When considering relatively thin, fixed-lens cameras, most photographers don’t expect much. Even the best compact digital cameras have pretty basic features and image quality with perhaps one standout feature. But I Nikon Coolpix A900 review reveals a point-and-shoot camera that will surprise you with some of the features it has, including an impressive 35X optical zoom lens. Compare this with the Nikon Coolpix P100 review to determine which camera is right for you. You can find the best digital cameras with our helpful list of reviews.
For a camera in its price range, the Coolpix A900 struggles with image sharpness and overall image quality, which is a significant disappointment. A cheaper option is the Campark X25 Native 4K WiFi sports action camera. But Nikon tries to make up for these shortcomings by providing the A900 with the latest wireless connectivity features, 4K video recording, along with a tilting LCD screen, all of which are interesting features to find in a compact camera. (Don’t confuse the A900 with the Nikon Coolpix A, by the way; they’re two different cameras.) If you love this compact camera, you’ll definitely want to check out our Sony Cybershot TX9 review as well.
(NOTE: This review deals with the preview version of the A900 shown at camera shows in early 2016. The Kumamoto earthquake in Japan in April 2016 delayed the actual A900 production line. economy and the A900 will now be available in quantities in July.)
overview
Summary: The large 35X optical zoom lens and 4K video recording on the Nikon Coolpix A900 are great features in a relatively slim camera, but its image quality isn’t quite up to par with models that have it. similar price.
WHY IT IS A TOP PICK: 4K movie resolution and great zoom capabilities are found in this camera.
Price: $399 from Amazon
Available: March 2016
Model: Coolpix A900
What we like
- Great optical zoom in a compact camera
- Wireless technology server available (WiFi, NFC and Bluetooth)
- Tiltable LCD screen
- 4K video resolution available
- Fast continuous shooting mode up to 7 fps
What we didn’t
- Image sharpness is slightly worse than most other cameras in this price range
- Maximum aperture is just f/3.4
- The small image sensor in physical size limits the image quality this camera can achieve
- The maximum ISO setting is limited to 3200
- No viewfinder
Key Specifications of Nikon Coolpix A900
Design and build
Since holding a large zoom camera firmly without using a tripod can be challenging, I like Nikon’s choice to include a right-hand grip area with the Coolpix A900. Nikon sacrificed some of the A900’s thinness by including the right hand grip, but it’s an important design component. You’ll want to read our Panasonic Lumix GX80 review, Blackmagic Pocket 4K Cinema Camera review, and Canon Powershot SX730 review of more powerful, pocket cameras.
The right grip comes into play when you’re using the Nikon Coolpix A900’s full 35X optical zoom lens and you’re trying to avoid issues with camera shake. The large zoom is a great feature to find in a camera that is only 1.6 inches thick. No other slim model on our list of the best point-and-shoot digital cameras can match the 35X zoom with the A900. This impressive digital zoom is really useful when it comes to getting great shots of distant subjects.
Related: Read our GE Power Pro X500 review
The Coolpix A900 has a sharp 3.0-inch LCD screen that can be tilted up to 180 degrees, allowing you to take selfies while holding the camera in your hand. You can also tilt the LCD monitor 90 degrees, which is perfect for using the Coolpix A900 when it is attached to a tripod.
The LCD screen has a resolution of 920,000 pixels, which is above average in terms of sharpness compared to other compact cameras. Consider that a Nikon Coolpix L18 review from a few years ago showed an LCD screen with a resolution of 230,400 pixels and you can see a significant improvement in the display found with the Coolpix A900.
Related: See the Nikon Coolpix B500 review
There’s WiFi, NFC, and Bluetooth connectivity in the Nikon A900, making it easy to share your photos with social networking sites right after you’ve taken them. The SnapBridge app available from Nikon even lets you control the A900 remotely via your smartphone, which can be a great feature when you’re attaching the camera to a tripod.
Image quality
Nikon’s Coolpix A900 includes a 1/2.3-inch image sensor, which explains below-average image quality in low light and lack of sharpness in all types of photos. The 1/2.3-inch image sensor is the smallest sensor found in modern digital cameras, and it’s commonly found in compact fixed-lens cameras. However, it’s disappointing to find such a small image sensor in a camera in the A900’s price range.
Nikon was able to hit a 20-megapixel resolution count with the A900’s CMOS sensor, which is a desirable level of resolution. This camera also has a focal length of 4.3 to 151mm, but even with 20MP resolution, it cannot completely surpass the small image sensor in terms of image quality of the A900.
You can only record in JPEG image format with this model. There is no possibility to shoot in RAW format, which will result in higher image quality.
Low Light Performance and Movie Mode
One area where entry-level cameras tend to struggle is low-light photography. Small image sensors just don’t perform well when working in lower light situations, because the individual pixels on the small image sensor are tiny and struggle to measure the limited light in the scene.
The Nikon Coolpix A900 includes a pop-up flash unit, which helps provide a better angle to the scene than the small embedded flash units that are often tucked into a corner of small cameras. You cannot add an external flash to this camera, as the camera does not have a hot base. If you prefer manual mode to automatic mode, use the mode dial to control all of the camera’s settings, like aperture and shutter speed.
One impressive feature of the Coolpix A900 is its ability to record 4K videos. Very few digital cameras, especially compact cameras currently on the market, offer 4K resolution video (3840 × 2160 pixels). The A900 can deliver 30fps recording at 4K, again above-average performance, as some cameras are limited to 15fps of 4K video. Consider that the Nikon Coolpix S210, a camera from a few years ago, can only shoot video at 640×480 resolution and you can see how impressive Nikon has made in improving quality. the amount of video in a digital camera.
Battery life
Nikon estimates that the Coolpix A900’s battery can record 270 shots per charge. Although the actual test shows that number is a bit optimistic, the A900’s battery life is still at an average of 225 to 250 shots.
If you choose to use the WiFi feature included in this model continuously, your battery life will be significantly reduced. It’s best to turn off the WiFi feature until you’re really ready to use it while uploading a bunch of photos, otherwise the camera will constantly try to find the network whenever it’s turned on, draining the battery faster .
Pack (again)
If you’re disappointed with the Nikon Coolpix A900’s price tag, that’s understandable. After all, a camera with a 1/2.3-inch image sensor and inconsistent overall image quality probably shouldn’t have a starting price near $400. But you have to keep in mind that not many cameras the size of the A900 have as many cool features as it has, including a 35X optical zoom lens, 4K video recording, and a tiltable LCD screen for selfies and selfies. Built-in Wi-Fi. , Bluetooth and NFC technology. For other Nikon models, read our Nikon D3500 review, Nikon D5200 DSLR review, and Nikon D7000 review.
When compared to the Nikon Coolpix P80 review, the A900 has twice the resolution and almost twice the optical zoom range of the older P80. If having the latest features upgraded and exciting features in a compact camera is important to you, the image quality of the A900 is good enough to make it a very worthwhile camera. to consider.
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