Nikon's 2014 budget superzoom — 16MP CMOS, 34x 22.5-765mm lens, tilting 921k LCD, 1080p, AA power.
The Nikon Coolpix L830 was a budget DSLR-styled superzoom launched in January 2014 as the successor to the Coolpix L820, extending the zoom from 30x to 34x while keeping the 16-megapixel CMOS sensor. Priced at £229.99 / $299.95, it topped Nikon's affordable AA-powered L-series bridge line and was later followed by the L840.
It pairs a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor (maximum ISO 3200) with a 34x optical zoom NIKKOR lens covering a 22.5-765mm equivalent range — unusually wide at the short end for its class — extendable to 68x with Dynamic Fine Zoom. The 3.0-inch, 921k-dot monitor tilts up and down for high and low angles, Nikon's Hybrid Vibration Reduction steadies the long telephoto reach, and video is recorded in full 1080p HD with stereo sound and working optical zoom. Like the rest of the L-series it runs on readily available AA batteries.
The L830 gives a lot of reach for little money: reviewers found it a surprisingly powerful feature set for the price. It suits wildlife and sports spectators, travellers and families who want everything from wide group shots to distant subjects in one AA-powered package. Compromises include no viewfinder, no raw capture and no full manual exposure control — this is a point-and-shoot with a very long lens.
Used, the AA power supply is a plus — no proprietary battery to source — but check the contacts for corrosion and budget for good NiMH cells, as the big zoom eats alkalines. Run the lens through its whole 34x travel checking for smooth, quiet motion and a sharp image at 765mm-equivalent with VR active, test the tilting screen mechanism through its range, and confirm 1080p video records with clean stereo sound.