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Nikon L31 vs Samsung PL170

Portability
94
Imaging
41
Features
27
Overall
35
Nikon Coolpix L31 front
 
Samsung PL170 front
Portability
99
Imaging
39
Features
20
Overall
31

Nikon L31 vs Samsung PL170 Key Specs

Nikon L31
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 2.7" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 80 - 1600
  • Digital Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 26-130mm (F3.2-6.5) lens
  • 160g - 96 x 59 x 29mm
  • Announced January 2015
Samsung PL170
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 0 - 3200
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • ()mm (F) lens
  • n/ag - 95 x 57 x 19mm
  • Announced January 2011
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Nikon L31 vs Samsung PL170 Overview

The following is a extensive assessment of the Nikon L31 versus Samsung PL170, both Ultracompact digital cameras by competitors Nikon and Samsung. The image resolution of the L31 (16MP) and the PL170 (16MP) is relatively well matched and both cameras posses the same sensor size (1/2.3").

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The L31 was launched 4 years after the PL170 which is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras have the same body design (Ultracompact).

Before going into a in-depth comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the L31 grades versus the PL170 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

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Reasons to pick Nikon L31 over the Samsung PL170

 L31 PL170 
AnnouncedJanuary 2015January 2011Newer by 49 months
Selfie screen Take selfies

Reasons to pick Samsung PL170 over the Nikon L31

 PL170 L31 
Screen dimensions3"2.7"Bigger screen (+0.3")

Common features in the Nikon L31 and Samsung PL170

 L31 PL170 
Focus manually No manual focus
Screen typeFixed Fixed Fixed screen
Screen resolution230k230kSame screen resolution
Touch screen Lacking Touch screen

Nikon L31 vs Samsung PL170 Physical Comparison

If you are planning to travel with your camera frequently, you'll have to consider its weight and proportions. The Nikon L31 provides exterior measurements of 96mm x 59mm x 29mm (3.8" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 160 grams (0.35 lbs) while the Samsung PL170 has measurements of 95mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") along with a weight of n/a grams (0.00 lbs).

Check out the Nikon L31 versus Samsung PL170 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are using at the time. The following is a front view dimension comparison of the L31 and the PL170.

Nikon L31 vs Samsung PL170 size comparison

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the L31 and PL170 is 94 and 99 respectively.

Nikon L31 vs Samsung PL170 top view buttons comparison

Nikon L31 vs Samsung PL170 Sensor Comparison

Usually, its tough to visualize the difference between sensor dimensions simply by reading through specifications. The pic here will provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the L31 and PL170.

To sum up, both of these cameras have the same sensor dimensions and the same exact resolution therefore you should expect similar quality of images though you might want to consider the release date of the products into consideration. The newer L31 should have an edge in sensor tech.

Nikon L31 vs Samsung PL170 sensor size comparison

Nikon L31 vs Samsung PL170 Screen and ViewFinder

Nikon L31 vs Samsung PL170 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
Photography Glossary

Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Nikon L31 as a Portrait photography camera
Samsung PL170 as a Portrait photography camera
36
decent megapixels (16MP)
offers face detection focus
focusing manually not possible
no manual exposure
can't use external flash
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW format
30
decent megapixels (16MP)
lack of manual focus
no manual mode
cannot use external flash
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
has no RAW format
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Street Comparison

Nikon L31 Street photography information
Samsung PL170 Street photography information
56
image stabilization (Digital)
fixed screen
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW format
more heavy than competition in class (160g)
50
fixed screen
lack of image stabilization
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
has no RAW format
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Sports Comparison

Nikon L31 Sports photography details
Samsung PL170 Sports photography details
40
image stabilization (Digital)
decent megapixels (16 megapixels)
no shutter priority
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
doesn't have phase detect auto focus
27
decent megapixels (16 megapixels)
fixed focal length (()mm)
no shutter priority mode
lack of image stabilization
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
has no phase detect autofocus
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Travel Comparison

Nikon L31 Travel photography features
Samsung PL170 Travel photography features
68
decent megapixels (16MP)
has built in flash
selfie friendly display
rather wide (26mm)
missing Timelapse mode
more heavy than competition in class (160 grams)
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.2)
71
decent megapixels (16MP)
has built in flash
very good max aperture (f)
doesn't have Time Lapse recording
screen is not selfie friendly
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Landscape Comparison

Nikon L31 Landscape photography details
Samsung PL170 Landscape photography details
39
rather wide (26mm)
image stabilization (Digital)
decent megapixels (16MP)
focusing manually not possible
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.2)
tiny screen (2.7 inch)
no manual exposure
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW format
missing Timelapse mode
39
very good max aperture (f)
screen is a decent size (3 inch)
decent megapixels (16MP)
lack of manual focus
can't swap lenses (fixed lens mount)
fixed focal length (()mm)
no manual mode
lack of image stabilization
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
has no RAW format
doesn't have Time Lapse recording
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Vlogging Comparison

Nikon L31 Vlogging details
Samsung PL170 Vlogging details
65
rather wide (26mm)
selfie friendly display
image stabilization (Digital)
offers face detection focus
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.2)
low quality video (1280 x 720 pixels)
missing external microphone port
more heavy than competition in class (160g)
27
very good max aperture (f)
screen is not selfie friendly
lack of image stabilization
low quality video (1280 x 720 resolution)
doesn't have external mic port
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Nikon L31 vs Samsung PL170 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Nikon L31 and Samsung PL170
 Nikon Coolpix L31Samsung PL170
General Information
Make Nikon Samsung
Model type Nikon Coolpix L31 Samsung PL170
Class Ultracompact Ultracompact
Announced 2015-01-14 2011-01-05
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 area 28.1mm² 27.7mm²
Sensor resolution 16MP 16MP
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 4:3 and 16:9 -
Full resolution 4608 x 3456 4608 x 3456
Max native ISO 1600 3200
Minimum native ISO 80 -
RAW photos
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Touch focus
AF continuous
AF single
Tracking AF
Selective AF
Center weighted AF
Multi area AF
AF live view
Face detection focusing
Contract detection focusing
Phase detection focusing
Cross type focus points - -
Lens
Lens mount type fixed lens fixed lens
Lens zoom range 26-130mm (5.0x) ()
Maximum aperture f/3.2-6.5 -
Macro focusing range 10cm -
Crop factor 5.8 5.9
Screen
Screen type Fixed Type Fixed Type
Screen diagonal 2.7" 3"
Screen resolution 230k dot 230k dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch display
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder None None
Features
Slowest shutter speed 4 seconds 8 seconds
Maximum shutter speed 1/2000 seconds 1/2000 seconds
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual exposure
Change WB
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash distance 3.60 m -
Hot shoe
AE bracketing
WB bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Video resolutions 1280 x 720 1280 x 720
Max video resolution 1280x720 1280x720
Video file format Motion JPEG -
Mic jack
Headphone jack
Connectivity
Wireless None None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) none
GPS None None
Physical
Environment seal
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 160 grams (0.35 lb) -
Physical dimensions 96 x 59 x 29mm (3.8" x 2.3" x 1.1") 95 x 57 x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7")
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 photographs -
Battery form AA -
Battery ID 2 x AA -
Self timer Yes (10 secs) -
Time lapse recording
Type of storage SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal -
Storage slots One One
Price at launch $0 $175