“The build feels of a decent quality, and it’s been
styled with an attractive trim”
The L26 is compatible with Eye-Fi memory cards, for wireless
image transfers direct to your comouter.
Best Shot Selector takes multiple images and picks the
sharpest, and Multi-Shot 16 gives you 16 photos to choose from in one click.
The in-camera editing options are Skin Softening Rotate, and
D-lighting, which adjusts the lighting while retaining the detail.
Buy this if…
You’re looking for a simple, easy-to-use camera
An economical point-and shoot compact that makes
things really simple for beginners
Designed with the beginner in mind, the L26 comes with
everything you would need when starting out, but not much extra on the side.
That’s not to say this isn’t a good little camera, because it is, and
considering it can be found for less than £70 (approx $114) online, it’s great
for those testing the photography waters.
Available in sliver, black, red or blue, its build feels of
a decent quality for the price, and it’s been styled with an attractive trim.
The basic, self-explanatory buttons on the back are easy to get to grips with.
There’s a scene button to control what mode you shoot in and a menu button for
more specific options like image size, sound settings and date and time. It’s
impossible to get confused by this menu system, and there are quick buttons
around the d-pad for self-timer, exposure compensation, flash and macro mode,
as well as movie mode, playback and the trash can.
You have a wide selection of basic modes to choose from,
including Auto and Easy Auto settings, and 18 scene modes that cover a wide
range of scenarios.
Smart Portraits is nice added extra, which takes the shot
when it detects a smile as well as a blink alert that informs you when
someone’s eyes were closed. There’s also 720p video shooting, but that’s pretty
much all the features, with no advanced functions or controls.
The L26 sometimes struggled to focus, and images were noisy
at ISO 800 and 1600, but generally they were of a good quality, if a little
undersaturated. The LCD screen is low-res, so viewing images this way won’t
give you a true idea of their quality.
This clearly is a no-frills model, with no gadgetry or
overly sophisticated features. However, this camera is reliable, has a decent
level of image quality and enough scene modes to suit most types of
photography. For such a small price, you can’t ask for much more.
Hands-on
The shutter button is found in a handy place and the
protrusion for the batteries actually helps make the camera more comfortable to
hold. Combined with a thumb grip on the back, it’s easy to grip one-handed.
Vibration
reduction will help reduce the impact of hand shake on your shots
We answer your questions
I’m on a budget but don’t want a naff camera – is this
a good option?
For a bargain price you get all the essential from this
camera, without sacrificing too much image quality. The build is decent, and
with specs like 16MP, 5x optical zoom and 720p video recording, you’re not
buying a dud.
What’s good about it
ü
Easy-to-use menu system and very useful quick buttons on the back
ü
18 scene modes to suit nearly every scenario you choose to
photograph
What could be better
ü
Images appeared undersaturated and were noisy when using higher
ISOs
ü
More customizable controls, such as white balance and AF would be
good
How good is it for
Portraits: Skin tones are flattering and Smart
Portrait mode is a useful feature
Landscapes: 26mm wide angle is good for landscape but
colours weren’t vibrant
Sports: BSS mode and motion detection are useful, but
the zoom isn’t big enough
Low light: ISO 1600 is modest, and noise crept in
once ISO reached 800
Macro: The four-inch minimum focus distance won’t let
you get in close
The info
Price: $120
Megapixels
/ 16MP
Enough for
megapixels to print large canvases or bigger frames
Zoom
/ 5x optical, 4x digital
A decent
focal range of 26-130mm with the optical zoom
Shutter
speeds / 1-1/2000sec (4sec in Fireworks mode)
Good for
sport at the fast end, but you’re restricted on long exposures
ISO
sensitivity / 80-1600
Modest,
but it will cope in low light
Exp.
modes/ 18 scenes, Auto, Easy Auto, and Smart Portrait
A great
selection for beginners
Aperture:
f3.2-6.5
Flash
modes: A, RE, FOff, FOn, SS
Weight:
164g
Dimensions:
96.0 x 59.7 x 28.8mm
Batteries:
AA: Alkaline/ Ni-MH
Storage:
SD/ SDXC/ SDHC
Screen:
3 inches
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Verdict
Features: 3/5
Design and
handling: 4/5
Build
quality: 3/5
Image quality:
3/5
Value for
money: 4/5
A great
compact camera for beginners on a budget, but if you want more in the way of
features or control over your photo results, you’ll need to invest a bit more
cash: 3/5
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