Are you looking for the best camera to suit your needs? Due to a wide range of options, making a wise and weighted decision can be rather challenging. Which specs to keep in mind? What are the key pros and cons of each model? This comparison should give some helpful hints!
In this overview, we are going to take a look at two different camera models that fall into different categories: the first model we are about to review, Nikon Coolpix L31 is a camera from Ultracompact category. It features CMOS sensor with a resolution of 16.0 MP. The second model we are looking at, Nikon Coolpix P330, falls into a Small Sensor Compact category and it is equipped with BSI-CMOS sensor that has a resolution of 12.0 MP.
Now, before we can move on to our comparison, let's take a moment to look at the key characteristics of Nikon Coolpix L31 and Nikon Coolpix P330.
Nikon Coolpix L31 Key Features:
Nikon Coolpix P330 Key Features:
Sensor Resolution | 16.0 MP vs 12.0 MP | 25% more pixels |
Weight | 160 g vs 200 g | 40 g lighter |
Wireless Connectivity | Optional vs No | Better connectivity |
Gps | Built-in vs No | Has GPS |
Sensor Area | 41.52 mm2 vs 28.07 mm2 | 32.4% larger pixel area |
Raw Support | Yes vs No | Better image quality |
Manual Exposure Mode | Yes vs No | Has Manual Exposure Mode |
Continuous Shooting | 10 fps vs No fps | 10 fps faster |
Flash Range | 6.5 vs 3.6 | 2.9 better flash range |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/4000 vs 1/2000 | Faster shutter speed |
Screen Size | 3″ vs 2.7″ | 0.3" larger screen |
Screen Resolution | 921k dots vs 230k dots | 75% higher resolution screen |
Max Video Resolution | 1920 x 1080 vs 1280 x 720 | Higher Resolution Video |
AutoFocus Face Detection | Yes | Yes | Very handy for portraits |
Built-In Flash | Yes | Yes | External flash available |
Image Stabilization | Yes | Yes | Built-in stabilization |
Touch Screen | No | No | No touch screen |
Screen Resolution | 230k dots | 921k dots | Small screen resolution |
Screen Type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type | No flexible viewing angles |
Viewfinder | No | No | No ViewFinder |
Sensor Resolution | 16.0 MP | 12.0 MP | Small sensor resolution |
Microphone Port | No | No | No microphone port |
Headphone Port | No | No | No headphone port |
Timelapse Recording | No | No | No timelapse recording |
External Flash Shoe | No | No | No Flash Shoe |
Environmental Sealing | No | No | No environmental sealing |
Battery Life | 200 shots | 200 shots | Low battery life |
Before heading straight to the technical characteristics of each model, let’s start with comparing their physical specs. Let’s start with looking at the physical difference of the two products. Below are images that clearly show the sizes of Nikon Coolpix L31 and Nikon Coolpix P330 from the front view.
Now, let’s go on and see how the reviewed models are different or similar by the top view.
After looking at these images, you should get a clear idea of each model’s dimensions and how they are different from each other. However, we are not going to stop there. The next characteristic worth looking at is the weight. Of course, not every photographer is concerned about the weight, for example, it wouldn't be a decisive point for those who shoot in a studio. However, it is still an important factor because if you happen to go on a long photo session or just love having the camera with you wherever you go, you want to be sure that the chosen model isn't too heavy.
Speaking of weight, Nikon Coolpix L31 is a lighter option of these two, as it weights 40g less than the Nikon Coolpix P330. This difference, in fact, can become a significant disadvantage for the photographers, who prefer to have their cameras with them wherever they go.
Sensor is, without a doubt, the most significant element of every digital camera. Its type, size, and resolution are the factors that define the quality of future shots. Thus, it is barely possible to pick a suitable camera without looking at these specs.
Are Nikon Coolpix L31 and Nikon Coolpix P330 any different in terms of sensor type?
In fact, that's exactly what makes these two models really different. Thus, it is a good point to consider if your are choosing between these two cameras. Nikon Coolpix L31 features a 16.0 MP 1/2.3" sized CMOS sensor . Nikon Coolpix P330, in its turn, comes with a 12.0 MP 1/1.7" sized BSI-CMOS sensor , which makes it significantly different from the first model.
Take a look below to find the comparison of Nikon Coolpix L31 and Nikon Coolpix P330 by the size of their sensors.
One more distinctive feature of compared models is the sensor size. Nikon Coolpix P330 is equipped with a sensor that is 0.7x larger than the one featured in Nikon Coolpix L31. Compared to the cameras with smaller sensor area, the ones with larger sensors ensure more control on the blurry background and depth of field if you shoot in the same aperture and focal length. Thus, the first model has a significant advantage here.
If you are interested in photography or has made a career in this field, you should know that different types of shooting actually require different camera characteristics. While one model can produce outstanding portraits, at the same time, it can be terrible for shooting landscapes, and so on. Thus, before you purchase a specific camera, it is vital to decide, which type of shooting you do most often and consider an option that suits it the most.
This section of our comparison is devoted to the performance of Nikon Coolpix L31 and Nikon Coolpix P330 in different fields of photography. Here we are going to look at the five main areas and evaluate how well each of the reviewed models performs in them. This will help you choose an option that suits your needs the most depending on your interest in one or several of these fields.
Photography Type | Nikon Coolpix L31 | Nikon Coolpix P330 |
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Street Photography |
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Sports Photography |
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Daily Photography |
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Landscape Photography |
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Hopefully, our detailed overview of these models has helped you consider all the main specs, pros and cons of each cameras. Maybe, after reading this comparison, some of you have already decided which option to opt for depending on your needs and preferences. However, if you are still wondering which option is a better choice, Nikon Coolpix L31 or Nikon Coolpix P330, below you can see what scores each of them received in five different aspects. To wrap up, we have used our unique Decision Algorithm that assesses different camera models upon 63 different factors including their price, and, if possible, DxO Mark scores. This algorithm allows us to make our verdict more consistent and objective.
What is our final verdict? Based on our comparison and the final scores of Nikon Coolpix L31 and Nikon Coolpix P330 here is what we can say in conclusion:
According all the factors that we considered in the process of comparing these two cameras, Nikon Coolpix P330 deserves a higher Total Score than the Nikon Coolpix L31. Thus, if you are choosing between these options, we would recommend you to choose the first model over the other one.
For better understanding of each model’s technical characteristics, find the detailed comparison below:
Nikon Coolpix L31 | Nikon Coolpix P330 | |
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General | ||
Brand | Nikon | Nikon |
Model | Coolpix L31 | Coolpix P330 |
Announced | Jan 14, 2015 | Mar 04, 2013 |
Body Type | Ultracompact | Compact |
Sensor | ||
Sensor Type | CMOS | BSI-CMOS |
Sensor Size | 1/2.3" | 1/1.7" |
Sensor Dimensions | 6.17 x 4.55 mm | 7.44 x 5.58 mm |
Sensor Area | 28.07 mm2 | 41.52 mm2 |
Sensor Resolution | 16.0 MP | 12.0 MP |
Max Image Resolution | 4608 x 3456 | 4000 x 3000 |
Max Native ISO | 1,600 | 12,800 |
Max Boosted ISO | n/a | n/a |
Min Native ISO | 80 | 100 |
RAW Support | ||
Lens | ||
Manual Focus | ||
Lens Mount | Fixed lens | Fixed lens |
Number of Lenses | n/a | n/a |
Focal Length Multiplier | n/a | n/a |
Macro Focus Range | 10 | 3 |
AutoFocus | ||
AF Touch | ||
AF Continuous | ||
AF Single | ||
AF Tracking | ||
AF Selective | ||
AF Center | ||
AF Multi Area | ||
AF Live View | ||
AF Face Detection | ||
AF Contrast Detection | ||
AF Phase Detection | ||
Number of Focus Points | n/a | n/a |
Number of Cross Focus Points | n/a | 0 |
Screen | ||
Screen Type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen Size | 2.7″ | 3″ |
Screen Resolution | 230k dots | 921k dots |
Live View | ||
Touch Screen | ||
ViewFinder | ||
ViewFinder | ||
ViewFinder Resolution | 0k dots | 0k dots |
ViewFinder Coverage | % | % |
ViewFinder Magnification | ||
Photography Features | ||
Min Shutter Speed | 4 s | 60 s |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/2000 s | 1/4000 s |
Continuous Shooting | fps | 10.0 fps |
Shutter Priority | ||
Aperture Priority | ||
Manual Exposure Mode | ||
Exposure Compensation | ||
Custom White Balance | ||
Image Stabilization | ||
Built-in Flash | ||
Flash Range | 3.6 | 6.5 |
Flash Modes | ||
External Flash | ||
AE Bracketing | ||
WB Bracketing | ||
Exposure Modes | ||
Multi-Segment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF-Area | ||
Center Weighted | ||
Video Features | ||
Video Resolutions | 1280 x 720 | 1920 x 1080 (60, 50, 30, 25, 24 fps), 1280 x 720p (30, 25 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 25fps) |
Max Video Resolution | 1280 x 720 | 1920 x 1080 |
Video Formats | Motion JPEG | MPEG-4, H.264 |
Microphone Port | ||
Headphone Port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless Connectivity | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 | USB 2.0 |
Physical | ||
Environmental Sealing | ||
Water Proof | ||
Dust Proof | ||
Shock Proof | ||
Crush Proof | ||
Freeze Proof | ||
Weight | 160 g | 200 g |
Physical Dimensions | 96 x 59 x 29 mm | 103 x 58 x 32 mm |
Battery Life | 200 shots | 200 shots |
Battery Type | AA | Battery Pack |
Battery Model | 2 x AA | EN-EL12 |
Other Features | ||
Self Timer | ||
Timelapse Recording | ||
GPS | Built-in | |
Storage Type | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Storage Slots | 1 | 1 |
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