The Nikon Coolpix L340 is a low-cost superzoom bridge-style camera that updates the L330. Its main selling point is its 28x optical zoom which gives a 35mm-equivalent focal range of 22.5-630mm. Images are captured on a 20.2MP sensor and power comes from four AA batteries. The Nikon Coolpix L340 is available now for around £240.
Nikon Coolpix L340 Features
There’s not a lot new to the Coolpix L340. In fact, the only notable difference between it and the old L330 is the marginally increased zoom range. Where the old camera had a 26x optic, the new model gets 28x optical zoom, giving a 35mm-equivelent focal range of 22.5-630mm. Nikon has equipped the lens with lens-shift vibration reduction to help tame the effects of camera shake.
Externally the L340 is identical to the L330, and it also shares the same 20.2MP CCD sensor that’s capable of a maximum sensitivity of just ISO1600. HD 1280x720 video recording is also available, though given the increased prevalence of 4K video, it’s a pity the L340 can’t at least capture at 1080p resolution.
As this is a budget-friendly camera, you don’t get many fun features. Apart from six special effects filters and a scene-detecting automatic mode, the only other stand-out feature is Nikon’s Smart Portrait mode that’ll flatter images of friends and family by softening skin and warning you if someone blinks.
Key Features
- 20.2 megapixel 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor
- ISO80 to ISO1600
- 28x optical zoom lens, 22.5-630mm equivalent, f/3.1-5.9
- Lens-shift Vibration Reduction
- 3.0-inch LCD screen, 460,000-dots
- HD 720p video recording
- Powered by AA batteries
Nikon Coolpix L340 Handling
The L340 measures 111.1 x 76.3 x 83.3 mm (4.4 x 3.1 x 3.3 in.) and is relatively compact for this style of camera. A ready-to-shoot weight of 430g is also reasonable considering the L340 is powered by four AA batteries.
The chunky design, large rubberised hand grip and rear thumb rest make the camera nice and easy to hang on to, although those with larger fingers may find the gap between the handgrip and lens barrel slightly too narrow for comfort.
Whilst the L340 may be styled like a bridge camera, its range of controls has much more in common with a basic point-and-shoot compact snapper. Buttons are restricted to essential controls for the self-timer, scene modes, macro mode, video recording and flash mode. The only nod towards any degree of manual control is the exposure compensation button which enables up to +/-2 stops of exposure adjustment. Even the zoom ring around the shutter release is very basic with only one available speed, meaning precise focal length adjustments can be difficult.
A 3-inch LCD screen gives a satisfactory viewing experience with good colour reproduction and brightness. Whilst the 460k-dot resolution is far from pin-sharp, it’s the monitor’s limited viewing angles which are more problematic, making it tough to accurately judge exposure and contrast.
The L340 uses Nikon’s tried and tested white on grey with yellow highlights menu design. It doesn’t look particularly special, but it is basic, functional and easy to navigate, especially given how few menu options are actually available.
Battery life - There have to be some compromises to produce the L340 for such a low price, so it doesn’t include a rechargeable battery pack. If don’t fancy shelling out on standard alkaline batteries for the life of the camera, you’ll need to factor the extra cost of buying your own rechargeable batteries and a charger.
But even with 4 AA alkaline batteries on board, you do get a very healthy 370-shot run time. Slot in some premium lithium cells and this can be upped to an incredible 960 shots.
Speed - We took a number of shots to test the camera's responsiveness, from switch on to first photo, shot to shot, focusing speed etc. We take a number of shots and then use the average to ensure accurate and consistent tests, making it easy to compare with other cameras.
| Shutter Response | 0.15secs |
| Wide - Focus / Shutter Response | 0.5secs |
| Full zoom - Focus / Shutter Response | 0.55secs |
| Switch on Time to Taking a Photo | 1.7secs |
| Shot to Shot without Flash | 3.2secs |
| Shot to Shot with Flash | 4.6secs |
| Continuous Shooting - JPEG (shots before slow down) |
1fps (4 shots) |
| Continuous Shooting - Flash | N/A |
Nikon Coolpix L340 Performance
The performance section is where we look at the image quality performance of the camera. Additional sample photos and product shots are available in the Equipment Database, where you can add your own review, photos and product ratings.
Nikon Coolpix L340 Sample Photos
Sample Photos - The L340 produces vibrant and accurately exposed images that look fairly attractive at first glance. Dynamic range isn’t particularly impressive, however, with shadows prone to being crushed and highlight areas are often slightly blown out. Detail seems respectable when viewing at 50% image size or smaller, but zoom in any further and you’ll see some smearing of areas like foliage which can take on a painterly appearance. The is exacerbated when using long focal lengths, as the camera applies even more image smoothing to counteract camera shake.
Nikon Coolpix L340 Lens test images
Lens Performance - The L340’s 28x zoom lens produces moderate levels of chromatic aberration (purple fringing). Nikon’s JPEG image processing mostly corrects any lens distortion, though some slight waviness is still apparent at maximum wide angle when shooting geometric subjects. Sharpness, whilst reasonable in the centre of frame, does deteriorate noticeably towards the corners.
Autofocusing speed is almost instant in good light and at close range, though it can slow fractionally when you zoom into a more distant subject. In low light, focusing is noticeably slower regardless of the lens’ focal length. Nikon quotes a 1cm macro focusing distance, however we found the L340 to need at least a 5cm gap before it would lock on properly.
Nikon Coolpix L340 ISO test images
ISO Noise Performance - At ISO 80 and 100, the L340 produces fairly clean images with little evidence of noise, although fringing is apparent on high-contrast boundaries. At ISO 200, grain is already creeping in and edges are starting to lose definition. There’s slightly more grain at ISO 400, but images still present quite well. ISO 800 is the highest acceptable sensitivity, as grain is becoming distracting, whilst detail is significantly softened. ISO 1600 shots look surprisingly bad, as even when viewing at 25% image size, it’s easy to see the high levels of grain, blotchiness and colour speckling.
Nikon Coolpix L340 White-balance test images
White Balance Performance - Auto white balance performs well under both tungsten and fluorescent lighting and the camera consistently produces a neutral colour balance. The same can’t be said for both the manual tungsten and fluorescent settings though, as both generate obvious colour casts.
Nikon Coolpix L340 Digital filters
Digital Filters - The L340 has six filter effects which are previewed live and recorded at full resolution. They are: Nostalgic sepia, High-contrast monochrome, Selective colour (choose from 12 colour options), Pop, Photo illustration and Cyanotype. There’s no automatic panorama mode – only a Panorama Assist scene setting that helps you align separate stills for stitching later.
Video - Videos are captured at HD 720p resolution with mono sound. Optical zoom is usable during recording.
Value For Money
The Nikon Coolpix L340 is comparable to the Canon PowerShot SX410 IS which boasts a 40x zoom lens, but in every other respect is just as basic as the L340. Sony’s Cyber-shot H300 features a similar design and feature set to the L340 and sports a 35x optical zoom range. It can also be had for around £120, though it’s less good value Stateside at $220. If you can manage with a 26x zoom lens, the outgoing Nikon Coolpix L330 can still be snapped up for just £84 and is almost identical to the L340.
Have a look at more ultra-zoom / bridge cameras in our Top 10 Best Ultra Zoom Cameras 2015, or have a look at our Top 10 Budget Cameras 2015. You'll also need to buy a memory card and a case or bag to keep your camera safe and protected - have a look at our complete guide to camera bags.
Nikon Coolpix L340 Verdict
The Nikon Coolpix L340 is a predictably minor upgrade over last year’s L330, with the only improvement being a bump in zoom range from 26x to 28x. A few years ago this would have been big news, but given many pocketable compact cameras are now capable of 30x zoom, whilst high-end bridge cameras boast upwards of 60x zoom, the L340’s lens isn’t actually that special.
Externally the L340 is identical to the L330, but that at least means it retains the same high build quality and comfy ergonomics. The 20.2MP CCD sensor carried over to the L340 generates acceptable image quality, providing you’re not expecting detail, image noise levels and dynamic range to be anything better than mediocre. However, the worst aspect of the camera is the EXPEED C2 image processor, which has also been carried over from the L330 and is still just as sluggish and frustrating.
But ultimately even a camera that performs as averagely as the L340 is sure to be a bestseller thanks entirely to its modest price, versatile lens and effortless ease to use.