• 1/2.5 inch 24.7mm2
  • 8.0 megapixels
  • 35.00mm - 105.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1 inch 115.3mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 12,800

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Differences

Nikon L18 advantages over Nikon S2

  • Less expensive
    $140 vs $450 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 370 vs 270 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Lighter weight
    125g vs 190g
    Lighter weight

Nikon S2 advantages over Nikon L18

  • Larger sensor
    1 inch vs 1/2.5 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 2.85 vs 1.76 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Newer
    10 years vs 16 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More dots on screen
    461k 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
    14.2 vs 8.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 1600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • 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
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • 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
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

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Kit with 11-27.5mm Lens
  • Kit with 11-27.5mm Lens
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Review Excerpt

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

Nikon S2
Samsung S860
  • $399
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $179
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Lighter weight

Compare Nikon S2 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

Nikon S2
Samsung S760
  • $399
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $169
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Lighter weight

Compare Nikon S2 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

Nikon S2
Panasonic DMC-LS80
  • $399
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $113
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon S2 vs Panasonic DMC-LS80

Compared to Pentax Q7

Nikon L18
Pentax Q7
  • $140
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $380
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compare Nikon L18 vs Pentax Q7

Nikon S2
Pentax Q7
  • $399
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $380
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon S2 vs Pentax Q7

Compared to Pentax Q-S1

Nikon L18
Pentax Q-S1
  • $140
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $350
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compare Nikon L18 vs Pentax Q-S1

Nikon S2
Pentax Q-S1
  • $399
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $350
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon S2 vs Pentax Q-S1

Compare Other Cameras?