Nikon L820 vs Pentax X90
72 Imaging
39 Features
28 Overall
34


69 Imaging
35 Features
34 Overall
34
Nikon L820 vs Pentax X90 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 125 - 3200
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 23-675mm (F3.0-5.8) lens
- 470g - 111 x 76 x 85mm
- Released January 2013
- Replaced the Nikon L810
- Renewed by Nikon L830
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Screen
- ISO 80 - 6400
- Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 26-676mm (F2.8-5.0) lens
- 428g - 111 x 85 x 110mm
- Launched July 2010

Nikon L820 vs Pentax X90 Overview
The following is a in depth review of the Nikon L820 vs Pentax X90, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by competitors Nikon and Pentax. There is a large difference between the image resolutions of the L820 (16MP) and X90 (12MP) but they come with the same exact sensor sizes (1/2.3").

The L820 was revealed 2 years after the X90 which is quite a serious difference as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras offer the identical body type (SLR-like (bridge)).
Before going through a detailed comparison, below is a quick overview of how the L820 grades vs the X90 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Nikon L820 vs Pentax X90 Gallery
The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon Coolpix L820 & Pentax X90. The full galleries are viewable at Nikon L820 Gallery & Pentax X90 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon L820 over the Pentax X90
L820 | X90 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Launched | January 2013 | ![]() | July 2010 | Newer by 32 months |
Screen sizing | 3" | ![]() | 2.7" | Bigger screen (+0.3") |
Screen resolution | 921k | ![]() | 230k | Clearer screen (+691k dot) |
Reasons to pick Pentax X90 over the Nikon L820
X90 | L820 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Focus manually | ![]() | More precise focus |
Common features in the Nikon L820 and Pentax X90
L820 | X90 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither includes selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly screen | ![]() | Lack of Touch friendly screen |
Nikon L820 vs Pentax X90 Physical Comparison
For those who are planning to travel with your camera often, you'll need to consider its weight and measurements. The Nikon L820 features physical dimensions of 111mm x 76mm x 85mm (4.4" x 3.0" x 3.3") and a weight of 470 grams (1.04 lbs) and the Pentax X90 has proportions of 111mm x 85mm x 110mm (4.4" x 3.3" x 4.3") along with a weight of 428 grams (0.94 lbs).
Check out the Nikon L820 vs Pentax X90 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are working with at the time. Here is the front view measurement comparison of the L820 vs the X90.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the L820 and X90 is 72 and 69 respectively.

Nikon L820 vs Pentax X90 Sensor Comparison
Usually, it is very difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor dimensions just by looking at a spec sheet. The image below will help provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the L820 and X90.
As you can see, both of those cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same resolution. You can count on the Nikon L820 to give more detail because of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots a little more aggressively. The newer L820 will have an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.

Nikon L820 vs Pentax X90 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon L820 vs Pentax X90 Specifications
Nikon Coolpix L820 | Pentax X90 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand Name | Nikon | Pentax |
Model | Nikon Coolpix L820 | Pentax X90 |
Category | Small Sensor Superzoom | Small Sensor Superzoom |
Released | 2013-01-29 | 2010-07-06 |
Body design | SLR-like (bridge) | SLR-like (bridge) |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor | - | Prime |
Sensor type | BSI-CMOS | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor measurements | 6.16 x 4.62mm | 6.08 x 4.56mm |
Sensor surface area | 28.5mm² | 27.7mm² |
Sensor resolution | 16 megapixel | 12 megapixel |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | - | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Max resolution | 4608 x 3456 | 4000 x 3000 |
Max native ISO | 3200 | 6400 |
Minimum native ISO | 125 | 80 |
RAW images | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
AF touch | ||
AF continuous | ||
Single AF | ||
AF tracking | ||
AF selectice | ||
AF center weighted | ||
Multi area AF | ||
Live view AF | ||
Face detection focusing | ||
Contract detection focusing | ||
Phase detection focusing | ||
Number of focus points | - | 9 |
Cross focus points | - | - |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens focal range | 23-675mm (29.3x) | 26-676mm (26.0x) |
Largest aperture | f/3.0-5.8 | f/2.8-5.0 |
Macro focus distance | - | 1cm |
Focal length multiplier | 5.8 | 5.9 |
Screen | ||
Range of screen | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen size | 3" | 2.7" |
Screen resolution | 921k dot | 230k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch function | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | None | Electronic |
Features | ||
Min shutter speed | 4s | 4s |
Max shutter speed | 1/4000s | 1/4000s |
Continuous shutter speed | 8.0 frames per sec | - |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | - | Yes |
Change WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash range | - | 9.10 m |
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 | 1920 x 1080 | 1280 x 720 (30, 15 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 15 fps), 320 x 240 (30, 15 fps) |
Max video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1280x720 |
Video data format | - | Motion JPEG |
Microphone input | ||
Headphone input | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | Eye-Fi Connected |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental seal | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 470 grams (1.04 lbs) | 428 grams (0.94 lbs) |
Dimensions | 111 x 76 x 85mm (4.4" x 3.0" x 3.3") | 111 x 85 x 110mm (4.4" x 3.3" x 4.3") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall 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 | 320 photographs | - |
Battery format | AA | - |
Battery model | 4 x AA | D-L106 |
Self timer | - | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse recording | ||
Storage media | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC, Internal |
Storage slots | 1 | 1 |
Launch pricing | $192 | $350 |