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 FujiFilm HS20 EXR 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

FujiFilm HS20 EXR

16 MP | 1/2" (6.4 x 4.8 mm) EXRCMOS Sensor

FujiFilm HS20 EXR
CHECK PRICE
CHECK PRICE
Nikon L31 vs FujiFilm HS20 EXR Comparison Overview

Here we are comparing two cameras with different body types: Nikon L31, which was introduced in January 2015 is a Ultracompact camera with a 16.0MP 1/2.3' sensor whereas FujiFilm HS20 EXR, which was introduced in January 2011 is a Small Sensor Superzoom camera with a 16.0MP 1/2-inch sensor. As you can see, HS20 EXR 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 Nikon L31 and FujiFilm HS20 EXR 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

FujiFilm HS20 EXR Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2011-01-05
  • 16MP - 1/2-inch EXRCMOS Sensor
  • ISO 100 - 3200 ( expands to 12800)
  • 24-720 mm F2.8-5.6 Zoom Lens
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 3.00" Tilting Screen
  • Electronic viewfinder
  • 8.0fps continuous shooting
  • Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video resolution
  • 320fps High-Speed Video
  • 730g. 131 x 91 x 126 mm
  • Also known as FinePix HS22 EXR

FujiFilm HS20 EXR was replaced by Fujifilm FinePix HS30EXR. You may also be interested in these comparisons:
Fujifilm FinePix HS30EXR vs FujiFilm FinePix HS20 EXR (FinePix HS22 EXR)
Fujifilm FinePix HS30EXR vs Nikon Coolpix L31

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how Nikon L31 and FujiFilm HS20 EXR 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 FujiFilm FinePix HS20 EXR
Weight
160 g vs 730 g 570 g lighter
CHECK L31 PRICE


Reasons to choose FujiFilm FinePix HS20 EXR over Nikon Coolpix L31
In-built Image Stabilization
Sensor-shift vs None Sharper images at longer focal lengths and slow shutter speeds
LCD Screen
Tilting vs Fixed Type Flexible shooting positions
External Flash Shoe
Yes vs No Better for flash photography
Viewfinder
Electronic vs None Better framing and control
RAW Support
Yes vs No Better image quality
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
460k dots vs 230k dots 100% higher resolution screen
Max Mech. Shutter
1/4000s vs 1/2000s faster mechanical shutter
Focal Length - Wide
24mm vs 26mm 2 mm wider coverage
Focal Length - Tele
720mm vs 130mm 590 mm longer tele reach
Optical Zoom
30× vs 5× more flexible focal coverage
Max Aperture - Wide
2.80 vs 3.20 faster lens at wide
Max Aperture - Tele
5.60 vs 6.50 faster lens at tele
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
CHECK HS20 EXR PRICE

Common Strengths of Nikon Coolpix L31 and FujiFilm FinePix HS20 EXR
Built-in Flash
Yes vs Yes Useful in low-light
Face Detection Focus
Yes vs Yes very handy for portraits
Max Continuous Shooting
fps vs 8.0fps Fast shooting speeds
Common Weaknesses of Nikon Coolpix L31 and FujiFilm FinePix HS20 EXR
LCD Screen Resolution
230k dots vs 460k dots Low resolution screens
Environmental Sealing
No vs No not suitable for tough conditions
Nikon L31 vs FujiFilm HS20 EXR: 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 FujiFilm HS20 EXR 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). FujiFilm HS20 EXR has external dimensions of 131 x 91 x 126 mm (5.16 x 3.58 x 4.96″) and weighs 730 g (1.61 lb / 25.75 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Nikon L31 and FujiFilm HS20 EXR. Nikon L31 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 35mm narrower, 32mm shorter and 97mm thinner than FujiFilm HS20 EXR.

Nikon L31 vs FujiFilm HS20 EXR Camera Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Nikon L31 and FujiFilm HS20 EXR Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of Nikon L31 and FujiFilm HS20 EXR.

Nikon L31 vs FujiFilm HS20 EXR Camera Size Comparison - Back View
Comparison image of Nikon L31 and FujiFilm HS20 EXR Size and Weight - Back View

Now lets look at the top view comparison of Nikon L31 and FujiFilm HS20 EXR.
Nikon L31 vs FujiFilm HS20 EXR Camera Size Comparison - Top View
Top View Comparison image of Nikon L31 and FujiFilm HS20 EXR 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 (570g ) than the FujiFilm HS20 EXR which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.

Weight Comparison

Bridge Cameras

L31
HS20 EXR
Min
Average
Max
Thickness Comparison

Bridge Cameras

L31
HS20 EXR
Min
Average
Max

Weather Sealing

Unfortunately neither Nikon Coolpix L31 nor FujiFilm FinePix HS20 EXR (FinePix HS22 EXR) 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
Top Bridge Cameras with Weather Sealing

LCD Screen Size and Features

FujiFilm HS20 EXR's 3.00" LCD screen is slightly larger than Nikon L31's 2.7" screen.

In addition to the size advantage, FujiFilm HS20 EXR LCD screen also has a Tilting feature where you can change the angle of the screen to make it easier to shoot from waist or over the head levels. On the other hand, Nikon L31 has a fixed type screen which provides less flexibility in shooting positions compared to HS20 EXR.


Nikon L31 vs FujiFilm HS20 EXR: Sensor Comparison

Both Nikon L31 and FujiFilm HS20 EXR have 16.0 MP resolution sensors but Nikon L31's sensor is 1/2.3' (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) and FujiFilm HS20 EXR's sensor is 1/2-inch (6.4 x 4.8 mm ).

Since FujiFilm HS20 EXR's has a larger sensor area with the same resolution, this means that it also has a larger pixel area hence better light collecting capacity for a given aperture compared to Nikon L31.

Below you can see the L31 and HS20 EXR sensor size comparison.

Nikon L31 vs FujiFilm HS20 EXR Sensor Size Comparison
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Nikon L31 and FujiFilm HS20 EXR Cameras


Nikon L31 and FujiFilm HS20 EXR have almost the same sensor size so none of them has any significant advantage over other in providing control over depth of field when used with same focal length and aperture.

Nikon L31 vs FujiFilm HS20 EXR Lens Specs Comparison

Nikon L31 features a 26-130 mm F3.2-6.5 5× zoom lens whereas FujiFilm HS20 EXR features a 24-720 mm F2.8-5.6 30× zoom lens.

FujiFilm HS20 EXR has 2mm wider coverage than the Nikon L31. At f2.80, it is also faster at widest end. On the tele end, FujiFilm HS20 EXR has 590mm longer reach than the Nikon L31. At f5.60, it is also faster at tele end.

Wide Coverage

Compact Cameras

L31
HS20 EXR
Widest - Olympus TG-850 iHS
Average
Telezoom

DSLR-Like Cameras

L31
HS20 EXR
Longest - Canon SX520 HS
Average
Max Aperture at Tele

DSLR-Like Cameras

L31
HS20 EXR
Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV
Average
Max Aperture at Wide

DSLR-Like Cameras

L31
HS20 EXR
Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6
Average
What types of Photography are Nikon L31 and FujiFilm HS20 EXR Good for?
In this section, we rank and compare Nikon L31 and FujiFilm HS20 EXR 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

FujiFilm HS20 EXR 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
Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
External Flash Shoe
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
Average Ergonomics&Handling
Small 1/2" (6.4 x 4.8 mm) sensor
Read the details

Nikon L31 for Street Photography

POOR

FujiFilm HS20 EXR 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
Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Tilting LCD Screen
Fast Lens at Wide: f2.80
24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Medium sized Body
Small 1/2" (6.4 x 4.8 mm) sensor
Read the details

Nikon L31 for Sports Photography

POOR

FujiFilm HS20 EXR 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
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Fast Continuous Shooting: 8.0fps
Fast Max shutter speed: 1/4000s
720 mm Tele Lens
Average Ergonomics&Handling
Environmental Sealings
Unknown Focus Points
Read the details

Nikon L31 for Daily Photography

POOR

FujiFilm HS20 EXR 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
RAW shooting capability
30.0X Optical Zoom
Medium size Body
Small 1/2" (6.4 x 4.8 mm) sensor
730g
Body Thickness 126mm
Read the details

Nikon L31 for Landscape Photography

POOR

FujiFilm HS20 EXR 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
RAW shooting capability
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
Small 1/2" (6.4 x 4.8 mm) sensor
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Nikon L31 vs FujiFilm HS20 EXR: 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 FujiFilm HS20 EXR, 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 FujiFilm HS20 EXR 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
FujiFilm HS20 EXR
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #29 out of 113 in SLR-like (bridge) cameras
Ranked #440 out of 1259 in all Cameras

FujiFilm HS20 EXR 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, FujiFilm HS20 EXR is the better camera overall.

Nikon L31
Nikon L31
CHECK PRICE

CHECK PRICE

FujiFilm HS20 EXR
FujiFilm HS20 EXR
CHECK PRICE

CHECK PRICE

FujiFilm HS20 EXR vs Nikon L31 Specs Table
Detailed comparison of specifications
General Nikon Coolpix L31 FujiFilm FinePix HS20 EXR
Brand Nikon FujiFilm
Announced 2015-01-14 2011-01-05
Body Type Ultracompact SLR-like (bridge)
Sensor
Type CMOS EXRCMOS
Size 1/2.3' 1/2-inch
Dimensions 6.17 x 4.55 mm 6.4 x 4.8 mm
Area 28.07mm2 30.72mm2
Megapixels 16 megapixels 16 megapixels
Max Resolution 4608 x 3456 4608 x 3456
Max Native Light sensitivity 1,600 ISO 3,200 ISO
Max Boosted Light Sensitivity - 12800 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 n/a
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount fixed lens fixed lens
Lens Focal Range 26-130 mm (5×) 24-720 mm (30×)
Max Aperture F3.2-6.5 F2.8-5.6
Macro Focus Range 10cm 1cm
Screen
Type Fixed type Tilting
Size 2.70" 3.00"
Resolution 230k dots 460k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder None Electronic
Viewfinder Coverage n/a 97%
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 Sensor-shift
Built-in Flash
Flash Range 3.60 m 3.20 m
External Flash
Continuous Shooting n/a 8.0 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
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity None None
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight 160g 730g
Dimensions 96 x 59 x 29mm 131 x 91 x 126mm
Battery Life 200 shots n/a
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
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