Nikon L21 vs Nikon S33

Let's look a little more closely at the Nikon L21 versus Nikon S33, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras and both are designed by Nikon. There is a big difference between the resolutions of the L21 (8MP) and S33 (13MP) and the L21 (1/2.3") and S33 (1/3.1") posses different sensor size.

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The L21 was released 6 years earlier than the S33 which is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before getting straight to a complete comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the L21 scores versus the S33 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon Coolpix L21 and Nikon Coolpix S33. The complete galleries are available at Nikon L21 Gallery and Nikon S33 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you'll have to take into account its weight and volume. The Nikon L21 provides outer dimensions of 92mm x 67mm x 28mm (3.6" x 2.6" x 1.1") and a weight of 169 grams (0.37 lbs) while the Nikon S33 has sizing of 110mm x 66mm x 27mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 221 grams (0.49 lbs).

Compare the Nikon L21 versus Nikon S33 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you use at that time. Here is a front view measurement comparison of the L21 and the S33.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the L21 and S33 is 93 and 91 respectively.

Generally, it is hard to imagine the contrast between sensor sizes just by reading through specs. The pic below might provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the L21 and S33.

As you can plainly see, the 2 cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The L21 featuring a larger sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Nikon S33 will resolve more detail as a result of its extra 5MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop photos way more aggressively. The more aged L21 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.