Nikon L20 vs Nikon S640
94 Imaging
33 Features
17 Overall
26


96 Imaging
34 Features
24 Overall
30
Nikon L20 vs Nikon S640 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 10MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 64 - 1600
- 640 x 480 video
- 38-136mm (F3.1-6.7) lens
- 135g - 97 x 61 x 29mm
- Introduced February 2009
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 6400
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
- 1280 x 720 video
- 28-140mm (F2.7-6.6) lens
- 130g - 91 x 55 x 21mm
- Introduced August 2009

Nikon L20 vs Nikon S640 Overview
In this article, we will be analyzing the Nikon L20 vs Nikon S640, both Small Sensor Compact cameras and they are both manufactured by Nikon. The sensor resolution of the L20 (10MP) and the S640 (12MP) is pretty close and they come with the same exact sensor sizing (1/2.3").

The L20 was manufactured 6 months prior to the S640 and they are both of a similar age. Each of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).
Before going straight into a thorough comparison, below is a concise summary of how the L20 grades versus the S640 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Nikon L20 vs Nikon S640 Gallery
Following is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon Coolpix L20 & Nikon Coolpix S640. The entire galleries are viewable at Nikon L20 Gallery & Nikon S640 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon L20 over the Nikon S640
L20 | S640 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen sizing | 3" | ![]() | 2.7" | Bigger screen (+0.3") |
Reasons to pick Nikon S640 over the Nikon L20
S640 | L20 |
---|
Common features in the Nikon L20 and Nikon S640
L20 | S640 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Introduced | February 2009 | ![]() | August 2009 | Same age |
Manually focus | ![]() | Lack of manual focusing | ||
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Screen resolution | 230k | ![]() | 230k | The same screen resolution |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither contains selfie screen | ||
Touch screen | ![]() | Neither contains Touch screen |
Nikon L20 vs Nikon S640 Physical Comparison
For anyone who is going to carry your camera, you need to factor in its weight and size. The Nikon L20 has got outer measurements of 97mm x 61mm x 29mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.1") and a weight of 135 grams (0.30 lbs) and the Nikon S640 has specifications of 91mm x 55mm x 21mm (3.6" x 2.2" x 0.8") having a weight of 130 grams (0.29 lbs).
Check the Nikon L20 vs Nikon S640 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have during that time. Following is the front view scale comparison of the L20 and the S640.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the L20 and S640 is 94 and 96 respectively.

Nikon L20 vs Nikon S640 Sensor Comparison
Sometimes, it is difficult to imagine the contrast in sensor sizing simply by viewing technical specs. The graphic underneath might offer you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the L20 and S640.
As you have seen, both the cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit different megapixels. You can expect the Nikon S640 to provide you with greater detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop shots a little more aggressively.

Nikon L20 vs Nikon S640 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon L20 vs Nikon S640 Specifications
Nikon Coolpix L20 | Nikon Coolpix S640 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Manufacturer | Nikon | Nikon |
Model | Nikon Coolpix L20 | Nikon Coolpix S640 |
Type | Small Sensor Compact | Small Sensor Compact |
Introduced | 2009-02-03 | 2009-08-04 |
Physical type | Compact | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor | - | Expeed |
Sensor type | CCD | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor measurements | 6.08 x 4.56mm | 6.08 x 4.56mm |
Sensor surface area | 27.7mm² | 27.7mm² |
Sensor resolution | 10MP | 12MP |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3 and 16:9 | 4:3 and 16:9 |
Full resolution | 3648 x 2736 | 4000 x 3000 |
Max native ISO | 1600 | 6400 |
Min native ISO | 64 | 100 |
RAW files | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
AF touch | ||
Continuous AF | ||
Single AF | ||
Tracking AF | ||
AF selectice | ||
AF center weighted | ||
AF multi area | ||
Live view AF | ||
Face detect focusing | ||
Contract detect focusing | ||
Phase detect focusing | ||
Lens | ||
Lens mount | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens focal range | 38-136mm (3.6x) | 28-140mm (5.0x) |
Maximum aperture | f/3.1-6.7 | f/2.7-6.6 |
Macro focus range | 5cm | 2cm |
Crop factor | 5.9 | 5.9 |
Screen | ||
Type of display | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display sizing | 3" | 2.7" |
Resolution of display | 230k dots | 230k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch screen | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | None | None |
Features | ||
Lowest shutter speed | 8 secs | 30 secs |
Highest shutter speed | 1/2000 secs | 1/8000 secs |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual mode | ||
Set WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash modes | Auto, Fill-in, Red-Eye reduction, Slow, Off | - |
Hot shoe | ||
AE bracketing | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment metering | ||
Average metering | ||
Spot metering | ||
Partial metering | ||
AF area metering | ||
Center weighted metering | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) | 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) |
Max video resolution | 640x480 | 1280x720 |
Video data format | Motion JPEG | Motion JPEG |
Microphone port | ||
Headphone port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environment sealing | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 135 grams (0.30 pounds) | 130 grams (0.29 pounds) |
Dimensions | 97 x 61 x 29mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.1") | 91 x 55 x 21mm (3.6" x 2.2" x 0.8") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light score | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery model | 2 x AA | EN-EL12 |
Self timer | Yes | Yes |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Storage type | SD/SDHC card, Internal | SD/SDHC, Internal |
Card slots | One | One |
Pricing at launch | $120 | $225 |