Nikon L120 vs Sony S980
75 Imaging
36 Features
38 Overall
36
94 Imaging
34 Features
17 Overall
27
Nikon L120 vs Sony S980 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 80 - 6400
- Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 25-525mm (F3.1-5.8) lens
- 431g - 110 x 77 x 78mm
- Announced February 2011
- Superseded the Nikon L110
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Screen
- ISO 80 - 3200
- 1280 x 720 video
- 33-132mm (F3.3-5.2) lens
- 167g - 93 x 56 x 24mm
- Released February 2009
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Below is a in-depth comparison of the Nikon L120 vs Sony S980, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Nikon and Sony. The image resolution of the L120 (14MP) and the S980 (12MP) is relatively similar and they feature the same exact sensor measurements (1/2.3").
Photography GlossaryThe L120 was released 2 years later than the S980 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).
Before diving in to a full comparison, below is a brief view of how the L120 matches up versus the S980 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.
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The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon Coolpix L120 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980. The complete galleries are provided at Nikon L120 Gallery and Sony S980 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon L120 over the Sony S980
| L120 | S980 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Released | February 2011 | February 2009 | More recent by 25 months | |
| Screen sizing | 3" | 2.7" | Bigger screen (+0.3") | |
| Screen resolution | 921k | 230k | Crisper screen (+691k dot) |
Reasons to pick Sony S980 over the Nikon L120
| S980 | L120 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manually focus | More accurate focusing |
Common features in the Nikon L120 and Sony S980
| L120 | S980 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen type | Fixed | Fixed | Fixed screen | |
| Selfie screen | Neither contains selfie screen | |||
| Touch screen | Neither contains Touch screen |
Nikon L120 vs Sony S980 Physical Comparison
In case you're intending to lug around your camera, you should factor its weight and dimensions. The Nikon L120 has got physical measurements of 110mm x 77mm x 78mm (4.3" x 3.0" x 3.1") with a weight of 431 grams (0.95 lbs) and the Sony S980 has dimensions of 93mm x 56mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).
Analyze the Nikon L120 vs Sony S980 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have at that moment. The following is the front view overall size comparison of the L120 compared to the S980.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the L120 and S980 is 75 and 94 respectively.
Nikon L120 vs Sony S980 Sensor Comparison
Generally, it can be tough to envision the contrast between sensor measurements simply by going over technical specs. The visual below should offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the L120 and S980.
As you have seen, the 2 cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same resolution. You should count on the Nikon L120 to offer extra detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop shots far more aggressively. The younger L120 is going to have an edge with regard to sensor technology.
Nikon L120 vs Sony S980 Screen and ViewFinder
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Nikon L120 vs Sony S980 Specifications
| Nikon Coolpix L120 | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980 | |
|---|---|---|
| General Information | ||
| Company | Nikon | Sony |
| Model type | Nikon Coolpix L120 | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980 |
| Type | Small Sensor Superzoom | Small Sensor Compact |
| Announced | 2011-02-09 | 2009-02-17 |
| Physical type | Compact | Compact |
| Sensor Information | ||
| Processor | Expeed C2 | - |
| Sensor type | CCD | CCD |
| Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
| Sensor measurements | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
| Sensor surface area | 28.1mm² | 28.1mm² |
| Sensor resolution | 14 megapixels | 12 megapixels |
| Anti alias filter | ||
| Aspect ratio | 4:3 and 16:9 | 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
| Highest Possible resolution | 4320 x 3240 | 4000 x 3000 |
| Maximum native ISO | 6400 | 3200 |
| Min native ISO | 80 | 80 |
| RAW images | ||
| Autofocusing | ||
| Manual focusing | ||
| Touch to focus | ||
| Autofocus continuous | ||
| Autofocus single | ||
| Tracking autofocus | ||
| Selective autofocus | ||
| Autofocus center weighted | ||
| Multi area autofocus | ||
| Autofocus live view | ||
| Face detection autofocus | ||
| Contract detection autofocus | ||
| Phase detection autofocus | ||
| Total focus points | 9 | 9 |
| Lens | ||
| Lens mount type | fixed lens | fixed lens |
| Lens zoom range | 25-525mm (21.0x) | 33-132mm (4.0x) |
| Highest aperture | f/3.1-5.8 | f/3.3-5.2 |
| Macro focusing distance | 1cm | 10cm |
| Focal length multiplier | 5.8 | 5.8 |
| Screen | ||
| Screen type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
| Screen size | 3 inch | 2.7 inch |
| Screen resolution | 921k dots | 230k dots |
| Selfie friendly | ||
| Liveview | ||
| Touch screen | ||
| Screen tech | TFT LCD with Anti-reflection coating | - |
| Viewfinder Information | ||
| Viewfinder type | None | None |
| Features | ||
| Minimum shutter speed | 4 seconds | 2 seconds |
| Fastest shutter speed | 1/4000 seconds | 1/1600 seconds |
| Continuous shutter rate | 1.0 frames per second | 1.0 frames per second |
| Shutter priority | ||
| Aperture priority | ||
| Manual mode | ||
| Set white balance | ||
| Image stabilization | ||
| Integrated flash | ||
| Flash distance | 6.00 m | 3.50 m |
| Flash options | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye reduction, Slow Sync |
| External flash | ||
| Auto exposure bracketing | ||
| WB bracketing | ||
| Exposure | ||
| Multisegment exposure | ||
| Average exposure | ||
| Spot exposure | ||
| Partial exposure | ||
| AF area exposure | ||
| Center weighted exposure | ||
| Video features | ||
| Supported video resolutions | 1280 x 720p (30fps), 640 x 480 (30fps) | 1280 x 720 (30 fps) 640 x 480 (30 fps) |
| Maximum video resolution | 1280x720 | 1280x720 |
| Video file format | Motion JPEG | Motion JPEG |
| Microphone support | ||
| Headphone support | ||
| 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 | 431g (0.95 lbs) | 167g (0.37 lbs) |
| Dimensions | 110 x 77 x 78mm (4.3" x 3.0" x 3.1") | 93 x 56 x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") |
| 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 | 330 pictures | - |
| Battery style | AA | - |
| Battery ID | 4 x AA | - |
| Self timer | Yes (10 or 2 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
| Time lapse feature | ||
| Storage type | SD/SDHC/SDXC | Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo, Internal |
| Card slots | Single | Single |
| Launch cost | $300 | $300 |