B&H Photo is having a big sale on the Nikon Coolpix A (which I think does a bit better than the Ricoh GR). It feels great, is made to a high standard and has the large APS-C with superb color and sharpness. At launch it was a bit pricey but now you can get a brand new Coolpix A WITH the $395 finder for FREE for a grand total of $699 – Saving $400 (they ran out of the finder). This camera launched at $1099 and I loved it, you can see my review HERE. At $699 with finder, it is a great buy for anyone looking for a great all around compact large sensor camera with beautiful IQ.
YOU CAN VIEW IT OR BUY IT HERE
That Coolpix A must be some damn camera, I’ve had the GR for well over a year now, and it’s been everywhere both me, everyday, even replaced my DSLR on an overseas trip ( to save weight) and never missed to DSLR.
It’s high contrast B&W setting is amazing.
Definitely not a toy, it’s a damn fine tool, solidly built, stealthy and fits in a jacket pocket with ease. So if the A is anything like the GR, it’s a great camera too
is A better than GR?
A quick bit of feedback on the ricoh GR. I’ve had mine for about a year, and it’s gone back twice to have it’s (fixed lens) sensor cleaned. Apparently, I’m not the only one experiencing this.
It’s a wonderful camera, but that’s a big flaw. No point in having a pocketable camera if you don’t dare put it in your pocket.
Any feedback on the Nikon with regards to durability and overall sturdiness?
wonder how the IQ of the Sony RX100 Mk3 compares to the GR and Coolpix A.
I have the RX III and the GR. The RX III is the best shirt pocket size swiss army knife solution with “good enough” IQ. The GR and A the high end IQ 28mm solutions easily competing with the best FF & 28mm prime combos.
No free viewfinder on the B&H page linked here—I would have bought in a heartbeat had this been the case.
Odd. It *was* there, as of yesterday; but it does appear to no longer be the case. Suppose they ran out?
I’d say they ran out..
I’m not sure they ‘ran out’ as they are selling it separately for $397, and it is in stock.
It seems they offered just a few to make people click on the link.
Stepping back for a moment, why would someone buy a Coolpix A when the Sony A6000 is about the same price? It has a 24mp APS-C sensor vs 16 on the Nikon, and the Sony has a built in EVF. Is the Coolpix much smaller? The Sony is pretty small.
What you say, Huss, is easily confirmed by simple click on the link and look at B&H inventories for both options: Each is clearly listed as “In Stock.”
The Nikon is significantly smaller. You also get a much better lens, an AA-less sensor (still considered to be one of the best APS-C sensors) as well as a leaf shutter (quite, great for lots of things), a better screen, high speed flash sync etc. This is more like a prime lens competitor to the RX100.
Somehow the free viewfinder offer disappeared from the B&H?
I think you’re totally wrong. The GR is a camera thought for photographers. A professional tool. The Coolpix A is a toy, nothing more. But with a good image quality.
I know you are totally wrong. I have used both, and neither is a toy though the Ricoh is built more like a toy in comparison. The Nikon is superb, nothing toy like about it. Both are fantastic and both can be cameras for “photographers”. The IQ is a tad nicer from the A but as I said, both are superb.
Well l..looked on Amazon via Steve’s site for used “like new” In the box deals. I got Olympus OMD EM 10 and 12..50mm macro kit lens for total of $700. Both are sealed and take very good pictures. 24 to 100 mm equivalent. 3 stop image stabilization. Read amazon reviews on “kit” lens and after shooting at 12.. 25..and 50mm and also macro at 45mm I must say pictures are gorgeous. Orchids were in full bloom at Chicago Botanical Gardens. And EVF is included in this body. I found the dials very easy to use with lens to my eyes.
Of course there are another 100+ lens one can use too. For photo samples send me your email and I’ll attach some. Will start posting on Flickr soon.
Bob g
“which I think does a bit better than the Ricoh GR”, and following the link out of curiosity to find out why,, one finds: “In use though, I prefer this GR for many reasons like control, ease of use, AWB and Color out of camera, the nice JPEGS and the great GR lens. Nikon also has a great lens, same specs, and the race is close but at the end of the day I prefer the GR for me though you could not go wring with either.”
What-ever.
Yep. I did exactly the same as you did ;). I had the Coolpix and swapped it for the GR mainly because of the Ricoh 0.75 excellent wide angle adapter. The Nikon is more premium build and its colors have more pop, I agree with Steve on this one. The UI of the Ricoh is the gold standard for compacts. Lens and sensor wise it`s a draw. Both are great.
😉
The new parlance, as taught to me by my 7 year-old is, “whatevz”.
Thanks. At least I learnt something useful here 🙂
I think Steve means it’s might be cheaper than the GR right now.
Not sure what that was a reply to (I see comments differently than readers) but the Coolpix A is better made/built than the GR, has more pop and snap to the images and to some is preferable in all ways. It’s a fantastic camera.
Steve, your own review says the GR is better (or that you prefer it) to the Nikon A. Then now you say otherwise(!). Which one is it? That’s what the reply of David refers to. Me personally? I think the GR is better. The ergonomics are simply better and it’s the only one with snap focus.
This is what you say in your own GR review btw:
” After shooting both the A and the GR, I lean to the GR as the winner due to cost, design, menus, control and overall output. The images from the GR may not have the pop, shine or color signature of the Coolpix A (which leans more digital feeling) of the Nikon A but the files look more filmic and less digital. ”
“The Nikon “A” is also fantastic, and built very well. In use though, I prefer this GR for many reasons like control, ease of use, AWB and Color out of camera, the nice JPEGS and the great GR lens. Nikon also has a great lens, same specs, and the race is close but at the end of the day I prefer the GR for me though you could not go wring with either.”
I want to add- not that it matters. The best camera is the one that works for you the best. Equipment does not make the photographer.
I stand corrected.
(My comment was in reference to this from another commenter:
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david mantripp says:
November 3, 2014 at 10:59 pm
“which I think does a bit better than the Ricoh GR”, and following the link out of curiosity to find out why,, one finds: “In use though, I prefer this GR for many reasons like control, ease of use, AWB and Color out of camera, the nice JPEGS and the great GR lens. Nikon also has a great lens, same specs, and the race is close but at the end of the day I prefer the GR for me though you could not go wring with either.”
What-ever.
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Same here. No deal available.
I clicked on the link but do not see the deal that you show in the screen shot. Nowhere does it show that the $397 finder is free. It does show the camera by itself at $699.
Maybe tomorrow?
FYI I use the fantastic Voigtlander bright line metal 28mm finder that I bought from one of your sponsors Cameraquest. It is almost half the price of the Nikon finder at $209.