Nikon L31 vs Panasonic FS12
94 Imaging
40 Features
27 Overall
34


95 Imaging
34 Features
14 Overall
26
Nikon L31 vs Panasonic FS12 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Display
- ISO 80 - 1600
- Digital Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 26-130mm (F3.2-6.5) lens
- 160g - 96 x 59 x 29mm
- Revealed January 2015
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Display
- ISO 80 - 1600 (Raise to 6400)
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 640 x 480 video
- 31-124mm (F2.8-5.9) lens
- 129g - 97 x 55 x 22mm
- Announced April 2009

Nikon L31 vs Panasonic FS12 Overview
Below, we are evaluating the Nikon L31 and Panasonic FS12, both Ultracompact cameras by rivals Nikon and Panasonic. There is a significant difference among the image resolutions of the L31 (16MP) and FS12 (12MP) but they use the exact same sensor measurements (1/2.3").

The L31 was introduced 5 years after the FS12 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras come with the identical body type (Ultracompact).
Before going straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a brief summation of how the L31 grades against the FS12 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Nikon L31 vs Panasonic FS12 Gallery
Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon Coolpix L31 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12. The whole galleries are provided at Nikon L31 Gallery and Panasonic FS12 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon L31 over the Panasonic FS12
L31 | FS12 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Announced | January 2015 | ![]() | April 2009 | Newer by 70 months |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Easy selfies |
Reasons to pick Panasonic FS12 over the Nikon L31
FS12 | L31 |
---|
Common features in the Nikon L31 and Panasonic FS12
L31 | FS12 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Focus manually | ![]() | No manual focus | ||
Display type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed display |
Display dimension | 2.7" | ![]() | 2.7" | Identical display measurements |
Display resolution | 230k | ![]() | 230k | Exact same display resolution |
Touch display | ![]() | Neither contains Touch display |
Nikon L31 vs Panasonic FS12 Physical Comparison
For anybody who is intending to travel with your camera frequently, you'll need to think about its weight and size. The Nikon L31 has got physical measurements of 96mm x 59mm x 29mm (3.8" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 160 grams (0.35 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FS12 has specifications of 97mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 129 grams (0.28 lbs).
Contrast the Nikon L31 and Panasonic FS12 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you use at that time. Below is the front view dimensions comparison of the L31 and the FS12.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the L31 and FS12 is 94 and 95 respectively.

Nikon L31 vs Panasonic FS12 Sensor Comparison
Oftentimes, it is tough to visualize the difference in sensor dimensions only by viewing technical specs. The pic below might provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the L31 and FS12.
As you have seen, the 2 cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements but different MP. You should expect to see the Nikon L31 to render extra detail using its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop pics much more aggressively. The newer L31 provides a benefit in sensor innovation.

Nikon L31 vs Panasonic FS12 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon L31 vs Panasonic FS12 Specifications
Nikon Coolpix L31 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand Name | Nikon | Panasonic |
Model type | Nikon Coolpix L31 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12 |
Category | Ultracompact | Ultracompact |
Revealed | 2015-01-14 | 2009-04-17 |
Body design | Ultracompact | Ultracompact |
Sensor Information | ||
Sensor type | CMOS | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor dimensions | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.08 x 4.56mm |
Sensor surface area | 28.1mm² | 27.7mm² |
Sensor resolution | 16 megapixels | 12 megapixels |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3 and 16:9 | 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Maximum resolution | 4608 x 3456 | 4000 x 3000 |
Maximum native ISO | 1600 | 1600 |
Maximum boosted ISO | - | 6400 |
Min native ISO | 80 | 80 |
RAW data | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
AF touch | ||
AF continuous | ||
AF single | ||
AF tracking | ||
AF selectice | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
Multi area AF | ||
Live view AF | ||
Face detect AF | ||
Contract detect AF | ||
Phase detect AF | ||
Lens | ||
Lens support | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens zoom range | 26-130mm (5.0x) | 31-124mm (4.0x) |
Maximal aperture | f/3.2-6.5 | f/2.8-5.9 |
Macro focusing distance | 10cm | 5cm |
Focal length multiplier | 5.8 | 5.9 |
Screen | ||
Display type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display diagonal | 2.7 inch | 2.7 inch |
Display resolution | 230 thousand dot | 230 thousand dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch operation | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | None | None |
Features | ||
Slowest shutter speed | 4 secs | 60 secs |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/2000 secs | 1/2000 secs |
Continuous shooting speed | - | 2.0 frames per second |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual exposure | ||
Set WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash distance | 3.60 m | 6.30 m |
Flash modes | - | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Sync |
Hot shoe | ||
AE bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1280 x 720 | 848 x 480 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) |
Maximum video resolution | 1280x720 | 640x480 |
Video format | Motion JPEG | Motion JPEG |
Mic input | ||
Headphone input | ||
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 seal | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 160g (0.35 lbs) | 129g (0.28 lbs) |
Dimensions | 96 x 59 x 29mm (3.8" x 2.3" x 1.1") | 97 x 55 x 22mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.9") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around 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 photos | - |
Style of battery | AA | - |
Battery ID | 2 x AA | - |
Self timer | Yes (10 secs) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse recording | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal | SD/SDHC card, Internal |
Storage slots | One | One |
Cost at launch | $0 | $228 |