Nikon L31 vs Sony HX9V Comparison

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Nikon L31

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

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Sony HX9V

16 MP | 1/2.3 BSI-CMOS Sensor

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Nikon L31 vs Sony HX9V Comparison Overview

Here we are comparing L31 and HX9V, two Compact cameras from Nikon and Sony. Nikon Coolpix L31 is a Ultracompact class camera and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX9V is a Small Sensor Superzoom class camera.

Nikon L31 was introduced to market in January 2015 and Sony HX9V was launched in July 2011. As you can see, HX9V is 4 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 Sony HX9V 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

Sony HX9V Key Specs

Announcement Date: 2011-07-19

16MP - 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor

ISO 100 - 3200

24-384 mm F3.3-5.9 Zoom Lens

Optical Image Stabilization

3.00" Fixed Type Screen

10.0fps continuous shooting

Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video resolution

Built-in GPS

245g. 105 x 59 x 34 mm

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how Nikon L31 and Sony HX9V 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 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX9V

Internal Storage	17MB vs None	Extra built-in storage
Face Detection Focus	Yes vs No	very handy for portraits
Max Mech. Shutter	1/2000s vs 1/1600s	faster mechanical shutter
Weight	160 g vs 245 g	85 g lighter
Max Aperture - Wide	3.20 vs 3.30	faster lens at wide
Selfie & Vlogger LCD	Yes vs No	Rotate LCD for taking Selfies

CHECK L31 PRICE

Reasons to choose Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX9V over Nikon Coolpix L31

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	921k dots vs 230k dots	300% higher resolution screen
Focal Length - Wide	24mm vs 26mm	2 mm wider coverage
Focal Length - Tele	384mm vs 130mm	254 mm longer tele reach
Optical Zoom	16× vs 5×	more flexible focal coverage
Max Aperture - Tele	5.90 vs 6.50	faster lens at tele
Flash Coverage	4.0m vs 3.6m	0.4m longer range
Max Video Resolution	1920 x 1080 vs 1280 x 720	Higher Resolution Video

CHECK HX9V PRICE

Common Strengths of Nikon Coolpix L31 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX9V

Built-in Flash	Yes vs Yes	Useful in low-light
Max Continuous Shooting	fps vs 10.0fps	Fast shooting speeds

Common Weaknesses of Nikon Coolpix L31 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX9V

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

Nikon L31 vs Sony HX9V: 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 Sony HX9V 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). Sony HX9V has external dimensions of 105 x 59 x 34 mm (4.13 x 2.32 x 1.34″) and weighs 245 g (0.54 lb / 8.64 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Nikon L31 and Sony HX9V. Nikon L31 is 9mm narrower and 5mm thinner than Nikon L31 but they have the same height of 59mm.

Comparison image of Nikon L31 and Sony HX9V Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Now lets look at the top view comparison of Nikon L31 and Sony HX9V.

Top View Comparison image of Nikon L31 and Sony HX9V 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 (85g ) than the Sony HX9V which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

L31

HX9V

Min

Average

Max

Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

L31

HX9V

Min

Average

Max

Weather Sealing

Unfortunately neither Nikon Coolpix L31 nor Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX9V 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

Sony HX9V'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 Sony HX9V: Sensor Comparison

Both Nikon L31 and Sony HX9V have 16.0 MP resolution sensors but Nikon L31's sensor is 1/2.3' (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) and Sony HX9V's sensor is 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ).

Since Sony HX9V'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 HX9V sensor size comparison.

Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Nikon L31 and Sony HX9V Cameras

Nikon L31 and Sony HX9V 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 Sony HX9V Lens Specs Comparison

Nikon L31 features a 26-130 mm F3.2-6.5 5× zoom lens whereas Sony HX9V features a 24-384 mm F3.3-5.9 16× zoom lens.

Sony HX9V has 2mm wider coverage than the Nikon L31. On the other hand, with a max aperture of f3.20, Nikon L31 is faster at widest end. On the tele end, Sony HX9V has 254mm longer reach than the Nikon L31. At f5.90, it is also faster at tele end.

Wide Coverage

Compact Cameras

L31

HX9V

Widest - Olympus TG-850 iHS

Average

Telezoom

Compact Cameras

L31

HX9V

Longest - Canon SX520 HS

Average

Max Aperture at Tele

Compact Cameras

L31

HX9V

Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV

Average

Max Aperture at Wide

Compact Cameras

L31

HX9V

Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6

Average

What types of Photography are Nikon L31 and Sony HX9V Good for?

In this section, we rank and compare Nikon L31 and Sony HX9V 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

Sony HX9V 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 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

Sony HX9V 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
Manual Focus Mode
Small Body
Live-view
24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 1/2.3 sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Built-in Viewfinder
Read the details

Nikon L31 for Sports Photography

POOR

Sony HX9V 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
384 mm Tele Lens
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Environmental Sealings
Slow Max shutter speed: 1/1600s
9 Focus Points
Slow Lens at Tele: f5.90
Read the details

Nikon L31 for Daily Photography

POOR

Sony HX9V 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
245g
16.0X Optical Zoom
Small 1/2.3 sensor
No RAW shooting capability
Read the details

Nikon L31 for Landscape Photography

POOR

Sony HX9V 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
24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
Small 1/2.3 sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Nikon L31 vs Sony HX9V: 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 Sony HX9V, 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 Sony HX9V 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

Sony HX9V

Imaging

Features

Value

Portability

Overall

Ranked #190 out of 477 in Compact cameras
Ranked #801 out of 1259 in all Cameras

Sony HX9V has a higher Overall Score than the Nikon L31 and would be our choice if we have to decide between these two cameras.

Sony HX9V vs Nikon L31 Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications

General	Nikon Coolpix L31	Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX9V
Brand	Nikon	Sony
Announced	2015-01-14	2011-07-19
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	9
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount	fixed lens	fixed lens
Lens Focal Range	26-130 mm (5×)	24-384 mm (16×)
Max Aperture	F3.2-6.5	F3.3-5.9
Macro Focus Range	10cm	n/a
Screen
Type	Fixed type	Fixed type
Size	2.70"	3.00"
Resolution	230k dots	921k 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	4.00 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, AVCHD
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity	None	Eye-Fi Connected
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight	160g	245g
Dimensions	96 x 59 x 29mm	105 x 59 x 34mm
Battery Life	200 shots	n/a
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS	None	Built-in
DxO Sensor Scores
	Report a correction	Report a correction