CameraDecision
  • CAMERAS
    • All Cameras
    • Cameras by Brand
      • Sony Cameras
      • Canon Cameras
      • Nikon Cameras
      • Pentax Cameras
      • Fujifilm Cameras
      • Olympus Cameras
      • OM-System Cameras
      • Panasonic Cameras
      • Leica Cameras
    • Cameras by Body Type
      • Mirrorless Cameras
      • DSLR Cameras
      • Compact Cameras
      • Bridge Cameras
      • Waterproof Cameras
    • Cameras by Lens Mount
      • Sony E Mount Cameras
      • Canon RF Mount Cameras
      • Nikon Z Mount Cameras
      • Micro Four Thirds Mount Cameras
      • Fujifilm X Mount Cameras
      • Leica L Mount Cameras
      • Nikon F Mount Cameras
      • Canon EF Mount Cameras
      • Canon EF M Mount Cameras
      • Canon EF S Mount Cameras
      • Pentax KAF Mount Cameras
      • Sony Alpha Mount Cameras
      • Fujifilm G Mount Cameras
      • Sigma SA Mount Cameras
      • Nikon 1 Mount Cameras
  • LENSES
    • All Lenses
    • Lenses by Mount
      • Sony E Mount Lenses
      • Canon RF Mount Lenses
      • Nikon Z Mount Lenses
      • Canon EF Mount Lenses
      • Canon EF M Mount Lenses
      • Canon EF S Mount Lenses
      • Nikon F Mount Lenses
      • Fujifilm X Mount Lenses
      • Micro Four Thirds Mount Lenses
      • Leica L Mount Lenses
      • Pentax KAF Mount Lenses
      • Fujifilm G Mount Lenses
      • Sigma SA Mount Lenses
      • Sony Alpha Mount Lenses
    • Teleconverters
  • TOOLS
    • Cameras
      • Smart Find
      • 1-on-1 Comparison
    • Lenses
      • Smart Find
      • 1-on-1 Comparison
  • BLOG

Nikon L120 vs Nikon S100 Comparison

x
Camera to replace
Change

Nikon L120

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

Nikon L120
CHECK PRICE
CHECK PRICE
Change

Nikon S100

16 MP | 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) CMOS Sensor

Nikon S100
CHECK PRICE
CHECK PRICE
Nikon L120 vs Nikon S100 Comparison Overview

Here we are comparing L120 and S100, two Compact cameras by Nikon. Nikon Coolpix L120 is a Small Sensor Superzoom class camera and Nikon Coolpix S100 is a Small Sensor Compact class camera.

Nikon L120 was introduced to market in February 2011 and Nikon S100 was launched in August 2011. There is only 6 months difference between L120 and S100 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 Nikon S100 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
  • 3.00" Fixed Type Screen
  • 1.0fps continuous shooting
  • HD - 1280 x 720 video resolution
  • 431g. 110 x 77 x 78 mm
  • Replaced Nikon Coolpix L110 Compare

Nikon S100 Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2011-08-24
  • 16MP - 1/2.3-inch CMOS Sensor
  • ISO 125 - 3200
  • 28-140 mm F3.9-4.8 Zoom Lens
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 3.50" Fixed Type Screen
  • 6.0fps continuous shooting
  • Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video resolution
  • 175g. 99 x 65 x 18 mm

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how Nikon L120 and Nikon S100 compares and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.


Related Blog Posts

Daily Deals: DJI Osmo Pocket, Adobe Photoshop Elements 2023 and more
Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 SE Lens is in Stock
Readers Vote: Which is the Best Flagship Camera?
Nikon Z50 Firmware brings Eye-detection AF during Video and more
Daily Deals: I am just a Messenger Bag
Daily Deals: A Travel tripod, an affordable UHS-II card and more
Nikon Firmware Updates Released for Nikkor Z 400mm f4/5, Z 400mm F2.8, Z 600mm F4 TC and Z 800mm F6.3 lenses
Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G is here! Specs and Price


**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Reasons to choose Nikon Coolpix L120 over Nikon Coolpix S100
Max ISO
6.400 vs 3.200 100% higher Max ISO
LCD Resolution
921k dots vs 820k dots 12% higher resolution screen
Max Mech. Shutter
1/4000s vs 1/2000s faster mechanical shutter
Battery Life
330 shots vs 150 shots 180 more frames with a single charge
Focal Length - Wide
25mm vs 28mm 3 mm wider coverage
Focal Length - Tele
525mm vs 140mm 385 mm longer tele reach
Optical Zoom
21× vs 5× more flexible focal coverage
Max Aperture - Wide
3.10 vs 3.90 faster lens at wide
Sensor Pixel Area
2.01µm2 vs 1.76µm2 14% larger pixel area
CHECK L120 PRICE


Reasons to choose Nikon Coolpix S100 over Nikon Coolpix L120
Touch Screen
Yes vs No Easy control of camera functions
Sensor Resolution
16 MP vs 14 MP 14% more pixels
LCD Screen Size
3.5" vs 3" 0.5 inches larger display
Continuous Shooting
6.0fps vs 1.0fps 5 fps faster
Weight
175 g vs 431 g 256 g lighter
Max Aperture - Tele
4.80 vs 5.80 faster lens at tele
Max Video Resolution
1920 x 1080 vs 1280 x 720 Higher Resolution Video
CHECK S100 PRICE

Common Strengths of Nikon Coolpix L120 and Nikon Coolpix S100
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
LCD Screen Size
3.50" vs 3.50" Large display
Common Weaknesses of Nikon Coolpix L120 and Nikon Coolpix S100
Fixed Screen
Fixed Type vs No Screen tilts or Flips out independently, perfect for both stills and video
External Flash Shoe
No vs No Not suitable for flash photography
Viewfinder
None vs None No eye-level shooting option
RAW Support
No vs No Lower image quality
Manual Exposure
No vs No No manual exposure control
Environmental Sealing
No vs No not suitable for tough conditions
New4
Nikon L120 vs Nikon S100: 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 Nikon S100 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). Nikon S100 has external dimensions of 99 x 65 x 18 mm (3.9 x 2.56 x 0.71″) and weighs 175 g (0.39 lb / 6.17 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Nikon L120 and Nikon S100. Nikon S100 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 11mm narrower, 12mm shorter and 60mm thinner than Nikon L120.

Nikon L120 vs Nikon S100 Camera Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Nikon L120 and Nikon S100 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of Nikon L120 and Nikon S100.

Nikon L120 vs Nikon S100 Camera Size Comparison - Back View
Comparison image of Nikon L120 and Nikon S100 Size and Weight - Back View

Now lets look at the top view comparison of Nikon L120 and Nikon S100.
Nikon L120 vs Nikon S100 Camera Size Comparison - Top View
Top View Comparison image of Nikon L120 and Nikon S100 Size

Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Nikon S100 is significantly lighter (256g ) than the Nikon L120 which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

L120
S100
Min
Average
Max
Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

L120
S100
Min
Average
Max

Weather Sealing

Unfortunately neither Nikon Coolpix L120 nor Nikon Coolpix S100 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

LCD Screen Size and Features

Nikon S100's 3.50" LCD screen is slightly larger than Nikon L120's 3" screen.

Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don't tilt or flip in directions.
Nikon L120 vs Nikon S100: 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, Nikon S100 has a 16.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features Expeed C2 processor.

Below you can see the L120 and S100 sensor size comparison.

Nikon L120 vs Nikon S100 Sensor Size Comparison
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Nikon L120 and Nikon S100 Cameras


Nikon L120 and Nikon S100 have the same sensor sizes so they will provide same level of control over the depth of field when used with same focal length and aperture. On the other hand, since Nikon L120 has 14% larger pixel area compared to Nikon S100, it has potential to collect more light on pixel level hence have less noise in low light / High ISO images.

Nikon L120 vs Nikon S100 Lens Specs Comparison

Nikon L120 features a 25-525 mm F3.1-5.8 21× zoom lens whereas Nikon S100 features a 28-140 mm F3.9-4.8 5× zoom lens.

Nikon L120 has 3mm wider coverage than the Nikon S100. At f3.10, it is also faster at widest end. On the tele end, Nikon L120 has 385mm longer reach than the Nikon S100. However, with a max aperture of f4.80, Nikon S100 is faster at tele end.

Wide Coverage

Compact Cameras

L120
S100
Widest - Olympus TG-850 iHS
Average
Telezoom

Compact Cameras

L120
S100
Longest - Canon SX520 HS
Average
Max Aperture at Tele

Compact Cameras

L120
S100
Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV
Average
Max Aperture at Wide

Compact Cameras

L120
S100
Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6
Average
What types of Photography are Nikon L120 and Nikon S100 Good for?
In this section, we rank and compare Nikon L120 and Nikon S100 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

Nikon S100 for Portrait Photography

POOR
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
Manual Focus Mode
Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
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 Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details

Nikon L120 for Street Photography

GOOD

Nikon S100 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
Manual Focus Mode
Small Body
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Built-in Viewfinder
Slow Lens at Wide: f3.90
Read the details

Nikon L120 for Sports Photography

POOR

Nikon S100 for Sports Photography

POOR
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
Manual Focus Mode
Average Continuous Shooting: 6.0fps
Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
140 mm Tele Lens
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Environmental Sealings
Unknown Focus Points
Poor Battery Life: 150 shots
Read the details

Nikon L120 for Daily Photography

AVERAGE

Nikon S100 for Daily Photography

AVERAGE
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
Compact Body
175g
Body Thickness 18mm
5.0X Optical Zoom
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
Read the details

Nikon L120 for Landscape Photography

POOR

Nikon S100 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
28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Manual Exposure Mode
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Nikon L120 vs Nikon S100: 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 Nikon S100, below you can find their scores in five different aspects. Our Decision Algorithm dynamically scores cameras using 69 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 Nikon S100 scores compare:

Nikon L120
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #218 out of 477 in Compact cameras
Ranked #836 out of 1257 in all Cameras
Nikon S100
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #166 out of 477 in Compact cameras
Ranked #751 out of 1257 in all Cameras

Nikon S100 has a higher Overall Score than the Nikon L120 and would be our choice if we have to decide between these two cameras.

Nikon L120
Nikon L120
CHECK PRICE

CHECK PRICE

Nikon S100
Nikon S100
CHECK PRICE

CHECK PRICE

Nikon S100 vs Nikon L120 Specs Table
Detailed comparison of specifications
General Nikon Coolpix L120 Nikon Coolpix S100
Brand Nikon Nikon
Announced 2011-02-09 2011-08-24
Body Type Compact Compact
Sensor
Type CCD CMOS
Size 1/2.3-inch 1/2.3-inch
Dimensions 6.17 x 4.55 mm 6.17 x 4.55 mm
Area 28.07mm2 28.07mm2
Megapixels 14 megapixels 16 megapixels
Max Resolution 4320 x 3240 4608 x 3456
Max Native Light sensitivity 6,400 ISO 3,200 ISO
Min Native Light sensitivity 80 ISO 125 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 n/a
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount fixed lens fixed lens
Lens Focal Range 25-525 mm (21×) 28-140 mm (5×)
Max Aperture F3.1-5.8 F3.9-4.8
Macro Focus Range 1cm 1cm
Screen
Type Fixed type Fixed type
Size 3.00" 3.50"
Resolution 921k dots 820k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder None None
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter 1/4000s 1/2000s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Built-in Image Stabilization Sensor-shift Optical
Built-in Flash
Flash Range 6.00 m n/a
External Flash
Continuous Shooting 1.0 fps 6.0 fps
Multi-Segment Metering
Average Metering
Spot Metering
Partial Metering
AF-Area Metering
Center Weighted Metering
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Video Features
Max Video Resolution 1280 x 720 1920 x 1080
Video Formats Motion JPEG MPEG-4, Motion JPEG
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity None None
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight 431g 175g
Dimensions 110 x 77 x 78mm 99 x 65 x 18mm
Battery Life 330 shots 150 shots
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS None None
DxO Sensor Scores
Report a correction Report a correction


FOLLOW US


Most Popular Cameras
Sony A7 IV
33 MP | Full frame Sensor | Sony E Mount
Sony A7R IV
61 MP | Full frame Sensor | Sony E Mount
Canon R3
24 MP | Full frame Sensor | Canon RF Mount
Canon M50 II
24 MP | APS-C Sensor | Canon EF-M Mount
Nikon Z9
46 MP | Full frame Sensor | Nikon Z Mount
Fujifilm X-T30 II
26 MP | APS-C Sensor | Fujifilm X Mount
Fujifilm GFX 100
102 MP | Medium format Sensor | Fujifilm G Mount
Nikon Z5
24 MP | Full frame Sensor | Nikon Z Mount
Latest Cameras
Panasonic S5 II X
24 MP | Full frame Sensor | Leica L Mount
Panasonic S5 II
24 MP | Full frame Sensor | Leica L Mount
Pentax KF
24 MP | APS-C Sensor | Pentax KAF2 Mount
Fujifilm X-T5
40 MP | APS-C Sensor | Fujifilm X Mount
Canon R6 II
24 MP | Full frame Sensor | Canon RF Mount
Sony A7R V
61 MP | Full frame Sensor | Sony E Mount
OM System OM-5
20 MP | Four Thirds Sensor | Micro Four Thirds Mount
Sony ZV-1F
20 MP | 1″ Sensor | 20 mm
Copyright © 2023 by CameraDecision
Privacy About Contact Us SpeakerDecision

Report a Correction