 2022
    DPReview to Close
    Daily Deals: Sirui Anamorphic Lens, Apple MacBook Air and more
    100-400mm Lens Size Comparison: Leica vs Sony vs Canon vs Nikon
    Sirui 24mm f2.8 Super35 Anamorphic 1.33x Lens %50 Off
    Nikon Z9 firmware Update v3.10 Released
    Best Selling Lenses in Micro Four Thirds, Fujifilm X and Canon EF Mounts in 2023

    Nikon L100 PROs and CONs Review

    Now let's get in to more details of our Nikon L100 review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

    PROs
    Image Stabilization
    Manual Focusing
    44 MB Internal Storage
    420mm Good Tele Lens
    15.0X Optical Zoom
    Report a correction

    Buy Nikon L100 from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO


    CONs
    No Wireless Connection
    No Articulating Screen
    No External Flash Shoe
    No Full HD Video
    No Touch Screen
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    No RAW Shooting
    No Face Detection Focusing
    Low Resolution Sensor: 10.0MP
    Max Sensitivity only ISO 3.200
    Low Screen Resolution ( 230kdots )
    Heavy Body: 360
    No Manual Exposure
    No Environmental Sealing
    Slow Lens at Wide: f3.50
    Slow Lens at Tele: f5.40

    Report a correction


    Nikon L100 Physical Specs
    Nikon L100 weighs 360 g (0.79 lb / 12.70 oz) and has external dimensions of 110 x 72 x 78 mm (4.33 x 2.83 x 3.07″). Considering that the average weight of Compact type cameras is 188g, Nikon L100 is a significantly heavy camera for its class. With a thickness of 78mm, it is not small either, 49mm thicker than the average of its class.
    Weight Comparison

    Compact Cameras

    Nikon L100
    Min
    Average
    Max
    Thickness Comparison

    Compact Cameras

    Nikon L100
    Min
    Average
    Max


    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Nikon L100, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Nikon L100 Body Size Compared to a Credit card and a Battery
    Physical size of the Nikon L100 Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery



    Below you can find the comparison of the weight and thickness of Nikon L100 with its main competitors:

    Nikon L100 Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Weight vs L100 Thickness vs L100
    Nikon Coolpix L100 Camera Nikon L110
    Compare
    406g 46g heavier 78mm equal thickness
    Nikon Coolpix L100 Camera Nikon P100
    Compare
    481g 121g heavier 99mm 21mm thicker
    Nikon Coolpix L100 Camera Nikon L120
    Compare
    431g 71g heavier 78mm equal thickness
    Nikon Coolpix L100 Camera Nikon L810
    Compare
    430g 70g heavier 83mm 5mm thicker
    Nikon Coolpix L100 Camera Nikon B500
    Compare
    541g 181g heavier 95mm 17mm thicker
    Nikon Coolpix L100 Camera Nikon L820
    Compare
    470g 110g heavier 85mm 7mm thicker
    Nikon Coolpix L100 Camera Sony H300
    Compare
    590g 230g heavier 122mm 44mm thicker
    Nikon Coolpix L100 Camera Nikon L830
    Compare
    508g 148g heavier 91mm 13mm thicker

    Weather Sealing

    Nikon L100 doesn't have any environmental sealings on its body so you got to be extra careful to protect it against water and dust. If you shoot under these conditions very often, consider checking Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing page.

    Nikon L100 Lens

    Nikon L100 features a 28-420 mm F3.5-5.4 15× zoom lens. Lens has a good wide angle capability starting at 28mm and remarkable super telephoto reach at 420mm.

    Wide Coverage

    Compact Cameras

    L100
    Widest - Olympus TG-850 iHS
    Average
    Telezoom

    Compact Cameras

    L100
    Longest - Canon SX520 HS
    Average

    With a max aperture of f3.50 at 28mm, we can not consider this lens fast on wide end and neither at tele end with its f5.40.

    Max Aperture at Wide

    Compact Cameras

    L100
    Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6
    Average
    Max Aperture at Tele

    Compact Cameras

    L100
    Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV
    Average

    L100 is equipped with Optical image stabilization system which is very handy especially at lower shutter speeds. Nikon L100's lens also has a Manual Focus Mode.

    Nikon L100 Sensor and Photography Features

    Nikon L100 has a 10.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.08 x 4.56 mm ) sized CCD sensor . You can shoot at maximum resolution of 3648 x 2736 pixels with aspect ratios of 4:3 and 16:9. L100 has a native ISO range of 80 - 3200 but unfortunately, Nikon L100 doesn't have RAW file support. If you need a Compact camera with a RAW support, consider Nikon Coolpix P7000 or Canon PowerShot S100 in the same price range.

    Nikon L100 is not the highest resolution Small Sensor camera. GoPro Hero11 Black with its 27.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Nikon L100 vs GoPro Hero11 Black or take a look at Highest resolution Compact cameras list.

    Let's look at how the size of the Nikon L100's 1/2.3-inch sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

    Nikon L100 Sensor Size Comparison
    Comparison image of Nikon L100 Sensor Size with other standard sensors



    Nikon L100 LCD

    Nikon L100 has a Fixed Type 3.00-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 230k dots. Both the screen size and the screen resolution is up to the standards of this class.



    Nikon L100 back view and LCD

    Unfortunately Nikon Coolpix L100 doesn't have a Selfie friendly screen. If this feature is important for your shooting style, check here the list of Best Compact Cameras with Selfie Friendly LCD screen.


    L100 doesn't have a viewfinder and no option for external viewfinder. Lack of a viewfinder can be problematic especially under strong light where visibility of LCD screens goes down dramatically. If you need a Compact camera with a built-in viewfinder in a similar price range, consider Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 (Lumix DMC-TZ100) (Compare) or Nikon Coolpix P7800 (Compare).
    Alternatively, check here the list of all Compact cameras with viewfinder..

    Nikon L100 Connectivity, Storage and Battery

    Nikon L100 has a USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port to connect your camera to other devices.

    Nikon L100 Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    Nikon Coolpix L100 Camera Nikon L110
    Compare
    1280 x 720 shots No No No
    Nikon Coolpix L100 Camera Nikon P100
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 shots No No No
    Nikon Coolpix L100 Camera Nikon L120
    Compare
    1280 x 720 330shots No No No
    Nikon Coolpix L100 Camera Nikon L810
    Compare
    1280 x 720 300shots No No No
    Nikon Coolpix L100 Camera Nikon B500
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 600shots Yes Yes No
    Nikon Coolpix L100 Camera Nikon L820
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 320shots No No No
    Nikon Coolpix L100 Camera Sony H300
    Compare
    1280 x 720 350shots No No No
    Nikon Coolpix L100 Camera Nikon L830
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 390shots No No No

    Nikon L100 Other Features

    Max Shutter speed

    Nikon L100 can shoot continuously at max speed of and has max shutter speed of 1/2000 sec.

    Flash

    Unfortunately L100 doesn't have an external flash shoe so you are limited with the built-in flash.

    Focusing

    Nikon L100 features a Contrast Detection autofocusing system.



    What type of Photography is Nikon L100 Good for?
    In this section, we review and score Nikon L100 in 5 different photography areas.

    Nikon L100 for Portrait Photography

    Nikon L100 has a score of 21 for Portrait Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Portrait We strongly recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Portrait Photography list and consider these alternatives over theL100.
    Image Stabilization
    Manual Focus Mode

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon L100 for Portrait Photography

    Nikon L100 for Street Photography

    Nikon L100 has a score of 53 for Street Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Street is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Street Photography list.
    Manual Focus Mode
    Live-view
    Image Stabilization
    28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
    Small Body

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon L100 for Street Photography

    Nikon L100 for Sports Photography

    Nikon L100 has a score of 18 for Sports Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Sports We strongly recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Sports Photography list and consider these alternatives over theL100.
    Manual Focus Mode
    Image Stabilization
    420 mm Tele Lens
    Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon L100 for Sports Photography

    Nikon L100 for Daily Photography

    Nikon L100 has a score of 57 for Daily Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Daily is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Daily Photography list.
    Compact Body
    15.0X Optical Zoom

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon L100 for Daily Photography

    Nikon L100 for Landscape Photography

    Nikon L100 has a score of 18 for Landscape Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape We strongly recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Landscape Photography list and consider these alternatives over theL100.
    Manual Focus Mode
    28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon L100 for Landscape Photography
    Nikon L100 Alternatives
    In this section, we analyse how Nikon L100 compares with other Compact cameras within a similar price range.
    Read a more detailed analysis of Nikon L100 alternatives.

    Popular Comparisons of Nikon L100

    Here are the eight most popular comparisons of the Nikon L100 amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Nikon L110
    Nikon L110
    Compare
    Nikon P100
    Nikon P100
    Compare
    Nikon L120
    Nikon L120
    Compare
    Nikon L810
    Nikon L810
    Compare
    Nikon B500
    Nikon B500
    Compare
    Nikon L820
    Nikon L820
    Compare
    Sony H300
    Sony H300
    Compare
    Nikon L830
    Nikon L830
    Compare

    Nikon L100 Alternatives in Cameras

    It would also be interesting to compare Nikon L100 with Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked cameras in Nikon L100's price range.

    Nikon L100 Conclusion and Scores

    Currently, Nikon L100 has an Overall Score of 28/100 which is based on our evaluation of 69 different technical parameters. Our scores are dynamically updated whenever a new camera is added to our database or when we change our ranking algorithm and the maximum score is always 100. Nikon Coolpix L100 is ranked #521 out of 631 in Compact cameras (Top 20 Compact), and ranked #1125 out of 1259 in all Cameras (Top 20 Overall).

    #1125 out of 1259 in Top Ranking Cameras
    #521 out of 631 in Top Ranking Compact Cameras
    #241 out of 245 in Top Ranking Small Sensor Superzoom Cameras
    #605 out of 740 in Top Ranking Small Sensor Sensor Cameras
    #510 out of 536 in Lightest Compact Cameras with Small Sensor sensor(360g)
    #782 out of 918 in Top Ranking Cameras with Fixed Type Screen
    Geek Score: 0

    Main Scores
    Imaging
    Features
    Value for Money
    Portability
    Overall Score
    Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras.

    Frequently Asked Questions about Nikon L100
    Does the Nikon L100 have Image Stabilization?
    Does the Nikon L100 have RAW support?
    Does the Nikon L100 have Weather Sealing?
    Does the Nikon L100 have built-in GPS?
    What is the Max ISO of Nikon L100?
    What is the Sensor Size of Nikon L100?
    is the Nikon L100 a Full Frame (FF) camera?
    Does the Nikon L100 have Touch Screen?
    Does the Nikon L100 have built-in Wireless?
    What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Nikon L100?
    What is the Weight of Nikon L100?
    What are the Dimensions of Nikon L100?
    Nikon Coolpix L100 Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Nikon
    Model Nikon Coolpix L100
    Announced 2009-02-03
    Body Type Compact
    Lens
    Manual Focus
    Lens Mount fixed lens
    Lens Focal Range 28-420 mm (15×)
    Max Aperture F3.5-5.4
    Macro Focus Range 1cm
    Screen
    Screen Type Fixed Type
    Screen Size 3.00"
    Screen Resolution 230k dots
    Live View
    Touch Screen
    Viewfinder
    Viewfinder None
    Viewfinder Resolution no electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Coverage n/a
    Viewfinder Magnification n/a
    Photography Features
    Min Shutter Speed 8s
    Max Mechanical Shutter Speed 1/2000s
    Max Continuous Shooting n/a
    Shutter Priority
    Aperture Priority
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Exposure Compensation n/a
    Custom White Balance
    Image Stabilization
    Built-in Flash
    Flash Range n/a
    Flash Modes Auto, Fill-in, Red-Eye reduction, Slow, Off
    External Flash
    AE Bracketing
    WB Bracketing
    Exposure Modes
    Multi-Segment
    Average
    Spot
    Partial
    AF-Area
    Center Weighted
    DxO Sensor Scores
    DxO Overall Score not tested
    DxO Color Depth not tested
    DxO Dynamic Range not tested
    DxO Low Light ISO not tested
    Report a correction

    Sensor
    Sensor Type CCD
    Sensor Size 1/2.3-inch
    Sensor Dimensions 6.08 x 4.56 mm
    Sensor Area 27.72mm2
    Sensor Resolution 10 megapixels
    Max Image Resolution 3648 x 2736
    Max Native ISO 3,200
    Min Native ISO 80
    RAW Support
    Autofocus
    AF Touch
    AF Continuous
    AF Single
    AF Tracking
    AF Selective
    AF Center
    AF Multi Area
    AF Live View
    AF Face Detection
    AF Contrast Detection
    AF Phase Detection
    Video Features
    Video Resolutions 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps)
    Max Video Resolution 640 x 480
    Video Formats Motion JPEG
    Microphone Port
    Headphone Port
    Connectivity
    Wireless Connectivity None
    HDMI
    USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
    Physical
    Environmental Sealing
    Water Proof
    Dust Proof
    Shock Proof
    Crush Proof
    Freeze Proof
    Weight 360g
    Physical Dimensions 110 x 72 x 78mm
    Battery Model 4 x AA
    Other Features
    Self Timer Yes (3 or 10 sec)
    Timelapse Recording
    GPS None
    Storage Type SD/SDHC card, Internal
    Storage Slots 1


    FOLLOW US


    Most Popular Small Sensor Superzoom Cameras
    Canon SX540 HS
    20 MP | 1/2.3' Sensor| 24-1200 mm
    Panasonic FZ300
    12 MP | 1/2.3 Sensor| 25-600 mm
    Canon SX620 HS
    20 MP | 1/2.3" Sensor| 25-625 mm
    Nikon B500
    16 MP | 1/2.3" Sensor| 23-900 mm
    Panasonic ZS70
    20 MP | 1/2.3 Sensor| 24-720 mm
    Nikon P1000
    16 MP | 1/2.3 Sensor| 24-3000 mm
    Panasonic FZ80
    18 MP | 1/2.3 Sensor| 20-1200 mm
    Sony H300
    20 MP | 1/2.3-inch Sensor| 25-875 mm
    Latest Compact Cameras
    Sony ZV-1F
    20 MP | 1″ Sensor | 20 mm
    Sony ZV-1
    20 MP | 1″ Sensor | 24-70 mm
    Fujifilm X100V
    26 MP | APS-C Sensor | 35 mm
    Sony RX100 VII
    20 MP | 1″ Sensor | 24-200 mm
    Canon G5 X MII
    20 MP | 1″ Sensor | 24-120 mm
    Canon G7 X MIII
    20 MP | 1' Sensor | 24-100 mm
    Leica Q2
    47 MP | Full frame Sensor | 28 mm
    Leica Q2 Monochrom
    47 MP | Full frame Sensor | 28 mm
    Copyright © 2023 by CameraDecision
    Privacy About Contact Us SpeakerDecision

    Report a Correction