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Nikon L32

 
Nikon Coolpix L32 front
 
  • 20MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 80 - 1600
  • Digital Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 26-130mm (F3.2-6.5) lens
  • 164g - 95 x 60 x 29mm
  • Revealed January 2015
  • Read full specs
  • Alternatives
  • Size Comparison
  • FAQ
Portability
93
Imaging
46
Features
33
Overall
40

Nikon L32 overview

Nikon L32 is Nikon's Ultracompact digital camera initially released on January of 2015. The camera includes a 20MP, CMOS 1/2.3" sized sensor and has a maximum resolution of 5152 x 3864.

The L32 stands at #15 out of 151 in Ultracompact cameras & all around #692 out of 1465 for cameras in our list. Remember to try our Smart camera search to see camera listings based on your personal factors.

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Here is a diagram of multiple criteria used in the scoring system.

Nikon L32 history

The Nikon L32 has a history of related cameras. Down below, you can see all past and current models alongside key features.

ModelVisualizeLensResolutionSensor SizeReleased
Nikon-Coolpix-L32 front thumbnailNikon L3226-130mm
F3.2-6.5
20MP1/2.3"2015
Nikon-Coolpix-L31 front thumbnailNikon L31
L32 vs L31
26-130mm
F3.2-6.5
16MP1/2.3"2015
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Nikon L32 Pros and Cons

Below is a selection of advantages and disadvantages of the Nikon L32 based on things which are generally viewed as important in a digital camera.

above average min ISO (80)
better than average battery (320 CIPA)
decent megapixels (20 megapixels)
display is selfie friendly
flash built-in
image stabilization (Digital)
in built zoom lens (26-130mm 5.0 x zoom)
pretty wide (26mm)
screen size is good (3")
supports face detect focusing
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
heavier than others (164 grams)
lack of shutter priority mode
low video resolution (1280 x 720 pixels)
manual focus not available
max zoom aperture not good (f6.5)
missing HDMI socket
missing headphone socket
missing mic socket
missing Time Lapse function
no aperture priority
no articulating screen
no external flash support
no manual mode
no phase detect AF
no RAW format
screen has low resolution (230 k dots)
slow maximum aperture (f3.2)
tiny sensor (1/2.3")
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Nikon L32 Sensor details

The sensor size in the Nikon L32 is 6.17mm x 4.55mm (1/2.3"). The 28 mm² sensor has the capability to resolve 5152 x 3864 pixels and aspect ratios of 4:3 and 16:9. The camera features Image Stabilization (Digital). Sensor stabilization is more desirable than digital stabilization as the latter can cause cropping.

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The CMOS sensor has 20 megapixels and features a standard ISO range of 80 - 1600. Unfortunately, RAW format is not saved therefore you have less margin for error.

The picture underneath shows the L32's sensor dimensions compared to other popular sizes. The L32 sensor has a crop factor of 5.8 and is highlighted in green.

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To get a sense of different aspect ratios, you can refer to the graphic below.

Camera sensor aspect ratios

Nikon L32 dimensions

Nikon L32 weighs 0.36 pounds (164 grams or 5.78 ounces) & has external dimensions of 95mm x 60mm x 29mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 1.1"). The weight of normal Ultracompact camera is 121 grams so the Nikon L32 is more heavy in comparison with other rivals.

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Here is a shot of the Nikon L32 alongside a soda so you're able to get a feel for its scale.

Nikon Coolpix L32 dimensions scale

The top view just below will show you the button layout on the L32.

Nikon Coolpix L32 topview buttons dials

Nikon L32 Lens specs

The L32 has a built in lens and it has a focal range of 26-130mm giving it a 5.0 x zoom which isn't really huge however it could be valuable in certain scenarios.

At the widest 26mm, the lens features an aperture of f3.2 and that's fairly slow and not great for low light circumstances and you might find it difficult to get a shallow depth of field. You would also have to up the ISO setting which results in noisy shots. For the tele end, 130mm comes to f6.5 making it quite sluggish and you might need to choose slower shutter speeds.

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Nikon L32 Connectivity

The L32 has the following connectivity:

  • USB Yes

Cameras that feature NFC and Bluetooth support can be controlled wirelessly through smartphones. You will be able to send images and in some cases alter settings without connecting straight to the camera.

Many applications even allow a Liveview and click the shutter in case you aren't close to the camera. If the camera provides a HDMI port, it can be attached to an external screen. Most cameras enable you to charge the battery using the USB port.

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Nikon L32 Video specs

The maximum video quality in the Nikon L32 is 1280 x 720 and you can shoot in Motion JPEG file format. 720p is terrible for today's requirements. You should really target at least 1080p quality for decent video. The camera doesn't feature a microphone and headphone socket which means that you have got little control over the audio. It is probably best to get another model should you want good audio for your videos.

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Nikon L32 Weather Sealing

Nikon L32 doesn't include weather proofing so wet conditions could ruin the camera.

Nikon L32 Screen and Viewfinder

The Nikon L32 includes a 3" fixed screen supporting a resolution of 230k dots.

It has got a selfie friendly screen to take self portraits and even group shots when required. Unfortunately the screen isn't a touch screen.

Nikon Coolpix L32 screen and viewfinder TikTok Developing Photo App to Challenge Instagram's Dominance

The ViewFinder details for Nikon L32 are as follows:

  • ViewFinder None

For sunny outdoor conditions which make the camera screens washed out and difficult to see, viewfinders will be rather useful.

Nikon L32 Shutter specs

The maximum shutter speed is 1/2000s.

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Nikon L32 Flash and Hot shoe specs

Nikon L32 features only built in flash with no external flash ability.

Nikon L32 Autofocus specs

Nikon L32 features just Contrast Detect AF & does not have Phase Detect AF. Phase Detection autofocusing is a lot faster and exact in comparison with Contrast Detect autofocusing. The camera includes Face detection which can be useful for people photography.

Nikon L32 has not got manual focus. Manual focus ability is useful for low light occasions or you need to have more accurate control on focusing.

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Nikon L32 Battery life

The battery (2 x AA) on the Nikon L32 is fashioned to last for 320 photos based on the CIPA benchmarks which is higher than the usual for its class. The general Ultracompact camera battery life is 214. Nikon L32 has got the highest possible (320) battery life for this kind of cameras.

Following is a listing of Ultracompact cameras with the strongest battery life:

ModelVisualizeBattery LifeRAWNFCBluetooth
Nikon-Coolpix-L32 front thumbnailNikon L32320 nonono
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Nikon L32 for specific forms of photography

The following chart presents a overview of the Nikon L32 for specific forms of photography. To look at more, browse to the specific section underneath.

Nikon L32 Portrait photography information

The Nikon L32 gets a points total of 39 which is subpar, meaning that it is just not suitable for portrait images. Shooting portrait images favors heavily to sensor size, RAW support together with the ability to work with external lighting.

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decent sensor resolution (20 megapixels)
supports face detection focus
focusing manually not possible
lack of manual exposure
can't use external flash
sensor size is small (1/2.3")
lacks RAW files

Nikon L32 as a Street photography camera

With a moderate score of 56, the Nikon L32 is fairly suitable to use in street photography. A very good street photography camera provides a fine balance of image quality and portability.

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image stabilization (Digital)
no moving screen
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
lack of RAW support
more heavy than competitors in class (164 grams)

Sports photography with Nikon L32

A moderate sports photography points tally of 48 suggests the Nikon L32 is fairly suited for photographing sports. A camera really should have fantastic tracking and continuous shooting for sports photography.

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image stabilization (Digital)
resolution is good (20 megapixels)
good battery pack (320 CIPA)
no shutter priority mode
small sensor size (1/2.3")
doesn't have phase detect AF

Nikon L32 as a Travel photography camera

Weight is extremely important when choosing a travel camera. Overall, the Nikon L32 gets a very good 71 as a travel camera which is a respectable fit for your journeys.

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great battery life (320 CIPA)
resolution is good (20MP)
built-in flash
selfie friendly display
fairly wide (26mm)
lack of Time Lapse function
heavier than competition (164g)
sluggish max aperture (f3.2)

Nikon L32 as a Landscape photography camera

For anyone looking to choose a camera for landscape pictures, the most vital aspect will be image quality. The Nikon L32 and it's decent grade of 48 as a landscape camera is reasonably acceptable within the current market.

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decently wide (26mm)
nice screen size (3")
built in image stabilization (Digital)
resolution is good (20 megapixels)
good battery pack (320 shots)
lack of manual focus
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
slow maximum aperture (f3.2)
manual mode not available
tiny sensor (1/2.3")
lacks RAW format
doesn't have Timelapse mode

Nikon L32 Vlogging info

A camera for vlogging preferably should have a moving display screen, mic port and ideally image stabilization. Taking everything into account, the Nikon L32 is a very decent pick as a vlog camera as it receives a very good rating of 66.

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rather wide (26mm)
screen is selfie friendly
has image stabilization (Digital)
includes face detect focusing
slow max aperture (f3.2)
video resolution low (1280 x 720 pxls)
doesn't have mic port
heavier than competitors (164g)

Nikon L32 Alternatives

If you are searching for replacements to the L32, here is a selection of the highest scored cameras which fall into the category of Ultracompact.

The chart underneath shows you a bird's eye view of the L32 compared to it's highest scored rivals listed previously.

There are more cameras you might take a look at as alternate options. To go through a full comparison, simply click the "compare" link.

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Specifications

General Information
Make
Nikon
Model
Nikon Coolpix L32
Class
Ultracompact
Revealed
2015-01-14
Physical type
Ultracompact
Sensor Information
Sensor type
CMOS
Sensor size
1/2.3"
Sensor dimensions
6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor area
28.1mm²
Sensor resolution
20 megapixel
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio
4:3 and 16:9
Full resolution
5152 x 3864
RAW support
Max native ISO
1600
Minimum native ISO
80
Autofocusing
Manual focus
Touch focus
Continuous autofocus
Single autofocus
Tracking autofocus
Selective autofocus
Center weighted autofocus
Autofocus multi area
Autofocus live view
Face detection autofocus
Contract detection autofocus
Phase detection autofocus
Lens
Lens mount
fixed lens
Lens focal range
26-130mm (5.0x)
Highest aperture
f/3.2-6.5
Macro focus range
10cm
Crop factor
5.8
Screen
Screen type
Fixed Type
Screen size
3"
Screen resolution
230k dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch capability
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder
None
DXO scores
DXO All around score
not tested
DXO Color Depth score
not tested
DXO Dynamic range score
not tested
DXO Low light score
not tested
Features
Slowest shutter speed
4s
Maximum shutter speed
1/2000s
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual mode
Custom white balance
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash range
4.30 m
External flash
AE bracketing
White balance bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Supported video resolutions
1280 x 720
Max video resolution
1280x720
Video format
Motion JPEG
Mic port
Headphone port
Connectivity
Wireless
None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB
USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS
None
Physical
Environment sealing
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight
164 gr (0.36 lb)
Dimensions
95 x 60 x 29mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 1.1")
Other
Battery life
320 photographs
Battery type
AA
Battery model
2 x AA
Self timer
Yes (10 secs)
Time lapse shooting
Storage type
SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal
Card slots
Single
Price at launch
$120