The Nikon Coolpix L340 was never meant to compete with DSLRs or mirrorless giants. But in 2025, it’s still getting searched—and for good reason. Priced affordably and packed with a 28x optical zoom, the L340 continues to appeal to hobbyists, beginners, and anyone seeking a bridge camera without breaking the bank.
Key Specs:
- 20.2 megapixel CCD sensor
- 28x optical zoom (22.5–630mm equivalent)
- 720p HD video
- 3.0″ LCD screen (460k dots)
- Uses 4 AA batteries
- No Wi-Fi, no Bluetooth
- SD/SDHC card support
- Weighs about 1 lb without batteries
Who Is This Camera For?
The L340 isn’t built for professionals—or even serious hobbyists. But it does fill a niche:
- First-time camera users
- Students learning basic photography
- Parents and grandparents wanting simple, zoom-friendly cameras
- Travelers who don’t want to risk expensive gear
- Budget-conscious wildlife or outdoor shooters
If your phone struggles with long-distance subjects or poor lighting, the L340 is a budget-friendly upgrade for basic zoom needs.
Pros:
- Excellent 28x optical zoom for the price
- No learning curve—fully automatic operation
- Comfortable, DSLR-style grip
- Common AA battery power (easy to replace)
- Still images are solid in good lighting
Cons:
- Image quality drops in low light
- No manual shooting modes
- 720p video only (not ideal for modern content creation)
- AA batteries can drain quickly
- No connectivity features like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
Performance in Real Use
Outdoors, the Coolpix L340 performs surprisingly well. Landscapes and zoomed-in wildlife shots look decent, especially when handheld thanks to the grip design. Indoors or at night, though, the small sensor and lack of stabilization struggle—expect some grain and blur.
The autofocus is average at best. Don’t expect speed. And since there’s no viewfinder, you’ll be relying entirely on the LCD screen.
Should You Still Buy the Nikon Coolpix L340 in 2025?
If you find it used or refurbished under $120, it’s still a decent deal for ultra-basic photography. It won’t beat a newer smartphone in overall convenience or quality, but it will give you better zoom reach and a more camera-like experience.
Recommended for:
- Gifting to older relatives
- Outdoor hobby use
- Photography students on a tight budget
- Beginners who want to learn basic camera handling
Not recommended for:
- Content creators or vloggers
- Low-light indoor shooters
- Anyone expecting smartphone-like speed and connectivity
Where to Buy
You won’t find this new anymore—but you can still pick one up used or refurbished from:
- B&H Photo Video
- Adorama
- eBay
- Amazon (check the used section)
Final Verdict
The Nikon Coolpix L340 isn’t flashy, but it’s still functional. If you want a budget camera that feels like a “real” camera and gives you solid zoom, it’s a solid pick for under $120. Just don’t expect miracles—and skip it if you’re after speed, manual control, or low-light performance.
Modern Alternatives to the Nikon Coolpix L340
While the L340 is still usable, there are far better cameras available in 2025 that offer stronger zoom, better low-light performance, and full HD or 4K video. Here are three budget-friendly upgrades that bring modern features without breaking the bank:
1. Canon PowerShot SX740 HS
If you liked the L340’s zoom but want something sleeker and smarter, the SX740 HS is a fantastic step up. It packs a 40x optical zoom into a compact body, records crisp 4K video, and features built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for instant sharing. Canon’s DIGIC 8 processor also improves autofocus and color accuracy significantly.
Great for travelers and parents who want portability without sacrificing zoom.
2. Panasonic Lumix FZ80
The Lumix FZ80 is a bridge camera beast—offering a jaw-dropping 60x zoom (20–1200mm equivalent), 4K video, a touchscreen, and manual control options. You can shoot RAW, use post-focus features, and even crop in with 4K Photo Mode. It’s one of the most capable all-in-one superzoom cameras under $350.
Perfect for wildlife lovers, sports dads, and creative hobbyists.
3. Nikon Coolpix B600
If you liked the feel of the L340, the B600 is its spiritual successor. You get a 60x optical zoom, improved image processing, and better low-light performance—plus Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to share shots instantly. It maintains the same easy point-and-shoot design with boosted power under the hood.
Best for Nikon fans looking to stay loyal with a big upgrade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Nikon Coolpix L340 still worth buying in 2025?
Yes, if you’re looking for a basic zoom camera for under $120. While outdated, it still works well for casual outdoor photography, especially when purchased refurbished.
Does the Nikon Coolpix L340 have Wi-Fi or Bluetooth?
No, the L340 does not support wireless connectivity. You’ll need to transfer images manually via SD card.
Can I shoot video with the L340?
Yes, the camera records video at 720p HD resolution. However, it lacks advanced video features and image stabilization found in modern models.
What kind of batteries does the L340 use?
It runs on four AA batteries, which makes it easy to replace but less convenient for long-term use.
What are some better alternatives to the L340?
Modern alternatives include the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS, Panasonic Lumix FZ80, and Nikon Coolpix B600. All offer improved zoom, image quality, and connectivity.