Nikon L21 vs Pentax WG-10
93 Imaging
31 Features
11 Overall
23


93 Imaging
38 Features
34 Overall
36
Nikon L21 vs Pentax WG-10 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
- Launched February 2010
(Full Review)
- 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Display
- ISO 125 - 6400
- Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 28-140mm (F3.5-5.5) lens
- 167g - 116 x 59 x 29mm
- Released June 2013

Nikon L21 vs Pentax WG-10 Overview
Below is a comprehensive review of the Nikon L21 versus Pentax WG-10, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Waterproof by manufacturers Nikon and Pentax. There is a significant difference among the image resolutions of the L21 (8MP) and WG-10 (14MP) but both cameras boast the same sensor measurements (1/2.3").

The L21 was manufactured 4 years earlier than the WG-10 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).
Before diving straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a short view of how the L21 matches up vs the WG-10 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Nikon L21 vs Pentax WG-10 Gallery
The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon Coolpix L21 and Pentax WG-10. The entire galleries are provided at Nikon L21 Gallery and Pentax WG-10 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon L21 over the Pentax WG-10
L21 | WG-10 |
---|
Reasons to pick Pentax WG-10 over the Nikon L21
WG-10 | L21 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Released | June 2013 | ![]() | February 2010 | More recent by 41 months |
Manually focus | ![]() | Dial accurate focusing | ||
Display dimensions | 2.7" | ![]() | 2.5" | Larger display (+0.2") |
Common features in the Nikon L21 and Pentax WG-10
L21 | WG-10 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Display type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed display |
Display resolution | 230k | ![]() | 230k | Identical display resolution |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither features selfie screen | ||
Touch display | ![]() | Neither features Touch display |
Nikon L21 vs Pentax WG-10 Physical Comparison
In case you're looking to lug around your camera regularly, you are going to need to think about its weight and dimensions. The Nikon L21 enjoys exterior measurements 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 WG-10 has dimensions of 116mm x 59mm x 29mm (4.6" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).
Examine the Nikon L21 versus Pentax WG-10 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you choose at the time. Below is a front view physical size comparison of the L21 and the WG-10.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the L21 and WG-10 is 93 and 93 respectively.

Nikon L21 vs Pentax WG-10 Sensor Comparison
Oftentimes, it's difficult to visualize the contrast in sensor measurements merely by checking out specifications. The visual underneath will give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the L21 and WG-10.
To sum up, the two cameras provide the same sensor dimensions but different resolution. You should expect to see the Pentax WG-10 to show extra detail due to its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also let you crop photos more aggressively. The older L21 will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.

Nikon L21 vs Pentax WG-10 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon L21 vs Pentax WG-10 Specifications
Nikon Coolpix L21 | Pentax WG-10 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand Name | Nikon | Pentax |
Model type | Nikon Coolpix L21 | Pentax WG-10 |
Type | Small Sensor Compact | Waterproof |
Launched | 2010-02-03 | 2013-06-21 |
Body design | Compact | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor Chip | Expeed C2 | - |
Sensor type | CCD | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor measurements | 6.08 x 4.56mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
Sensor area | 27.7mm² | 28.1mm² |
Sensor resolution | 8 megapixel | 14 megapixel |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3 and 16:9 | 1:1, 4:3 and 16:9 |
Highest Possible resolution | 3648 x 2736 | 4288 x 3216 |
Maximum native ISO | 1600 | 6400 |
Min native ISO | 64 | 125 |
RAW support | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Touch to focus | ||
Autofocus continuous | ||
Autofocus single | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Autofocus selectice | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Multi area autofocus | ||
Live view autofocus | ||
Face detection focus | ||
Contract detection focus | ||
Phase detection focus | ||
Total focus points | - | 9 |
Lens | ||
Lens support | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens zoom range | 38-136mm (3.6x) | 28-140mm (5.0x) |
Maximum aperture | f/3.1-6.7 | f/3.5-5.5 |
Macro focusing distance | 5cm | 1cm |
Crop factor | 5.9 | 5.8 |
Screen | ||
Screen type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen size | 2.5" | 2.7" |
Resolution of screen | 230k dot | 230k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch functionality | ||
Screen tech | - | Widescreen TFT color LCD with anti-reflective coating |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | None | None |
Features | ||
Min shutter speed | 8 secs | 4 secs |
Max shutter speed | 1/2000 secs | 1/4000 secs |
Continuous shutter speed | - | 0.7 frames per sec |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Change white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash distance | - | 1.20 m |
Flash options | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Fill-in, Slow Syncro | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Soft |
External flash | ||
AEB | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) | 1280 x 720 (60, 30 fps), 640 x 480 (30fps), 320 x 240 (30, 15 fps) |
Maximum video resolution | 640x480 | 1280x720 |
Video file format | Motion JPEG | MPEG-4, H.264 |
Microphone jack | ||
Headphone jack | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | Eye-Fi Connected |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environment seal | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 169 gr (0.37 pounds) | 167 gr (0.37 pounds) |
Physical dimensions | 92 x 67 x 28mm (3.6" x 2.6" x 1.1") | 116 x 59 x 29mm (4.6" x 2.3" x 1.1") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light rating | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | - | 260 shots |
Type of battery | - | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | 2 x AA | D-LI92 |
Self timer | Yes | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse recording | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC, Internal | SD/SDHC/SDXC card, Internal |
Storage slots | 1 | 1 |
Launch pricing | $180 | $0 |