Nikon Coolpix L19 in Digital cameras

The second of the three budget models this month to take AA batteries, the Coolpix L19 is a key competitor to Canon's PowerShot A480, and one of only three to come in at £100 or less including VAT.

In common with the A480 there's a lack of rechargeable batteries in the box - just two standard Duracell AAs - and you get a similar, slightly chunky plastic body and pared-down feature set. It's all a bit reminiscent of Coolpix models of about five years ago.

Eight megapixels and a 3.6x optical zoom are the order of the day, along with simplified controls and an almost complete lack of manual settings beyond exposure compensation. Optical image stabilisation is off the menu too, but as with the Coolpix S220 there's a BSS mode, as well as face detection, smile detection and blink warning, increasing your chances of coming home from a night out with something reasonable to share online.

Nikon has been making cameras for rather a long time (since 1948, in fact), so it's become pretty good at the fundamentals. As such, there's little wrong with image quality. Our outdoor shots had a pleasing, natural colour balance and decent contrast. Detail was good if slightly soft - but the lack of intrusive sharpening is a Nikon trait we like.

Overall, though, it isn't quite up to the level of the PowerShot A480, and that coupled with the Canon's better looks and slightly more compact body means it's pipped to the post as far as the best budget model is concerned.

Author: David Fearon