Reasons to choose Coolpix L20
Released in 2009, Coolpix L20 has about 28 mm² of sensor area, 10 MP effective resolution, and a 135 g body. Use these values to narrow the field, not as an overall image-quality score.
Side-by-side comparison
Nikon Coolpix L20
vs Nikon Coolpix P500
VS
Sensor area
28 mm²
Coolpix L2028 mm²
Coolpix P500- Area ratio
- 1.03:1
- Absolute difference
- 1 mm²
- Relative difference
- 2.6%
The Coolpix P500 has the larger sensor area. More area usually means greater light-gathering potential, though real image quality still depends on sensor architecture and generation.
These cameras were released 2 years apart. Consider sensor generation when comparing pixel metrics.
Key specification differences
Coolpix L20MetricCoolpix P500
10 MPEffective pixels12 MP
6.08 × 4.56Sensor6.16 × 4.62
1.67 µmPixel pitch1.54 µm
2.77 µm²Pixel area2.37 µm²
36.07 MP/cm²Pixel density42.17 MP/cm²
5.69Crop factor5.62
—Maximum video—
135 gWeight494 g
Internal storageStorageSDHC, SDXC, Secure Digital
AA (2) batteries (Alkaline, NiMH, Oxyride or Lithium)BatteryNikon EN-EL5 Lithium-Ion battery Li-ion battery
Amber marks the value that is generally preferable in this comparison context. It is not an overall camera score.
How to choose between these cameras
The Coolpix P500 has the larger sensor area. The Coolpix L20 has the lighter body. The Coolpix P500 has the higher effective resolution. The Coolpix P500 is the newer release. Also consider the lens system and subjects you shoot.
Reasons to choose Coolpix P500
Released in 2011, Coolpix P500 has about 28 mm² of sensor area, 12 MP effective resolution, and a 494 g body. Use these values to narrow the field, not as an overall image-quality score.