Nikon L31 vs Panasonic SZ1 Comparison

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Nikon L31

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

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Panasonic SZ1

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

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Nikon L31 vs Panasonic SZ1 Comparison Overview

Here we are comparing L31 and SZ1, two Compact cameras from Nikon and Panasonic. Nikon Coolpix L31 is a Ultracompact class camera and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1 is a Small Sensor Compact class camera.

Nikon L31 was introduced to the market in January 2015 and Panasonic SZ1 was launched in January 2012. As you can see, SZ1 is 3 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 Panasonic SZ1 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 SZ1 Key Specs

Announcement Date: 2012-01-09

16MP - 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor

ISO 100 - 6400

25-250 mm F3.1-5.9 Zoom Lens

Optical Image Stabilization

3.00" Fixed Type Screen

1.0fps continuous shooting

HD - 1280 x 720 video resolution

131g. 99 x 59 x 21 mm

Let's read on in the following sections in order to better understand in detail how the Nikon L31 and Panasonic SZ1 compare 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-SZ1

Max Mech. Shutter	1/2000s vs 1/1600s	faster mechanical shutter
Selfie & Vlogger LCD	Yes vs No	Rotate LCD for taking Selfies

CHECK L31 PRICE

Reasons to choose Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1 over Nikon Coolpix L31

In-built Image Stabilization	Optical vs None	Sharper images at longer focal lengths and slow shutter speeds
Max ISO	6.400 vs 1.600	300% higher Max ISO
LCD Screen Size	3" vs 2.7"	0.3 inches larger display
Battery Life	250 shots vs 200 shots	50 more frames with a single charge
Weight	131 g vs 160 g	29 g lighter
Focal Length - Wide	25mm vs 26mm	1 mm wider coverage
Focal Length - Tele	250mm vs 130mm	120 mm longer tele reach
Optical Zoom	10× 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
Flash Coverage	5.6m vs 3.6m	2m longer range

CHECK SZ1 PRICE

Common Strengths of Nikon Coolpix L31 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1

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-SZ1

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 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

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Nikon L31 vs Panasonic SZ1: 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 Panasonic SZ1 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 SZ1 has external dimensions of 99 x 59 x 21 mm (3.9 x 2.32 x 0.83″) and weighs 131 g (0.29 lb / 4.62 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front-view size comparison of the Nikon L31 and the Panasonic SZ1.

Comparison image of the Nikon L31 and the Panasonic SZ1 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of the Nikon L31 and Panasonic SZ1.

Comparison image of the Nikon L31 and the Panasonic SZ1 Size and Weight - Back View

Now lets look at the top view comparison of Nikon L31 and Panasonic SZ1.

Top View Comparison image of the Nikon L31 and the the Panasonic SZ1 Size

Weight is another important factor, especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Panasonic SZ1 is significantly lighter (29g ) than the Nikon L31 which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

L31

SZ1

Min

Average

Max

Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

L31

SZ1

Min

Average

Max

Weather Sealing

Unfortunately neither the Nikon Coolpix L31 nor Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1 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

Panasonic SZ1'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 Panasonic SZ1: Sensor Comparison

Both Nikon L31 and Panasonic SZ1 have 16.0 MP resolution sensors but Nikon L31's sensor is 1/2.3' (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) and Panasonic SZ1's sensor is 1/2.3-inch (6.08 x 4.56 mm ).

Since Nikon L31'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 Panasonic SZ1.

Below you can see the L31 and SZ1 sensor size comparison.

Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Nikon L31 and Panasonic SZ1 Cameras

Nikon L31 and Panasonic SZ1 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 Panasonic SZ1 Lens Specs Comparison

Nikon L31 features a 26-130 mm F3.2-6.5 5× zoom lens whereas Panasonic SZ1 features a 25-250 mm F3.1-5.9 10× zoom lens.

Panasonic SZ1 has 1mm wider coverage than the Nikon L31. At f3.10, it is also faster at widest end. On the tele end, Panasonic SZ1 has 120mm longer reach than the Nikon L31. At f5.90, it is also faster at tele end.

Wide Coverage

Compact Cameras

L31

SZ1

Widest - Olympus TG-850 iHS

Average

Telezoom

Compact Cameras

L31

SZ1

Longest - Canon SX520 HS

Average

Max Aperture at Tele

Compact Cameras

L31

SZ1

Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV

Average

Max Aperture at Wide

Compact Cameras

L31

SZ1

Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6

Average

What types of Photography are Nikon L31 and Panasonic SZ1 Good for?

In this section, we rank and compare Nikon L31 and Panasonic SZ1 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 SZ1 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: 16.0MP
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
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details

Nikon L31 for Street Photography

POOR

Panasonic SZ1 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
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 SZ1 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
23 Focus Points
250 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
Slow Max shutter speed: 1/1600s
Poor Battery Life: 250 shots
Slow Lens at Tele: f5.90
Read the details

Nikon L31 for Daily Photography

POOR

Panasonic SZ1 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
131g
Body Thickness 21mm
10.0X 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 SZ1 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

25 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Nikon L31 vs Panasonic SZ1: 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 SZ1, 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 SZ1 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 SZ1

Imaging

Features

Value

Portability

Overall

Ranked #350 out of 477 in Compact cameras
Ranked #1040 out of 1259 in all Cameras

Panasonic SZ1 has a higher Overall Score than the Nikon L31 and would be our choice if we have to decide between these two cameras.

Panasonic SZ1 vs Nikon L31 Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications

General	Nikon Coolpix L31	Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1
Brand	Nikon	Panasonic
Announced	2015-01-14	2012-01-09
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	16 megapixels
Max Resolution	4608 x 3456	4608 x 3456
Max Native Light sensitivity	1,600 ISO	6,400 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	23
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount	fixed lens	fixed lens
Lens Focal Range	26-130 mm (5×)	25-250 mm (10×)
Max Aperture	F3.2-6.5	F3.1-5.9
Macro Focus Range	10cm	4cm
Screen
Type	Fixed type	Fixed type
Size	2.70"	3.00"
Resolution	230k dots	230k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder	None	None
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter	1/2000s	1/1600s
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	5.60 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	MPEG-4
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity	None	None
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight	160g	131g
Dimensions	96 x 59 x 29mm	99 x 59 x 21mm
Battery Life	200 shots	250 shots
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS	None	None
DxO Sensor Scores
	Report a correction	Report a correction