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Nikon Coolpix L32 Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
  • Nikon L32

    Main Features

    • 20MP - 1/2.3" CMOS Sensor
    • ISO 80 - 1600
    • 26-130 mm F3.2-6.5 Zoom Lens
    • Digital only Image Stabilization
    • 3″ Fully Articulated Screen
    • continuous shooting
    • 1280 x 720 video resolution
    • 164g. 95 x 60 x 29 mm
    $249.00
    or
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    Nikon L32 Overview

    First introduced in January 2015 , Nikon Coolpix L32 is a 20.0MP Ultracompact camera with a 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CMOS sensor.

    Nikon L32 has an Overall Score of 37/100 and ranked #364 out of 623 in Compact cameras (Top 10 Compact), and ranked #890 out of 1166 in all Cameras (Top 10 Overall).

    Nikon L32 Type Scores
    Imaging
    Features
    Value for Money
    Portability
    Overall Score
    Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras

    Nikon L32 Compared to other Compact Cameras

    Now let's get in to more details of our Nikon L32 review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

    PROs
    Image Stabilization
    Articulating Screen
    Face Detection Focusing
    20.0MP - High Resolution Sensor
    Long Battery Life (320 shots)
    164g Light Body
    26mm Wide Angle Lens
    Selfie Friendly LCD Screen

    Buy Nikon L32 from or B&H PHOTO


    CONs
    No Wireless Connection
    No External Flash Shoe
    No Full HD Video
    No Touch Screen
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    No RAW Shooting
    Max Sensitivity only ISO 1.600
    Low Screen Resolution ( 230kdots )
    No Manual Focusing
    No Manual Exposure
    No Environmental Sealing
    Slow Lens at Wide: f3.20
    Slow Lens at Tele: f6.50
    Nikon L32 Sensor and Photography Features

    Nikon L32 has a 20.0MP 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CMOS sensor . You can shoot at maximum resolution of 5152 x 3864 pixels with aspect ratios of 4:3 and 16:9. L32 has a native ISO range of 80 - 1600 but unfortunately, Nikon L32 doesn't have RAW file support. If you need a Compact camera with a RAW support, consider Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS70 (Lumix DC-TZ90) or Nikon Coolpix P7000 in the same price range.

    Nikon L32 is not the highest resolution Small Sensor camera. Kodak Astro Zoom AZ651 with its 21.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Nikon L32 vs Kodak Astro Zoom AZ651 or take a look at Highest resolution Compact cameras list.

    Let's look at how the size of the Nikon L32's 1/2.3" sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

    Nikon L32 Sensor Size Comparison

    Nikon L32 Physical Specs
    Nikon L32 weighs 164 g (0.36 lb / 5.78 oz) and has external dimensions of 95 x 60 x 29 mm (3.74 x 2.36 x 1.14″). Considering that the average weight of Compact type cameras is 188g, its weight is about average in its class. With a thickness of 29mm, it also has an average thickness.
    Weight Comparison

    Compact Cameras

    Nikon L32
    Min
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    Max
    Thickness Comparison

    Compact Cameras

    Nikon L32
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Here is the front and top view image of Nikon L32 with the dimensions:

    Nikon L32 Body Size Dimensions

    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Nikon L32, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Nikon L32 Real Life Body Size Comparison


    Now lets compare the weight and thickness of Nikon L32 with its main competitors:

    Nikon L32 Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Sensor Weight vs L32 Thickness vs L32
    Nikon L31 16.0MP - 1/2.3" 160g 4g lighter 29mm equal thickness
    Nikon S3700 20.0MP - 1/2.3" 118g 46g lighter 20mm 9mm thinner
    Canon ELPH 180 20.0MP - 1/2.3" 126g 38g lighter 22mm 7mm thinner
    Sony W830 20.0MP - 1/2.3" 122g 42g lighter 23mm 6mm thinner
    Nikon S7000 16.0MP - 1/2.3" 165g 1g heavier 27mm 2mm thinner
    Nikon S3600 20.0MP - 1/2.3" 125g 39g lighter 20mm 9mm thinner
    Nikon S2900 20.0MP - 1/2.3" 119g 45g lighter 20mm 9mm thinner
    Canon ELPH 190 IS 20.0MP - 1/2.3" 138g 26g lighter 24mm 5mm thinner

    Nikon L32 doesn't have any environmental sealings on its body so you got to be extra careful to protect it against water and dust. If you shoot under these conditions very often, consider checking Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing page.

    Nikon L32 Lens

    Nikon L32 features a 26-130 mm F3.2-6.5 5× zoom lens. Lens has a good wide angle capability starting at 26mm, and 130mm on the tele end means that the medium telephoto angle is also well covered, only lacking the reach for wildlife and sports.

    Wide Coverage

    Compact Cameras

    L32
    Widest - Ricoh WG-M1
    Average
    Telezoom

    Compact Cameras

    L32
    Longest - Canon SX520 HS
    Average

    With a max aperture of f3.20 at 26mm, we can not consider this lens fast on wide end, and it is slow at the tele end with its max aperture of f6.50.

    Max Aperture at Wide

    Compact Cameras

    L32
    Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6
    Average
    Max Aperture at Tele

    Compact Cameras

    L32
    Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV
    Average

    L32 is also equipped with Digital only image stabilization system which is very handy especially at lower shutter speeds.

    Nikon L32 Other Features
    LCD and Viewfinder

    Nikon L32 has a Fully Articulated 3″ LCD screen with a resolution of 230k dots. Both the screen size and the screen resolution is up to the standards of this class.

    For those of you who loves shooting self portraits or group photos, Nikon L32 will make your life easier with its Selfie friendly screen.

    Nikon L32 back view and LCD

    L32 doesn't have a viewfinder and no option for external viewfinder. Lack of a viewfinder can be problematic especially under strong light where visibility of LCD screens goes down dramatically. If you need a Compact camera with a built-in viewfinder in a similar price range, consider Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS70 (Lumix DC-TZ90) (Compare) or Nikon Coolpix P7000 (Compare).
    If the price is not an issue, take a look at our Top Rated Cameras with Viewfinders.

    Max Shutter speed
    Nikon L32 can shoot continuously at max speed of and has max shutter speed of 1/2000 sec.

    Flash
    Unfortunately L32 doesn't have an external flash shoe so you are limited with the built-in flash.

    Focusing
    Nikon L32 features a Contrast Detection autofocusing system.

    Nikon L32 also features Face detection AF where it intelligently detects the faces in the frame and locks the focus automatically.

    Video Features
    With Nikon L32, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 1280 x 720 and save in and Motion JPEG formats. 1280 x 720 is a low video resolution by todays standards. If video quality is important for you, we recommend you to look at cameras with Full HD, even better 4K / Ultra-HD resolution .

    L32 has a built-in Mono microphone and a Mono speaker.
    Nikon L32 doesn't have any connections for external microphones and headphones. If you need a Compact camera with external microphone connectivity, consider Nikon Coolpix P7000 or Olympus Stylus SH-1 in a similar price range.

    Connectivity and Storage

    Nikon L32 has a USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port to connect your camera to other devices.

    Battery Nikon L32 is powered by battery which provides a shooting life of 320 according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of Compact type cameras is 254 shots, Nikon L32 has a good battery life for its class.

    Battery Life Comparison in Ultracompact Cameras

    Nikon L32
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Nikon L32 is the longest battery life Ultracompact camera in our database. The closest competitor in this class is Olympus TG-870 with its 300 shots battery life. Check the comparison of Nikon L32 vs Olympus TG-870 or take a look at Longest battery life Compact cameras list.

    Nikon L32 Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    Nikon L31
    >>Compare to L32
    1280 x 720 200shots No No No
    Nikon S3700
    >>Compare to L32
    1280 x 720 240shots Yes No Yes
    Canon ELPH 180
    >>Compare to L32
    1280 x 720 220shots No No No
    Sony W830
    >>Compare to L32
    1280 x 720 shots No No No
    Nikon S7000
    >>Compare to L32
    1920 x 1080 180shots Yes No Yes
    Nikon S3600
    >>Compare to L32
    1280 x 720 230shots No No No
    Nikon S2900
    >>Compare to L32
    1280 x 720 250shots Yes No Yes
    Canon ELPH 190 IS
    >>Compare to L32
    1280 x 720 190shots Yes No Yes

    Lowest Price
    Current Lowest price for Nikon L32 is $249.00

    What type of Photography is Nikon L32 Good for?
    In this section, we review and score Nikon L32 in 5 different photography areas. This first spider web graph shows how the L32 compares with the average Compact camera.
    Hover your mouse over the points to see the score details for each photography type.

    Nikon L32 for Portrait Photography

    Nikon L32 has a score of 28 for Portrait Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Portrait We strongly recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Portrait Photography list and consider these alternatives over theL32.
    Very High Resolution Sensor: 20.0MP
    Image Stabilization
    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 of how we scored Nikon L32 for Portrait Photography

    Nikon L32 for Street Photography

    Nikon L32 has a score of 61 for Street Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Street Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Compact Cameras for Street Photography list.
    Live-view
    Face-Detection Focusing
    Fully Articulated LCD Screen
    Image Stabilization
    26 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
    Small Body
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    No Manual Focus Mode
    No RAW shooting capability
    Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon L32 for Street Photography

    Nikon L32 for Sports Photography

    Nikon L32 has a score of 16 for Sports Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Sports We strongly recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Sports Photography list and consider these alternatives over theL32.
    Image Stabilization
    Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
    130 mm Tele Lens
    Environmental Sealings
    Focus Points
    Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
    No Manual Exposure Mode
    No Manual Focus Mode
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    No External Flash Shoe
    Slow Lens at Tele: f6.50
    No RAW shooting capability

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon L32 for Sports Photography

    Nikon L32 for Daily Photography

    Nikon L32 has a score of 57 for Daily Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Daily is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Daily Photography list.
    Compact Body
    164g
    5X Optical Zoom
    Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
    No RAW shooting capability

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon L32 for Daily Photography

    Nikon L32 for Landscape Photography

    Nikon L32 has a score of 30 for Landscape Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape We strongly recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Landscape Photography list and consider these alternatives over theL32.
    26 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
    Very High Resolution Sensor: 20.0MP
    No Manual Exposure Mode
    No Manual Focus Mode
    No RAW shooting capability
    Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
    No Environmental Sealings

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon L32 for Landscape Photography

    Nikon L32 Alternatives
    In this section, we analyse how Nikon L32 compares with other Compact cameras within a similar price range. In the Bubble chart below, you can see Overall Score vs Price comparison of L32 and the top 10 contenders in the same range. Hover your mouse on the bubbles to see the details of the cameras.
    Read a more detailed analysis of Nikon L32 alternatives.
    Popular Comparisons of Nikon L32
    Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Nikon L32 amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Nikon L31
    Nikon L31
    Compare
    Nikon S3700
    Nikon S3700
    Compare
    Canon ELPH 180
    Canon ELPH 180
    Compare
    Sony W830
    Sony W830
    Compare
    Nikon S7000
    Nikon S7000
    Compare
    Nikon S3600
    Nikon S3600
    Compare
    Nikon S2900
    Nikon S2900
    Compare
    Canon ELPH 190 IS
    Canon ELPH 190 IS
    Compare
    Nikon L32 Alternatives in Mirrorless Cameras
    It would also be interesting to compare Nikon L32 with Mirrorless Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked Mirrorless cameras in Nikon L32's price range.

    Sony NEX-6
    Sony NEX-6
    Compare
    Panasonic GF7
    Panasonic GF7
    Compare
    Fujifilm X-A2
    Fujifilm X-A2
    Compare
    Olympus E-P3
    Olympus E-P3
    Compare
    Pentax Q10
    Pentax Q10
    Compare
    Olympus E-PL6
    Olympus E-PL6
    Compare
    Panasonic G3
    Panasonic G3
    Compare
    Fujifilm X-A1
    Fujifilm X-A1
    Compare
    Frequently Asked Questions about Nikon L32
    Does the Nikon L32 have Image Stabilization?
    Does the Nikon L32 have RAW support?
    Does the Nikon L32 have Weather Sealing?
    Does the Nikon L32 have built-in GPS?
    What is the Max ISO of Nikon L32?
    What is the Sensor Size of Nikon L32?
    is the Nikon L32 a Full Frame (FF) camera?
    Does the Nikon L32 have Touch Screen?
    Does the Nikon L32 have built-in Wireless?
    What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Nikon L32?
    Nikon Coolpix L32 Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Nikon
    Model Nikon Coolpix L32
    Announced 2015-01-14
    Body Type Ultracompact
    Price $249.00
    Lens
    Manual Focus
    Lens Mount fixed lens
    Lens Focal Range 26-130 mm (5×)
    Max Aperture F3.2-6.5
    Macro Focus Range 10cm
    Screen
    Screen Type Fully Articulated
    Screen Size 3″
    Screen Resolution 230k dots
    Live View
    Touch Screen
    Viewfinder
    Viewfinder None
    Viewfinder Resolution no electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Coverage n/a
    Viewfinder Magnification n/a
    Photography Features
    Min Shutter Speed 4s
    Max Shutter Speed 1/2000s
    Continuous Shooting n/a
    Shutter Priority
    Aperture Priority
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Exposure Compensation n/a
    Custom White Balance
    Image Stabilization
    Built-in Flash
    Flash Range 4.30 m
    Flash Modes n/a
    External Flash
    AE Bracketing
    WB Bracketing
    Exposure Modes
    Multi-Segment
    Average
    Spot
    Partial
    AF-Area
    Center Weighted
    DxO Sensor Scores
    DxO Overall Score not tested
    DxO Color Depth not tested
    DxO Dynamic Range not tested
    DxO Low Light ISO not tested
    Report a correction

    Sensor
    Sensor Type CMOS
    Sensor Size 1/2.3"
    Sensor Dimensions 6.17 x 4.55 mm
    Sensor Area 28.07mm2
    Sensor Resolution 20 megapixels
    Max Image Resolution 5152 x 3864
    Max Native ISO 1,600
    Min Native ISO 80
    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
    Video Features
    Video Resolutions 1280 x 720
    Max Video Resolution 1280 x 720
    Video Formats Motion JPEG
    Microphone Port
    Headphone Port
    Connectivity
    Wireless Connectivity None
    HDMI
    USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
    Physical
    Environmental Sealing
    Water Proof
    Dust Proof
    Shock Proof
    Crush Proof
    Freeze Proof
    Weight 164g
    Physical Dimensions 95 x 60 x 29mm
    Battery Life 320 shots
    Battery Type AA
    Battery Model 2 x AA
    Other Features
    Self Timer Yes (10 secs)
    Timelapse Recording
    GPS None
    Storage Type SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal
    Storage Slots 1
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