Nikon AW120 vs Samsung TL500

On this page, we are evaluating the Nikon AW120 vs Samsung TL500, former being a Waterproof while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Nikon and Samsung. There exists a large gap between the image resolutions of the AW120 (16MP) and TL500 (10MP) and the AW120 (1/2.3") and TL500 (1/1.7") boast different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The AW120 was announced 3 years later than the TL500 and that is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before going right into a more detailed comparison, here is a quick summation of how the AW120 matches up against the TL500 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon Coolpix AW120 & Samsung TL500. The whole galleries are provided at Nikon AW120 Gallery & Samsung TL500 Gallery.

When you are aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you'll have to take into account its weight and size. The Nikon AW120 has got exterior dimensions of 110mm x 66mm x 26mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.0") having a weight of 213 grams (0.47 lbs) and the Samsung TL500 has specifications of 114mm x 63mm x 29mm (4.5" x 2.5" x 1.1") having a weight of 386 grams (0.85 lbs).

Check the Nikon AW120 vs Samsung TL500 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you select at that time. Following is a front view sizing comparison of the AW120 and the TL500.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the AW120 and TL500 is 92 and 88 respectively.

Sometimes, it is hard to visualize the contrast between sensor measurements simply by looking at specs. The photograph underneath might offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the AW120 and TL500.

All in all, each of these cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The AW120 using its tinier sensor is going to make achieving bokeh more challenging and the Nikon AW120 will give greater detail with its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop images more aggressively. The more recent AW120 should have an edge in sensor tech.