Nikon L31 vs Samsung ST100 Comparison

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Nikon L31

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

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Samsung ST100

14 MP | 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) CCD Sensor

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Nikon L31 vs Samsung ST100 Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing the L31 and the ST100, two Ultracompact cameras from Nikon and Samsung. Nikon L31 was introduced to the market in January 2015 and Samsung ST100 was launched in January 2010. As you can see, ST100 is 5 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 Samsung ST100 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

Samsung ST100 Key Specs

Announcement Date: 2010-01-06

14MP - 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor

ISO 80 - 3200

35-175 mm F3.6-4.8 Zoom Lens

Optical Image Stabilization

3.50" Fixed Type Screen

fps continuous shooting

HD - 1280 x 720 video resolution

155g. 100 x 60 x 20 mm

Let's read on in the following sections in order to better understand in detail how the Nikon L31 and Samsung ST100 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 Samsung ST100

Sensor Resolution	16 MP vs 14 MP	14% more pixels
Max Mech. Shutter	1/2000s vs 1/1000s	faster mechanical shutter
Focal Length - Wide	26mm vs 35mm	9 mm wider coverage
Max Aperture - Wide	3.20 vs 3.60	faster lens at wide
Selfie & Vlogger LCD	Yes vs No	Rotate LCD for taking Selfies

CHECK L31 PRICE

Reasons to choose Samsung ST100 over Nikon Coolpix L31

In-built Image Stabilization	Optical vs None	Sharper images at longer focal lengths and slow shutter speeds
Touch Screen	Yes vs No	Easy control of camera functions
Max ISO	3.200 vs 1.600	100% higher Max ISO
LCD Screen Size	3.5" vs 2.7"	0.8 inches larger display
LCD Resolution	1.152k dots vs 230k dots	400% higher resolution screen
Weight	155 g vs 160 g	5 g lighter
Focal Length - Tele	175mm vs 130mm	45 mm longer tele reach
Max Aperture - Tele	4.80 vs 6.50	faster lens at tele
Sensor Pixel Area	2.01µm2 vs 1.76µm2	14% larger pixel area

CHECK ST100 PRICE

Common Strengths of Nikon Coolpix L31 and Samsung ST100

Built-in Flash	Yes vs Yes	Useful in low-light
Face Detection Focus	Yes vs Yes	very handy for portraits
LCD Screen Size	3.50" vs 3.50"	Large display

Common Weaknesses of Nikon Coolpix L31 and Samsung ST100

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
Manual Focusing	No vs No	No manual focusing modes
Environmental Sealing	No vs No	not suitable for tough conditions

Nikon L31 vs Samsung ST100: 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 Samsung ST100 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). Samsung ST100 has external dimensions of 100 x 60 x 20 mm (3.94 x 2.36 x 0.79″) and weighs 155 g (0.34 lb / 5.47 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front-view size comparison of the Nikon L31 and the Samsung ST100. Nikon L31 is 4mm narrower and 1mm shorter than Samsung ST100 but it is also 9mm thicker.

Comparison image of the Nikon L31 and the Samsung ST100 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of the Nikon L31 and Samsung ST100.

Comparison image of the Nikon L31 and the Samsung ST100 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. Samsung ST100 is 5g lighter than the Nikon L31 but we don't think this will make a significant difference.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

L31

ST100

Min

Average

Max

Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

L31

ST100

Min

Average

Max

Weather Sealing

Unfortunately neither the Nikon Coolpix L31 nor Samsung ST100 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

Samsung ST100's 3.50" 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 Samsung ST100: Sensor Comparison

Nikon L31 has a 16.0MP 1/2.3' (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CMOS sensor . On the other hand, Samsung ST100 has a 14.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CCD sensor .

Below you can see the L31 and ST100 sensor size comparison.

Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Nikon L31 and Samsung ST100 Cameras

Nikon L31 and Samsung ST100 have the same sensor sizes so they will provide same level of control over the depth of field when used with same focal length and aperture. On the other hand, since Samsung ST100 has 14% larger pixel area (2.01µm² vs 1.76µm²) compared to Nikon L31, it has larger pixel area to collect light hence potential to have less noise in low light / High ISO images.

Nikon L31 vs Samsung ST100 Lens Specs Comparison

Nikon L31 features a 26-130 mm F3.2-6.5 5× zoom lens whereas Samsung ST100 features a 35-175 mm F3.6-4.8 5× zoom lens.

Nikon L31 has 9mm wider coverage than the Samsung ST100. At f3.20, it is also faster at widest end. On the tele end, Samsung ST100 has 45mm longer reach than the Nikon L31. At f4.80, it is also faster at tele end.

Wide Coverage

Compact Cameras

L31

ST100

Widest - Olympus TG-850 iHS

Average

Telezoom

Compact Cameras

L31

ST100

Longest - Canon SX520 HS

Average

Max Aperture at Tele

Compact Cameras

L31

ST100

Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV

Average

Max Aperture at Wide

Compact Cameras

L31

ST100

Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6

Average

What types of Photography are Nikon L31 and Samsung ST100 Good for?

In this section, we rank and compare Nikon L31 and Samsung ST100 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

Samsung ST100 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: 14.0MP
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 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

Samsung ST100 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
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
Slow Lens at Wide: f3.60
35 mm - Poor Wide Angle Coverage
Read the details

Nikon L31 for Sports Photography

POOR

Samsung ST100 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
175 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
Environmental Sealings
Slow Max shutter speed: 1/1000s
Focus Points
Read the details

Nikon L31 for Daily Photography

POOR

Samsung ST100 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
155g
Body Thickness 20mm
5.0X Optical Zoom
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
Read the details

Nikon L31 for Landscape Photography

POOR

Samsung ST100 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

Average Resolution Sensor: 14.0MP
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
35 mm - Poor Wide Angle Coverage
Read the details

Nikon L31 vs Samsung ST100: 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 Samsung ST100, 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 Samsung ST100 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

Samsung ST100

Imaging

Features

Value

Portability

Overall

Ranked #24 out of 155 in Ultracompact cameras
Ranked #844 out of 1259 in all Cameras

Samsung ST100 has a higher Overall Score than the Nikon L31 and would be our choice if we have to decide between these two cameras.

Samsung ST100 vs Nikon L31 Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications

General	Nikon Coolpix L31	Samsung ST100
Brand	Nikon	Samsung
Announced	2015-01-14	2010-01-06
Body Type	Ultracompact	Ultracompact
Sensor
Type	CMOS	CCD
Size	1/2.3'	1/2.3-inch
Dimensions	6.17 x 4.55 mm	6.17 x 4.55 mm
Area	28.07mm²	28.07mm²
Megapixels	16 megapixels	14 megapixels
Max Resolution	4608 x 3456	4320 x 3240
Max Native Light sensitivity	1,600 ISO	3,200 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	n/a
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount	fixed lens	fixed lens
Lens Focal Range	26-130 mm (5×)	35-175 mm (5×)
Max Aperture	F3.2-6.5	F3.6-4.8
Macro Focus Range	10cm	5cm
Screen
Type	Fixed type	Fixed type
Size	2.70"	3.50"
Resolution	230k dots	1,152k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder	None	None
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter	1/2000s	1/1000s
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	3.10 m
Max Flash Sync	n/a	s
External Flash
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	155g
Dimensions	96 x 59 x 29mm	100 x 60 x 20mm
Battery Life	200 shots	n/a
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS	None	None
DxO Sensor Scores
	Report a correction	Report a correction