Nikon L31 vs Canon SD3500 IS Comparison

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Nikon L31

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

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Canon SD3500 IS

14 MP | 1/2.3 CCD Sensor

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Nikon L31 vs Canon SD3500 IS Comparison Overview

Here we are comparing L31 and SD3500 IS, two Compact cameras from Nikon and Canon. Nikon Coolpix L31 is a Ultracompact class camera and Canon PowerShot SD3500 IS is a Small Sensor Compact class camera.

Nikon L31 was introduced to market in January 2015 and Canon SD3500 IS was launched in February 2010. As you can see, SD3500 IS is 5 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 SD3500 IS 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 SD3500 IS Key Specs

Announcement Date: 2010-02-08

14MP - 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor

ISO 80 - 1600

24-120 mm F2.8-5.9 Zoom Lens

Optical Image Stabilization

3.50" Fixed Type Screen

1.0fps continuous shooting

HD - 1280 x 720 video resolution

160g. 99 x 56 x 22 mm

Also known as IXUS 210 / IXY 10S

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how Nikon L31 and Canon SD3500 IS compares and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.

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Reasons to choose Nikon Coolpix L31 over Canon PowerShot SD3500 IS

Internal Storage	17MB vs None	Extra built-in storage
Face Detection Focus	Yes vs No	very handy for portraits
Sensor Resolution	16 MP vs 14 MP	14% more pixels
Focal Length - Tele	130mm vs 120mm	10 mm longer tele reach
Selfie & Vlogger LCD	Yes vs No	Rotate LCD for taking Selfies

CHECK L31 PRICE

Reasons to choose Canon PowerShot SD3500 IS over Nikon Coolpix L31

In-built Image Stabilization	Optical vs None	Sharper images at longer focal lengths and slow shutter speeds
Touch Screen	Yes vs No	Easy control of camera functions
LCD Screen Size	3.5 vs 2.7"	0.8 inches larger display
LCD Resolution	460k dots vs 230k dots	100% higher resolution screen
Max Mech. Shutter	1/3000s vs 1/2000s	faster mechanical shutter
Focal Length - Wide	24mm vs 26mm	2 mm wider coverage
Max Aperture - Wide	2.80 vs 3.20	faster lens at wide
Max Aperture - Tele	5.90 vs 6.50	faster lens at tele
Sensor Pixel Area	2.01µm2 vs 1.76µm2	14% larger pixel area

CHECK SD3500 IS PRICE

Common Strengths of Nikon Coolpix L31 and Canon PowerShot SD3500 IS

Built-in Flash	Yes vs Yes	Useful in low-light
LCD Screen Size	3.50" vs 3.50"	Large display

Common Weaknesses of Nikon Coolpix L31 and Canon PowerShot SD3500 IS

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
LCD Screen Resolution	230k dots vs 460k dots	Low resolution screens
Manual Focusing	No vs No	No manual focusing modes
Environmental Sealing	No vs No	not suitable for tough conditions
Max Aperture - Tele	6.50 vs 5.90	Slow lenses at tele

Nikon L31 vs Canon SD3500 IS: 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 SD3500 IS 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 SD3500 IS has external dimensions of 99 x 56 x 22 mm (3.9 x 2.2 x 0.87″) and weighs 160 g (0.35 lb / 5.64 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Nikon L31 and Canon SD3500 IS. Canon SD3500 IS is 3mm shorter and 7mm thinner than Nikon L31 but it is also 3mm wider.

Comparison image of Nikon L31 and Canon SD3500 IS Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of Nikon L31 and Canon SD3500 IS.

Comparison image of Nikon L31 and Canon SD3500 IS Size and Weight - Back View

Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Nikon L31 and Canon SD3500 IS have exactly the same weight of 160g.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

L31

SD3500 IS

Min

Average

Max

Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

L31

SD3500 IS

Min

Average

Max

Weather Sealing

Unfortunately neither Nikon Coolpix L31 nor Canon PowerShot SD3500 IS / IXUS 210 / IXY 10S 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 SD3500 IS's 3.50" LCD screen is slightly larger than Nikon L31's 2.7" screen.

Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don't tilt or flip in directions.

Nikon L31 vs Canon SD3500 IS: 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 SD3500 IS has a 14.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CCD sensor and features Digic 4 processor.

Below you can see the L31 and SD3500 IS sensor size comparison.

Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Nikon L31 and Canon SD3500 IS Cameras

Nikon L31 and Canon SD3500 IS 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 Canon SD3500 IS has 14% larger pixel area (2.01µm² vs 1.76µm²) compared to Nikon L31, it has larger pixel area to collect light hence potential to have less noise in low light / High ISO images.

Nikon L31 vs Canon SD3500 IS Lens Specs Comparison

Nikon L31 features a 26-130 mm F3.2-6.5 5× zoom lens whereas Canon SD3500 IS features a 24-120 mm F2.8-5.9 5� zoom lens.

Canon SD3500 IS has 2mm wider coverage than the Nikon L31. At f2.80, it is also faster at widest end. On the tele end, Nikon L31 has 10mm longer reach than the Canon SD3500 IS. However, with a max aperture of f5.90, Canon SD3500 IS is faster at tele end.

Wide Coverage

Compact Cameras

L31

SD3500 IS

Widest - Olympus TG-850 iHS

Average

Telezoom

Compact Cameras

L31

SD3500 IS

Longest - Canon SX520 HS

Average

Max Aperture at Tele

Compact Cameras

L31

SD3500 IS

Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV

Average

Max Aperture at Wide

Compact Cameras

L31

SD3500 IS

Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6

Average

What types of Photography are Nikon L31 and Canon SD3500 IS Good for?

In this section, we rank and compare Nikon L31 and Canon SD3500 IS 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 SD3500 IS for Portrait Photography

POOR

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

Image Stabilization
Average Resolution Sensor: 14.0MP
Small 1/2.3 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 L31 for Street Photography

POOR

Canon SD3500 IS for Street Photography

AVERAGE

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

Image Stabilization
Small Body
Live-view
Fast Lens at Wide: f2.80
24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 1/2.3 sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
Read the details

Nikon L31 for Sports Photography

POOR

Canon SD3500 IS for Sports Photography

POOR

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
Average Max shutter speed: 1/3000s
120 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
Focus Points
Slow Lens at Tele: f5.90
Read the details

Nikon L31 for Daily Photography

POOR

Canon SD3500 IS for Daily Photography

AVERAGE

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

Compact Body
160g
Body Thickness 22mm
5.0X Optical Zoom
Small 1/2.3 sensor
No RAW shooting capability
Read the details

Nikon L31 for Landscape Photography

POOR

Canon SD3500 IS 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

24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 14.0MP
Small 1/2.3 sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Nikon L31 vs Canon SD3500 IS: 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 SD3500 IS, 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 SD3500 IS 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 SD3500 IS

Imaging

Features

Value

Portability

Overall

Ranked #296 out of 477 in Compact cameras
Ranked #957 out of 1259 in all Cameras

Canon SD3500 IS has a higher Overall Score than the Nikon L31 and would be our choice if we have to decide between these two cameras.

Canon SD3500 IS vs Nikon L31 Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications

General	Nikon Coolpix L31	Canon PowerShot SD3500 IS
Brand	Nikon	Canon
Announced	2015-01-14	2010-02-08
Body Type	Ultracompact	Compact
Sensor
Type	CMOS	CCD
Size	1/2.3'	1/2.3-inch
Dimensions	6.17 x 4.55 mm	6.17 x 4.55 mm
Area	28.07mm²	28.07mm²
Megapixels	16 megapixels	14 megapixels
Max Resolution	4608 x 3456	4320 x 3240
Max Native Light sensitivity	1,600 ISO	1,600 ISO
Min Native Light sensitivity	80 ISO	80 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	n/a
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount	fixed lens	fixed lens
Lens Focal Range	26-130 mm (5×)	24-120 mm (5�)
Max Aperture	F3.2-6.5	F2.8-5.9
Macro Focus Range	10cm	3cm
Screen
Type	Fixed type	Fixed type
Size	2.70"	3.50"
Resolution	230k dots	460k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder	None	None
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter	1/2000s	1/3000s
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	3.50 m
External Flash
Continuous Shooting	n/a	1.0 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	1280 x 720
Video Formats	Motion JPEG	H.264
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity	None	Eye-Fi Connected
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight	160g	160g
Dimensions	96 x 59 x 29mm	99 x 56 x 22mm
Battery Life	200 shots	n/a
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS	None	None
DxO Sensor Scores
	Report a correction	Report a correction