Nikon L19 vs Olympus SZ-31MR iHS: A Hands-On Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing the right compact camera today requires careful consideration, especially when evaluating older but still viable models like the Nikon Coolpix L19 and the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS. Despite their modest positions in the compact category, these cameras have unique traits that may suit certain types of photographers depending on the use case. Having spent years testing cameras across the spectrum - ranging from flagship DSLRs to entry-level compacts - I’ll leverage firsthand experience to break down their capabilities, real-world performance, and value. This comprehensive analysis will guide enthusiasts and professionals alike in making the best-informed choice for specific photography scenarios.

Introducing the Competitors: Overview and Design Philosophy

Nikon Coolpix L19 was announced in early 2009 as an entry-level small sensor compact aimed mainly at casual users seeking simplicity and portability. It features an 8MP 1/2.5” CCD sensor and a fixed lens with a modest zoom range. The emphasis here is on ease of use rather than specialist performance or flexibility.

Conversely, the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS, launched in 2012, upgrades the category significantly. It sports a 16MP 1/2.3” BSI-CMOS sensor, 24x optical zoom, sensor-shift image stabilization, and full HD video recording. The SZ-31MR straddles the line between simple compacts and bridge cameras, with a focus on versatility and enhanced imaging.

Let’s begin by sizing up their physical builds and controls to understand what handling either camera feels like.

Handling and Ergonomics: Comfort Meets Control

When testing cameras, ergonomics and control layout are fundamental. They impact everything from quick operation to extended shooting comfort.

• Nikon L19 is compact and lightweight (130g), with physical dimensions of 97x61x29mm. Its minimalist design is aimed at casual shooting. Controls are sparse, with no manual focus support, aperture or shutter priority modes, and a small 2.7” fixed LCD screen. This small size means it slips easily into a pocket but sacrifices advanced handling.

• Olympus SZ-31MR iHS is noticeably larger and heavier (226g; 106x69x40mm) but still pocketable in a coat. Its 3.0” HyperCrystal TFT LCD has 920k-dot resolution and touchscreen capability, which improves menu navigation and touch focus experience during live view. The SZ-31MR includes dual processors (TruePic V), enhancing responsiveness. Although still lacking full manual modes, it offers better exposure control flexibility and a richer interface.

From my extended use, the SZ-31MR’s more robust grip and larger buttons improve single-handed operation, especially with the substantial zoom lens.

Summary:

• Nikon L19: Ultra-compact, limited controls, simple for beginners
• Olympus SZ-31MR: Larger, more ergonomic, touchscreen, more intuitive controls

Photographers prioritizing pocketability may prefer the L19, but those valuing improved handling will gravitate toward the SZ-31MR.

Sensor and Image Quality: What Lies Beneath the Lens

The heart of any camera is its sensor, directly influencing resolution, dynamic range, noise performance, and color fidelity.

• Nikon L19 uses an 8MP CCD sensor measuring 1/2.5" (approx. 24.7mm²). CCD sensors typically excel in color rendition and can produce pleasing images in good light but fall short in noise handling, especially at higher ISOs.

• Olympus SZ-31MR iHS employs a 16MP BSI-CMOS sensor sized 1/2.3" (about 28mm²) - slightly larger and double the pixel count. The back-illuminated design boosts low-light sensitivity and dynamic range performance. Coupled with dual TruePic V processors, image quality is generally superior.

In controlled testing conditions and real-world use, the SZ-31MR clearly outperforms the L19 in:

• Sharper detail retention at equivalent focal lengths due to higher megapixels
• Cleaner images at ISO 400 and above (the L19 max ISO1600 images become visibly noisy)
• Improved dynamic range with better preservation of highlight and shadow details

The Nikon’s older CCD technology paired with fewer megapixels limits its usability in challenging lighting.

LCD and Viewfinder: How You See Your Image

Neither camera offers an electronic viewfinder, which is common for compacts in this range.

• Nikon L19 sports a basic 2.7” fixed LCD with 230k-dot resolution. The small size and relatively low resolution make framing and focusing a less precise experience.

• Olympus SZ-31MR iHS upgrades to a 3.0” HyperCrystal III TFT touchscreen LCD at 920k-dot resolution. The touchscreen adds tapping to focus and menu selection, significantly easing use in day-to-day shooting scenarios.

My hands-on assessment confirms the SZ-31MR’s screen vastly improves user experience, making image review, focus checking, and exposures adjustments more manageable.

Autofocus and Lens Performance: Precision and Reach Matter

Autofocus (AF) is a critical performance metric across most photographic disciplines.

• Nikon L19 uses a contrast-detection AF with no face detection or advanced tracking and no continuous AF mode. This makes focus slower and less accurate, especially for moving subjects.

• Olympus SZ-31MR iHS employs more sophisticated contrast-detection AF with face detection and AF tracking, including touchscreen AF area selection. Although it lacks phase detection, the AF performance is much improved, particularly for subjects in motion or changing framing.

Lens-wise:

• Nikon L19 has a fixed lens with an effective 6.3x focal length multiplier but little specification on optical zoom range. Aperture varies from F3.1-6.7, limiting low light or shallow depth of field control.

• Olympus SZ-31MR boasts an extensive 24x optical zoom spanning 25–600mm (35mm equivalent) with an aperture range of F3.0-6.9. This superzoom versatility supports everything from wide-angle landscapes to distant wildlife capture, a huge advantage for travelers and enthusiasts.

Burst Shooting and Speed: Capturing the Action

Neither camera is aimed at sports photographers, but let’s compare their burst and shutter speeds.

• Nikon L19 lacks continuous shooting modes, with a shutter range limited to 8 to 1/2000 sec.

• Olympus SZ-31MR offers 7 frames per second burst mode, shutter speeds between 4 and 1/1700 sec, which while not professional speed, can capture some action sequences.

From tests, SZ-31MR's burst mode works best at lower resolutions and with good lighting, helpful for casual sports or wildlife shots.

Image Stabilization: The Difference Maker in Low Light and Telephoto

• Nikon L19 provides no image stabilization, meaning camera shake can degrade pictures, especially at longer zooms or slow shutter speeds.

• Olympus SZ-31MR iHS features sensor-shift image stabilization, which significantly enhances handheld shooting viability, especially at telephoto lengths and in dim conditions.

During testing, I found the SZ-31MR presents noticeably sharper images when zoomed in without a tripod, a crucial plus for travel or wildlife use.

Video Capabilities: From Basic Clips to Full HD

Video specs reflect the Olympus’s advancement:

• Nikon L19 can only record VGA (640x480) video at 30fps in Motion JPEG format - adequate for casual clips but far behind modern expectations.

• Olympus SZ-31MR supports full HD 1080p at 30fps, plus 720p and lower resolutions, with H.264 compression and MPEG-4 container formats. The video quality is surprisingly good for a compact.

Neither has microphone or headphone jacks, so audio control is limited. Nonetheless, for casual videography, the SZ-31MR is clearly superior.

Battery and Storage: Longevity for Your Shoots

Battery life and storage options can make or break extended outings.

• Nikon L19 runs on two AA batteries with no official battery life rating. While AAs are easy to replace, they can be less efficient and heavier than dedicated rechargeable packs.

• Olympus SZ-31MR iHS uses a proprietary LI-50B rechargeable battery providing approximately 200 shots per charge - typical for compacts of its time.

Both cameras use standard SD/SDHC cards, but SZ-31MR adds SDXC compatibility, useful for large HD video file storage.

Connectivity and Extras: Sharing and Workflow

Connectivity is minimal in both cameras reflecting their era.

• Nikon L19 lacks wireless features.

• Olympus SZ-31MR supports Eye-Fi cards for wireless image transfer - a forward-looking feature back in 2012. It also includes a USB 2.0 port and HDMI output for direct TV connection.

While basic, SZ-31MR offers a better integration potential for workflow and sharing.

Real-World Photography Performance Across Genres

Now let’s cover how these cameras perform in different photographic disciplines based on extensive test shoots.

Portrait Photography

• Nikon L19 struggles with sharpness and noise at anything above base ISO 64. Lack of face detection AF and limited aperture range restrict creative control over depth of field and bokeh quality. Skin tones are acceptable but uninspiring.

• Olympus SZ-31MR shines here with 16MP capture and face-detection AF. The wider zoom range allows flattering portrait focal lengths, and its sensor can render smoother skin tones in good light with pleasing background blur at longer focal lengths. Touch focus helps nail eye detection.

Landscape Photography

• The Nikon’s modest sensor resolution and dynamic range constrain landscape image quality - details can look soft and shadows blocky, especially in high contrast scenes.

• Olympus’s higher resolution and BSI-CMOS sensor deliver richer details and better dynamic range. While neither camera offers weather sealing, the SZ-31MR’s stabilized superzoom lets you capture varied framing from wide to telephoto.

Wildlife Photography

• Nikon L19’s slow AF and lack of zoom seriously limit usability for wildlife or birding.

• Olympus SZ-31MR provides a formidable 600mm equivalent zoom with faster AF tracking and image stabilization, making it a usable tool for casual wildlife photography despite sensor size limitations.

Sports Photography

• Fast action is difficult for both, but Olympus can squeeze in 7fps burst mode and touch AF tracking for fleeting moments.

• Nikon L19 is unsuitable for most sports applications.

Street Photography

• Nikon’s discreet size and lightness aid inconspicuous shooting but fixed lens and slow AF limit spontaneity.

• Olympus SZ-31MR is bulkier and more noticeable. However, the touchscreen AF and superior sensor excel in low light street scenes, offering better image quality.

Macro Photography

• Olympus SZ-31MR impresses with close focusing of 1cm and stabilized shooting, aiding night or hand-held macro.

• Nikon L19’s macro capability is limited to 5cm and lacks stabilization, making close-up shots more challenging.

Night and Astro Photography

• Both cameras struggle due to small sensors; however, Olympus’s higher ISO ceiling (6400) and sensor design allow marginally better low-light captures.

Video Usage

• As previously noted, Olympus delivers full HD video with reasonable quality and frame rates - suitable for travel vlogging or casual filmmaking.

• Nikon records only low-res VGA video, which will disappoint serious videographers.

Travel Photography

• Nikon L19 scores high on portability and ease.

• Olympus SZ-31MR provides unmatched versatility with superzoom, stabilization, and superior image quality but at the cost of size and weight.

Professional Work

• Neither camera supports RAW files or has professional-grade manual controls, limiting their use for advanced professional workflows.

Comparative Summary of Key Metrics

Nikon L19 front Nikon L19 screen back Olympus SZ 31MR iHS front Olympus SZ 31MR iHS screen back

Performance Ratings Visualized

Verdict: Who Should Choose Which Camera?

Why You Might Choose Nikon Coolpix L19

• You want the smallest, lightest camera for very casual snapshots
• Pocketability is essential, with AA batteries easy to source anywhere
• Video and advanced features are not important to you
• Budget considerations, though the L19 is largely outmoded today

Why You Should Opt for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS

• You desire versatile zoom range covering landscapes to wildlife
• Better image quality and low-light performance matter
• You want full HD video and touchscreen convenience
• Stabilization is a must-have for handholding at telephoto
• You don’t mind slightly larger size and dedicated battery

Final Thoughts: Balancing Technology, Time, and Needs

Both cameras represent different generations and priorities. The Nikon Coolpix L19 is best characterized as a simple, no-frills snapshot camera suited for those valuing compactness and ease. However, its dated sensor technology, lack of stabilization, and limited video mean it is most appropriate as an ultra-basic backup or for beginners.

On the other hand, the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS effectively blends superzoom versatility, improved image quality, and valuable features like stabilization and HD video. My extensive testing shows it to be a more capable camera for enthusiasts seeking flexibility across genres without stepping up to bulkier bridge or mirrorless systems.

For photographers looking to cover multiple disciplines - travel, portraits, macro, wildlife - and seeking better real-world performance, the Olympus is well worth the extra size and investment.

What I Tested and How

This review was based on extensive side-by-side hands-on testing, including lab measurements for sensor resolution, ISO noise, and dynamic range (where test data available), alongside real-world shooting in diverse environments (daylight, indoors, low light, wildlife, and sports scenarios). Battery endurance was roughly measured with typical use patterns. User experience with controls and interface was evaluated during weeks of photographic use.

Ultimately, be sure you’re buying the best compact camera for your shooting style and priorities. If you want a truly pocketable point-and-shoot and the lightest carry, the Nikon L19 remains modestly usable. But if image quality, zoom reach, and features like stabilization and full HD video are key, the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS is clearly the stronger performer in almost every respect.

Happy shooting!

Note: Product pricing and availability may have changed since release. Always check current market conditions plus firmware updates or user experiences for latest insights.