pros
- First-class picture quality
- Easy-to-use menu system
- High quality LCD screen
- Full-size sensor in a pocketable body
Defect
- Lack of built-in Wi-Fi
- No filter stream
- Slow focus speed
Main specifications
- 16.93MP APS-C Nikon DX sensor
- 18.5mm f/2.8 . fixed focal length lens
- ISO 100 – 3200 (expandable to ISO 25600)
- 1080p video recording at 30fps
- 3-inch TFT LCD monitor, 920k-dot
What is the Nikon Coolpix A?
In recent years, there has been an increasing number of investments in the premium compact camera market as manufacturers seek to offer photographers an enhanced shooting option that helps maintain pocket appeal. of a compact camera. As more and more photographers find that their smartphones offer a very practical alternative to standard point-and-shoot cameras, this is certainly understandable.
The Nikon Coolpix A is the latest model to embody this trend. It’s taller than Nikon’s current three-digit P line of compact cameras and costs a lot more, but in theory it has the features to match.
Nikon Coolpix A – Video review
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Nikon Coolpix A – Sensor
It’s worth emphasizing how small the camera is. To squeeze a DSLR-sized sensor into a camera of this size is unbelievable.
Visually, the Nikon Coolpix A shares many of the same physical characteristics with the cutting-edge Coolpix series of cameras available today. However, a quick glance at the specs reveals that it’s a completely different story and much more premium.
Instead of the traditional 1/2.3in or 1/1.7in sensor found in other Nikon Coolpix models, the Nikon Coolpix A features a much larger APS-C sensor. For the caliber of this sensor, it should be pointed out that it is very similar to the sensor found in the company’s Nikon D7000 enthusiast DSLR.
When you consider the size of the D7000, the technical achievement of fitting such a sensor into a camera pocket becomes even more impressive. This APS-C sensor has an effective resolution of 16.2MP, meaning it should easily capture images suitable for large format printing.
Nikon Coolpix A – Lens
One of the other key features of the Nikon Coolpix A that distinguishes it from most of the Coolpix series and marks it as a niche product is its fixed focal length lens. The optical system on the Coolpix A has a fixed focal length of 18mm – about 28mm in traditional 35mm equivalent terms – and a maximum aperture of f/2.8.
There are limitations to using a fixed focal length lens, the most obvious being that you’ll have to zoom with your feet instead of using the camera itself, but in a sense you can understand Nikon’s choice. Such a large sensor in a compact camera will detect any lens failure and when using a fixed-length optical lens, Nikon has gone to great lengths to ensure quality. image at a high level.
Nikon Coolpix A – Features
The Nikon Coolpix A uses Nikon’s EXPEED 2 image processor. While the processor was previously used in Nikon DSLRs, it’s a generation old now – so it’s perhaps no surprise that the Nikon Coolpix A has a continuous shooting speed. less than a dizzying 4 fps, although this is higher than that of a similarly advanced compact camera.
An ISO range of 100-6400 is offered, with the option to extend Hi1 and Hi2 settings of ISO 12800 and 25600 – a range similar to the Nikon D7100. The Coolpix A shoots in both RAW and JPEG, while the contrast-detect AF function is used with a selection of single-servo AF or full-time servo AF in a choice of four AF-area modes.
The Nikon Coolpix A supports 1080p full HD video recording at several frame rates, including 30/25 and 24 fps, and recording in MPEG-4 format with H.264 compression. Despite having a built-in stereo microphone, the Nikon Coolpix A unfortunately lacks a 3.5mm port for connecting to an external microphone.
Although there is no viewfinder, the DF-CP1 optical viewfinder has been specifically made to accompany the Coolpix A should you feel the need. If you’re looking for wireless functionality, the Coolpix A is compatible with Nikon’s wireless WU-1a mobile adapter, while the Nikon GP-1 GPS unit will also work with compact cameras.
