What To Know
- The Coolpix P100 has a larger and more robust body than the L820, offering a more comfortable grip for extended shooting sessions.
- If you seek a camera with superior image quality, faster performance, manual controls, and a viewfinder, the P100 is the better choice.
- However, if you prioritize affordability, a wider zoom range, and a more compact design, the L820 may be a more suitable option.
As you embark on your photographic journey, choosing the right camera is crucial. The Coolpix P100 and L820 from Nikon are two popular options that offer distinct features and capabilities. This comprehensive comparison will help you determine which camera aligns best with your photographic aspirations.
Image Quality
Sensor Resolution
The Coolpix P100 boasts a 10.3-megapixel CMOS sensor, while the L820 has a 16-megapixel CCD sensor. While the L820 has a higher megapixel count, the P100’s larger sensor size (1/1.7″ vs 1/2.3″) results in better image quality, particularly in low-light conditions.
Lens
The P100 features a 26x optical zoom lens (26-676mm equivalent), providing an impressive range for capturing distant subjects. In contrast, the L820 has a 30x optical zoom lens (22.5-675mm equivalent), offering a slightly wider field of view at the wide end.
Performance
Shutter Speed
The Coolpix P100 has a faster maximum shutter speed of 1/2000s compared to the L820’s 1/1500s. This allows you to freeze fast-moving subjects and capture sharper images in challenging lighting conditions.
Continuous Shooting
The P100 can shoot up to 11 frames per second (fps) in burst mode, while the L820 manages 6 fps. The faster burst rate of the P100 is advantageous for capturing action sequences and decisive moments.
Features
Manual Controls
The Coolpix P100 provides comprehensive manual controls, including aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, giving you greater creative freedom. The L820, on the other hand, offers limited manual controls, making it less suitable for advanced photography.
Viewfinder
The P100 features an optical viewfinder with 0.6x magnification, allowing you to compose shots more accurately, especially in bright outdoor conditions. The L820 lacks a viewfinder, which can be a disadvantage in certain situations.
Flash
The Coolpix P100 has a built-in flash with a guide number of 12.5m, providing ample illumination for indoor shots. The L820’s flash has a slightly lower guide number of 11m, resulting in less effective flash performance.
Ergonomics
Body Design
The Coolpix P100 has a larger and more robust body than the L820, offering a more comfortable grip for extended shooting sessions. It also features a dedicated mode dial, providing quick access to different shooting modes.
LCD Screen
Both cameras have a 3-inch LCD screen with 921k dots of resolution. However, the P100’s screen is fully articulated, allowing you to tilt and rotate it for more versatile shooting angles.
Price
The Coolpix P100 is typically priced higher than the L820, reflecting its superior image quality, faster performance, and more advanced features.
Summary
The Coolpix P100 and L820 offer distinct advantages depending on your photographic needs. If you seek a camera with superior image quality, faster performance, manual controls, and a viewfinder, the P100 is the better choice. However, if you prioritize affordability, a wider zoom range, and a more compact design, the L820 may be a more suitable option.
What You Need to Know
Q1. Which camera has better low-light performance?
A1. The Coolpix P100 due to its larger sensor size.
Q2. What is the maximum burst shooting speed of the Coolpix P100?
A2. 11 frames per second.
Q3. Does the Coolpix L820 have a viewfinder?
A3. No, it does not.
