Nikon L31 vs Sony W550
94 Imaging
40 Features
27 Overall
34


96 Imaging
37 Features
28 Overall
33
Nikon L31 vs Sony W550 Key Specs
(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
- Revealed January 2015
(Full Review)
- 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 80 - 3200
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 26-104mm (F2.7-5.7) lens
- 110g - 94 x 56 x 19mm
- Launched July 2011

Nikon L31 vs Sony W550 Overview
The following is a in-depth comparison of the Nikon L31 vs Sony W550, both Ultracompact cameras by manufacturers Nikon and Sony. The image resolution of the L31 (16MP) and the W550 (14MP) is relatively close and they feature the same exact sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

The L31 was announced 3 years after the W550 which is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras offer the identical body type (Ultracompact).
Before delving through a more detailed comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the L31 grades versus the W550 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Nikon L31 vs Sony W550 Gallery
Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon Coolpix L31 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550. The whole galleries are viewable at Nikon L31 Gallery and Sony W550 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon L31 over the Sony W550
L31 | W550 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Launched | January 2015 | ![]() | July 2011 | Newer by 43 months |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Easy selfies |
Reasons to pick Sony W550 over the Nikon L31
W550 | L31 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen sizing | 3" | ![]() | 2.7" | Bigger screen (+0.3") |
Common features in the Nikon L31 and Sony W550
L31 | W550 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manual focus | ![]() | No manual focus | ||
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Screen resolution | 230k | ![]() | 230k | Identical screen resolution |
Touch friendly screen | ![]() | Neither has Touch friendly screen |
Nikon L31 vs Sony W550 Physical Comparison
If you're looking to travel with your camera, you will want to factor its weight and dimensions. The Nikon L31 has exterior measurements of 96mm x 59mm x 29mm (3.8" x 2.3" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 160 grams (0.35 lbs) whilst the Sony W550 has dimensions of 94mm x 56mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") with a weight of 110 grams (0.24 lbs).
Compare the Nikon L31 vs Sony W550 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have chosen at the time. Following is the front view over all size comparison of the L31 vs the W550.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the L31 and W550 is 94 and 96 respectively.

Nikon L31 vs Sony W550 Sensor Comparison
Quite often, it can be difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor dimensions merely by viewing specs. The image here will help give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the L31 and W550.
All in all, both of these cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same megapixels. You should count on the Nikon L31 to provide you with greater detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures far more aggressively. The more recent L31 is going to have a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.

Nikon L31 vs Sony W550 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon L31 vs Sony W550 Specifications
Nikon Coolpix L31 | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Manufacturer | Nikon | Sony |
Model | Nikon Coolpix L31 | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550 |
Category | Ultracompact | Ultracompact |
Revealed | 2015-01-14 | 2011-07-24 |
Body design | Ultracompact | Ultracompact |
Sensor Information | ||
Powered by | - | BIONZ |
Sensor type | CMOS | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor measurements | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
Sensor area | 28.1mm² | 28.1mm² |
Sensor resolution | 16 megapixel | 14 megapixel |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3 and 16:9 | 4:3 and 16:9 |
Full resolution | 4608 x 3456 | 4320 x 3240 |
Max native ISO | 1600 | 3200 |
Minimum native ISO | 80 | 80 |
RAW files | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focus | ||
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 | ||
Number of focus points | - | 9 |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens focal range | 26-130mm (5.0x) | 26-104mm (4.0x) |
Max aperture | f/3.2-6.5 | f/2.7-5.7 |
Macro focus range | 10cm | 5cm |
Crop factor | 5.8 | 5.8 |
Screen | ||
Range of screen | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen diagonal | 2.7 inch | 3 inch |
Screen resolution | 230k dot | 230k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch screen | ||
Screen tech | - | Clear Photo LCD |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | None | None |
Features | ||
Lowest shutter speed | 4 secs | 2 secs |
Highest shutter speed | 1/2000 secs | 1/1600 secs |
Continuous shooting speed | - | 1.0 frames/s |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Custom WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash range | 3.60 m | 3.80 m |
Flash options | - | Auto, On, Off, Slow Sync |
External flash | ||
AE 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 720 | 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) |
Max video resolution | 1280x720 | 1280x720 |
Video format | Motion JPEG | MPEG-4 |
Microphone 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 | ||
Environment seal | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 160 gr (0.35 lb) | 110 gr (0.24 lb) |
Dimensions | 96 x 59 x 29mm (3.8" x 2.3" x 1.1") | 94 x 56 x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") |
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 life | 200 pictures | - |
Style of battery | AA | - |
Battery model | 2 x AA | NP-BN1 |
Self timer | Yes (10 secs) | Yes (2 or 10 sec, Portrait 1/2) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Storage media | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal | SD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick Duo/Memory Stick Pro Duo, Memory Stick Pro-HG Duo |
Storage slots | 1 | - |
Launch pricing | $0 | $119 |