Nikon L21 vs Pentax WS80
93 Imaging
31 Features
11 Overall
23


95 Imaging
33 Features
20 Overall
27
Nikon L21 vs Pentax WS80 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 8MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.5" Fixed Display
- 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)
- 10MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Screen
- ISO 64 - 6400
- 1280 x 720 video
- 35-175mm (F3.8-4.7) lens
- 125g - 92 x 60 x 22mm
- Launched August 2009

Nikon L21 vs Pentax WS80 Overview
Below, we will be evaluating the Nikon L21 versus Pentax WS80, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Waterproof by rivals Nikon and Pentax. The resolution of the L21 (8MP) and the WS80 (10MP) is pretty similar and they enjoy the exact same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

The L21 was unveiled 7 months later than the WS80 so they are both of a similar age. Both the cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).
Before delving straight into a detailed comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the L21 grades versus the WS80 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Nikon L21 vs Pentax WS80 Gallery
The following is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon Coolpix L21 & Pentax Optio WS80. The full galleries are provided at Nikon L21 Gallery & Pentax WS80 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon L21 over the Pentax WS80
L21 | WS80 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Launched | February 2010 | ![]() | August 2009 | Fresher by 7 months |
Reasons to pick Pentax WS80 over the Nikon L21
WS80 | L21 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manually focus | ![]() | Dial accurate focus | ||
Screen dimension | 2.7" | ![]() | 2.5" | Bigger screen (+0.2") |
Common features in the Nikon L21 and Pentax WS80
L21 | WS80 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Screen resolution | 230k | ![]() | 230k | Exact same screen resolution |
Selfie screen | ![]() | No selfie screen | ||
Touch screen | ![]() | Neither offers Touch screen |
Nikon L21 vs Pentax WS80 Physical Comparison
For anyone who is looking to carry your camera often, you will need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Nikon L21 offers external dimensions of 92mm x 67mm x 28mm (3.6" x 2.6" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 169 grams (0.37 lbs) and the Pentax WS80 has dimensions of 92mm x 60mm x 22mm (3.6" x 2.4" x 0.9") and a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs).
Compare the Nikon L21 versus Pentax WS80 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you have during that time. Below is the front view dimension comparison of the L21 and the WS80.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the L21 and WS80 is 93 and 95 respectively.

Nikon L21 vs Pentax WS80 Sensor Comparison
Usually, it can be difficult to visualize the gap between sensor sizing just by going over specifications. The photograph here should give you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the L21 and WS80.
To sum up, both the cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements albeit different resolution. You can expect the Pentax WS80 to offer more detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop photographs somewhat more aggressively. The fresher L21 provides a benefit in sensor technology.

Nikon L21 vs Pentax WS80 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon L21 vs Pentax WS80 Specifications
Nikon Coolpix L21 | Pentax Optio WS80 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand Name | Nikon | Pentax |
Model | Nikon Coolpix L21 | Pentax Optio WS80 |
Type | Small Sensor Compact | Waterproof |
Released | 2010-02-03 | 2009-08-05 |
Body design | Compact | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor Chip | Expeed C2 | Prime |
Sensor type | CCD | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor dimensions | 6.08 x 4.56mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
Sensor surface area | 27.7mm² | 28.1mm² |
Sensor resolution | 8 megapixel | 10 megapixel |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3 and 16:9 | 4:3 and 16:9 |
Full resolution | 3648 x 2736 | 3648 x 2736 |
Max native ISO | 1600 | 6400 |
Minimum native ISO | 64 | 64 |
RAW photos | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
AF touch | ||
AF continuous | ||
Single AF | ||
Tracking AF | ||
AF selectice | ||
AF center weighted | ||
Multi area AF | ||
Live view AF | ||
Face detect focusing | ||
Contract detect focusing | ||
Phase detect focusing | ||
Number of focus points | - | 9 |
Lens | ||
Lens mount | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens focal range | 38-136mm (3.6x) | 35-175mm (5.0x) |
Maximum aperture | f/3.1-6.7 | f/3.8-4.7 |
Macro focus range | 5cm | - |
Crop factor | 5.9 | 5.8 |
Screen | ||
Display type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display size | 2.5 inch | 2.7 inch |
Resolution of display | 230k dot | 230k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch friendly | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | None | None |
Features | ||
Slowest shutter speed | 8s | 4s |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/2000s | 1/1500s |
Continuous shooting speed | - | 1.0 frames/s |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual exposure | ||
Custom WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash range | - | 3.40 m |
Flash options | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Fill-in, Slow Syncro | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Soft |
Hot shoe | ||
AE bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment exposure | ||
Average exposure | ||
Spot exposure | ||
Partial exposure | ||
AF area exposure | ||
Center weighted exposure | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) | 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 848 x 480 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30, 15 fps) |
Max video resolution | 640x480 | 1280x720 |
Video data format | Motion JPEG | Motion JPEG |
Mic jack | ||
Headphone jack | ||
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 seal | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 169g (0.37 lb) | 125g (0.28 lb) |
Dimensions | 92 x 67 x 28mm (3.6" x 2.6" x 1.1") | 92 x 60 x 22mm (3.6" x 2.4" x 0.9") |
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 | D-LI68 |
Self timer | Yes | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Storage media | SD/SDHC, Internal | SD/SDHC card, Internal |
Storage slots | 1 | 1 |
Pricing at launch | $180 | $220 |