Nikon Coolpix L340 is not a DSLR camera. It’s a bridge camera that offers some DSLR-like features but in a much smaller body.
Just like the rest of the Nikon Coolpix range, it has no mirror at all but has a powerful zoom lens and a small sensor that delivers good image quality.
The most important difference between these two types of cameras is the sensor size.
The Nikon Coolpix L340 has a 1/2.3″ CCD sensor, which is smaller than most DSLRs (which usually have a 23.6 x 15.8 mm or larger sensor).
Because of this smaller sensor size, you will see more noise in your images when compared to other cameras with larger sensors.
Another difference is DSLRs have interchangeable lenses, while bridge cameras have fixed lenses.
However, a bridge camera like the Coolpix L340 has a 28x zoom lens to compensate for this. It’s a good choice if you want to take better photos but don’t want to carry around a bulky DSLR camera.
Yes, the camera has a tiny CCD sensor and has lesser image quality compared to its bigger cousins.
However, from my experience, it’s still an excellent camera for anyone who wants to take great photos without spending thousands of dollars on cameras.
It’s easy to use and its compact size makes me want to bring it everywhere, especially when I travel. It’s smaller than my Canon PowerShot SX410 and Nikon D7000.
Also, the Coolpix L340 has a nice interface that’s similar to all other Coolpix cameras like the B500. There are many features that I like about this camera, but the one feature that stands out is its 28x zoom lens. It’s very useful for such a compact camera!
With its zoom capability, taking photos of birds, butterflies, and other wildlife becomes easier. I also like the fact that it can take 720p video.
It’s not as good as my Nikon Coolpix P1000 which can do 4K, but it’s still surprisingly good for such a small camera!
Nikon Coolpix L340 Key specs
- 20MP 1/2.3 in. CCD Sensor
- 28x optical Zoom-NIKKOR ED glass lens
- 4.0-112mm (angle of view equivalent to 22.5-630mm lens in 35mm format)
- Lens-shift VR
- Electronically-controlled ND filter
- Contrast-detect AF
- 3.0-inch LCD
- Up to 1280×720/ 30P video
- ISO 80 – 1600
- 1/1500-1 sec. shutter speed
- Built-in flash
- 430 grams
When did Nikon Coolpix L340 come out?
This easy-to-use compact camera came out in February 2015. Back then, the Coolpix L340 became an extremely popular camera because of its affordable price and great picture quality.
Does it take videos?
Yes, the Nikon Coolpix L340 can take videos up to 1280×720 at 30p. It also has a built-in microphone but sadly, it doesn’t have a port for an external mic.
The video quality is decent, but nothing to write home about. It is clear but can be pretty shaky at times. It’s fun to use and quite useful when you’re on a trip and want to record your adventures.
If you want to vlog your adventures, this camera can be used for that, but it’s not the best for vlogging. It doesn’t even have a flip screen.
Can you add a lens to it?
Since the Nikon Coolpix L340 is a bridge camera and has a fixed lens that is a part of the camera itself, you can’t add or change lenses. You can only use the one that comes with the camera.
It is actually one of the disadvantages of compact, bridge, and point-and-shoot cameras.
But the good thing about them is, these cameras usually come with a zoom lens that has a wide and telephoto range.
These lenses are pretty versatile and can do a lot of different things in such a small package, which is why these cameras are so popular not just for casual users but also for professional photographers like myself.
Advantages
There are a number of reasons why the Nikon Coolpix L340 became popular and is still a good choice today if you’re looking for a superzoom bridge camera.
- It’s very affordable. I think it was about $220 when it first came out. And now, since the Coolpix L340 has been discontinued, you can get it used for around $80 to $100.
- Ease of use. It’s an entry-level camera that has simple controls and layouts. It’s fully automatic and doesn’t have manual controls, which is great for beginners.
- Size. The camera is small and light enough to carry around with you everywhere, which is why it’s a popular choice for vacations.
- The Coolpix L340 has a decent lens that can take some really good photos at all of its focal lengths as long as you’re using it under optimal lighting conditions. It’s not as good as an expensive DSLR but it will still get the job done if your goal is just taking casual snapshots or family photos without any professional aspirations.
- Superzoom. It can go up to 28x zoom, which is enough to capture a wide range of subjects from far away. I use this feature when I’m taking photos in the zoo or on a safari. It’s also useful when you’re traveling because it lets you capture landscapes and other faraway objects without having to get very close.
Final thoughts
If you’re planning to get a Coolpix L340 in 2023, I hope you find this article useful. This camera can still produce great photos in daylight. It’s also simple, affordable, very easy to use, and lets you focus on the moment instead of fiddling with buttons.
Its video capabilities are limited, but it’s still a good camera for anyone who just wants to capture memories without worrying about getting the highest quality.
Emma Lucy is the Founder & CEO of Emma Lucy Photography. She has over a decade of experience shooting weddings and other intimate events. She also tests the latest digital camera bodies, lenses, analog cameras, and other gear from Canon, Nikon, Sony, and other camera brands. She is From London and currently lives in the United States of America, where she spends most of her time as a self-employed professional photographer and writer.