Nikon L21 vs Nikon S5100

Following is a extended analysis of the Nikon L21 and Nikon S5100, both Small Sensor Compact cameras and they are both produced by Nikon. There is a considerable difference among the sensor resolutions of the L21 (8MP) and S5100 (12MP) but they possess the same exact sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The L21 was brought out 6 months prior to the S5100 which means that they are of a similar age. The two cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting straight into a complete comparison, below is a quick summation of how the L21 scores versus the S5100 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon Coolpix L21 & Nikon Coolpix S5100. The entire galleries are viewable at Nikon L21 Gallery & Nikon S5100 Gallery.

If you are going to carry around your camera, you will want to think about its weight and volume. The Nikon L21 features outside dimensions of 92mm x 67mm x 28mm (3.6" x 2.6" x 1.1") having a weight of 169 grams (0.37 lbs) while the Nikon S5100 has sizing of 97mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs).

Look at the Nikon L21 and Nikon S5100 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you select at that moment. Following is the front view sizing comparison of the L21 compared to the S5100.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the L21 and S5100 is 93 and 95 respectively.

In many cases, it is hard to see the contrast in sensor sizes only by looking through specs. The image here should offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the L21 and S5100.

All in all, both cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same MP. You can expect the Nikon S5100 to result in more detail having its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop pictures far more aggressively.