• 1/2.5 inch 24.7mm2
  • 8.0 megapixels
  • 35.00mm - 105.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 18.2 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 500.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Nikon L18 advantages over Sony HX30V

  • Less expensive
    $140 vs $420 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.76 vs 1.26 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Lighter weight
    125g vs 250g
    Lighter weight

Sony HX30V advantages over Nikon L18

  • Larger sensor
    1/2.3 inch vs 1/2.5 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • More telephoto lens reach
    500 mm vs 105 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    18.2 vs 8.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Wider angle lens
    25 mm vs 35 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 1600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon L18

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Sony HX30V

Review Excerpt

  • We haven’t finished our review of the Nikon L18, but we have extensive sample photos and a hands-on report.
  • See our Nikon L18 First Shots

  • Solid build; Fast autofocus; Excellent zoom range and functionality; Built-in Wi-Fi and GPS; Useful creative effects modes.

  • Image quality not as good as predecessor; No electronic viewfinder; Confusing menu system and user manual.

  • Read our Sony HX30V Express Review

The Competition

Compared to Samsung S860

Nikon L18
Samsung S860
  • $140
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Higher extended ISO
  • $179
  • 1/2.5 inch

Compare Nikon L18 vs Samsung S860

Sony HX30V
Samsung S860
  • $477
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $179
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Sony HX30V vs Samsung S860

Compared to Samsung S760

Nikon L18
Samsung S760
  • $140
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Higher extended ISO
  • $169
  • 1/2.5 inch

Compare Nikon L18 vs Samsung S760

Sony HX30V
Samsung S760
  • $477
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $169
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Sony HX30V vs Samsung S760

Compared to Panasonic DMC-LS80

Nikon L18
Panasonic DMC-LS80
  • $140
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • $113
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Higher extended ISO

Compare Nikon L18 vs Panasonic DMC-LS80

Sony HX30V
Panasonic DMC-LS80
  • $477
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $113
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Sony HX30V vs Panasonic DMC-LS80

Compared to Sony HX10V

Nikon L18
Sony HX10V
  • $140
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $375
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon L18 vs Sony HX10V

Sony HX30V
Sony HX10V
  • $477
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $375
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive

Compare Sony HX30V vs Sony HX10V

Compared to Sony HX20V

Nikon L18
Sony HX20V
  • $140
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $326
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon L18 vs Sony HX20V

Sony HX30V
Sony HX20V
  • $477
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $326
  • 1/2.3 inch

Compare Sony HX30V vs Sony HX20V

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