Nikon L820 vs Sony HX99
72 Imaging
39 Features
28 Overall
34


91 Imaging
45 Features
67 Overall
53
Nikon L820 vs Sony HX99 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
- Announced January 2013
- Replaced the Nikon L810
- New Model is Nikon L830
(Full Review)
- 18MP - 1/2.3-inch Sensor
- 3.00" Tilting Display
- ISO 80 - 12800
- 3840 x 2160 video
- 24-720mm (F3.5-6.4) lens
- 242g - 102 x 58 x 36mm
- Announced September 2018

Nikon L820 vs Sony HX99 Overview
Here, we are analyzing the Nikon L820 vs Sony HX99, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by manufacturers Nikon and Sony. The resolution of the L820 (16MP) and the HX99 (18MP) is very similar but the L820 (1/2.3") and HX99 (1/2.3-inch) boast different sensor sizes.

The L820 was manufactured 6 years prior to the HX99 which is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Nikon L820 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony HX99 being a Compact camera.
Before diving right into a thorough comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the L820 scores vs the HX99 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Nikon L820 vs Sony HX99 Gallery
Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon Coolpix L820 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX99. The entire galleries are viewable at Nikon L820 Gallery & Sony HX99 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon L820 over the Sony HX99
L820 | HX99 |
---|
Reasons to pick Sony HX99 over the Nikon L820
HX99 | L820 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Announced | September 2018 | ![]() | January 2013 | More modern by 68 months |
Manually focus | ![]() | Very exact focusing | ||
Display type | Tilting | ![]() | Fixed | Tilting display |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Take selfies | ||
Touch friendly display | ![]() | Easily navigate |
Common features in the Nikon L820 and Sony HX99
L820 | HX99 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Display size | 3" | ![]() | 3.00" | Same display dimensions |
Display resolution | 921k | ![]() | 921k | Same display resolution |
Nikon L820 vs Sony HX99 Physical Comparison
When you are aiming to carry around your camera frequently, you are going to need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Nikon L820 comes with outside measurements of 111mm x 76mm x 85mm (4.4" x 3.0" x 3.3") accompanied by a weight of 470 grams (1.04 lbs) while the Sony HX99 has dimensions of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") along with a weight of 242 grams (0.53 lbs).
Compare the Nikon L820 vs Sony HX99 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have chosen during that time. Underneath is a front view physical size comparison of the L820 vs the HX99.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the L820 and HX99 is 72 and 91 respectively.

Nikon L820 vs Sony HX99 Sensor Comparison
Usually, it's hard to imagine the gap between sensor sizes purely by going over a spec sheet. The picture below might give you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the L820 and HX99.
Clearly, both of the cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The L820 featuring a larger sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field simpler and the Sony HX99 will offer you more detail due to its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop pics a good deal more aggressively. The more aged L820 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.

Nikon L820 vs Sony HX99 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon L820 vs Sony HX99 Specifications
Nikon Coolpix L820 | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX99 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand | Nikon | Sony |
Model type | Nikon Coolpix L820 | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX99 |
Class | Small Sensor Superzoom | Small Sensor Superzoom |
Announced | 2013-01-29 | 2018-09-01 |
Body design | SLR-like (bridge) | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Sensor type | BSI-CMOS | BSI-CMOS |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3-inch |
Sensor measurements | 6.16 x 4.62mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
Sensor surface area | 28.5mm² | 28.1mm² |
Sensor resolution | 16 megapixel | 18 megapixel |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | - | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Max resolution | 4608 x 3456 | 4896 x 3672 |
Max native ISO | 3200 | 12800 |
Minimum native ISO | 125 | 80 |
RAW photos | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Autofocus single | ||
Autofocus tracking | ||
Autofocus selectice | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Live view autofocus | ||
Face detection autofocus | ||
Contract detection autofocus | ||
Phase detection autofocus | ||
Cross type focus points | - | - |
Lens | ||
Lens support | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens zoom range | 23-675mm (29.3x) | 24-720mm (30.0x) |
Largest aperture | f/3.0-5.8 | f/3.5-6.4 |
Macro focusing range | - | 5cm |
Focal length multiplier | 5.8 | 5.8 |
Screen | ||
Screen type | Fixed Type | Tilting |
Screen size | 3 inch | 3.00 inch |
Screen resolution | 921 thousand dot | 921 thousand dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch friendly | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | None | Electronic |
Viewfinder resolution | - | 638 thousand dot |
Viewfinder coverage | - | 100% |
Viewfinder magnification | - | 0.5x |
Features | ||
Min shutter speed | 4 secs | 30 secs |
Max shutter speed | 1/4000 secs | 1/2000 secs |
Continuous shutter speed | 8.0 frames per sec | 10.0 frames per sec |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | - | Yes |
Change white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash distance | - | 5.40 m (with Auto ISO) |
Flash settings | - | Auto, flash on, slow sync, flash off, rear sync |
Hot shoe | ||
AEB | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 | 3840 x 2160 (30p, 24p), 1920 x 1080 (60p, 60i, 30p, 24p, 120p) |
Max video resolution | 1920x1080 | 3840x2160 |
Video data format | - | AVCHD, XAVC S |
Microphone jack | ||
Headphone jack | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | Built-In |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental seal | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 470 grams (1.04 lb) | 242 grams (0.53 lb) |
Physical dimensions | 111 x 76 x 85mm (4.4" x 3.0" x 3.3") | 102 x 58 x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall 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 | 320 pictures | 360 pictures |
Type of battery | AA | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | 4 x AA | NP-BX1 |
Self timer | - | Yes |
Time lapse feature | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Duo |
Storage slots | One | One |
Price at release | $192 | $469 |