Nikon Coolpix A comparative review: Digital Photography Review
Silver Award:
Silver Award:
The final word
The Coolpix A is a very good camera that, if it stood in isolation, would represent an interesting addition to the camera market. Of course the reality is that it doesn't exist in a vacuum and, while many photographers will be very happy with it, a considerable portion of its thunder is stolen by the Ricoh GR - a camera that achieves the unusual trick of being a touch better in almost every respect while also being significantly cheaper.
We're also not totally convinced about the price/size/performance balance that either of these cameras strikes, given their only moderately-bright F2.8 lenses. In the course of the review process we have increasingly appreciated their pocketability, though.
There are a few things that recommend the Coolpix A over the Ricoh - its JPEGs are arguably nicer than the GR's and both its flash hot shoe and user-interface will be immediately compatible for Nikon DSLR users. Whether this is enough to justify the price premium over a slightly faster, slightly smaller and (to our minds) slightly more capable camera, is another matter.
Conclusion
- Pros
Excellent image quality in both Raw and JPEG
Sharp lens with good consistency up to fairly wide apertures
Large sensor in genuinely small body
Simple and responsive user interface
Good build quality
Good live view magnification allows precise manual focus
Compatible with Nikon Speedlights
- Cons
Significant vignetting in both JPEG and Raw files
Pedestrian focusing limits 'decisive moment' abilities
No ND filter and 1/2000th sec shutter speed limit bright-light flexibility
Extremely limited movie capabilities
No Commander mode for use with remote flashguns