Nikon L1 Optics

Zoom
A 5x optical zoom range (rather than the typical 3x), with good performance.

The Coolpix L1 zooms over the equivalent of a 38-190mm range, a good bit more telephoto than others in its class. The 4x digital zoom takes it out to 20x (a 760mm equivalent) albeit with the loss of quality that digital zoom creates.

Macro
A small macro area with the good detail and high resolution typical of Coolpix macro modes. Flash does not throttle down well at this range, so plan on using external flash for macro shots.

The Coolpix L1's macro setting performs well, capturing a very small minimum area of 1.46 x 1.09 inches (27 x 28 millimeters). Detail is strong and resolution high, with only a moderate amount of softening in the corners from the lens. (Most cameras have some softening in the corners in macro mode.) The flash doesn't throttle down well, and its lighting is very uneven at closest approach. (Plan on using external lighting for your closest macro shots with the L1.)

Distortion
Moderate barrel distortion at wide angle, no distortion at all at telephoto.

This is the tendency for the lens to bend straight lines outward (like a barrel--usually at wide angle) or inward (like a pincushion--usually at telephoto). The L1's 0.84% barrel distortion at about average among the cameras I've tested. At the telephoto end, the L1 showed no measurable distortion.

Chromatic aberration
Noticeable at wide angle, absent at telephoto.

Chromatic aberration is fairly noticeable at wide angle, showing several pixels of moderately bright coloration on either side of the target lines, but disappears at telephoto focal lengths. (This distortion is visible as a very slight colored fringe around the objects at the edges of the field of view on the resolution target.)

Corner Sharpness
Some softening in the lower corners of the frame.

The Coolpix L1 produced soft corners in a few shots. This is not uncommon in entry-level and some subcompact digital cameras, but we like to see corner sharpness a bit better than that shown here.

Coverage
Very good accuracy from the LCD monitor. The L1 does not have an optical viewfinder.

The L1's LCD monitor showed very close to 100 percent frame accuracy.