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Nikon L31 vs Pentax K-7 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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Pentax K-7

15 MP | APS-C (23.4 x 15.6 mm) CMOS Sensor

Pentax K-7
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Nikon L31 vs Pentax K-7 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 Pentax K-7, which was introduced in October 2009 is a Advanced DSLR camera with a 15.0MP APS-C sensor. As you can see, K-7 is 6 years older than L31. Let's see if this age difference between two cameras makes a big difference.

Comparing a DSLR camera to a Fixed Lens camera is not an easy task but we will do our best to make this a fair comparison.

Here is a brief look at the main features of Nikon L31 and Pentax K-7 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

Pentax K-7 Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2009-10-02
  • 15MP - APS-C CMOS Sensor
  • ISO 100 - 2000 ( expands to 6400)
  • Pentax KAF2 Mount
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 3.00" Fixed Type Screen
  • Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder
  • 5.0fps continuous shooting
  • HD - 1280 x 720 video resolution
  • 750g. 131 x 97 x 73 mm
  • Weather Sealed Body

Pentax K-7 was replaced by Pentax K-5. You may also be interested in these comparisons:
Pentax K-5 vs Pentax K-7
Pentax K-5 vs Nikon Coolpix L31

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how Nikon L31 and Pentax K-7 compares 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 Pentax K-7
Internal Storage
17MB vs None Extra built-in storage
Sensor Resolution
16 MP vs 15 MP 6% more pixels
Weight
160 g vs 750 g 590 g lighter
Selfie & Vlogger LCD
Yes vs No Rotate LCD for taking Selfies
CHECK L31 PRICE


Reasons to choose Pentax K-7 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
Optical vs None Better framing and control
RAW Support
Yes vs No Better image quality
Max ISO
2.000 vs 1.600 25% higher Max ISO
LCD Screen Size
3 vs 2.7" 0.3 inches larger display
LCD Resolution
921k dots vs 230k dots 300% higher resolution screen
Max Mech. Shutter
1/8000s vs 1/2000s faster mechanical shutter
Battery Life
980 shots vs 200 shots 780 more frames with a single charge
Microphone Port
Yes vs No High quality audio recording option
Environmental Sealing
Yes vs No shoot at tough conditions
Timelapse Recording
Yes vs No creative shooting
Flash Coverage
13.0m vs 3.6m 9.4m longer range
Sensor Pixel Area
25.18µm2 vs 1.76µm2 1330% larger pixel area
Top LCD
Yes vs No Help viewing and changing settings easily
AE Bracketing
Yes vs No Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR
Flash Sync Port
Yes vs No Connect off-camera flash
CHECK K-7 PRICE

Common Strengths of Nikon Coolpix L31 and Pentax K-7
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 Pentax K-7
Fixed Screen
Fixed Type vs No Screen tilts or Flips out independently, perfect for both stills and video
Nikon L31 vs Pentax K-7: 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 Pentax K-7 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). Pentax K-7 has external dimensions of 131 x 97 x 73 mm (5.16 x 3.82 x 2.87″) and weighs 750 g (1.65 lb / 26.46 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Nikon L31 and Pentax K-7. Nikon L31 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 35mm narrower, 38mm shorter and 44mm thinner than Pentax K-7. As you can tell, actually this is not a fair size comparison since Nikon L31 has a built-in lens but Pentax K-7 doesn't. Once you put a lens on K-7, its thickness will increase significantly.

Nikon L31 vs Pentax K-7 Camera Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Nikon L31 and Pentax K-7 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of Nikon L31 and Pentax K-7.

Nikon L31 vs Pentax K-7 Camera Size Comparison - Back View
Comparison image of Nikon L31 and Pentax K-7 Size and Weight - Back View

Now lets look at the top view comparison of Nikon L31 and Pentax K-7.
Nikon L31 vs Pentax K-7 Camera Size Comparison - Top View
Top View Comparison image of Nikon L31 and Pentax K-7 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 (590g ) than the Pentax K-7 which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.

Again, this comparison may not be very useful in real life as we are comparing the weight of a camera with a built-in lens to the body-only weight of an interchangeable lens camera. Once you put a lens on K-7, the total kit will weigh much higher.

Weather Sealing

Thanks to the weather sealed body of K-7, you can use this camera with more confidence under conditions where there is risk of exposure to water and dust compared to L31.

LCD Screen Size and Features

Pentax K-7'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 Pentax K-7: Sensor Comparison

Nikon L31 has a 16.0MP 1/2.3' (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CMOS sensor . On the other hand, Pentax K-7 has a 15.0MP APS-C (23.4 x 15.6 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features Prime II processor.

Below you can see the L31 and K-7 sensor size comparison.

Nikon L31 vs Pentax K-7 Sensor Size Comparison
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Nikon L31 and Pentax K-7 Cameras


As seen above, Pentax K-7 has a 13.0x Larger sensor area than Nikon L31. Larger sensors give photographer more control on the depth of field and blurry background compared to smaller sensor when shot in same focal length and aperture.

What types of Photography are Nikon L31 and Pentax K-7 Good for?
In this section, we rank and compare Nikon L31 and Pentax K-7 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

Pentax K-7 for Portrait Photography

GOOD
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
Large APS-C (23.4 x 15.6 mm) sensor
Image Stabilization
Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Good Ergonomics&Handling
Average Resolution Sensor: 15.0MP
Read the details

Nikon L31 for Street Photography

POOR

Pentax K-7 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
Large APS-C (23.4 x 15.6 mm) sensor
Image Stabilization
Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Large Body
Read the details

Nikon L31 for Sports Photography

POOR

Pentax K-7 for Sports Photography

GOOD
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
Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Good Ergonomics&Handling
Environmental Sealings
Fast Max shutter speed: 1/8000s
11 Focus Points
Good Battery Life: 980 shots
Average Continuous Shooting: 5.0fps
Read the details

Nikon L31 for Daily Photography

POOR

Pentax K-7 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
Large APS-C (23.4 x 15.6 mm) sensor
Environmental Sealings
Large Body
750g
Body Thickness 73mm
Read the details

Nikon L31 for Landscape Photography

POOR

Pentax K-7 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
Large APS-C (23.4 x 15.6 mm) sensor
Environmental Sealings
Live-view
Average Resolution Sensor: 15.0MP
Read the details

Nikon L31 vs Pentax K-7: 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 Pentax K-7, 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 Pentax K-7 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
Pentax K-7
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #41 out of 95 in Mid-size SLR cameras
Ranked #246 out of 1259 in all Cameras

Pentax K-7 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, Pentax K-7 is the better camera overall.

Nikon L31
Nikon L31
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Pentax K-7
Pentax K-7
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Pentax K-7 vs Nikon L31 Specs Table
Detailed comparison of specifications
General Nikon Coolpix L31 Pentax K-7
Brand Nikon Pentax
Announced 2015-01-14 2009-10-02
Body Type Ultracompact Mid-size SLR
Sensor
Type CMOS CMOS
Size 1/2.3' APS-C
Dimensions 6.17 x 4.55 mm 23.4 x 15.6 mm
Area 28.07mm2 365.04mm2
Megapixels 16 megapixels 15 megapixels
Max Resolution 4608 x 3456 4672 x 3104
Max Native Light sensitivity 1,600 ISO 2,000 ISO
Max Boosted Light Sensitivity - 6400 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 11
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount fixed lens Pentax KAF2
Lens Focal Range 26-130 mm (5×) no lens
Max Aperture F3.2-6.5 no lens
Macro Focus Range 10cm no lens
Screen
Type Fixed type Fixed type
Size 2.70" 3.00"
Resolution 230k dots 921k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder None Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Coverage n/a 100%
Viewfinder Magnification n/a 0.61x
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter 1/2000s 1/8000s
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 13.00 m
Max Flash Sync n/a 1/180s
External Flash
Continuous Shooting n/a 5.0 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 750g
Dimensions 96 x 59 x 29mm 131 x 97 x 73mm
Battery Life 200 shots 980 shots
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS None None
DxO Sensor Scores
DxO Overall Score not tested 61
DxO Color Depth not tested 22.6
DxO Dynamic Range not tested 10.6
DxO Low Light ISO not tested 536
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