Nikon L26 vs Sony W290
93 Imaging
39 Features
24 Overall
33


94 Imaging
34 Features
28 Overall
31
Nikon L26 vs Sony W290 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 80 - 1600
- 1280 x 720 video
- 26-130mm (F3.2-6.5) lens
- 164g - 96 x 60 x 29mm
- Released February 2012
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 80 - 3200
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 28-140mm (F3.3-5.2) lens
- 167g - 98 x 57 x 23mm
- Launched February 2009

Nikon L26 vs Sony W290 Overview
Below, we are matching up the Nikon L26 vs Sony W290, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by brands Nikon and Sony. There exists a significant gap among the resolutions of the L26 (16MP) and W290 (12MP) but they come with the exact same sensor sizes (1/2.3").

The L26 was revealed 2 years after the W290 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).
Before getting through a in-depth comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the L26 grades versus the W290 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Nikon L26 vs Sony W290 Gallery
Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon Coolpix L26 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290. The full galleries are provided at Nikon L26 Gallery and Sony W290 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon L26 over the Sony W290
L26 | W290 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Launched | February 2012 | ![]() | February 2009 | More modern by 36 months |
Reasons to pick Sony W290 over the Nikon L26
W290 | L26 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manually focus | ![]() | More exact focus |
Common features in the Nikon L26 and Sony W290
L26 | W290 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Display type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed display |
Display dimension | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Identical display dimensions |
Display resolution | 230k | ![]() | 230k | Exact same display resolution |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Lacking selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly display | ![]() | Lacking Touch friendly display |
Nikon L26 vs Sony W290 Physical Comparison
When you are looking to carry around your camera often, you should think about its weight and proportions. The Nikon L26 comes with outer measurements of 96mm x 60mm x 29mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.1") along with a weight of 164 grams (0.36 lbs) and the Sony W290 has measurements of 98mm x 57mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).
Compare the Nikon L26 vs Sony W290 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have chosen at the time. The following is the front view size comparison of the L26 against the W290.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the L26 and W290 is 93 and 94 respectively.

Nikon L26 vs Sony W290 Sensor Comparison
Quite often, its hard to envision the contrast in sensor sizes simply by researching specs. The picture below should give you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the L26 and W290.
As you can plainly see, both of the cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements but not the same megapixels. You should expect to see the Nikon L26 to provide you with extra detail because of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop photos much more aggressively. The younger L26 will have a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.

Nikon L26 vs Sony W290 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon L26 vs Sony W290 Specifications
Nikon Coolpix L26 | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand | Nikon | Sony |
Model type | Nikon Coolpix L26 | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 |
Category | Small Sensor Compact | Small Sensor Compact |
Released | 2012-02-01 | 2009-02-17 |
Physical type | Compact | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Sensor type | CCD | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor dimensions | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
Sensor area | 28.1mm² | 28.1mm² |
Sensor resolution | 16 megapixel | 12 megapixel |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3 and 16:9 | 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Max resolution | 4608 x 3456 | 4000 x 3000 |
Max native ISO | 1600 | 3200 |
Min native ISO | 80 | 80 |
RAW files | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focusing | ||
Touch to focus | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Selective autofocus | ||
Center weighted autofocus | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Autofocus live view | ||
Face detection focus | ||
Contract detection focus | ||
Phase detection focus | ||
Total focus points | - | 9 |
Cross type focus points | - | - |
Lens | ||
Lens support | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens zoom range | 26-130mm (5.0x) | 28-140mm (5.0x) |
Maximum aperture | f/3.2-6.5 | f/3.3-5.2 |
Macro focusing distance | 10cm | 10cm |
Focal length multiplier | 5.8 | 5.8 |
Screen | ||
Screen type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen sizing | 3" | 3" |
Screen resolution | 230k dots | 230k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch functionality | ||
Screen technology | TFT-LCD with Anti-reflection coating | - |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | None | None |
Features | ||
Minimum shutter speed | 4 seconds | 2 seconds |
Fastest shutter speed | 1/2000 seconds | 1/1600 seconds |
Continuous shutter rate | - | 2.0fps |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual mode | ||
Change white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash distance | - | 3.90 m |
Flash options | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow-sync | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye reduction, Slow Sync |
External flash | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment exposure | ||
Average exposure | ||
Spot exposure | ||
Partial exposure | ||
AF area exposure | ||
Center weighted exposure | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1280 x 720p (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30fps) | 1280 x 720 (30 fps) 640 x 480 (30 fps) |
Max video resolution | 1280x720 | 1280x720 |
Video format | MPEG-4 | MPEG-4 |
Mic support | ||
Headphone support | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental sealing | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 164 grams (0.36 lb) | 167 grams (0.37 lb) |
Dimensions | 96 x 60 x 29mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.1") | 98 x 57 x 23mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") |
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 | 200 shots | - |
Battery style | AA | - |
Battery ID | 2 x AA | - |
Self timer | Yes | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Storage type | SD/SDHC/SDXC | Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo, Internal |
Card slots | One | One |
Launch pricing | $70 | $230 |