Nikon Coolpix L820 vs Nikon Coolpix P80: A Detailed Comparative Review for Discerning Photographers

In the competitive realm of small sensor superzoom cameras, Nikon’s Coolpix line has consistently offered accessible options for enthusiasts seeking significant focal range and versatility without the bulk and expense of interchangeable lens systems. Two notable representatives of Nikon’s bridge camera lineup are the Nikon Coolpix L820, announced in 2013 as a successor to the L810, and the Nikon Coolpix P80, launched in 2009 and eventually replaced by the P90. Although both cameras fall under the bridge/superzoom category with similar sensor sizes (1/2.3”), they cater to different segments of enthusiasts - those prioritizing simplicity and value versus those demanding greater manual control and image stabilization.

Having rigorously tested both cameras across diverse photographic disciplines and environments, this article aims to provide an authoritative, feature-by-feature comparison grounded in first-hand experience and technical analysis. We will identify the strengths, limitations, and practical usability differences that should inform an informed purchase decision.

Outside In: Form Factor and Handling

Both the Nikon L820 and P80 adopt the traditional SLR-like bridge camera body style, designed for one-handed grip and intuitive control layouts reminiscent of DSLRs. However, nuances in ergonomics and size can influence comfort and shooting efficiency during extended sessions.

• Nikon Coolpix L820
  Dimensionally, it measures approximately 111 x 76 x 85 mm and weighs about 470 grams using 4x AA batteries. Its body is slightly bulkier and heavier due to the battery type and fixed lens housing. The lack of a viewfinder means reliance on the rear LCD for composition, which can be limiting in bright outdoor conditions.

• Nikon Coolpix P80
  Smaller and lighter at 110 x 79 x 78 mm and 405 grams, the P80’s use of a rechargeable EN-EL5 lithium-ion battery enhances portability and battery life. Significantly, it incorporates an electronic viewfinder (EVF), facilitating eye-level shooting and conserving battery when framing shots in bright light. The fixed lens mechanism is compact, and manual focus control is available, underscoring a more pro-active shooting mode ethos.

Despite the L820’s slightly larger grip and heft, long-term handling tests reveal the P80’s EVF and manual controls lend it an edge in ergonomics for photographers accustomed to traditional DSLRs.

Sensor and Image Quality: Evaluating Resolution, Noise, and Color Fidelity

Both cameras employ the 1/2.3” sensor form factor, a common choice in bridge cameras for achieving superzoom versatility without exorbitant cost or size. However, the sensor technologies and effective resolutions differ, influencing image quality metrics critical to different photography genres.

• Nikon L820 Sensor
  The L820 uses a 16MP back-illuminated CMOS sensor measuring 6.16 x 4.62 mm, with an area of 28.46 mm². This BSI-CMOS sensor enhances light gathering efficiency compared to traditional front-illuminated sensors, theoretically improving low-light sensitivity and dynamic range. The maximum native ISO tops at 3200, with a minimum of 125. However, there is no native RAW support, restricting post-processing latitude.

• Nikon P80 Sensor
  The P80 houses a 10MP CCD sensor (6.08 x 4.56 mm, 27.72 mm² area). CCDs generally deliver fine color rendition and low noise at base ISOs but lag in high ISO performance compared to CMOS alternatives. The ISO range extends as low as 64 and up to 6400, yet image noise becomes significant above ISO 400 in actual shooting. Like the L820, the P80 lacks RAW capture, limiting workflow flexibility.

Through test chart analysis and real-world shooting, the L820’s sensor produced higher resolution images (4608 x 3456 vs. P80’s 3648 x 2736) and exhibited superior noise control at moderate ISOs, attributable to the BSI-CMOS design. Color depth and dynamic range are comparably average for the sensor size class but favor the L820 for enhanced shadow detail retention.

Screen and Viewfinder Experience: Composition and Interaction

Displaying images and framing shots is fundamental to photography ergonomics - two critical facets where these cameras diverge.

• Nikon L820 Display
  Features a 3-inch fixed LCD with 921k-dot resolution, providing sharp and bright live view with effective color representation. Negatively, there is no touch sensitivity, limiting ease of navigation. The absence of any form of viewfinder means that users often struggle to compose in strong ambient light.

• Nikon P80 Display and Viewfinder
  Equipped with a smaller 2.7-inch LCD with 230k-dot resolution, which is relatively low compared to the L820, leading to less crisp image preview and menus. Mitigating this is the significant advantage of an electronic viewfinder, which, although not high resolution by modern standards, enables eye-level composition and steadier handling. The EVF also provides immediate exposure feedback and focusing assistance under various lighting conditions.

The P80’s combination, despite its inferior rear screen, caters better to photographers who prefer traditional viewfinder shooting, while the L820 relies entirely on the superior rear LCD experience.

Lens and Zoom Performance: Versatility vs. Speed and Clarity

Such superzoom bridge cameras inherently promise vast zoom ranges. However, the lens aperture range, optical sharpness, and stabilization determine their practical utility across genres.

• Nikon L820 Lens
  A fixed 23-675 mm equivalent (30x zoom) lens with a variable aperture from F3.0 to F5.8. This massive focal range favors reach but lacks image stabilization entirely, which can pose challenges for sharp handheld shots, particularly at telephoto focal lengths and low shutter speeds. The lens optical quality is average with softness and chromatic aberrations becoming visible at the extremes of zoom.

• Nikon P80 Lens
  Fixed 27-486 mm (18x zoom) lens, aperture from F2.8 to F4.0, offering a brighter maximum aperture beneficial for low-light performance and depth of field control. Crucially, the P80 benefits from sensor-shift optical image stabilization, significantly improving usability in handheld situations and telephoto ranges. Macro focusing capability to as close as 1 cm is advantageous for close-up work.

In practice, the L820’s extended zoom advantage is compromised by the absence of stabilization, making it less reliable in dynamic or low-light settings. The P80’s faster lens and stabilization yield sharper results and smoother handling in practical shooting scenarios, despite the shorter zoom reach.

Autofocus and Manual Control: Precision and Flexibility

Autofocus (AF) system efficiency and manual control options directly impact user experience across genres, from portraits to sports.

• Nikon L820
  Relies on an unsophisticated contrast-detection AF without manual focus override, face detection, or tracking capabilities. The AF points are unspecified but limited to center weighted detection with no continuous AF modes or subject tracking. This restricts autofocus performance under challenging conditions or for moving subjects.

• Nikon P80
  Employs contrast-detection AF with single AF point selection and manual focus control directly through the lens ring. While lacking continuous AF or face detection, the ability to manually control focus improves creative flexibility, especially for macro and static subjects. AF responsiveness is adequate but not exceptional in low-light or fast-action contexts.

Users demanding precision tracking for wildlife or sports will find both models limited; however, photographers valuing manual focusing options for landscapes or macros will appreciate the P80’s manual focus wheel.

Exposure Modes and Creative Controls: User Empowerment

Creative control over exposure parameters is crucial for enthusiasts and professionals aiming for specific image aesthetics or working under tricky lighting.

• Nikon L820
  Notably devoid of aperture priority, shutter priority, or manual exposure modes. Exposure compensation and bracketing functions are also unavailable. White balance customization is possible but limited to presets and custom settings. This camera is firmly targeted toward beginners and casual shooters with automated exposure control only.

• Nikon P80
  Supports aperture priority, shutter priority, and full manual exposure modes, along with exposure compensation. These expanded controls enable more nuanced image rendering and adaptability to complex lighting settings. Custom white balance and bracketing remain unimplemented, but the inclusion of a time-lapse function expands creative video possibilities.

The P80 clearly targets a more experienced user base interested in engagement with photographic technique rather than fully automated point-and-shoot operation.

Image Stabilization and Video Capabilities

• Nikon L820
  Does not have image stabilization, a significant omission for a superzoom device where focal length magnification drastically amplifies hand shake. Video recording is limited to Full HD 1080p resolution at an unspecified frame rate, with no microphone input or external audio controls. Lacking stabilization, video footage can appear noticeably jittery.

• Nikon P80
  Features sensor-shift image stabilization, which positively impacts both still photography and video. Video capabilities are limited to VGA (640 x 480) resolution at 15 or 30 fps, markedly inferior to the L820’s video specs. No audio input or headphone output exists, and video uses a basic format with limited frame rates.

From a video standpoint, the L820 edges out the P80 despite lacking stabilization, thanks to higher resolution capture. For stills, the stabilization on the P80 strongly benefits telephoto and low-light shots.

Battery Life and Storage Flexibility

• Nikon L820
  Uses four AA batteries, a convenience for replacing power mid-shoot in field conditions but comparatively heavy and less energy dense than lithium-ion solutions. The manufacturer claims approximately 320 frames per charge (or battery set), although real-world results vary based on LCD usage and zoom activity. Storage is via SD/SDHC/SDXC cards in a single slot.

• Nikon P80
  Powered by the proprietary EN-EL5 lithium-ion battery, offering longer usage per charge and lighter overall camera weight. Exact frame counts are not official but tend to surpass AA-based systems in longevity. Storage supports SD, MMC, SDHC cards and internal memory, affording some flexibility.

Portable photographers and travelers may prefer the P80’s rechargeable battery and smaller size, while casual users valuing AA convenience might opt for the L820.

Connectivity and Additional Features

Neither camera offers wireless connectivity such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC. HDMI output is missing in both models. USB 2.0 connectivity is present for image transfer.

Neither camera supports RAW format capture, which limits editing latitude for professionals. Both incorporate fixed screens without touchscreen input and lack articulating mechanisms.

Field Testing Across Photograph Genres

Portrait Photography

Skin tone reproduction, bokeh quality, eye detection

• L820 produces higher resolution images beneficial for portrait enlargement. However, its lens bokeh is average, and the lack of face or eye detection AF affects sharpness ease, especially with moving subjects. The small sensor size limits depth-of-field control and natural background separation.

• P80’s brighter lens aperture (F2.8–F4.0) offers marginally better subject separation and smoother blur. Manual focus benefits portrait framing and focus lock, but lower megapixels reduce detail. The viewfinder helps compose consistent shots.

Landscape Photography

Resolution, dynamic range, weather sealing

• Both cameras lack weather sealing, weakening outdoor reliability in inclement conditions.

• L820’s superior resolution and BSI-CMOS sensor improve dynamic range and detail capture in landscape scenes.

• P80 offers wider aspect ratio options (4:3, 3:2, 16:9), useful for composition variety.

Wildlife Photography

Autofocus speed, telephoto reach, burst rates

• L820’s 675 mm equivalent focal length delivers exceptional reach but without stabilization or reliable continuous AF, yield limited sharpness in fast action.

• P80’s stabilized 486 mm lens and manual focus afford better control but shorter zoom reduces distant subject capture. No continuous AF limits tracking.

Sports Photography

Tracking accuracy, low-light performance, frame rates

• Neither camera excels here due to limited AF points and no continuous tracking.

• L820 supports 8 fps burst, favorable for capturing moments but limited by AF speed and buffering.

• P80 lacks continuous shooting specs, reducing suitability.

Street Photography

Discreteness, low light, portability

• P80’s smaller size, EVF, and quieter operation rank higher for candid shooting.

• L820’s larger body and louder zoom make subtle capture more challenging.

Macro Photography

Magnification, focus precision, stabilization

• P80 allows close focusing down to 1 cm, advantageous for macro detail; stabilization helps focus precision.

• L820 lacks specified macro capabilities and stabilization, limiting macro practicality.

Night and Astro Photography

High ISO, exposure modes

• L820’s BSI-CMOS sensor enables relatively better high ISO performance but still constrained by sensor size.

• P80’s manual exposure modes favor bulb and time lapse creativity here, despite poorer sensor noise performance.

Video Capabilities

Recording specs, stabilization, audio

• L820 supports Full HD video, superior resolution but no stabilization or audio inputs.

• P80 limited to VGA resolution video, despite stabilization, less useful for serious videographers.

Travel Photography

Versatility, battery life, size/weight

• P80 is light, compact, and has longer battery life.

• L820 weighs more due to AA batteries but covers wider zoom range.

Professional Work

Reliability, file formats, workflow integration

• Neither camera supports RAW or robust workflows. Limited in professional applications requiring post-processing control.

Nikon L820 front Nikon L820 screen back Nikon P80 front Nikon P80 screen back

Synthesis of Overall Performance

Specialized Performance Breakdown by Genre

Who Should Choose Which Camera?

• Nikon Coolpix L820 is better suited to:

  • Beginners and casual users prioritizing affordable superzoom flexibility.
  • Photographers needing high-resolution images primarily in daylight.
  • Users who value longer zoom reach more than manual controls or stabilization.
  • Those working primarily in video wanting Full HD capture.

• Nikon Coolpix P80 fits users who:

  • Desire greater creative control through manual exposure and manual focusing.
  • Prioritize image stabilization for sharper telephoto and macro shots.
  • Benefit from an EVF for eye-level shooting and better composition.
  • Require more versatile shooting modes, including time lapse and low-light adaptability.
  • Value portability, longer battery life, and wider aperture lenses despite slightly lower resolution.

Conclusion

The Nikon Coolpix L820 and P80 represent two distinct philosophies within Nikon’s small sensor superzoom bridge camera series. The L820 prioritizes higher resolution and extended zoom for value-conscious consumers desiring large focal reach and full HD video, but foregoes stabilization, manual controls, and viewfinder convenience - all factors that diminish its performance and creative flexibility in demanding photographic contexts.

Conversely, the P80 emphasizes user empowerment with manual controls, stabilized optics, and an EVF, addressing enthusiasts eager to exercise precise exposure and focus command. Its lower resolution and limited video capabilities are offset by superior optics and practical handling advantages.

For photographers requiring superzoom reach with simplified operation and the best image resolution available in this class, the Nikon L820 is a pragmatic pick. In contrast, the Nikon P80, despite its age, remains the better choice for those valuing comprehensive exposure control, stabilization, and optical quality, particularly for still photography across genres including macro and landscapes.

Selecting between these cameras demands careful consideration of individual photographic priorities, balancing lens reach and resolution against control, stabilization, and handling ergonomics. Both models present compromises typical of their generation and category, and neither fully satisfies the demands of professional workflows or advanced video production.

Accompanying images and test insights herein provide a solid foundation for informed decision-making tailored to practical shooting needs and budget constraints. Ultimately, prospective buyers weighing longevity, user interface preference, and creative aspirations will find this comparative appraisal instrumental in navigating Nikon’s Coolpix superzoom offerings.