Pros : 21x wide optical zoom; Fast shutter response; Sensor-shift Vibration Reduction; HD video with stereo audio; Smile timer; Very good battery life.

Versatile 21x optical zoom lens; 25mm wide angle; Alternate zoom toggle on side of lens barrel; Fast autofocus; Fast prefocused shutter lag; Low ISO images are good for prints up to 16x20 inches; Smile timer and Pet portrait work well for snapshots; Convenient AA power; Excellent battery life with

Bright exposures tend to blow out highlights; Soft video; Electronic VR doesn't work well at long focal lengths; Autofocus isn't very reliable at full telephoto; Autofocus struggles when zooming in on subjects in video mode; Macro mode captures limited sharpness and detail; No ASM exposure modes,

Video quality is mixed; some critics rate it good while CNET Australia considers it "one of the worst we've seen on any compact camera" with grainy images appearing in video frames, although "sound from the stereo microphone is decent.

21x optical zoom lens; Vivid; high-resolution LCD screen; Optical zoom can be used in video mode

Average image quality; Movie mode produces mixed results; Lacks manual controls; No electronic viewfinder

Accommodating an impressive 21x optical zoom Nikkor lens that provides a focal ability of 25-535mm (35mm equivalent), we don't have to look far to find the Nikon Coolpix L120's standout feature.

Nikon L120 Review: Overview Accommodating an impressive 21x optical zoom Nikkor lens that provides a focal ability of 25-535mm (35mm equivalent), we don't have to look far to find the Nikon Coolpix L120's standout feature.

Value for money is an important consideration when buying a camera. Spending time finding the best deal can reward us with extra features and functionality within our price range – the best specs rarely come at the best price, but there are exceptions.

The Nikon Coolpix L120 is a simple compact camera with a huge 21x optical zoom.

Nikon's Coolpix cameras are split into three categories: P for Performance, S for Style and L for Life. Past experience has taught us that Life is a euphemism for "cheap", but in the case of the L120 it's less clear cut.

The Nikon Coolpix L120 digital camera is a successor to the Nikon Coolpix L110 introduced in 2010. Nikon designed the Coolpix L120 to appeal to those who are looking for an affordable and compact camera that offers point-and-shoot simplicity with long range zoom capabilities.

Those not too fussed about perfect image quality will love the Coolpix L120 with its budget price-tag and huge array of features. Those wanting to make enlargements or shoot lots at high ISO levels will want to look elsewhere.

Very affordable; Comes in a stylish cherry red finish; High-resolution LCD screen; Lots of features for the price

SD card can be difficult to push in the slot; Image quality just OK for casual users; Image stabilisation not entirely effective; Poor video quality

The Nikon Coolpix L120 is a relatively cheap megazoom camera that's dead simple to use. There is nothing difficult about this camera at all - simply point it, adjust the zoom if it tickles your fancy, and press the shutter button.

Simple to operate; 21x optical zoom; Image stabilisation

Noticeable chromatic aberration; Can't handle overly bright conditions; Noticeable feathering after ISO 400