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Nikon Coolpix A Comparison Review

The Nikon Coolpix A is a fixed lens compact camera that was announced in March 2013 and is equipped with an APS-C sensor. It offers a resolution of 16.1 megapixel.

camera

Is the Nikon Coolpix A a good camera? The Coolpix A has a Camera Elo of 1634. This rating puts the Coolpix A below average of all prime lens compact cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (APS cameras), the Coolpix A also ranks below average. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 2.5-star performance rating. – Well, the Nikon Coolpix A is more than 11 years old, and there have been many other good digital cameras released since 2013.

Headline Specifications
Nikon Coolpix A
Fixed lens compact camera
28mm f/2.8
16.1 MP, APS-C Sensor
1080/30p Video
ISO 100 - 6 400 (100 - 25 600)
Viewfinder optional
3.0 LCD, 921k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
4 shutter flaps per second
230 shots per battery charge
111 x 64 x 40 mm, 299 g

Read on to find out more about the camera's size, sensor, features, reception by expert reviewers, and how it compares to other digital cameras.

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Body comparison with a credit card

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size of the Nikon Coolpix A vis-à-vis a credit card. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are presented. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Nikon Coolpix A vs credit card front
Coolpix A versus credit card top view
Coolpix A and credit card rear side

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Nikon Coolpix A alongside a set of similar cameras. If you want to review a particular camera pair side-by-side, just move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
#   Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon Coolpix A 111 mm 64 mm 40 mm 299 g 230 n Mar 2013 1,099ebay.com
2.
 
Canon G7 X 103 mm 60 mm 40 mm 304 g 210 n Sep 2014 699ebay.com
3.
 
Fujifilm X100T 127 mm 74 mm 52 mm 440 g 330 n Sep 2014 1,299ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon P1000 146 mm 119 mm 181 mm 1415 g 250 n Jul 2018 999 amazon.com
5.
 
Ricoh GR II 117 mm 63 mm 35 mm 251 g 320 n Jun 2015 699ebay.com
6.
 
Ricoh GR 117 mm 61 mm 35 mm 245 g 290 n Apr 2013 799ebay.com
7.
 
Sony RX100 V 102 mm 58 mm 41 mm 299 g 220 n Oct 2016 999ebay.com
8.
 
Sony RX100 IV 102 mm 58 mm 41 mm 298 g 280 n Jun 2015 999ebay.com
9.
 
Sony RX100 III 102 mm 58 mm 41 mm 290 g 320 n May 2014 799ebay.com
10.
 
Sony NEX-3N 110 mm 62 mm 35 mm 269 g 480 n Feb 2013 499ebay.com
11.
 
Sony NEX-6 120 mm 67 mm 43 mm 345 g 360 n Sep 2012 999ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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The listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Nikon Coolpix A was launched in the US market at a price of $1,099. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

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Sensor comparison with a 35mm slide

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tent to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

The Nikon Coolpix A features an APS-C sensor and has a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 1.5. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the Nikon Coolpix A among the medium-sized sensor cameras that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability.

Nikon Coolpix A sensor measures

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of alternative cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
#   Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Nikon Coolpix A APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.413.8116480
2.
 
Canon G7 X 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p23.012.755671
3.
 
Fujifilm X100T APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/60p23.612.8148378
4.
 
Nikon P1000 1/2.3 15.9 4608 34564K/30p20.612.1104451
5.
 
Ricoh GR II APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.613.7107880
6.
 
Ricoh GR APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.613.597278
7.
 
Sony RX100 V 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.812.458670
8.
 
Sony RX100 IV 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.812.659170
9.
 
Sony RX100 III 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p22.412.349567
10.
 
Sony NEX-3N APS-C 16.0 4912 32641080/60i22.812.5106774
11.
 
Sony NEX-6 APS-C 16.0 4912 32641080/60i23.713.1101878
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The Coolpix A indeed provides movie recording capabilities. The highest resolution format that the Coolpix A can use is 1080/30p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. The tables below summarize some of the other core capabilities of the Nikon Coolpix A in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

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Core Features
#   Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Nikon Coolpix Aoptional n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/2000s 4.0/s Y n
2.
 
Canon G7 Xnone n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/2000s 6.5/s Y Y
3.
 
Fujifilm X100T2360 n3.0 / 1040 fixed n 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
4.
 
Nikon P10002359 n3.2 / 921 swivel n 1/4000s 7.0/s Y Y
5.
 
Ricoh GR IIoptional n3.0 / 1230 fixed n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
6.
 
Ricoh GRoptional n3.0 / 1230 fixed n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
7.
 
Sony RX100 V2359 n3.0 / 1229 tilting n 1/2000s 24.0/s Y Y
8.
 
Sony RX100 IV2359 n3.0 / 1228 tilting n 1/2000s 16.0/s Y Y
9.
 
Sony RX100 III1440 n3.0 / 1229 tilting n 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
10.
 
Sony NEX-3Noptional n3.0 / 460 tilting n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
11.
 
Sony NEX-62359 n3.0 / 921 tilting n 1/4000s 10.0/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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One convenient feature of the Coolpix A is the presence of an on-board flash. While this built-in flash is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light to brighten deep shadow areas.

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Connection comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Nikon Coolpix A and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
#   Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Nikon Coolpix AYstereo / mono---2.0---
2.
 
Canon G7 X-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
3.
 
Fujifilm X100TYstereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
4.
 
Nikon P1000Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y
5.
 
Ricoh GR IIYstereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
6.
 
Ricoh GRYmono / mono--micro2.0---
7.
 
Sony RX100 V-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
8.
 
Sony RX100 IV-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
9.
 
Sony RX100 III-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
10.
 
Sony NEX-3N-stereo / mono--micro2.0---
11.
 
Sony NEX-6Ystereo / mono--mini2.0Y--
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The Coolpix A has a prime lens built in (18.5mm f/2.8), which, in full frame equivalent terms, provides a focal length of 28mm. The camera is, hence, ready to shoot, while remaining more compact in size than an interchangeable lens camera with an optic of similar focal length and aperture specifications.

Further information on the features and operation of the Coolpix A can be found in the free online Nikon Coolpix A Manual or on the Nikon support site.

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Expert reviews

While the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the Coolpix A handle or perform in practice. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable. This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The following table reports the overall rankings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]).

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Review Scores
#    Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon Coolpix A4/5+..75/1004/54/5 Mar 2013 1,099ebay.com
2.
 
Canon G7 X4/5+ +..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2014 699ebay.com
3.
 
Fujifilm X100T5/5+..81/1004.5/55/5 Sep 2014 1,299ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon P1000..+3.5/573/1003.5/53.5/5 Jul 2018 999 amazon.com
5.
 
Ricoh GR II........4.5/54.5/5 Jun 2015 699ebay.com
6.
 
Ricoh GR5/5....79/1004.5/54.5/5 Apr 2013 799ebay.com
7.
 
Sony RX100 V4.5/5+ +..83/1004/54.5/5 Oct 2016 999ebay.com
8.
 
Sony RX100 IV4.5/5+ +..85/1004/54.5/5 Jun 2015 999ebay.com
9.
 
Sony RX100 III5/5+ +..82/1004.5/55/5 May 2014 799ebay.com
10.
 
Sony NEX-3N3/5......4.5/54.5/5 Feb 2013 499ebay.com
11.
 
Sony NEX-65/5+ +..78/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 999ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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Nikon Coolpix A FAQ

Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the Coolpix A.

What is the technology behind the imaging sensor in the Nikon Coolpix A?

The camera is build around a CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor.

What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Nikon Coolpix A?

The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 6400.

Can the Nikon Coolpix A be equipped with an optional viewfinder?

Yes, Nikon provides the DF-CP1 as an accessory (here on amazon) that can be mounted on the hotshoe.

How do I find the shutter count on my Nikon Coolpix A?

Nikon embeds the number of shutter actuations in image metadata. You can check the number of shots that your Coolpix A has taken up to now by uploading a recent image to the free online shutter count finder app.

Do I need to purchase an external camera trigger to shoot time-lapse sequences with the Nikon Coolpix A?

No, the Nikon Coolpix A has an intervalometer built-in, so that low frequency shooting (for example, flower blooming, sunset, moon rise) can be undertaken without the need to purchase a separate external intervalometer and related software.

Does the Nikon Coolpix A feature an autofocus assist light?

Yes, the camera has a lamp built-in that can illuminate the subject and improve autofocus in low-light settings.

Which battery does the Nikon Coolpix A use?

The camera gets its power from the EN-EL20 (here at amazon), which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.

Camera to camera comparisons

In case you are interested in seeing how this camera compares to another one, just make your choice using the following search menu. An an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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    Specifications Summary
    Camera Model Nikon Coolpix A
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens 28mm f/2.8
    Launch Date March 2013
    Launch Price USD 1 099
    Sensor Specs
    Sensor Technology CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 23.6 x 15.6 mm
    Sensor Area 368 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 28.3 mm
    Crop Factor 1.5x
    Sensor Resolution 16.1 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4 928 x 3 264 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.78 μm
    Pixel Density 4.37 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter
    Movie Capability 1080/30p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 6 400 ISO
    ISO Boost 100 - 25 600 ISO
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 80
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 23.4
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 13.8
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 1164
    Screen Specs
    Viewfinder Type Viewfinder optional
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display
    LCD Size 3.0 inch
    LCD Resolution 921k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen
    Touch Input No touchscreen
    Shooting Specs
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking Feature
    Maximum Shutter Speed 1/2000s
    Continuous Shooting 4 shutter flaps/s
    Silent Shootingno E-Shutter
    Time Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer Built-in
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot
    UHS card support no
    Connectivity Specs
    External Flash Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0
    HDMI Port no HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi
    Body Specs
    Battery Type EN-EL20 power pack
    Battery Life (CIPA)230 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 111 x 64 x 40 mm
    (4.4 x 2.5 x 1.6 in)
    Camera Weight 299 g (10.5 oz)

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