Canon SD940 IS vs Nikon L31
96 Imaging
34 Features
21 Overall
28


94 Imaging
40 Features
27 Overall
34
Canon SD940 IS vs Nikon L31 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Screen
- ISO 80 - 1600
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 28-112mm (F2.8-5.9) lens
- 120g - 89 x 55 x 20mm
- Released August 2009
- Alternate Name is Digital IXUS 120 IS
(Full Review)
- 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Screen
- ISO 80 - 1600
- Digital Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 26-130mm (F3.2-6.5) lens
- 160g - 96 x 59 x 29mm
- Released January 2015

Canon SD940 IS vs Nikon L31 Overview
The following is a detailed comparison of the Canon SD940 IS and Nikon L31, both Ultracompact digital cameras by manufacturers Canon and Nikon. There is a sizeable difference between the image resolutions of the SD940 IS (12MP) and L31 (16MP) but both cameras offer the same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

The SD940 IS was brought out 6 years earlier than the L31 which is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras have the same body design (Ultracompact).
Before going into a in depth comparison, here is a short introduction of how the SD940 IS scores versus the L31 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Canon SD940 IS vs Nikon L31 Gallery
Following is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SD940 IS and Nikon Coolpix L31. The entire galleries are provided at Canon SD940 IS Gallery and Nikon L31 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Canon SD940 IS over the Nikon L31
SD940 IS | L31 |
---|
Reasons to pick Nikon L31 over the Canon SD940 IS
L31 | SD940 IS | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Released | January 2015 | ![]() | August 2009 | Newer by 65 months |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Take selfies |
Common features in the Canon SD940 IS and Nikon L31
SD940 IS | L31 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Focus manually | ![]() | No manual focus | ||
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Screen dimensions | 2.7" | ![]() | 2.7" | Equal screen measurement |
Screen resolution | 230k | ![]() | 230k | Same screen resolution |
Touch screen | ![]() | Neither provides Touch screen |
Canon SD940 IS vs Nikon L31 Physical Comparison
When you are aiming to travel with your camera often, you will have to factor its weight and volume. The Canon SD940 IS provides external dimensions of 89mm x 55mm x 20mm (3.5" x 2.2" x 0.8") and a weight of 120 grams (0.26 lbs) and the Nikon L31 has sizing of 96mm x 59mm x 29mm (3.8" x 2.3" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 160 grams (0.35 lbs).
See the Canon SD940 IS and Nikon L31 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are using during that time. Following is a front view dimension comparison of the SD940 IS against the L31.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the SD940 IS and L31 is 96 and 94 respectively.

Canon SD940 IS vs Nikon L31 Sensor Comparison
Usually, its hard to imagine the contrast between sensor dimensions simply by reviewing technical specs. The image underneath will help give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the SD940 IS and L31.
As you can tell, both the cameras provide the same sensor dimensions albeit different resolution. You should expect the Nikon L31 to offer greater detail having its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots more aggressively. The more aged SD940 IS is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.

Canon SD940 IS vs Nikon L31 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Canon SD940 IS vs Nikon L31 Specifications
Canon PowerShot SD940 IS | Nikon Coolpix L31 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand Name | Canon | Nikon |
Model type | Canon PowerShot SD940 IS | Nikon Coolpix L31 |
Also called as | Digital IXUS 120 IS | - |
Class | Ultracompact | Ultracompact |
Released | 2009-08-19 | 2015-01-14 |
Physical type | Ultracompact | Ultracompact |
Sensor Information | ||
Powered by | Digic 4 | - |
Sensor type | CCD | CMOS |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor measurements | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
Sensor area | 28.1mm² | 28.1mm² |
Sensor resolution | 12 megapixel | 16 megapixel |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3 and 16:9 | 4:3 and 16:9 |
Full resolution | 4000 x 3000 | 4608 x 3456 |
Max native ISO | 1600 | 1600 |
Minimum native ISO | 80 | 80 |
RAW pictures | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focusing | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Autofocus selectice | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Live view autofocus | ||
Face detection focus | ||
Contract detection focus | ||
Phase detection focus | ||
Total focus points | 9 | - |
Lens | ||
Lens mount type | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens zoom range | 28-112mm (4.0x) | 26-130mm (5.0x) |
Largest aperture | f/2.8-5.9 | f/3.2-6.5 |
Macro focusing range | 3cm | 10cm |
Focal length multiplier | 5.8 | 5.8 |
Screen | ||
Type of screen | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen sizing | 2.7" | 2.7" |
Screen resolution | 230k dots | 230k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch operation | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | None | None |
Features | ||
Lowest shutter speed | 15 secs | 4 secs |
Highest shutter speed | 1/1500 secs | 1/2000 secs |
Continuous shooting rate | 1.0 frames per sec | - |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual mode | ||
Set white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash distance | 4.00 m | 3.60 m |
Flash options | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync | - |
Hot shoe | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1280 x 720 (30 fps) 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30, 15 fps) | 1280 x 720 |
Max video resolution | 1280x720 | 1280x720 |
Video format | H.264 | Motion JPEG |
Microphone port | ||
Headphone port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental sealing | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 120g (0.26 pounds) | 160g (0.35 pounds) |
Physical dimensions | 89 x 55 x 20mm (3.5" x 2.2" x 0.8") | 96 x 59 x 29mm (3.8" x 2.3" x 1.1") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light rating | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | - | 200 shots |
Battery type | - | AA |
Battery ID | NB-4L | 2 x AA |
Self timer | Yes (2, 10, Custom, Face) | Yes (10 secs) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Storage type | SD, SDHC, MMC, MMCplus, HC MMCplus | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal |
Card slots | 1 | 1 |
Launch price | $299 | $0 |