Nikon L820 vs Sony RX10

Its time to look closer at the Nikon L820 versus Sony RX10, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Large Sensor Superzoom by rivals Nikon and Sony. The image resolution of the L820 (16MP) and the RX10 (20MP) is pretty similar but the L820 (1/2.3") and RX10 (1") offer different sensor measurements.

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The L820 was unveiled 13 months before the RX10 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both cameras feature the same body design (SLR-like (bridge)).

Before diving into a comprehensive comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the L820 scores against the RX10 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon Coolpix L820 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10. The full galleries are viewable at Nikon L820 Gallery & Sony RX10 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry your camera often, you'll need to take into account its weight and volume. The Nikon L820 has external dimensions of 111mm x 76mm x 85mm (4.4" x 3.0" x 3.3") and a weight of 470 grams (1.04 lbs) whilst the Sony RX10 has sizing of 129mm x 88mm x 102mm (5.1" x 3.5" x 4.0") and a weight of 813 grams (1.79 lbs).

Compare the Nikon L820 versus Sony RX10 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have attached at that time. Following is a front view size comparison of the L820 vs the RX10.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the L820 and RX10 is 72 and 58 respectively.

In many cases, it's tough to imagine the difference between sensor sizing merely by reading technical specs. The photograph below should give you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the L820 and RX10.

As you have seen, the two cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The L820 using its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF trickier and the Sony RX10 will offer extra detail having an extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The older L820 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.