Nikon L120 vs Fujifilm X-S1 Comparison

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Nikon L120

14 MP | 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) CCD Sensor

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Fujifilm X-S1

12 MP | 2/3" (8.8 x 6.6 mm) EXRCMOS Sensor

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Nikon L120 vs Fujifilm X-S1 Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing L120 and X-S1, two Small Sensor Superzoom cameras from Nikon and Fujifilm. Nikon L120 has a 14.0MP 1/2.3-inch sensor whereas Fujifilm X-S1 has a 12.0MP 2/3-inch sensor. Nikon L120 was introduced to market in February 2011 and Fujifilm X-S1 was launched in November 2011. There is only 9 months difference between L120 and X-S1 so we are expecting this to be a fair comparison regarding age and technology level.

Here is a brief look at the main features of Nikon L120 and Fujifilm X-S1 before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Nikon L120 Key Specs

Announcement Date: 2011-02-09

14MP - 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor

ISO 80 - 6400

25-525 mm F3.1-5.8 Zoom Lens

Sensor-shift Image Stabilization

3" Fixed Type Screen

1 fps continuous shooting

HD - 1280 x 720 video resolution

431g. 110 x 77 x 78 mm

Replaced Nikon Coolpix L110 Compare

Fujifilm X-S1 Key Specs

Announcement Date: 2011-11-24

12MP - 2/3-inch EXRCMOS Sensor

ISO 100 - 3200 ( expands to 12800)

24-624 mm F2.8-5.6 Zoom Lens

Optical Image Stabilization

3" Tilting Screen

Electronic viewfinder

10 fps continuous shooting

Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video resolution

920g. 135 x 107 x 149 mm

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how Nikon L120 and Fujifilm X-S1 compares and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.

Reasons to choose Nikon Coolpix L120 over Fujifilm X-S1

Max Sensor Resolution	14 MP vs 12 MP	16% more pixels
Max ISO	6.400 vs 3.200	100% higher Max ISO
LCD Screen Resolution	921k dots vs 460k dots	100% higher resolution screen
Weight	431 g vs 920 g	489 g lighter

Reasons to choose Fujifilm X-S1 over Nikon Coolpix L120

LCD Screen	Tilting vs Fixed Type	Flexible shooting positions
External Flash Shoe	Yes vs No	Better for flash photography
Viewfinder	Electronic vs None	Better framing and control
RAW Support	Yes vs No	Better image quality
Number of Focus Points	49 vs 9	40 more focus points
Continuous Shooting	10.0fps vs 1.0fps	9 fps faster
Manual Exposure	Yes vs No	better exposure control
Microphone Port	Yes vs No	High quality audio recording option
Focal Length - Wide	24mm vs 25mm	1 mm wider coverage
Focal Length - Tele	624mm vs 525mm	99 mm longer tele reach
Optical Zoom	26× vs 21×	more flexible focal coverage
Max Aperture - Wide	2.80 vs 3.10	faster lens at wide
Max Aperture - Tele	5.60 vs 5.80	faster lens at tele
Flash Coverage	8.0m vs 6.0m	2m longer range
Sensor Pixel Area	4.84µm² vs 2.01µm²	140% larger pixel area
Max Video Resolution	1920 x 1080 vs 1280 x 720	Higher Resolution Video
AE Bracketing	Yes vs No	Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR

Common Strengths of Nikon Coolpix L120 and Fujifilm X-S1

Image Stabilization	Sensor-shift vs Optical	Sharper images at longer focal lengths and long exposures
Built-in Flash	Yes vs Yes	Useful in low-light
Face Detection Focus	Yes vs Yes	very handy for portraits
Focal Length - Tele	525mm vs 624mm	Very good Telezoom

Common Weaknesses of Nikon Coolpix L120 and Fujifilm X-S1

Environmental Sealing	No vs No	not suitable for tough conditions

Nikon L120 vs Fujifilm X-S1: Physical Specs and Body features Comparison

Size and weight is a big decision factor when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs. In this section, We are going to illustrate Nikon L120 and Fujifilm X-S1 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Nikon L120 has external dimensions of 110 x 77 x 78 mm (4.33 x 3.03 x 3.07″) and weighs 431 g (0.95 lb / 15.20 oz) (including batteries). Fujifilm X-S1 has external dimensions of 135 x 107 x 149 mm (5.31 x 4.21 x 5.87″) and weighs 920 g (2.03 lb / 32.45 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Nikon L120 and Fujifilm X-S1. Nikon L120 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 25mm narrower, 30mm shorter and 71mm thinner than Fujifilm X-S1.

Comparison image of Nikon L120 and Fujifilm X-S1 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of Nikon L120 and Fujifilm X-S1.

Comparison image of Nikon L120 and Fujifilm X-S1 Size and Weight - Back View

Now lets look at the top view comparison of Nikon L120 and Fujifilm X-S1.

Top View Comparison image of Nikon L120 and Fujifilm X-S1 Size

Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Nikon L120 is significantly lighter (489g ) than the Fujifilm X-S1 which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.

Weight Comparison

Bridge Cameras

L120

X-S1

Min

Average

Max

Thickness Comparison

Bridge Cameras

L120

X-S1

Min

Average

Max

Weather Sealing

Unfortunately neither Nikon Coolpix L120 nor Fujifilm X-S1 provides any type of weather sealing in their body, so you have to give extra care especially when you are shooting outdoors. If weather sealing is a must-have feature for you, check these sections:
Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing
Top Bridge Cameras with Weather Sealing

LCD Screen Size and Features

Nikon L120 and Fujifilm X-S1's LCD screens has the same diagonal size of 3".

On the other hand, Fujifilm X-S1 features a Tilting screen where you can change the angle of the screen to make it easier to shoot from waist or over the head levels whereas the Nikon L120 has a fixed type screen which provides less flexibility in shooting positions compared to X-S1.

Nikon L120 vs Fujifilm X-S1: Sensor Comparison

Nikon L120 has a 14.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CCD sensor and features Expeed C2 processor. On the other hand, Fujifilm X-S1 has a 12.0MP 2/3-inch (8.8 x 6.6 mm ) sized EXRCMOS sensor and features EXR processor.

Below you can see the L120 and X-S1 sensor size comparison.

Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Nikon L120 and Fujifilm X-S1 Cameras

As seen above, Fujifilm X-S1 has a 2.1x Larger sensor area than Nikon L120. Larger sensors give photographer more control on the depth of field and blurry background compared to smaller sensor when shot in same focal length and aperture.

Nikon L120 vs Fujifilm X-S1 Lens Specs Comparison

Nikon L120 features a 25-525 mm F3.1-5.8 21× zoom lens whereas Fujifilm X-S1 features a 24-624 mm F2.8-5.6 26× zoom lens.

Fujifilm X-S1 has 1mm wider coverage than the Nikon L120. At f2.80, it is also faster at widest end. On the tele end, Fujifilm X-S1 has 99mm longer reach than the Nikon L120. At f5.60, it is also faster at tele end.

Wide Coverage

Compact Cameras

L120

X-S1

Widest - Ricoh WG-M1

Average

Telezoom

DSLR-Like Cameras

L120

X-S1

Longest - Canon SX520 HS

Average

Max Aperture at Tele

DSLR-Like Cameras

L120

X-S1

Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV

Average

Max Aperture at Wide

DSLR-Like Cameras

L120

X-S1

Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6

Average

What types of Photography are Nikon L120 and Fujifilm X-S1 Good for?

In this section, we rank and compare Nikon L120 and Fujifilm X-S1 for five different photography types in order to make your decision process easier in case you are specifically interested in one or more of these areas.

Nikon L120 for Portrait Photography

POOR

Fujifilm X-S1 for Portrait Photography

AVERAGE

Image Stabilization
Average Resolution Sensor: 14.0MP
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details

Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
External Flash Shoe
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Average Ergonomics&Handling
Small 2/3" (8.8 x 6.6 mm) sensor
Read the details

Nikon L120 for Street Photography

GOOD

Fujifilm X-S1 for Street Photography

GOOD

Image Stabilization
Small Body
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
25 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
Read the details

Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Tilting LCD Screen
Fast Lens at Wide: f2.80
24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Medium sized Body
Small 2/3" (8.8 x 6.6 mm) sensor
Read the details

Nikon L120 for Sports Photography

POOR

Fujifilm X-S1 for Sports Photography

AVERAGE

Image Stabilization
Fast Max shutter speed: 1/4000s
525 mm Tele Lens
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Slow Continuous Shooting: 1.0fps
Environmental Sealings
9 Focus Points
Slow Lens at Tele: f5.80
Read the details

Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
External Flash Shoe
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Fast Continuous Shooting: 10.0fps
Fast Max shutter speed: 1/4000s
49 Focus Points
624 mm Tele Lens
Average Ergonomics&Handling
Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Nikon L120 for Daily Photography

AVERAGE

Fujifilm X-S1 for Daily Photography

GOOD

Compact Body
21.0X Optical Zoom
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
431g
Body Thickness 78mm
Read the details

RAW shooting capability
26.0X Optical Zoom
Medium size Body
Small 2/3" (8.8 x 6.6 mm) sensor
920g
Body Thickness 149mm
Read the details

Nikon L120 for Landscape Photography

POOR

Fujifilm X-S1 for Landscape Photography

POOR

25 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 14.0MP
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Small 2/3" (8.8 x 6.6 mm) sensor
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Nikon L120 vs Fujifilm X-S1: OUR DECISION

You may have already made your decision about which camera suits better for your needs and your budget so far but in case you wonder how we rated Nikon L120 and Fujifilm X-S1, below you can find their scores in five different aspects. Our Decision Algorithm dynamically scores cameras using 63 different specs, current price and DxO Mark scores (where possible) in order to make a more objective and consistent comparison.

Here is a summary of how Nikon L120 and Fujifilm X-S1 scores compare:

Nikon L120

Imaging

Features

Value

Portability

Overall

Ranked #216 out of 475 in Compact cameras
Ranked #792 out of 1223 in all Cameras

Fujifilm X-S1

Imaging

Features

Value

Portability

Overall

Ranked #22 out of 113 in SLR-like (bridge) cameras
Ranked #364 out of 1223 in all Cameras

Fujifilm X-S1 is the overall winner of this comparison. It has a higher Overall Score and beats Nikon L120 in all criteria except one: Portability.
If small size and light body is a big priority for you, choose Nikon L120. Otherwise, Fujifilm X-S1 is the better camera overall.

Fujifilm X-S1 vs Nikon L120 Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications

General	Nikon Coolpix L120	Fujifilm X-S1
Brand	Nikon	Fujifilm
Announced	2011-02-09	2011-11-24
Body Type	Compact	SLR-like (bridge)
Sensor
Type	CCD	EXRCMOS
Size	1/2.3-inch	2/3-inch
Dimensions	6.17 x 4.55 mm	8.8 x 6.6 mm
Area	28.07mm²	58.08mm²
Megapixels	14 megapixels	12 megapixels
Max Resolution	4320 x 3240	4000 x 3000
Max Native Light sensitivity	6,400 ISO	3,200 ISO
Max Boosted Light Sensitivity	-	12800 ISO
Min Native Light sensitivity	80 ISO	100 ISO
RAW Support
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	9	49
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount	fixed lens	fixed lens
Lens Focal Range	25-525 mm (21×)	24-624 mm (26×)
Max Aperture	F3.1-5.8	F2.8-5.6
Macro Focus Range	1cm	1cm
Screen
Type	Fixed type	Tilting
Size	3"	3"
Resolution	921k dots	460k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder	None	Electronic
Viewfinder Coverage	n/a	100%
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter	1/4000s	1/4000s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization	Sensor-shift	Optical
Built-in Flash
Flash Range	6.00 m	8.00 m
External Flash
Continuous Shooting	1.0 fps	10.0 fps
Multi-Segment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF-Area
Center Weighted
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Video Features
Max Video Resolution	1280 x 720	1920 x 1080
Video Formats	Motion JPEG	H.264
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity	None	None
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight	431g	920g
Dimensions	110 x 77 x 78mm	135 x 107 x 149mm
Battery Life	330 shots	n/a
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS	None	None
DxO Sensor Scores
DxO Overall Score	not tested	49
DxO Color Depth	not tested	20.4
DxO Dynamic Range	not tested	11.2
DxO Low Light ISO	not tested	216
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