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
    • Cinema Lenses
      • Sony E Mount Cine Lenses
      • Canon RF Mount Cine Lenses
      • Nikon Z Mount Cine Lenses
      • Canon EF Mount Cine Lenses
      • Nikon F Mount Cine Lenses
      • ARRI PL Mount Cine Lenses
      • Fujifilm X Mount Cine Lenses
      • Micro Four Thirds Mount Cine Lenses
      • Leica L Mount Cine Lenses
  • TOOLS
    • Cameras
      • Smart Find
      • 1-on-1 Comparison
    • Lenses
      • Smart Find
      • 1-on-1 Comparison
  • BLOG

Nikon L31 vs Canon G1 X Comparison

x
Camera to replace
Change

Nikon L31

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

Nikon L31
CHECK PRICE
CHECK PRICE
Change

Canon G1 X

14 MP | 1.5″ (18.7 x 14 mm) CMOS Sensor

Canon G1 X
CHECK PRICE
CHECK PRICE
Nikon L31 vs Canon G1 X Comparison Overview

Here we are comparing L31 and G1 X, two Compact cameras from Nikon and Canon. Nikon Coolpix L31 is a Ultracompact class camera and Canon PowerShot G1 X is a Large Sensor Compact class camera.

Nikon L31 was introduced to market in January 2015 and Canon G1 X was launched in March 2012. As you can see, G1 X is 3 years older than L31. Let's see if this age difference between two cameras makes a big difference.

Here is a brief look at the main features of Nikon L31 and Canon G1 X before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Nikon L31 Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2015-01-14
  • 16MP - 1/2.3' CMOS Sensor
  • ISO 80 - 1600
  • 26-130 mm F3.2-6.5 Zoom Lens
  • 2.70" Fixed Type Screen
  • fps continuous shooting
  • HD - 1280 x 720 video resolution
  • 160g. 96 x 59 x 29 mm

Canon G1 X Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2012-03-29
  • 14MP - 1.5-inch CMOS Sensor
  • ISO 100 - 12800
  • 28-112 mm F2.8-5.8 Zoom Lens
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 3.00" Fully Articulated Screen
  • Optical (tunnel) viewfinder
  • 2.0fps continuous shooting
  • Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video resolution
  • 534g. 117 x 81 x 65 mm

Canon G1 X was replaced by Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II. You may also be interested in these comparisons:
Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II vs Canon PowerShot G1 X
Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II vs Nikon Coolpix L31

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how Nikon L31 and Canon G1 X compares and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.


Related Blog Posts

DPReview to Close
Daily Deals: Sirui Anamorphic Lens, Apple MacBook Air and more
100-400mm Lens Size Comparison: Leica vs Sony vs Canon vs Nikon
Sirui 24mm f2.8 Super35 Anamorphic 1.33x Lens %50 Off
Nikon Z9 firmware Update v3.10 Released
Best Selling Lenses in Micro Four Thirds, Fujifilm X and Canon EF Mounts in 2023
Daily Deals: Sigma 12-24mm Lens, SmallRig Cage, LED Lights and more
Sigma to Release 16mm f1.4, 30mm f1.4 and 56mm f1.4 Lenses in Nikon Z Mount


**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 L31 over Canon PowerShot G1 X
Internal Storage
17MB vs None Extra built-in storage
Sensor Resolution
16 MP vs 14 MP 14% more pixels
Weight
160 g vs 534 g 374 g lighter
Focal Length - Wide
26mm vs 28mm 2 mm wider coverage
Focal Length - Tele
130mm vs 112mm 18 mm longer tele reach
Optical Zoom
5× vs 4x more flexible focal coverage
CHECK L31 PRICE


Reasons to choose Canon PowerShot G1 X over Nikon Coolpix L31
In-built Image Stabilization
Optical vs None Sharper images at longer focal lengths and slow shutter speeds
LCD Screen
Fully Articulated vs Fixed Type Flexible shooting positions
External Flash Shoe
Yes vs No Better for flash photography
Viewfinder
Optical vs None Better framing and control
RAW Support
Yes vs No Better image quality
Max ISO
12.800 vs 1.600 700% higher Max ISO
LCD Screen Size
3" vs 2.7" 0.3 inches larger display
LCD Resolution
920k dots vs 230k dots 300% higher resolution screen
Max Mech. Shutter
1/4000s vs 1/2000s faster mechanical shutter
Battery Life
250 shots vs 200 shots 50 more frames with a single charge
Max Aperture - Wide
2.80 vs 3.20 faster lens at wide
Max Aperture - Tele
5.80 vs 6.50 faster lens at tele
Flash Coverage
7.0m vs 3.6m 3.4m longer range
Sensor Pixel Area
18.44µm2 vs 1.76µm2 947% 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
Built-in ND Filter
3.0-stops vs No Use larger aperture under strong light
CHECK G1 X PRICE

Common Strengths of Nikon Coolpix L31 and Canon PowerShot G1 X
Built-in Flash
Yes vs Yes Useful in low-light
Face Detection Focus
Yes vs Yes very handy for portraits
Selfie/Vlogger Friendly LCD
Yes vs Yes Rotate LCD for taking Selfies
Common Weaknesses of Nikon Coolpix L31 and Canon PowerShot G1 X
Environmental Sealing
No vs No not suitable for tough conditions
Max Aperture - Tele
6.50 vs 5.80 Slow lenses at tele
Nikon L31 vs Canon G1 X: 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 L31 and Canon G1 X side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Nikon L31 has external dimensions of 96 x 59 x 29 mm (3.78 x 2.32 x 1.14″) and weighs 160 g (0.35 lb / 5.64 oz) (including batteries). Canon G1 X has external dimensions of 117 x 81 x 65 mm (4.61 x 3.19 x 2.56″) and weighs 534 g (1.18 lb / 18.84 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Nikon L31 and Canon G1 X. Nikon L31 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 21mm narrower, 22mm shorter and 36mm thinner than Canon G1 X.

Nikon L31 vs Canon G1 X Camera Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Nikon L31 and Canon G1 X Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Now lets look at the top view comparison of Nikon L31 and Canon G1 X.
Nikon L31 vs Canon G1 X Camera Size Comparison - Top View
Top View Comparison image of Nikon L31 and Canon G1 X Size

Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Nikon L31 is significantly lighter (374g ) than the Canon G1 X which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

L31
G1 X
Min
Average
Max
Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

L31
G1 X
Min
Average
Max

Weather Sealing

Unfortunately neither Nikon Coolpix L31 nor Canon PowerShot G1 X 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

Canon G1 X's 3.00" LCD screen is slightly larger than Nikon L31's 2.7" screen.

Moreover, Canon G1 X sports a Fully Articulated screen which you can change the angle and position of the screen almost freely, making it possible to shoot from waist or over the head levels, and especially very useful for shooting selfies and video. On the other hand, Nikon L31 has a fixed type screen which provides almost no flexibility in shooting positions compared to G1 X.


Nikon L31 vs Canon G1 X: Sensor Comparison

Nikon L31 has a 16.0MP 1/2.3' (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CMOS sensor . On the other hand, Canon G1 X has a 14.0MP 1.5-inch (18.7 x 14 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features Digic 5 processor.

Below you can see the L31 and G1 X sensor size comparison.

Nikon L31 vs Canon G1 X Sensor Size Comparison
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Nikon L31 and Canon G1 X Cameras


As seen above, Canon G1 X has a 9.3x Larger sensor area than Nikon L31. 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 L31 vs Canon G1 X Lens Specs Comparison

Nikon L31 features a 26-130 mm F3.2-6.5 5× zoom lens whereas Canon G1 X features a 28-112 mm F2.8-5.8 4x zoom lens.

Nikon L31 has 2mm wider coverage than the Canon G1 X. On the other hand, with a max aperture of f2.80, Canon G1 X is faster at widest end. On the tele end, Nikon L31 has 18mm longer reach than the Canon G1 X. However, with a max aperture of f5.80, Canon G1 X is faster at tele end.

Wide Coverage

Compact Cameras

L31
G1 X
Widest - Olympus TG-850 iHS
Average
Telezoom

Large Sensor Compact Cameras

L31
G1 X
Longest - Canon SX520 HS
Average
Max Aperture at Tele

Large Sensor Compact Cameras

L31
G1 X
Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV
Average
Max Aperture at Wide

Large Sensor Compact Cameras

L31
G1 X
Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6
Average
What types of Photography are Nikon L31 and Canon G1 X Good for?
In this section, we rank and compare Nikon L31 and Canon G1 X 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 L31 for Portrait Photography

POOR

Canon G1 X for Portrait Photography

AVERAGE
Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No Image Stabilization
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
Large 1.5″ (18.7 x 14 mm) sensor
Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
External Flash Shoe
Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Average Resolution Sensor: 14.0MP
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details

Nikon L31 for Street Photography

POOR

Canon G1 X for Street Photography

EXCELLENT
Small Body
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
26 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No Image Stabilization
No RAW shooting capability
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
Read the details
Large 1.5″ (18.7 x 14 mm) sensor
Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Small Body
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Fully Articulated LCD Screen
Fast Lens at Wide: f2.80
28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Read the details

Nikon L31 for Sports Photography

POOR

Canon G1 X for Sports Photography

AVERAGE
Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
130 mm Tele Lens
No Image Stabilization
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
Focus Points
Poor Battery Life: 200 shots
Slow Lens at Tele: f6.50
Read the details
Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
External Flash Shoe
Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Fast Max shutter speed: 1/4000s
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Slow Continuous Shooting: 2.0fps
Environmental Sealings
9 Focus Points
Poor Battery Life: 250 shots
112 mm Tele Lens
Slow Lens at Tele: f5.80
Read the details

Nikon L31 for Daily Photography

POOR

Canon G1 X for Daily Photography

GOOD
Compact Body
160g
5.0X Optical Zoom
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
Read the details
Large 1.5″ (18.7 x 14 mm) sensor
RAW shooting capability
Compact Body
4.0X Optical Zoom
534g
Body Thickness 65mm
Read the details

Nikon L31 for Landscape Photography

POOR

Canon G1 X for Landscape Photography

POOR
26 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 Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details
Large 1.5″ (18.7 x 14 mm) sensor
RAW shooting capability
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 14.0MP
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Nikon L31 vs Canon G1 X: 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 L31 and Canon G1 X, 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 L31 and Canon G1 X scores compare:

Nikon L31
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #105 out of 155 in Ultracompact cameras
Ranked #1132 out of 1259 in all Cameras
Canon G1 X
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #37 out of 62 in Large sensor compact cameras
Ranked #345 out of 1259 in all Cameras

Canon G1 X is the overall winner of this comparison. It has a higher Overall Score and beats Nikon L31 in all criteria except one: Portability.
If small size and light body is a big priority for you, choose Nikon L31. Otherwise, Canon G1 X is the better camera overall.

Nikon L31
Nikon L31
CHECK PRICE

CHECK PRICE

Canon G1 X
Canon G1 X
CHECK PRICE

CHECK PRICE

Canon G1 X vs Nikon L31 Specs Table
Detailed comparison of specifications
General Nikon Coolpix L31 Canon PowerShot G1 X
Brand Nikon Canon
Announced 2015-01-14 2012-03-29
Body Type Ultracompact Large sensor compact
Sensor
Type CMOS CMOS
Size 1/2.3' 1.5-inch
Dimensions 6.17 x 4.55 mm 18.7 x 14 mm
Area 28.07mm2 261.80mm2
Megapixels 16 megapixels 14 megapixels
Max Resolution 4608 x 3456 4352 x 3264
Max Native Light sensitivity 1,600 ISO 12,800 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 n/a 9
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount fixed lens fixed lens
Lens Focal Range 26-130 mm (5×) 28-112 mm (4x)
Max Aperture F3.2-6.5 F2.8-5.8
Macro Focus Range 10cm 20cm
Screen
Type Fixed type Fully Articulated
Size 2.70" 3.00"
Resolution 230k dots 920k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder None Optical (tunnel)
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter 1/2000s 1/4000s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Built-in Image Stabilization Digital only Optical
Built-in Flash
Flash Range 3.60 m 7.00 m (via hot shoe EX series Speedlites, Macro Twin Lite MT-24EX, Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX)
External Flash
Continuous Shooting n/a 2.0 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 H.264
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity None None
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight 160g 534g
Dimensions 96 x 59 x 29mm 117 x 81 x 65mm
Battery Life 200 shots 250 shots
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS None None
DxO Sensor Scores
DxO Overall Score not tested 60
DxO Color Depth not tested 21.7
DxO Dynamic Range not tested 10.8
DxO Low Light ISO not tested 644
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
Canon R50
24 MP | APS-C Sensor | Canon RF Mount
Canon R8
24 MP | Full frame Sensor | Canon RF Mount
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
Copyright © 2023 by CameraDecision
Privacy About Contact Us SpeakerDecision

Report a Correction