Nikon Coolpix L810 vs. Samsung PL200: A Real-World Comparison of Two Compact Contenders

When it comes to stepping up from the indispensable smartphone camera to a standalone compact point-and-shoot, the market in the early 2010s was dense with options. Amidst this crowd, the Nikon Coolpix L810 and Samsung PL200 stand out as two remarkably different yet similarly positioned small sensor compacts. Both slipped under the radar in their day - not flagship mirrorless or DSLR types - but respectable pocket-friendly cameras with features aimed at casual photographers who want a bit more than a phone’s camera can offer.

I’ve had the chance to put both through the wringer - and what follows is more than a specs sheet slapped with some fluff. Instead, I’m sharing real-world insights and technical breakdowns to help you decide if either deserves a place in your gear bag, especially if you’re weighing cost, usability, and photographic versatility.

Let’s dig right in.

Getting a Feel for the Build: Ergonomics and Size

First impressions matter, especially in handheld shooting situations. The Nikon L810 feels like a bulkier, more robust compact - borderline superzoom - while the Samsung PL200 shrinks down to a sleek, pocket-friendly stance.

At 111x76x83 mm and weighing 430 grams (with batteries included), the Nikon L810 isn’t exactly a svelte traveler’s companion. In contrast, the Samsung PL200 trims down to 100x60x21 mm and just 170 grams. This difference isn’t trivial: the L810 commands a grip that feels more like a tiny bridge camera, while the PL200 slips unobtrusively into a jacket pocket. For day-long urban strolls or street photography where subtlety counts, Samsung’s size advantage is significant.

But that heft in the Nikon has a payoff - more pronounced controls (though neither offers manual exposure modes), and a more confident feel in rougher hands. Both are built as typical budget compacts with plastic bodies and no weather sealing, so don’t expect invincibility in rain or dust.

Design Perspective: Controls and Usability

In terms of control layout and handling, the Nikon L810 attempts a more photographer-friendly approach compared to the PL200's minimalist setup.

The L810 includes a dedicated zoom lever surrounding the shutter button, a mode dial (albeit limited to automatic modes), and quick-access buttons for flash control or focus modes. There’s neither manual exposure control nor touchscreen interface, but the buttons are sufficiently large and distinct, which I appreciated during quick shooting sessions.

The PL200 sticks to a simpler array, with a small zoom rocker and a sparse button layout lacking any mode dial - just the essentials. This minimalism complements its slim body but at the expense of quick adjustments.

Neither camera offers a viewfinder. In bright daylight, relying solely on the LCD screen can prove trying, especially with the PL200's lower resolution display.

Screen Quality and Live View Experience

Here’s where cost-cutting and intent become obvious: the Nikon L810 sports a 3-inch 921k-dot TFT-LCD with anti-reflective coating, while the Samsung PL200 offers a 3-inch screen with a very modest 230k resolution.

This difference in screen resolution and treatment is dramatic in practice. The Nikon’s display rendered previews with good clarity and contrast, making framing and focus checking easier. The anti-glare finish also helps outdoors. The Samsung's screen, conversely, feels grainy and dull, requiring some guesswork under sunlight.

Viewing angles on both are adequate but not spectacular; you don’t want to be tilting these screens around in harsh lighting. Neither camera supports touch input, which isn’t unusual at this price point but increasingly rare today.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Now for the core of the matter: image quality.

Both cameras use 1/2.3-inch CCD sensors - a common small compact format. The Nikon L810 pushes 16 megapixels while the Samsung PL200 clocks in at 14 megapixels. Before pixel-peeping sets in: sensor size and technology matter more than megapixel count here.

CCD sensors of this vintage have strengths and weaknesses - good color rendition at base ISO, but limited dynamic range and struggle in low light relative to modern CMOS sensors.

In practical terms, the L810’s higher resolution delivers slightly more detail in daylight but also shows more noise at ISO 800 and above. The PL200's slightly lower resolution and max ISO 3200 (vs. 1600 on Nikon) suggest an attempt to boost low-light capability, but noise control remains unimpressive.

Both cameras lack RAW support, confining photographers to JPEG files - a significant limitation for post-processing flexibility.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Hunting for Focus

Autofocus speed and accuracy in compact cameras often determine how many shots you actually get versus how many you miss or have blurred.

The Nikon L810 relies on contrast-detection autofocus with face detection, an uncommon plus for this class, but its continuous shooting caps at a leisurely 1.2 frames per second. Autofocus hunting is noticeable in lower light or zoomed-in shots, and there’s no continuous AF tracking for moving subjects.

The Samsung PL200 also uses contrast detection but lacks face detection and offers just single shot AF mode with slower focus acquisition overall. Burst shooting is nonexistent by specification and observed behavior.

Neither camera is suited to action or wildlife photography due to these speed and focus system limitations.

Zoom Reach and Lens Features

One advantage the Nikon L810 holds is its extraordinary zoom range: 23-585 mm equivalent (26x optical zoom). The aperture range declines from f/3.1 at wide end to a slightly slow f/5.9 at telephoto, but the sheer reach is undeniable for anytime you want to frame distant subjects without carrying extra glass.

The Samsung PL200 provides a more modest 31-217 mm (7x optical zoom) with f/3.3-f/5.5 aperture.

For travel or casual wildlife snapshots, the Nikon’s long zoom is a clear winner. However, superzoom lenses on small sensors usually come with optical compromises (softness, distortion, chromatic aberrations), especially at the extremes.

Stabilization and Shutter Performance

Optical stabilization is vital when pushing zoom or shooting handheld in lower light.

The Nikon L810 employs sensor-shift image stabilization, which I found effective in reducing the blur caused by shakes, particularly at longer focal lengths. In my experience, you can comfortably shoot at shutter speeds down to about 1/50s at full zoom.

The Samsung PL200 offers optical lens-based stabilization; however, due to its shorter zoom range and less sophisticated control, stabilization performance is adequate but less impressive.

Note that the Nikon boasts a broader shutter speed range (30 seconds to 1/8000 sec) allowing more creative control in exposures (especially longer light-painting shots), while the PL200 maxes out at 1/1500 sec, limiting daylight shooting options.

How Do They Perform Across Popular Photography Genres?

With specs and features laid out, the next logical step is examining how these cameras hold up in multiple real-life photography disciplines.

Portraiture

Neither camera offers manual aperture control to manipulate depth of field, constraining bokeh creativity. The Nikon’s extended zoom and face detection autofocus give some edge for portraits, producing decent skin tones on sunny days and holding faces sharp. However, backgrounds remain mostly in focus due to the small sensor and lens design limitations.

The Samsung falls short in face detection and features smaller aperture ranges, leading to flatter portraits with less subject isolation. Skin tone rendering is acceptable but less natural under mixed light.

Landscape Photography

Landscape shots benefit from dynamic range and high resolution. Both struggle with shadows and highlight clipping due to sensor constraints, though the Nikon’s slightly higher megapixel count lends a sharper edge.

Neither has weather sealing, so be cautious outdoors. The Nikon’s longer shutter range - even down to 30 seconds - makes it marginally more practical for low-light landscapes or twilight scenes.

Wildlife

With neither continuous AF nor quick burst shooting, the Nikon and Samsung simply are limited here. The Nikon's 26x superzoom offers some telephoto reach but focus hunting and slow frame rates mean missed wildlife action.

Samsung’s shorter zoom and lack of tracking render it even less suited. For serious wildlife, I’d steer you toward dedicated bridge cameras or mirrorless bodies.

Sports Photography

High frame rates and precise AF tracking are key - something neither camera delivers. With 1.2 fps max on Nikon and no burst on Samsung, action shots will be sparse misses rather than crisply frozen moments.

Street Photography

Now here the PL200’s small size and discretion shine. Lightweight and compact, the Samsung is great for casual street shooters who want something pocketable without a phone camera.

The Nikon, much larger and aiming more for photography “sessions,” is less subtle and might intimidate street subjects.

Both cameras lack silent shutter modes, so they can be noisy and draw attention.

Macro Photography

Close focusing is possible on both. Nikon claims a 1 cm macro focus range - a solid advantage over Samsung’s 5 cm. Combined with the L810’s stabilization, it’s better positioned for casual flower or insect shots.

However, no focus stacking or bracketing is available on either, so don’t expect advanced macro creativity.

Night and Astrophotography

Both cams, with CCD sensors, suffer from noise at higher ISOs - limits are ISO 1600 max on Nikon and 3200 on Samsung, but usable quality drops off dramatically.

Nikon's longer shutter speed range helps nighttime shooting - 30 seconds can capture faint stars with a tripod. Samsung maxes out at 8 seconds, restricting astrophotography.

Low light autofocus hunting is common on both, so manual focus is a must for starry skies, but neither offers manual focus rings.

Let’s Talk Video: Who Wins the Moving Picture Battle?

Both cameras offer video, but let's not get carried away.

The Nikon L810 shoots 720p HD video at 30 fps using MPEG-4. The Samsung PL200 offers even lower resolution, maxing out at 640x480 (VGA) in H.264 format. Audio inputs? None.

Neither has image stabilization active during video; the Nikon offers sensor-shift stills stabilization but it’s less effective while recording. No microphone or headphone jacks mean on-camera audio is mediocre at best.

If video is a priority - especially HD or 4K recording - you’re better off looking elsewhere.

Connectivity and Power: Battery Life and Data Transfer

The Nikon L810 runs on four AA batteries - a blessing and a curse. AA batteries are ubiquitous and can be swapped anywhere, but high capacity rechargeable AAs or alkalines add weight and runtime varies. Nikon rates approximately 300 shots per charge assuming fresh AAs - modest but manageable.

Samsung PL200 uses a proprietary BP70A lithium-ion battery, typically offering shorter endurance. Exact shot counts aren’t published, but expect less than the Nikon in heavy use.

Both cameras use USB 2.0 for data transfer; only the Nikon includes an HDMI port for viewing images on compatible screens, a nice perk if you want instant larger screen preview.

No wireless or GPS features exist on either, unsurprising for their vintage but a drawback in today’s connected world.

Image Samples: Peeking at What They Can Do

Of course, specs don't always tell the full tale. I grabbed a series of both cameras side-by-side for real-world image comparisons.

Nikon L810 front Nikon L810 screen back Samsung PL200 front Samsung PL200 screen back

Daylight shots reveal the Nikon’s advantage in resolution and color vibrancy, as well as more detailed telephoto crops. The Samsung images are slightly softer, with lower contrast.

In low light, both inject noticeable noise and struggle with autofocus, but the Nikon’s longer exposure option and stabilization help eke out more usable photos.

Portraits show Nikon's face detection keeps focus sharp and skin tones closer to reality, while Samsung sometimes misses focus and produces flatter tones.

Final Evaluations and Scores

Taking all factors - handling, image quality, features, and versatility - into account, I’d rank the Nikon L810 higher overall by virtue of its extended zoom, better image quality, and more thoughtful ergonomics, especially for those who welcome a slightly larger bulk in exchange for creative potential.

Samsung's PL200 mainly wins on sheer portability and discreetness, making it a good super-basic travel companion or an upgrade from a smartphone camera in tight budgets - but with corresponding compromises.

Recommendations Based on Your Shooting Style and Budget

If You Want a Simple, Compact Camera for Casual Use:

Samsung PL200 might suffice if you favor small size and basic snapshot capabilities, and price is your main concern. The 7x zoom and lightweight design serve well in everyday urban settings.

If You Crave More Zoom, Versatility, and Image Quality:

Nikon L810 is the better choice for those willing to carry a bulkier errand runner. The 26x zoom lens opens more doors - landscapes, wildlife glimpses, macro fun - and the improved screen and stabilization help in diverse lighting.

For Portrait and Travel Photography Enthusiasts:

Nikon’s face detection autofocus, longer zoom, and longer battery life (thanks to AA compatibility) give it an edge.

If Video Matters:

Neither camera is a winner here. The Nikon at least offers decent 720p HD video, but overall, these models are relics in video firepower.

Wrapping It Up: Who Should Buy Which?

In this head-to-head of two small sensor compacts from a decade past, the Nikon Coolpix L810 punches above the Samsung PL200 in most key areas that matter - zoom, image quality, controls, and flexibility.

The Samsung PL200 answers a different call - a minimalist compact designed for convenience and absolute portability, but its image quality and feature set feel dated even at the time of release.

For photographers seeking practical zoom range, better screen clarity, and a camera that can tackle everything from outdoor landscapes to decent portraits, I’d put money on the Nikon L810.

That said, if bucket-list superzooms or pro-grade quality isn’t in scope - just a fuss-free pocket companion to capture forgettable vacations and family moments - the Samsung PL200 does the job respectably.

Whether you snap with Nikon’s superzoom powerhouse or Samsung’s sleek lightweight snapshot soldier, understanding what each tool brings to your photography journey ensures you pick a companion that truly fits your style and ambitions.

Happy shooting - may your next click be worth a thousand words!