Highlights
- The Nikon L810 and L820 share a similar design, with a compact body and a grip that provides a comfortable and secure hold.
- However, the L820 has an additional advantage of a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF), which can be useful for composing images in bright sunlight or when you need a more precise view of the scene.
- The L810 is a good choice for those who prioritize portability and affordability, while the L820 offers a more extensive zoom range, advanced image stabilization, and an electronic viewfinder.
The Nikon L810 and L820 are two popular bridge cameras that offer a versatile range of features for both amateur and experienced photographers. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key differences and similarities between these two models to help you make an informed decision about which camera best suits your needs.
Design and Build Quality
The Nikon L810 and L820 share a similar design, with a compact body and a grip that provides a comfortable and secure hold. However, the L820 is slightly larger and heavier than the L810, which may be a consideration for those who prefer a more portable camera. Both cameras feature a durable build quality, ensuring longevity and reliability.
Image Sensor and Resolution
Both the Nikon L810 and L820 are equipped with a 16.0-megapixel CCD sensor. This sensor provides sharp and detailed images, even in low-light conditions. However, the L820 features a slightly larger sensor size (1/2.3-inch vs. 1/2.5-inch in the L810), which may result in slightly better image quality, especially at higher ISO settings.
Lens and Zoom Range
One of the key differences between the Nikon L810 and L820 lies in their lens capabilities. The L810 boasts a 26x optical zoom lens, providing a versatile focal length range from 22.5mm to 585mm (equivalent). This makes it suitable for capturing a wide range of subjects, from landscapes to distant wildlife. In contrast, the L820 features a slightly shorter 30x optical zoom lens, with a focal length range of 25mm to 750mm (equivalent). While this still provides a significant zoom range, it may not be as suitable for photographers who require extreme telephoto capabilities.
Image Stabilization
Both the Nikon L810 and L820 incorporate optical image stabilization (VR) to minimize camera shake and ensure sharp images, even at slower shutter speeds. However, the L820 features a more advanced VR system, which is claimed to be more effective in reducing blur caused by camera movement. This can be particularly beneficial for handheld shooting or in low-light conditions.
Features and Functionality
The Nikon L810 and L820 offer a wide range of features to enhance your photography experience. Both cameras support RAW shooting for greater flexibility in post-processing. They also feature a variety of shooting modes, including scene modes, creative modes, and manual controls for advanced users. Additionally, both cameras have built-in GPS receivers for geotagging your photos.
LCD Screen and Viewfinder
The Nikon L810 and L820 both feature a 3.0-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 921k dots. The LCD screen is bright and clear, providing a good view of your images and camera settings. However, the L820 has an additional advantage of a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF), which can be useful for composing images in bright sunlight or when you need a more precise view of the scene.
Battery Life
The Nikon L810 and L820 use different battery types. The L810 is powered by four AA batteries, while the L820 uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. In terms of battery life, the L820 has a slight edge, as it can capture up to 240 shots on a single charge. In comparison, the L810 can capture approximately 190 shots using alkaline batteries.
Which Camera is Right for You?
The Nikon L810 and L820 are both excellent bridge cameras with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The L810 is a good choice for those who prioritize portability and affordability, while the L820 offers a more extensive zoom range, advanced image stabilization, and an electronic viewfinder. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual photography needs and preferences.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Which camera has a better image quality?
A: The Nikon L820 has a slightly larger sensor size and more advanced image stabilization, which may result in slightly better image quality, especially at higher ISO settings.
Q: Which camera has a longer zoom range?
A: The Nikon L820 has a slightly shorter zoom range (30x) compared to the L810 (26x).
Q: Which camera has a more advanced VR system?
A: The Nikon L820 features a more advanced VR system, which is claimed to be more effective in reducing camera shake and blur.
Q: Which camera has an electronic viewfinder?
A: Only the Nikon L820 has a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF).
Q: Which camera has a longer battery life?
A: The Nikon L820 has a slightly longer battery life, with a capacity of 240 shots on a single charge compared to 190 shots for the L810 using alkaline batteries.