Nikon L21 vs Nikon S9700
93 Imaging
31 Features
11 Overall
23
90 Imaging
40 Features
48 Overall
43
Nikon L21 vs Nikon S9700 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 8MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.5" Fixed Screen
- ISO 64 - 1600
- 640 x 480 video
- 38-136mm (F3.1-6.7) lens
- 169g - 92 x 67 x 28mm
- Released February 2010
(Full Review)
- 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 125 - 6400
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 25-750mm (F3.7-6.4) lens
- 232g - 110 x 64 x 35mm
- Introduced February 2014
- Succeeded the Nikon S9500
- Successor is Nikon S9900
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Following is a comprehensive analysis of the Nikon L21 vs Nikon S9700, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are manufactured by Nikon. There is a sizeable difference among the image resolutions of the L21 (8MP) and S9700 (16MP) but they enjoy the same exact sensor dimensions (1/2.3").
Snapchat Adds Watermarks to AI-Created ImagesThe L21 was revealed 5 years earlier than the S9700 which is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).
Before diving in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the L21 scores against the S9700 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.
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Here is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon Coolpix L21 and Nikon Coolpix S9700. The full galleries are viewable at Nikon L21 Gallery and Nikon S9700 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon L21 over the Nikon S9700
| L21 | S9700 |
|---|
Reasons to pick Nikon S9700 over the Nikon L21
| S9700 | L21 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introduced | February 2014 | February 2010 | More modern by 48 months | |
| Screen sizing | 3" | 2.5" | Bigger screen (+0.5") | |
| Screen resolution | 921k | 230k | Clearer screen (+691k dot) |
Common features in the Nikon L21 and Nikon S9700
| L21 | S9700 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focus manually | Lack of manual focus | |||
| Screen type | Fixed | Fixed | Fixed screen | |
| Selfie screen | Missing selfie screen | |||
| Touch screen | Missing Touch screen |
Nikon L21 vs Nikon S9700 Physical Comparison
When you are looking to carry around your camera, you'll need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Nikon L21 has physical measurements of 92mm x 67mm x 28mm (3.6" x 2.6" x 1.1") along with a weight of 169 grams (0.37 lbs) and the Nikon S9700 has proportions of 110mm x 64mm x 35mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.4") along with a weight of 232 grams (0.51 lbs).
Take a look at the Nikon L21 vs Nikon S9700 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you use during that time. Following is the front view sizing comparison of the L21 compared to the S9700.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the L21 and S9700 is 93 and 90 respectively.
Nikon L21 vs Nikon S9700 Sensor Comparison
In many cases, it is difficult to visualize the contrast in sensor sizes only by seeing technical specs. The image here might give you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the L21 and S9700.
As you can tell, each of the cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit different megapixels. You should expect the Nikon S9700 to show extra detail because of its extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop pictures far more aggressively. The more aged L21 will be behind in sensor technology.
Nikon L21 vs Nikon S9700 Screen and ViewFinder
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Nikon L21 vs Nikon S9700 Specifications
| Nikon Coolpix L21 | Nikon Coolpix S9700 | |
|---|---|---|
| General Information | ||
| Make | Nikon | Nikon |
| Model | Nikon Coolpix L21 | Nikon Coolpix S9700 |
| Type | Small Sensor Compact | Small Sensor Superzoom |
| Released | 2010-02-03 | 2014-02-07 |
| Body design | Compact | Compact |
| Sensor Information | ||
| Processor | Expeed C2 | - |
| Sensor type | CCD | BSI-CMOS |
| Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
| Sensor dimensions | 6.08 x 4.56mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
| Sensor area | 27.7mm² | 28.1mm² |
| Sensor resolution | 8MP | 16MP |
| Anti aliasing filter | ||
| Aspect ratio | 4:3 and 16:9 | - |
| Full resolution | 3648 x 2736 | 4608 x 3456 |
| Max native ISO | 1600 | 6400 |
| Minimum native ISO | 64 | 125 |
| RAW pictures | ||
| Autofocusing | ||
| Manual focus | ||
| Autofocus touch | ||
| Continuous autofocus | ||
| Single autofocus | ||
| Tracking autofocus | ||
| Selective autofocus | ||
| Autofocus center weighted | ||
| Autofocus multi area | ||
| Autofocus live view | ||
| Face detection focus | ||
| Contract detection focus | ||
| Phase detection focus | ||
| Number of focus points | - | 99 |
| Lens | ||
| Lens mounting type | fixed lens | fixed lens |
| Lens focal range | 38-136mm (3.6x) | 25-750mm (30.0x) |
| Largest aperture | f/3.1-6.7 | f/3.7-6.4 |
| Macro focus distance | 5cm | 1cm |
| Focal length multiplier | 5.9 | 5.8 |
| Screen | ||
| Range of screen | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
| Screen sizing | 2.5" | 3" |
| Resolution of screen | 230k dot | 921k dot |
| Selfie friendly | ||
| Liveview | ||
| Touch screen | ||
| Screen technology | - | TFT LCD with anti-reflection coating |
| Viewfinder Information | ||
| Viewfinder | None | None |
| Features | ||
| Lowest shutter speed | 8s | 8s |
| Highest shutter speed | 1/2000s | 1/2000s |
| Continuous shooting speed | - | 7.0 frames per sec |
| Shutter priority | ||
| Aperture priority | ||
| Manually set exposure | ||
| Exposure compensation | - | Yes |
| Change white balance | ||
| Image stabilization | ||
| Inbuilt flash | ||
| Flash range | - | 6.00 m |
| Flash settings | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Fill-in, Slow Syncro | TTL auto flash with monitor preflashes |
| Hot shoe | ||
| AE bracketing | ||
| WB bracketing | ||
| Exposure | ||
| Multisegment | ||
| Average | ||
| Spot | ||
| Partial | ||
| AF area | ||
| Center weighted | ||
| Video features | ||
| Supported video resolutions | 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) | 1920 x 1080 (30/25p, 60/50i) 1280 x 720 (60/50/30/25/15/12.5p) 960 x 540 (30/25p) 640 x 480 (120/30/25p) 320 x 240 (240p) |
| Max video resolution | 640x480 | 1920x1080 |
| Video file format | Motion JPEG | MPEG-4, H.264 |
| Mic input | ||
| Headphone input | ||
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | None | Built-In |
| Bluetooth | ||
| NFC | ||
| HDMI | ||
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| GPS | None | BuiltIn |
| Physical | ||
| Environmental seal | ||
| Water proof | ||
| Dust proof | ||
| Shock proof | ||
| Crush proof | ||
| Freeze proof | ||
| Weight | 169g (0.37 lb) | 232g (0.51 lb) |
| Dimensions | 92 x 67 x 28mm (3.6" x 2.6" x 1.1") | 110 x 64 x 35mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.4") |
| 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 life | - | 300 photos |
| Battery format | - | Battery Pack |
| Battery model | 2 x AA | EN-EL12 |
| Self timer | Yes | Yes |
| Time lapse feature | ||
| Storage media | SD/SDHC, Internal | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
| Storage slots | One | One |
| Launch price | $180 | $350 |