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Nikon L31 vs Panasonic FX48 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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Panasonic FX48

12 MP | 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) CCD Sensor

Panasonic FX48
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Nikon L31 vs Panasonic FX48 Comparison Overview

Here we are comparing L31 and FX48, two Compact cameras from Nikon and Panasonic. Nikon Coolpix L31 is a Ultracompact class camera and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX48 is a Small Sensor Compact class camera.

Nikon L31 was introduced to market in January 2015 and Panasonic FX48 was launched in January 2009. As you can see, FX48 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 Nikon L31 and Panasonic FX48 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

Panasonic FX48 Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2009-01-27
  • 12MP - 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor
  • ISO 80 - 3200 ( expands to 6400)
  • 25-125 mm F2.8-5.9 Zoom Lens
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 2.50" Fixed Type Screen
  • 2.0fps continuous shooting
  • - 640 x 480 video resolution
  • 150g. 95 x 53 x 22 mm
  • Also known as Lumix DMC-FX40

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how Nikon L31 and Panasonic FX48 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 Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX48
Sensor Resolution
16 MP vs 12 MP 33% more pixels
LCD Screen Size
2.7" vs 2.5" 0.2 inches larger display
Focal Length - Tele
130mm vs 125mm 5 mm longer tele reach
Max Video Resolution
1280 x 720 vs 640 x 480 Higher Resolution Video
Selfie & Vlogger LCD
Yes vs No Rotate LCD for taking Selfies
CHECK L31 PRICE


Reasons to choose Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX48 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
Max Mech. Shutter
1/3000s vs 1/2000s faster mechanical shutter
Weight
150 g vs 160 g 10 g lighter
Focal Length - Wide
25mm vs 26mm 1 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
Flash Coverage
6.0m vs 3.6m 2.4m longer range
Sensor Pixel Area
2.31µm2 vs 1.76µm2 31% larger pixel area
CHECK FX48 PRICE

Common Strengths of Nikon Coolpix L31 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX48
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 Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX48
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 Size
2.50" vs 2.50" Small display
LCD Screen Resolution
230k dots vs 230k 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 Panasonic FX48: 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 Panasonic FX48 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). Panasonic FX48 has external dimensions of 95 x 53 x 22 mm (3.74 x 2.09 x 0.87″) and weighs 150 g (0.33 lb / 5.29 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Nikon L31 and Panasonic FX48. Panasonic FX48 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 1mm narrower, 6mm shorter and 7mm thinner than Nikon L31.

Nikon L31 vs Panasonic FX48 Camera Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Nikon L31 and Panasonic FX48 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of Nikon L31 and Panasonic FX48.

Nikon L31 vs Panasonic FX48 Camera Size Comparison - Back View
Comparison image of Nikon L31 and Panasonic FX48 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. Panasonic FX48 is 10g lighter than the Nikon L31 but we don't think this will make a significant difference.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

L31
FX48
Min
Average
Max
Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

L31
FX48
Min
Average
Max

Weather Sealing

Unfortunately neither Nikon Coolpix L31 nor Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX48 (Lumix DMC-FX40) 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

Nikon L31's 2.70" LCD screen is slightly larger than Panasonic FX48's 2.5" screen.

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


Nikon L31 vs Panasonic FX48: Sensor Comparison

Nikon L31 has a 16.0MP 1/2.3' (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CMOS sensor . On the other hand, Panasonic FX48 has a 12.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.08 x 4.56 mm ) sized CCD sensor .

Below you can see the L31 and FX48 sensor size comparison.

Nikon L31 vs Panasonic FX48 Sensor Size Comparison
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Nikon L31 and Panasonic FX48 Cameras


Nikon L31 and Panasonic FX48 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 Panasonic FX48 Lens Specs Comparison

Nikon L31 features a 26-130 mm F3.2-6.5 5× zoom lens whereas Panasonic FX48 features a 25-125 mm F2.8-5.9 5× zoom lens.

Panasonic FX48 has 1mm wider coverage than the Nikon L31. At f2.80, it is also faster at widest end. On the tele end, Nikon L31 has 5mm longer reach than the Panasonic FX48. However, with a max aperture of f5.90, Panasonic FX48 is faster at tele end.

Wide Coverage

Compact Cameras

L31
FX48
Widest - Olympus TG-850 iHS
Average
Telezoom

Compact Cameras

L31
FX48
Longest - Canon SX520 HS
Average
Max Aperture at Tele

Compact Cameras

L31
FX48
Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV
Average
Max Aperture at Wide

Compact Cameras

L31
FX48
Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6
Average
What types of Photography are Nikon L31 and Panasonic FX48 Good for?
In this section, we rank and compare Nikon L31 and Panasonic FX48 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

Panasonic FX48 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 Exposure Mode
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details

Nikon L31 for Street Photography

POOR

Panasonic FX48 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
Face-Detection Focusing
Fast Lens at Wide: f2.80
25 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
Read the details

Nikon L31 for Sports Photography

POOR

Panasonic FX48 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 Exposure Mode
11 Focus Points
Average Max shutter speed: 1/3000s
125 mm Tele Lens
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Slow Continuous Shooting: 2.0fps
Environmental Sealings
Slow Lens at Tele: f5.90
Read the details

Nikon L31 for Daily Photography

POOR

Panasonic FX48 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
150g
Body Thickness 22mm
5.0X Optical Zoom
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
Read the details

Nikon L31 for Landscape Photography

POOR

Panasonic FX48 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 Exposure Mode
25 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Manual Focus Mode
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Nikon L31 vs Panasonic FX48: 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 Panasonic FX48, 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 Panasonic FX48 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
Panasonic FX48
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #305 out of 477 in Compact cameras
Ranked #970 out of 1259 in all Cameras

Panasonic FX48 has a higher Overall Score than the Nikon L31. It also has more features, more compact body and offers higher value for the money. But there is one area that FX48 trails behind the L31: Imaging
If image quality is the most important aspect in a camera, choose the Nikon L31. If not, we recommend the Panasonic FX48.

Nikon L31
Nikon L31
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Panasonic FX48
Panasonic FX48
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Panasonic FX48 vs Nikon L31 Specs Table
Detailed comparison of specifications
General Nikon Coolpix L31 Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX48
Brand Nikon Panasonic
Announced 2015-01-14 2009-01-27
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 3,200 ISO
Max Boosted Light Sensitivity - 6400 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 11
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount fixed lens fixed lens
Lens Focal Range 26-130 mm (5×) 25-125 mm (5×)
Max Aperture F3.2-6.5 F2.8-5.9
Macro Focus Range 10cm 5cm
Screen
Type Fixed type Fixed type
Size 2.70" 2.50"
Resolution 230k dots 230k 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 6.00 m
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 720 640 x 480
Video Formats Motion JPEG Motion JPEG
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity None None
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight 160g 150g
Dimensions 96 x 59 x 29mm 95 x 53 x 22mm
Battery Life 200 shots n/a
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS None None
DxO Sensor Scores
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