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Nikon L120 vs Panasonic 3D1 Comparison

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Nikon L120

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

Nikon L120
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Panasonic 3D1

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

Panasonic 3D1
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Nikon L120 vs Panasonic 3D1 Comparison Overview

Here we are comparing two Compact cameras from Nikon and Panasonic. Nikon L120 was introduced to market in February 2011 and Panasonic 3D1 was launched in November 2011. There is only 9 months difference between L120 and 3D1 so we are expecting this to be a fair comparison regarding age and technology level.

Both cameras have 1/2.3-inch sensors but Nikon L120 has a 14.0 MP and Panasonic 3D1 has a 12.0 MP resolution.

Here is a brief look at the main features of Nikon L120 and Panasonic 3D1 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

Panasonic 3D1 Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2011-11-07
  • 12MP - 1/2.3-inch CMOS Sensor
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • 25-100 mm F3.9-5.7 Zoom Lens
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 3.5" Fixed Type Screen
  • continuous shooting
  • Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video resolution
  • 193g. 108 x 58 x 24 mm

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how Nikon L120 and Panasonic 3D1 compares and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.

Reasons to choose Nikon Coolpix L120 over Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1
Max Sensor Resolution
14 MP vs 12 MP 16% more pixels
LCD Screen Resolution
921k dots vs 460k dots 100% higher resolution screen
Max Mech. Shutter
1/4000s vs 1/1300s faster mechanical shutter
Battery Life
330 shots vs 200 shots 130 more frames with a single charge
Focal Length - Tele
525mm vs 100mm 425 mm longer tele reach
Optical Zoom
21× vs 4× more flexible focal coverage
Max Aperture - Wide
3.10 vs 3.90 faster lens at wide
Flash Coverage
6.0m vs 3.5m 2.5m longer range


Reasons to choose Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1 over Nikon Coolpix L120
Touch Screen
Yes vs No Easy control of camera functions
Number of Focus Points
23 vs 9 14 more focus points
LCD Screen Size
3.5" vs 3" 0.5 inches larger display
Weight
193 g vs 431 g 238 g lighter
Max Aperture - Tele
5.70 vs 5.80 faster lens at tele
Max Video Resolution
1920 x 1080 vs 1280 x 720 Higher Resolution Video

Common Strengths of Nikon Coolpix L120 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1
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" vs 3.5" Large display
Common Weaknesses of Nikon Coolpix L120 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1
Fixed Screen
Fixed Type vs No No flexible viewing angles
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
Continuous Shooting
1.0fps vs fps Slow shooting speeds
Manual Focusing
No vs No No manual focusing modes
Manual Exposure
No vs No No manual exposure control
Environmental Sealing
No vs No not suitable for tough conditions
Max Aperture - Tele
5.80 vs 5.70 Slow lenses at tele
New4
Nikon L120 vs Panasonic 3D1: 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 Panasonic 3D1 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). Panasonic 3D1 has external dimensions of 108 x 58 x 24 mm (4.25 x 2.28 x 0.94″) and weighs 193 g (0.43 lb / 6.81 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Nikon L120 and Panasonic 3D1. Panasonic 3D1 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 2mm narrower, 19mm shorter and 54mm thinner than Nikon L120.

Nikon L120 vs Panasonic 3D1 Camera Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Nikon L120 and Panasonic 3D1 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of Nikon L120 and Panasonic 3D1.

Nikon L120 vs Panasonic 3D1 Camera Size Comparison - Back View
Comparison image of Nikon L120 and Panasonic 3D1 Size and Weight - Back View

Now lets look at the top view comparison of Nikon L120 and Panasonic 3D1.
Nikon L120 vs Panasonic 3D1 Camera Size Comparison - Top View
Top View Comparison image of Nikon L120 and Panasonic 3D1 Size

Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Panasonic 3D1 is significantly lighter (238g ) than the Nikon L120 which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

L120
3D1
Min
Average
Max
Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

L120
3D1
Min
Average
Max

Weather Sealing

Unfortunately neither Nikon Coolpix L120 nor Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1 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

Panasonic 3D1's 3.5" 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 Panasonic 3D1: 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, Panasonic 3D1 has a 12.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CMOS sensor .

Below you can see the L120 and 3D1 sensor size comparison.

Nikon L120 vs Panasonic 3D1 Sensor Size Comparison
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Nikon L120 and Panasonic 3D1 Cameras


Nikon L120 and Panasonic 3D1 have sensor sizes so they will provide same level of control over the depth of field when used with same focal length and aperture.

Nikon L120 vs Panasonic 3D1 Lens Specs Comparison

Nikon L120 features a 25-525 mm F3.1-5.8 21× zoom lens whereas Panasonic 3D1 features a 25-100 mm F3.9-5.7 4× zoom lens.

Both cameras have a wide angle coverage of 25mm. On the other hand, with a max aperture of f3.10, Nikon L120 is faster than Panasonic 3D1 at this focal length. On the tele end, Nikon L120 has 425mm longer reach than the Panasonic 3D1. However, with a max aperture of f5.70, Panasonic 3D1 is faster at tele end.

Wide Coverage

Compact Cameras

L120
3D1
Widest - Ricoh WG-M1
Average
Telezoom

Compact Cameras

L120
3D1
Longest - Canon SX520 HS
Average
Max Aperture at Tele

Compact Cameras

L120
3D1
Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV
Average
Max Aperture at Wide

Compact Cameras

L120
3D1
Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6
Average
What types of Photography are Nikon L120 and Panasonic 3D1 Good for?
In this section, we rank and compare Nikon L120 and Panasonic 3D1 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

Panasonic 3D1 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
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
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

Nikon L120 for Street Photography

GOOD

Panasonic 3D1 for Street Photography

AVERAGE
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
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
Slow Lens at Wide: f3.90
Read the details

Nikon L120 for Sports Photography

POOR

Panasonic 3D1 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
23 Focus Points
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
Environmental Sealings
Slow Max shutter speed: 1/1300s
Poor Battery Life: 200 shots
100 mm Tele Lens
Slow Lens at Tele: f5.70
Read the details

Nikon L120 for Daily Photography

AVERAGE

Panasonic 3D1 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
193g
4.0X 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

Panasonic 3D1 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
25 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
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

Nikon L120 vs Panasonic 3D1: 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 Panasonic 3D1, 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 Panasonic 3D1 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
Panasonic 3D1
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #215 out of 475 in Compact cameras
Ranked #793 out of 1223 in all Cameras

Nikon L120
Nikon L120
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Panasonic 3D1
Panasonic 3D1
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Panasonic 3D1 vs Nikon L120 Specs Table
Detailed comparison of specifications
General Nikon Coolpix L120 Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1
Brand Nikon Panasonic
Announced 2011-02-09 2011-11-07
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 12 megapixels
Max Resolution 4320 x 3240 4000 x 3000
Max Native Light sensitivity 6,400 ISO 6,400 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 23
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount fixed lens fixed lens
Lens Focal Range 25-525 mm (21×) 25-100 mm (4×)
Max Aperture F3.1-5.8 F3.9-5.7
Macro Focus Range 1cm 5cm
Screen
Type Fixed type Fixed type
Size 3" 3.5"
Resolution 921k dots 460k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder None None
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter 1/4000s 1/1300s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization Sensor-shift Optical
Built-in Flash
Flash Range 6.00 m 3.50 m
External Flash
Continuous Shooting 1.0 fps n/a
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 MPEG-4, AVCHD, Motion JPEG
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity None None
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight 431g 193g
Dimensions 110 x 77 x 78mm 108 x 58 x 24mm
Battery Life 330 shots 200 shots
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS None None
DxO Sensor Scores
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