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Nikon L31 vs Sony W310 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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Sony W310

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

Sony W310
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Nikon L31 vs Sony W310 Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing the L31 and the W310, two Ultracompact cameras from Nikon and Sony. Nikon L31 was introduced to the market in January 2015 and Sony W310 was launched in January 2010. As you can see, W310 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 Sony W310 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 W310 Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2010-01-07
  • 12MP - 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • 28-112 mm F3.0-5.8 Zoom Lens
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 2.70" Fixed Type Screen
  • 1.0fps continuous shooting
  • - 640 x 480 video resolution
  • 137g. 95 x 55 x 19 mm

Let's read on in the following sections in order to better understand in detail how the Nikon L31 and Sony W310 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 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W310
Face Detection Focus
Yes vs No very handy for portraits
Sensor Resolution
16 MP vs 12 MP 33% more pixels
Focal Length - Wide
26mm vs 28mm 2 mm wider coverage
Focal Length - Tele
130mm vs 112mm 18 mm longer tele reach
Optical Zoom
5× vs 4× more flexible focal coverage
Max Video Resolution
1280 x 720 vs 640 x 480 Higher Resolution Video
Selfie & Vlogger LCD
Yes vs No Rotate LCD for taking Selfies
CHECK L31 PRICE


Reasons to choose Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W310 over Nikon Coolpix L31
In-built Image Stabilization
Sensor-shift vs None Sharper images at longer focal lengths and slow shutter speeds
Max ISO
3.200 vs 1.600 100% higher Max ISO
Weight
137 g vs 160 g 23 g lighter
Max Aperture - Wide
3.00 vs 3.20 faster lens at wide
Max Aperture - Tele
5.80 vs 6.50 faster lens at tele
Sensor Pixel Area
2.34µm2 vs 1.76µm2 32% larger pixel area
CHECK W310 PRICE

Common Strengths of Nikon Coolpix L31 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W310
Built-in Flash
Yes vs Yes Useful in low-light
Common Weaknesses of Nikon Coolpix L31 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W310
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 Size
2.70" vs 2.70" Small display
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 5.80 Slow lenses at tele
Nikon L31 vs Sony W310: 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 Sony W310 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 W310 has external dimensions of 95 x 55 x 19 mm (3.74 x 2.17 x 0.75″) and weighs 137 g (0.30 lb / 4.83 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front-view size comparison of the Nikon L31 and the Sony W310. Sony W310 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 1mm narrower, 4mm shorter and 10mm thinner than Nikon L31.

Nikon L31 vs Sony W310 Camera Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of the Nikon L31 and the Sony W310 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of the Nikon L31 and Sony W310.

Nikon L31 vs Sony W310 Camera Size Comparison - Back View
Comparison image of the Nikon L31 and the Sony W310 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. Sony W310 is significantly lighter (23g ) than the Nikon L31 which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

L31
W310
Min
Average
Max
Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

L31
W310
Min
Average
Max

Weather Sealing

Unfortunately neither the Nikon Coolpix L31 nor Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W310 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

Nikon L31 and Sony W310's LCD screens have the same diagonal size of 2.70 inches.

Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don't tilt or flip in directions.


Nikon L31 vs Sony W310: Sensor Comparison

Nikon L31 has a 16.0MP 1/2.3' (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CMOS sensor . On the other hand, Sony W310 has a 12.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CCD sensor .

Below you can see the L31 and W310 sensor size comparison.

Nikon L31 vs Sony W310 Sensor Size Comparison
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Nikon L31 and Sony W310 Cameras


Nikon L31 and Sony W310 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 Sony W310 has 32% larger pixel area (2.34µm2 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 Sony W310 Lens Specs Comparison

Nikon L31 features a 26-130 mm F3.2-6.5 5× zoom lens whereas Sony W310 features a 28-112 mm F3.0-5.8 4× zoom lens.

Nikon L31 has 2mm wider coverage than the Sony W310. On the other hand, with a max aperture of f3.00, Sony W310 is faster at widest end. On the tele end, Nikon L31 has 18mm longer reach than the Sony W310. However, with a max aperture of f5.80, Sony W310 is faster at tele end.

Wide Coverage

Compact Cameras

L31
W310
Widest - Olympus TG-850 iHS
Average
Telezoom

Compact Cameras

L31
W310
Longest - Canon SX520 HS
Average
Max Aperture at Tele

Compact Cameras

L31
W310
Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV
Average
Max Aperture at Wide

Compact Cameras

L31
W310
Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6
Average
What types of Photography are Nikon L31 and Sony W310 Good for?
In this section, we rank and compare Nikon L31 and Sony W310 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 W310 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: 12.0MP
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

Sony W310 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
28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
Read the details

Nikon L31 for Sports Photography

POOR

Sony W310 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
Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
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
9 Focus Points
112 mm Tele Lens
Slow Lens at Tele: f5.80
Read the details

Nikon L31 for Daily Photography

POOR

Sony W310 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
137g
Body Thickness 19mm
4.0X 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

Sony W310 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
28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
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

Nikon L31 vs Sony W310: 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 W310, 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 W310 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 W310
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #102 out of 155 in Ultracompact cameras
Ranked #1120 out of 1259 in all Cameras

Nikon L31
Nikon L31
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Sony W310
Sony W310
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Sony W310 vs Nikon L31 Specs Table
Detailed comparison of specifications
General Nikon Coolpix L31 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W310
Brand Nikon Sony
Announced 2015-01-14 2010-01-07
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 12 megapixels
Max Resolution 4608 x 3456 4000 x 3000
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×) 28-112 mm (4×)
Max Aperture F3.2-6.5 F3.0-5.8
Macro Focus Range 10cm 5cm
Screen
Type Fixed type Fixed type
Size 2.70" 2.70"
Resolution 230k dots 230k 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 Sensor-shift
Built-in Flash
Flash Range 3.60 m 3.00 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 720 640 x 480
Video Formats Motion JPEG Motion JPEG
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity None None
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight 160g 137g
Dimensions 96 x 59 x 29mm 95 x 55 x 19mm
Battery Life 200 shots n/a
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS None None
DxO Sensor Scores
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