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Nikon L31 vs Samsung WB850F 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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Samsung WB850F

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

Samsung WB850F
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Nikon L31 vs Samsung WB850F Comparison Overview

Here we are comparing L31 and WB850F, two Compact cameras from Nikon and Samsung. Nikon Coolpix L31 is a Ultracompact class camera and Samsung WB850F is a Small Sensor Superzoom class camera.

Nikon L31 was introduced to the market in January 2015 and Samsung WB850F was launched in January 2012. As you can see, WB850F 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 Samsung WB850F 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 WB850F Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2012-01-09
  • 16MP - 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • 23-483 mm F2.8-5.9 Zoom Lens
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 3.00" Fixed Type Screen
  • 10.0fps continuous shooting
  • Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video resolution
  • Built-in Wireless
  • Built-in GPS
  • 250g. 109 x 62 x 25 mm mm

Let's read on in the following sections in order to better understand in detail how the Nikon L31 and Samsung WB850F compare 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 Samsung WB850F
Internal Storage
17MB vs None Extra built-in storage
Weight
160 g vs 250 g 90 g lighter
Selfie & Vlogger LCD
Yes vs No Rotate LCD for taking Selfies
CHECK L31 PRICE


Reasons to choose Samsung WB850F over Nikon Coolpix L31
Wireless Connection
Built-In vs None Better connectivity
In-built Image Stabilization
Optical vs None Sharper images at longer focal lengths and slow shutter speeds
GPS
BuiltIn vs None track your location
Max ISO
3.200 vs 1.600 100% higher Max ISO
LCD Screen Size
3" vs 2.7" 0.3 inches larger display
LCD Resolution
614k dots vs 230k dots 166% higher resolution screen
Focal Length - Wide
23mm vs 26mm 3 mm wider coverage
Focal Length - Tele
483mm vs 130mm 353 mm longer tele reach
Optical Zoom
21× vs 5× more flexible focal 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
Max Video Resolution
1920 x 1080 vs 1280 x 720 Higher Resolution Video
CHECK WB850F PRICE

Common Strengths of Nikon Coolpix L31 and Samsung WB850F
Built-in Flash
Yes vs Yes Useful in low-light
Face Detection Focus
Yes vs Yes very handy for portraits
Max Continuous Shooting
fps vs 10.0fps Fast shooting speeds
Common Weaknesses of Nikon Coolpix L31 and Samsung WB850F
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
Environmental Sealing
No vs No not suitable for tough conditions
Max Aperture - Tele
6.50 vs 5.90 Slow lenses at tele
New4
Nikon L31 vs Samsung WB850F: 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 WB850F 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 WB850F has external dimensions of and weighs 250 g (0.55 lb / 8.82 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front-view size comparison of the Nikon L31 and the Samsung WB850F. Nikon L31 is 13mm narrower and 3mm shorter than Samsung WB850F but it is also 4mm thicker.

Nikon L31 vs Samsung WB850F Camera Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of the Nikon L31 and the Samsung WB850F Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of the Nikon L31 and Samsung WB850F.

Nikon L31 vs Samsung WB850F Camera Size Comparison - Back View
Comparison image of the Nikon L31 and the Samsung WB850F Size and Weight - Back View

Now lets look at the top view comparison of Nikon L31 and Samsung WB850F.
Nikon L31 vs Samsung WB850F Camera Size Comparison - Top View
Top View Comparison image of the Nikon L31 and the the Samsung WB850F 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 (90g ) than the Samsung WB850F which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

L31
WB850F
Min
Average
Max
Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

L31
WB850F
Min
Average
Max

Weather Sealing

Unfortunately neither the Nikon Coolpix L31 nor Samsung WB850F 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 WB850F'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 Samsung WB850F: Sensor Comparison

Both Nikon L31 and Samsung WB850F have 16.0 MP resolution sensors but Nikon L31's sensor is 1/2.3' (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) and Samsung WB850F's sensor is 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ).

Since Samsung WB850F'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 Nikon L31.

Below you can see the L31 and WB850F sensor size comparison.

Nikon L31 vs Samsung WB850F Sensor Size Comparison
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Nikon L31 and Samsung WB850F Cameras


Nikon L31 and Samsung WB850F 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.

Nikon L31 vs Samsung WB850F Lens Specs Comparison

Nikon L31 features a 26-130 mm F3.2-6.5 5× zoom lens whereas Samsung WB850F features a 23-483 mm F2.8-5.9 21× zoom lens.

Samsung WB850F has 3mm wider coverage than the Nikon L31. At f2.80, it is also faster at widest end. On the tele end, Samsung WB850F has 353mm longer reach than the Nikon L31. At f5.90, it is also faster at tele end.

Wide Coverage

Compact Cameras

L31
WB850F
Widest - Olympus TG-850 iHS
Average
Telezoom

Compact Cameras

L31
WB850F
Longest - Canon SX520 HS
Average
Max Aperture at Tele

Compact Cameras

L31
WB850F
Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV
Average
Max Aperture at Wide

Compact Cameras

L31
WB850F
Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6
Average
What types of Photography are Nikon L31 and Samsung WB850F Good for?
In this section, we rank and compare Nikon L31 and Samsung WB850F 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 WB850F 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 Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details

Nikon L31 for Street Photography

POOR

Samsung WB850F for Street Photography

GOOD
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
Manual Focus Mode
Small Body
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Fast Lens at Wide: f2.80
23 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Built-in Viewfinder
Read the details

Nikon L31 for Sports Photography

POOR

Samsung WB850F 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 Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Fast Continuous Shooting: 10.0fps
Wireless Connection
483 mm Tele Lens
Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Environmental Sealings
Unknown Focus Points
Slow Lens at Tele: f5.90
Read the details

Nikon L31 for Daily Photography

POOR

Samsung WB850F 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
250g
21.0X 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 WB850F 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 Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Built-in GPS
23 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 Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Nikon L31 vs Samsung WB850F: 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 WB850F, 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 WB850F 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 WB850F
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #97 out of 477 in Compact cameras
Ranked #611 out of 1259 in all Cameras

Samsung WB850F has a higher Overall Score than the Nikon L31 and would be our choice if we have to decide between these two cameras.

Nikon L31
Nikon L31
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Samsung WB850F
Samsung WB850F
CHECK PRICE

CHECK PRICE

Samsung WB850F vs Nikon L31 Specs Table
Detailed comparison of specifications
General Nikon Coolpix L31 Samsung WB850F
Brand Nikon Samsung
Announced 2015-01-14 2012-01-09
Body Type Ultracompact Compact
Sensor
Type CMOS BSI-CMOS
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 16 megapixels
Max Resolution 4608 x 3456 4608 x 3456
Max Native Light sensitivity 1,600 ISO 3,200 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 n/a
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount fixed lens fixed lens
Lens Focal Range 26-130 mm (5×) 23-483 mm (21×)
Max Aperture F3.2-6.5 F2.8-5.9
Macro Focus Range 10cm 5cm
Screen
Type Fixed type Fixed type
Size 2.70" 3.00"
Resolution 230k dots 614k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder None None
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 Optical
Built-in Flash
Flash Range 3.60 m 3.50 m
External Flash
Continuous Shooting n/a 10.0 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 1920 x 1080
Video Formats Motion JPEG MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity None Built-In
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight 160g 250g
Dimensions 96 x 59 x 29mm 109 x 62 x 25 mmmm
Battery Life 200 shots n/a
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS None Built-in
DxO Sensor Scores
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