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Nikon L31 vs Canon SX220 HS Comparison

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Nikon L31

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

Nikon L31
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Canon SX220 HS

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

Canon SX220 HS
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Nikon L31 vs Canon SX220 HS Comparison Overview

Here we are comparing L31 and SX220 HS, two Compact cameras from Nikon and Canon. Nikon Coolpix L31 is a Ultracompact class camera and Canon SX220 HS is a Small Sensor Superzoom class camera.

Nikon L31 was introduced to the market in January 2015 and Canon SX220 HS was launched in February 2011. As you can see, SX220 HS is 4 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 the Nikon L31 and Canon SX220 HS 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 SX220 HS Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2011-02-07
  • 12MP - 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • 28-392 mm F3.1-5.9 Zoom Lens
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 3.00" Fixed Type Screen
  • 3.0fps continuous shooting
  • Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video resolution
  • 240fps High-Speed Video
  • g. 106 x 59 x 33 mm

Let's read on in the following sections in order to better understand in detail how the Nikon L31 and Canon SX220 HS compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.


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**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 SX220 HS
Internal Storage
17MB vs None Extra built-in storage
Sensor Resolution
16 MP vs 12 MP 33% more pixels
Focal Length - Wide
26mm vs 28mm 2 mm wider coverage
Selfie & Vlogger LCD
Yes vs No Rotate LCD for taking Selfies
CHECK L31 PRICE


Reasons to choose Canon SX220 HS over Nikon Coolpix L31
In-built Image Stabilization
Optical vs None Sharper images at longer focal lengths and slow shutter speeds
Max ISO
3.200 vs 1.600 100% higher Max ISO
LCD Screen Size
3" vs 2.7" 0.3 inches larger display
LCD Resolution
461k dots vs 230k dots 100% higher resolution screen
Max Mech. Shutter
1/3200s vs 1/2000s faster mechanical shutter
Battery Life
210 shots vs 200 shots 10 more frames with a single charge
Weight
g vs 160 g 160 g lighter
Focal Length - Tele
392mm vs 130mm 262 mm longer tele reach
Optical Zoom
14× vs 5× more flexible focal coverage
Max Aperture - Wide
3.10 vs 3.20 faster lens at wide
Max Aperture - Tele
5.90 vs 6.50 faster lens at tele
Sensor Pixel Area
2.34µm2 vs 1.76µm2 32% larger pixel area
Max Video Resolution
1920 x 1080 vs 1280 x 720 Higher Resolution Video
CHECK SX220 HS PRICE

Common Strengths of Nikon Coolpix L31 and Canon SX220 HS
Built-in Flash
Yes vs Yes Useful in low-light
Face Detection Focus
Yes vs Yes very handy for portraits
Common Weaknesses of Nikon Coolpix L31 and Canon SX220 HS
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 461k dots Low resolution screens
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 SX220 HS: Physical Specs and Body Features Comparison

Size and weight are big decision factors when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs. In this section, we are going to illustrate the Nikon L31 and Canon SX220 HS 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 SX220 HS has external dimensions of 106 x 59 x 33 mm (4.17 x 2.32 x 1.3″) and weighs (including batteries).

Below you can see the front-view size comparison of the Nikon L31 and the Canon SX220 HS. Nikon L31 is 10mm narrower and 4mm thinner than Nikon L31 but they have the same height of 59mm.

Nikon L31 vs Canon SX220 HS Camera Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of the Nikon L31 and the Canon SX220 HS Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of the Nikon L31 and Canon SX220 HS.

Nikon L31 vs Canon SX220 HS Camera Size Comparison - Back View
Comparison image of the Nikon L31 and the Canon SX220 HS Size and Weight - Back View

Now lets look at the top view comparison of Nikon L31 and Canon SX220 HS.
Nikon L31 vs Canon SX220 HS Camera Size Comparison - Top View
Top View Comparison image of the Nikon L31 and the the Canon SX220 HS Size

Weight is another important factor, especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Canon SX220 HS is 160g lighter than the Nikon L31 but we don't think this will make a significant difference.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

L31
SX220 HS
Min
Average
Max
Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

L31
SX220 HS
Min
Average
Max

Weather Sealing

Unfortunately neither the Nikon Coolpix L31 nor Canon SX220 HS provides any type of weather sealing in their bodies, 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 SX220 HS's 3.00" 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 SX220 HS: 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 SX220 HS has a 12.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor and features DIGIC 4 with iSAPS technology processor.

Below you can see the L31 and SX220 HS sensor size comparison.

Nikon L31 vs Canon SX220 HS Sensor Size Comparison
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Nikon L31 and Canon SX220 HS Cameras


Nikon L31 and Canon SX220 HS 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 SX220 HS has 32% larger pixel area (2.34µm2 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 SX220 HS Lens Specs Comparison

Nikon L31 features a 26-130 mm F3.2-6.5 5× zoom lens whereas Canon SX220 HS features a 28-392 mm F3.1-5.9 14× zoom lens.

Nikon L31 has 2mm wider coverage than the Canon SX220 HS. On the other hand, with a max aperture of f3.10, Canon SX220 HS is faster at widest end. On the tele end, Canon SX220 HS has 262mm longer reach than the Nikon L31. At f5.90, it is also faster at tele end.

Wide Coverage

Compact Cameras

L31
SX220 HS
Widest - Olympus TG-850 iHS
Average
Telezoom

Compact Cameras

L31
SX220 HS
Longest - Canon SX520 HS
Average
Max Aperture at Tele

Compact Cameras

L31
SX220 HS
Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV
Average
Max Aperture at Wide

Compact Cameras

L31
SX220 HS
Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6
Average
What types of Photography are Nikon L31 and Canon SX220 HS Good for?
In this section, we rank and compare Nikon L31 and Canon SX220 HS 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 SX220 HS 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
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
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
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details

Nikon L31 for Street Photography

POOR

Canon SX220 HS for Street Photography

GOOD
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
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
Read the details

Nikon L31 for Sports Photography

POOR

Canon SX220 HS 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
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
392 mm Tele Lens
Average Max shutter speed: 1/3200s
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Slow Continuous Shooting: 3.0fps
Environmental Sealings
9 Focus Points
Poor Battery Life: 210 shots
Slow Lens at Tele: f5.90
Read the details

Nikon L31 for Daily Photography

POOR

Canon SX220 HS 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
14.0X Optical Zoom
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
Read the details

Nikon L31 for Landscape Photography

POOR

Canon SX220 HS 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
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
28 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 Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Nikon L31 vs Canon SX220 HS: 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 SX220 HS, 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 SX220 HS 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 SX220 HS
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #168 out of 477 in Compact cameras
Ranked #759 out of 1259 in all Cameras

Canon SX220 HS has a higher Overall Score than the Nikon L31 and would be our choice if we have to decide between these two cameras.

Nikon L31
Nikon L31
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Canon SX220 HS
Canon SX220 HS
CHECK PRICE

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Canon SX220 HS vs Nikon L31 Specs Table
Detailed comparison of specifications
General Nikon Coolpix L31 Canon SX220 HS
Brand Nikon Canon
Announced 2015-01-14 2011-02-07
Body Type Ultracompact Compact
Sensor
Type CMOS BSI-CMOS
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 12 megapixels
Max Resolution 4608 x 3456 4000 x 3000
Max Native Light sensitivity 1,600 ISO 3,200 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×) 28-392 mm (14×)
Max Aperture F3.2-6.5 F3.1-5.9
Macro Focus Range 10cm 5cm
Screen
Type Fixed type Fixed type
Size 2.70" 3.00"
Resolution 230k dots 461k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder None None
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter 1/2000s 1/3200s
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
Max Flash Sync n/a 1/2000s
External Flash
Continuous Shooting n/a 3.0 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 n/a
Dimensions 96 x 59 x 29mm 106 x 59 x 33mm
Battery Life 200 shots 210 shots
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS None None
DxO Sensor Scores
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