Nikon L20 vs Nikon S30

Below, we will be evaluating the Nikon L20 vs Nikon S30, both Small Sensor Compact cameras and both are produced by Nikon. The resolution of the L20 (10MP) and the S30 (10MP) is pretty comparable but the L20 (1/2.3") and S30 (1/3") come with different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The L20 was brought out 4 years earlier than the S30 which is a fairly significant difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before delving in to a in-depth comparison, below is a brief overview of how the L20 grades versus the S30 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon Coolpix L20 & Nikon Coolpix S30. The entire galleries are available at Nikon L20 Gallery & Nikon S30 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry around your camera, you have to think about its weight and proportions. The Nikon L20 features outside dimensions of 97mm x 61mm x 29mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.1") along with a weight of 135 grams (0.30 lbs) and the Nikon S30 has measurements of 102mm x 65mm x 40mm (4.0" x 2.6" x 1.6") with a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs).

See the Nikon L20 vs Nikon S30 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are using during that time. Underneath is the front view measurements comparison of the L20 and the S30.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the L20 and S30 is 94 and 90 respectively.

More often than not, it can be hard to visualize the contrast in sensor sizes only by checking out technical specs. The image below should provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the L20 and S30.

As you can tell, both of the cameras posses the exact same megapixels albeit different sensor sizes. The L20 provides the bigger sensor which should make obtaining shallow DOF simpler. The more aged L20 will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.