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Nikon L31 vs Sony WX10 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 WX10

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

Sony WX10
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Nikon L31 vs Sony WX10 Comparison Overview

Here we are comparing L31 and WX10, two Compact cameras from Nikon and Sony. Nikon Coolpix L31 is a Ultracompact class camera and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX10 is a Small Sensor Compact class camera.

Nikon L31 was introduced to the market in January 2015 and Sony WX10 was launched in January 2011. As you can see, WX10 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 the Nikon L31 and Sony WX10 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 WX10 Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2011-01-06
  • 16MP - 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • 24-168 mm F2.4-5.9 Zoom Lens
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 2.80" Fixed Type Screen
  • 10.0fps continuous shooting
  • Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video resolution
  • 161g. 95 x 54 x 23 mm

Let's read on in the following sections in order to better understand in detail how the Nikon L31 and Sony WX10 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-WX10
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 161 g 1 g lighter
Selfie & Vlogger LCD
Yes vs No Rotate LCD for taking Selfies
CHECK L31 PRICE


Reasons to choose Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX10 over Nikon Coolpix L31
In-built Image Stabilization
Optical vs None Sharper images at longer focal lengths and slow shutter speeds
Max ISO
3.200 vs 1.600 100% higher Max ISO
LCD Screen Size
2.8" vs 2.7" 0.1 inches larger display
LCD Resolution
460k dots vs 230k dots 100% higher resolution screen
Focal Length - Wide
24mm vs 26mm 2 mm wider coverage
Focal Length - Tele
168mm vs 130mm 38 mm longer tele reach
Optical Zoom
7× vs 5× more flexible focal coverage
Max Aperture - Wide
2.40 vs 3.20 faster lens at wide
Max Aperture - Tele
5.90 vs 6.50 faster lens at tele
Flash Coverage
7.1m vs 3.6m 3.5m longer range
Max Video Resolution
1920 x 1080 vs 1280 x 720 Higher Resolution Video
CHECK WX10 PRICE

Common Strengths of Nikon Coolpix L31 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX10
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-WX10
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
2.80" vs 2.80" Small display
LCD Screen Resolution
230k dots vs 460k dots Low resolution screens
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 WX10: 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 WX10 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 WX10 has external dimensions of 95 x 54 x 23 mm (3.74 x 2.13 x 0.91″) and weighs 161 g (0.35 lb / 5.68 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front-view size comparison of the Nikon L31 and the Sony WX10. Sony WX10 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 1mm narrower, 5mm shorter and 6mm thinner than Nikon L31.

Nikon L31 vs Sony WX10 Camera Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of the Nikon L31 and the Sony WX10 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of the Nikon L31 and Sony WX10.

Nikon L31 vs Sony WX10 Camera Size Comparison - Back View
Comparison image of the Nikon L31 and the Sony WX10 Size and Weight - Back View

Now lets look at the top view comparison of Nikon L31 and Sony WX10.
Nikon L31 vs Sony WX10 Camera Size Comparison - Top View
Top View Comparison image of the Nikon L31 and the the Sony WX10 Size

Weight is another important factor, especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Nikon L31 is 1g lighter than the Sony WX10 but we don't think this will make a significant difference.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

L31
WX10
Min
Average
Max
Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

L31
WX10
Min
Average
Max

Weather Sealing

Unfortunately neither the Nikon Coolpix L31 nor Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX10 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

Sony WX10's 2.80" 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 WX10: Sensor Comparison

Both Nikon L31 and Sony WX10 have 16.0 MP resolution sensors but Nikon L31's sensor is 1/2.3' (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) and Sony WX10's sensor is 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ).

Since Sony WX10'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 WX10 sensor size comparison.

Nikon L31 vs Sony WX10 Sensor Size Comparison
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Nikon L31 and Sony WX10 Cameras


Nikon L31 and Sony WX10 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 WX10 Lens Specs Comparison

Nikon L31 features a 26-130 mm F3.2-6.5 5× zoom lens whereas Sony WX10 features a 24-168 mm F2.4-5.9 7× zoom lens.

Sony WX10 has 2mm wider coverage than the Nikon L31. At f2.40, it is also faster at widest end. On the tele end, Sony WX10 has 38mm longer reach than the Nikon L31. At f5.90, it is also faster at tele end.

Wide Coverage

Compact Cameras

L31
WX10
Widest - Olympus TG-850 iHS
Average
Telezoom

Compact Cameras

L31
WX10
Longest - Canon SX520 HS
Average
Max Aperture at Tele

Compact Cameras

L31
WX10
Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV
Average
Max Aperture at Wide

Compact Cameras

L31
WX10
Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6
Average
What types of Photography are Nikon L31 and Sony WX10 Good for?
In this section, we rank and compare Nikon L31 and Sony WX10 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 WX10 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

Sony WX10 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
Fast Lens at Wide: f2.40
24 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

Sony WX10 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
168 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 WX10 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
161g
7.0X 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 WX10 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
24 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 Sony WX10: 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 WX10, 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 WX10 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 WX10
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #209 out of 477 in Compact cameras
Ranked #826 out of 1259 in all Cameras

Sony WX10 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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Sony WX10
Sony WX10
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Sony WX10 vs Nikon L31 Specs Table
Detailed comparison of specifications
General Nikon Coolpix L31 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX10
Brand Nikon Sony
Announced 2015-01-14 2011-01-06
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×) 24-168 mm (7×)
Max Aperture F3.2-6.5 F2.4-5.9
Macro Focus Range 10cm 5cm
Screen
Type Fixed type Fixed type
Size 2.70" 2.80"
Resolution 230k dots 460k 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 7.10 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 161g
Dimensions 96 x 59 x 29mm 95 x 54 x 23mm
Battery Life 200 shots n/a
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS None None
DxO Sensor Scores
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