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 Kodak Z980 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

Kodak Z980

12 MP | 1/2.33 CCD Sensor

Kodak Z980
CHECK PRICE
CHECK PRICE
Nikon L31 vs Kodak Z980 Comparison Overview

Here we are comparing L31 and Z980, two Compact cameras from Nikon and Kodak. Nikon Coolpix L31 is a Ultracompact class camera and Kodak EasyShare Z980 is a Small Sensor Superzoom class camera.

Nikon L31 was introduced to the market in January 2015 and Kodak Z980 was launched in January 2009. As you can see, Z980 is 6 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 Kodak Z980 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

Kodak Z980 Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2009-01-05
  • 12MP - 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor
  • ISO 64 - 6400
  • 26-624 mm F2.8-5.0 Zoom Lens
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 3.00" Fixed Type Screen
  • Electronic viewfinder
  • 1.0fps continuous shooting
  • HD - 1280 x 720 video resolution
  • 445g. 124 x 91 x 105 mm

Let's read on in the following sections in order to better understand in detail how the Nikon L31 and Kodak Z980 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.


Related Blog Posts

Top 10 Lightest Full-Frame Mirrorless Cameras in 2023
The Most Rented Compact Cameras in 2022
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


**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 Kodak EasyShare Z980
Face Detection Focus
Yes vs No very handy for portraits
Sensor Resolution
16 MP vs 12 MP 33% more pixels
LCD Resolution
230k dots vs 201k dots 14% higher resolution screen
Weight
160 g vs 445 g 285 g lighter
Selfie & Vlogger LCD
Yes vs No Rotate LCD for taking Selfies
CHECK L31 PRICE


Reasons to choose Kodak EasyShare Z980 over Nikon Coolpix L31
In-built Image Stabilization
Sensor-shift vs None Sharper images at longer focal lengths and slow shutter speeds
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
6.400 vs 1.600 300% higher Max ISO
LCD Screen Size
3 vs 2.7" 0.3 inches larger display
Focal Length - Tele
624mm vs 130mm 494 mm longer tele reach
Optical Zoom
24× vs 5× more flexible focal coverage
Max Aperture - Wide
2.80 vs 3.20 faster lens at wide
Max Aperture - Tele
5.00 vs 6.50 faster lens at tele
Flash Coverage
6.3m vs 3.6m 2.7m longer range
Sensor Pixel Area
2.31µm2 vs 1.76µm2 31% larger pixel area
CHECK Z980 PRICE

Common Strengths of Nikon Coolpix L31 and Kodak EasyShare Z980
Built-in Flash
Yes vs Yes Useful in low-light
Common Weaknesses of Nikon Coolpix L31 and Kodak EasyShare Z980
Fixed Screen
Fixed Type vs No Screen tilts or Flips out independently, perfect for both stills and video
LCD Screen Resolution
230k dots vs 201k dots Low resolution screens
Environmental Sealing
No vs No not suitable for tough conditions
AE Bracketing
No vs No Not good for multi-exposure HDR
Nikon L31 vs Kodak Z980: 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 Kodak Z980 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). Kodak Z980 has external dimensions of 124 x 91 x 105 mm (4.88 x 3.58 x 4.13″) and weighs 445 g (0.98 lb / 15.70 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front-view size comparison of the Nikon L31 and the Kodak Z980. Nikon L31 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 28mm narrower, 32mm shorter and 76mm thinner than Kodak Z980.

Nikon L31 vs Kodak Z980 Camera Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of the Nikon L31 and the Kodak Z980 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of the Nikon L31 and Kodak Z980.

Nikon L31 vs Kodak Z980 Camera Size Comparison - Back View
Comparison image of the Nikon L31 and the Kodak Z980 Size and Weight - Back View

Now lets look at the top view comparison of Nikon L31 and Kodak Z980.
Nikon L31 vs Kodak Z980 Camera Size Comparison - Top View
Top View Comparison image of the Nikon L31 and the the Kodak Z980 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 (285g ) than the Kodak Z980 which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

L31
Z980
Min
Average
Max
Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

L31
Z980
Min
Average
Max

Weather Sealing

Unfortunately neither the Nikon Coolpix L31 nor Kodak EasyShare Z980 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

Kodak Z980'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 Kodak Z980: Sensor Comparison

Nikon L31 has a 16.0MP 1/2.3' (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CMOS sensor . On the other hand, Kodak Z980 has a 12.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.08 x 4.56 mm ) sized CCD sensor .

Below you can see the L31 and Z980 sensor size comparison.

Nikon L31 vs Kodak Z980 Sensor Size Comparison
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Nikon L31 and Kodak Z980 Cameras


Nikon L31 and Kodak Z980 have almost the same sensor size, so neither of them has any significant advantage over the other in terms of providing control over depth of field when used with the same focal length and aperture.

Nikon L31 vs Kodak Z980 Lens Specs Comparison

Nikon L31 features a 26-130 mm F3.2-6.5 5× zoom lens whereas Kodak Z980 features a 26-624 mm F2.8-5.0 24× zoom lens.

Both cameras have a wide angle coverage of 26mm. On the other hand, with a max aperture of f2.80, Kodak Z980 is faster than Nikon L31 at this focal length. On the tele end, Kodak Z980 has 494mm longer reach than the Nikon L31. At f5.00, it is also faster at tele end.

Wide Coverage

Compact Cameras

L31
Z980
Widest - Olympus TG-850 iHS
Average
Telezoom

Compact Cameras

L31
Z980
Longest - Canon SX520 HS
Average
Max Aperture at Tele

Compact Cameras

L31
Z980
Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV
Average
Max Aperture at Wide

Compact Cameras

L31
Z980
Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6
Average
What types of Photography are Nikon L31 and Kodak Z980 Good for?
In this section, we rank and compare Nikon L31 and Kodak Z980 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

Kodak Z980 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: 12.0MP
Small 1/2.33 sensor
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details

Nikon L31 for Street Photography

POOR

Kodak Z980 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
Small Body
Live-view
Fast Lens at Wide: f2.80
26 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 1/2.33 sensor
Read the details

Nikon L31 for Sports Photography

POOR

Kodak Z980 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
RAW shooting capability
External Flash Shoe
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
25 Focus Points
624 mm Tele Lens
Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Slow Continuous Shooting: 1.0fps
Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Nikon L31 for Daily Photography

POOR

Kodak Z980 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
RAW shooting capability
Compact Body
24.0X Optical Zoom
Small 1/2.33 sensor
445g
Body Thickness 105mm
Read the details

Nikon L31 for Landscape Photography

POOR

Kodak Z980 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
26 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Small 1/2.33 sensor
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Nikon L31 vs Kodak Z980: 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 Kodak Z980, 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 Kodak Z980 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
Kodak Z980
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #56 out of 477 in Compact cameras
Ranked #519 out of 1259 in all Cameras

Kodak Z980 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, Kodak Z980 is the better camera overall.

Nikon L31
Nikon L31
CHECK PRICE

CHECK PRICE

Kodak Z980
Kodak Z980
CHECK PRICE

CHECK PRICE

Kodak Z980 vs Nikon L31 Specs Table
Detailed comparison of specifications
General Nikon Coolpix L31 Kodak EasyShare Z980
Brand Nikon Kodak
Announced 2015-01-14 2009-01-05
Body Type Ultracompact Compact
Sensor
Type CMOS CCD
Size 1/2.3' 1/2.3-inch
Dimensions 6.17 x 4.55 mm 6.08 x 4.56 mm
Area 28.07mm2 27.72mm2
Megapixels 16 megapixels 12 megapixels
Max Resolution 4608 x 3456 4000 x 3000
Max Native Light sensitivity 1,600 ISO 6,400 ISO
Min Native Light sensitivity 80 ISO 64 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 25
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount fixed lens fixed lens
Lens Focal Range 26-130 mm (5×) 26-624 mm (24×)
Max Aperture F3.2-6.5 F2.8-5.0
Macro Focus Range 10cm 10cm
Screen
Type Fixed type Fixed type
Size 2.70" 3.00"
Resolution 230k dots 201k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder None Electronic
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter 1/2000s 1/2000s
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 6.30 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 Motion JPEG
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity None None
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight 160g 445g
Dimensions 96 x 59 x 29mm 124 x 91 x 105mm
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