Nikon AW120 vs Nikon L22
92 Imaging
40 Features
45 Overall
42
![Nikon Coolpix AW120 front Nikon Coolpix AW120 front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/gallery/medium/Nikon-Coolpix-AW120/Nikon-AW120-front.jpg)
![Nikon Coolpix L22 front Nikon Coolpix L22 front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/gallery/medium/Nikon-Coolpix-L22/Nikon-L22-front.jpg)
93 Imaging
35 Features
14 Overall
26
Nikon AW120 vs Nikon L22 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 125 - 6400
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 24-120mm (F2.8-4.9) lens
- 213g - 110 x 66 x 26mm
- Announced February 2014
- Earlier Model is Nikon AW110
- Replacement is Nikon AW130
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 80 - 1600
- 640 x 480 video
- 37-134mm (F3.1-6.7) lens
- 183g - 98 x 61 x 28mm
- Introduced February 2010
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/No-Surprise-Pentax-17-Pre-Orders-218x150.jpg)
Nikon AW120 vs Nikon L22 Overview
In this write-up, we are evaluating the Nikon AW120 versus Nikon L22, one being a Waterproof and the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both are manufactured by Nikon. There is a sizeable difference between the resolutions of the AW120 (16MP) and L22 (12MP) but they use the same exact sensor sizing (1/2.3").
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/tiktok-218x150.jpg)
The AW120 was released 4 years later than the L22 and that is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).
Before we go straight into a in depth comparison, below is a concise view of how the AW120 grades vs the L22 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/samsung-evo-microsd-cards-featur-218x150.jpg)
Nikon AW120 vs Nikon L22 Gallery
Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon Coolpix AW120 and Nikon Coolpix L22. The complete galleries are viewable at Nikon AW120 Gallery and Nikon L22 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon AW120 over the Nikon L22
AW120 | L22 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Introduced | February 2014 | ![]() | February 2010 | Fresher by 49 months |
Display resolution | 921k | ![]() | 230k | Crisper display (+691k dot) |
Reasons to pick Nikon L22 over the Nikon AW120
L22 | AW120 |
---|
Common features in the Nikon AW120 and Nikon L22
AW120 | L22 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manually focus | ![]() | No manual focusing | ||
Display type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed display |
Display sizing | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Equivalent display measurement |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither includes selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly display | ![]() | Neither includes Touch friendly display |
Nikon AW120 vs Nikon L22 Physical Comparison
If you are looking to carry your camera regularly, you'll have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Nikon AW120 features exterior measurements of 110mm x 66mm x 26mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.0") with a weight of 213 grams (0.47 lbs) while the Nikon L22 has dimensions of 98mm x 61mm x 28mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") having a weight of 183 grams (0.40 lbs).
Look at the Nikon AW120 versus Nikon L22 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.![Camera Size Comparison with Lenses Camera Size Comparison with Lenses](https://pxlmag.com/db/assets/camera-size-comparison-animation.gif)
Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have attached at that time. Following is the front view dimension comparison of the AW120 vs the L22.
![Nikon AW120 vs Nikon L22 size comparison Nikon AW120 vs Nikon L22 size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Nikon-Coolpix-AW120-vs-Nikon-Coolpix-L22-size-comparison.jpg)
Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the AW120 and L22 is 92 and 93 respectively.
![Nikon AW120 vs Nikon L22 top view buttons comparison Nikon AW120 vs Nikon L22 top view buttons comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Nikon-Coolpix-AW120-vs-Nikon-Coolpix-L22-top-view-buttons-comparison.jpg)
Nikon AW120 vs Nikon L22 Sensor Comparison
In many cases, it is very difficult to imagine the difference between sensor sizing only by going over a spec sheet. The visual below might give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the AW120 and L22.
As you can see, the two cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but different megapixels. You should expect to see the Nikon AW120 to offer you extra detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop photos a little more aggressively. The more recent AW120 should have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.
![Nikon AW120 vs Nikon L22 sensor size comparison Nikon AW120 vs Nikon L22 sensor size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/sensor-compare/Nikon-Coolpix-AW120-vs-Nikon-Coolpix-L22-sensor-size-comparison.png)
Nikon AW120 vs Nikon L22 Screen and ViewFinder
![Nikon AW120 vs Nikon L22 Screen and Viewfinder comparison Nikon AW120 vs Nikon L22 Screen and Viewfinder comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Nikon-Coolpix-AW120-vs-Nikon-Coolpix-L22-screen-back-comparison.jpg)
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/snapchat-218x150.jpg)
Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/photography-glossary-218x150.jpg)
Street Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ai-licence-218x150.jpg)
Sports Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/iphone-optical-stabilization-218x150.jpg)
Travel Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/maxresdefault-218x150.jpg)
Landscape Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/LP3_cut_13f_0212-218x150.jpg)
Vlogging Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Approach-to-AI-Generated-Content-218x150.jpg)
Nikon AW120 vs Nikon L22 Specifications
Nikon Coolpix AW120 | Nikon Coolpix L22 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Make | Nikon | Nikon |
Model type | Nikon Coolpix AW120 | Nikon Coolpix L22 |
Type | Waterproof | Small Sensor Compact |
Announced | 2014-02-07 | 2010-02-03 |
Body design | Compact | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Chip | - | Expeed C2 |
Sensor type | CMOS | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor dimensions | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
Sensor surface area | 28.1mm² | 28.1mm² |
Sensor resolution | 16MP | 12MP |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | - | 4:3 and 16:9 |
Max resolution | 4608 x 3456 | 4000 x 3000 |
Max native ISO | 6400 | 1600 |
Lowest native ISO | 125 | 80 |
RAW format | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
AF touch | ||
Continuous AF | ||
AF single | ||
AF tracking | ||
AF selectice | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
AF multi area | ||
Live view AF | ||
Face detect AF | ||
Contract detect AF | ||
Phase detect AF | ||
Cross type focus points | - | - |
Lens | ||
Lens mount type | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens zoom range | 24-120mm (5.0x) | 37-134mm (3.6x) |
Maximum aperture | f/2.8-4.9 | f/3.1-6.7 |
Macro focusing range | 1cm | 5cm |
Focal length multiplier | 5.8 | 5.8 |
Screen | ||
Range of display | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display diagonal | 3 inches | 3 inches |
Display resolution | 921k dot | 230k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch capability | ||
Display technology | OLED monitor | - |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | None | None |
Features | ||
Minimum shutter speed | 4 secs | 8 secs |
Fastest shutter speed | 1/4000 secs | 1/2000 secs |
Continuous shutter speed | 7.0fps | - |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Set WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash distance | 5.20 m | - |
Flash options | - | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Fill-in, Slow Syncro |
Hot shoe | ||
AEB | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 | 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) |
Max video resolution | 1920x1080 | 640x480 |
Video format | MPEG-4, H.264 | Motion JPEG |
Mic jack | ||
Headphone jack | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Built-In | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | BuiltIn | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental seal | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 213g (0.47 pounds) | 183g (0.40 pounds) |
Dimensions | 110 x 66 x 26mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.0") | 98 x 61 x 28mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall 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 | 350 shots | - |
Battery form | Battery Pack | - |
Battery ID | EN-EL12 | 2 x AA |
Self timer | - | Yes |
Time lapse feature | ||
Type of storage | SD / SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC, Internal |
Storage slots | Single | Single |
Cost at release | $350 | $130 |