The Nikon Coolpix A Quick Review – Amazing quality in the palm of your hand
You can buy the Coolpix A at
Hello to all! Welcome yet again to another one of my “Quick Reviews”. What is a “Quick Review”? Well, basically it means that I have only had the camera less than one week, and in the case of the Nikon Coolpix A, 5 days with 4 days of use. When I only have this small amount of time with a camera I do not pretend to be an expert on it and write a 5000 word review (only a 3700 word review, lol), instead I will give you my thoughts after a few days of use. I feel it takes 2-4 weeks to really use a camera and get to know it fully so for that reason this is a quick review. I can indeed tell you that this camera review could have easily been called “The Camera I Expected to Hate PART 2” because yes, like the Nikon V1 I reviewed a while back I expected to dislike the A, which is why I was not going to review it in the 1st place. I have to stop doing that because guess what? I really like the Coolpix A:)
I originally saw the Coolpix A when it was just freshly released and someone let me handle it for a few minutes. I walked away with the impression that the AF was very sluggish (I did not know it then, but the camera I tested was in Macro mode which slows down the AF dramatically) and the fact that the camera did not have a built in Viewfinder made me feel it was not worth the $1098 asking price. After using it for 4-5 days I can state that my mind has somewhat been changed on this little guy, almost to the point where I prefer it in some ways to the Fuji X100s (but not in every way). I am about to tell you why and how that happened so read on, I promise it will not be too long.
Click the image for a larger view. This one is at f/2.8, ISO 100
I was in the grocery store when I saw this smiling boy who appeared to be the happiest kid on the planet. I pulled the Coolpix A from my pocket and snapped the picture. Even at 28mm I was able to capture the scene and the moment, thanks to me having a camera on me.
What is the Nikon Coolpix A?
So what is the Coolpix A? It is a damn small and damn cool little 28mm camera that puts out quality MUCH bigger than the size of the body suggests! But really…
The Nikon Coolpix A is Nikon’s answer to the APS-C sized sensor cameras like the Fuji X100s, Canon EOS-M (which I was NOT a fan of AT ALL), etc. The Fuji X100s is $1299 and has an amazing built in OVF/EVF as well as a sleek retro style with beautiful output. The X100s feels like a serious camera. The Nikon Coolpix A looks toy like on the outside at 1st glance but on the inside it is filled with an amazing and large APS-C Sensor and a fixed built in prime 28mm f/2.8 “equivalent” lens that is indeed quite special for a camera of this size.
The build of the Coolpix A is SOLID and feels very nice in the hand. In other words, it does not feel like a cheap point and shoot though it may have a cheap-ish looking P&S design. Below you can see it is pretty much a boxy slim shape. I included shots of the top, back and front. It is sure not ugly and many will love the boxy shape. Others will feel that it looks like a Point and Shoot. I am in between. I kind of like it though admit it could pass for a $400 Coolpix in looks.
The main draw to this camera is not only its 16MP APS-C sensor, but the fact that it can fit in your pocket. This is truly a supercharged high power pocket cam to challenge the much smaller sensor (but fantastic) Sony RX100. What I also like about the Coolpix A is the controls. You have your mode dial up top, another dial to change aperture of the included 28mm f/2.8 prime built in lens and plenty of buttons and another dial on the back to control whatever else you need to control.
When I 1st took the camera out of the package and installed the battery I immediately turned off Noise Reduction and set the camera to JPEG and RAW to see how it did with each. I soon discovered that shooting at f/2.8 using the macro mode (which is activated on the left side of the camera via a button/switch) I was able to get some decent out of focus rendering and yes, to me, the Bokeh is quite pleasant. I turn off all NR on every camera I use as I feel Noise Reduction only smears the details and makes your images look like MUSH, and the Coolpix A was no exception in the test shot I took at ISO 1600-3200. I feel the output looks much nicer without any noise reduction added. Today’s sensors can do quite well in just about all lighting situations. Low light is no longer a DSLR game and neither is gorgeous colors and shallow DOF. Nikon seem to always be on their game when it comes to color and auto white balance.
ISO 100, f/2.8, Macro Mode
The camera is pretty much loaded with everything you could ask for. Below are the full specs of the Coolpix A:
DX-Format CMOS Sensor – This is the big deal..a pocket camera with a huge sensor!
Large APS-C size sensor–the same one used in Nikon D-SLR cameras–features a resolution of 16.2MP. It works with the EXPEED 2 image-processing engine to produce sharp image quality, high ISO sensitivity up to 25,600 equivalent, and low noise. The processor manages image data with high speed and accuracy while preventing the generation of excess heat. With the removal of the optical low-pass filter, the COOLPIX A is able to capture images with exceptional sharpness and extremely fine detail. Micro-lenses located above the sensor are arranged to produce natural, edge-to-edge sharpness
28mm f/2.8 NIKKOR Prime Lens – I found the lens to be insanely sharp, even wide open and with superb colors straight from camera
Despite its small size, the fine optics of this ultra-compact 18.5mm (35mm equivalent: 28mm) f/2.8 wide-angle NIKKOR lens are specially designed to deliver exceptional edge-to-edge sharpness, smooth tonal gradation, highly effective spherical aberration and coma correction–for consistent quality throughout the entire frame. Capture images comparable to those taken with D-SLR interchangeable lenses. The lens has an ultra-compact configuration of seven elements in five groups, as well as a seven-blade iris diaphragm for sharp detail at the focus points and pleasing background blur in the out-of-focus regions of the image
3.0″ LCD – LCD is beautiful, easy to use and I was able to frame and shoot in sunlight
Featuring an integrated panel and glass structure, the large 3.0-inch, 921k-pixel TFT LCD monitor remains viewable even in bright sunlight. The structure minimizes reflections and decreases light loss for clearer visibility, while providing a wide viewing angle. The LCD features 9-level brightness adjustment and offers approximately 100% horizontal and vertical coverage
Comfort and Control – When shooting it feels and looks like a Point and Shoot, nothing fancy. I wish it were slightly longer for my use.
The buttons, dials and switches on the camera have been designed and arranged to afford maximum comfort. Manual options like focus ring adjustment allow you to wield precision control over your compositions. Most of the operation system and the GUI are consistent with Nikon DSLRs. The camera features a tough aluminum alloy frame with a top surface covered by magnesium alloy for greater durability.
Exposure Control – Mode dial makes it easy to control manual features
You can control the COOLPIX A exposure options with the same operating system used by Nikon DSLR cameras. The Mode dial makes it easy to choose from AUTO, P (with Program shift), S, A and M exposure control modes, as well as two of your own personalized setting configurations: U1 and U2. For still photos, exposure compensation is +5 to -5 in 1/3 steps, while for videos, it’s +2 to -2. AE lock, AE bracketing and manual with exposure bracketing are also available
Autofocus – I found the AF to be a teeny bit on the slow side. Not horrible, but not Olympus OM-D fast. No Phase detect.
Contrast-detect AF with the following focus-area selections: Face-priority, normal area, wide area and subject-tracking AF
Manual Focus Operation
In addition to autofocus operation, the COOLPIX A has a manual focus ring for when you want to take creative control DSLR-style, with the ability to alter the focus plane slightly forward or backward. This can be especially helpful in macro work
Full HD Movie Recording
Capture Full HD 1080p videos at 30fps with stereo sound. The subject-tracking AF feature keeps even moving subjects in clear focus. By connecting an HDMI cable to the camera’s HDMI mini port, you can output the movie to an HDTV for playback. The HDMI output provides the following resolution options: Auto, 480p, 576p, 720p, 1080i
Continuous Shooting at 4fps
To help capture fast-moving action, the camera can perform continuous capture of full-resolution (16MP) images at up to 4 frames per second, for a maximum of 26 shots (when image quality is set to NORMAL)
Picture Control – The typical color settings, all worked well but shoot RAW for best performance
Choose from six settings: Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Landscape and Portrait. When you desire further fine-tuning, you can manually adjust the sharpness, contrast, brightness, saturation and hue. The settings can be saved for future use
Auto White Balance – The AWB of the Coolpix A was excellent, beating the new Leica M easily
In order to determine an ideal white balance, this feature precisely analyzes scene color and brightness information. Select normal to render white as pure white, or choose to render the warmth of ambient, incandescent lighting. White balance bracketing is also available
Virtual Horizon – always nice to have this feature as you will know when you are 100% level
The in-camera virtual horizon feature can detect and display horizontal inclination on the LCD monitor. This function is especially useful when shooting subjects such as still lifes, landscapes and architecture
Wi-Fi via Optional WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter
With the optional WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter connected, you can wirelessly transmit images taken by the COOLPIX A to a smart device with Wireless Mobile Utility installed, allowing you to share your photos and videos via email or social networking services (SNS). Additionally, you can use your compatible smartphone or tablet as a remote shutter release for the camera while using the device screen as a monitor
ISO 100 f/2.8, straight from camera colors, which Nikon is always good at.
I went to a pet store to pick up some food for my dog. They were having adoptions of homeless and unwanted dogs. This poor little guy..hope he ended up getting a home.
So tell me about the image quality, focus speed and high ISO!
With a camera as small as the Nikon Coolpix A you have to wonder if it can actually give you DSLR or even Fuji X100s output. Coming in at $200 less than a Fuji X100s you are losing the EVF/OVF, Retro Style, and you swap a 35mm equivalent f/2 lens for a 28mm f/2.8 so your field or view will be on the wide end of the spectrum. Before spending $1100 on a camera such as the “A” make sure you are comfortable only having a 28mm equivalent lens on board. If you are comfy with that then you are in for a real treat as the only weakness I have found is the whole “no EVF/OVF” problem and the AF being slower than most other cameras in the mirrorless segment.
The Image Quality – Details/Sharpness
This can not be faulted. While I only had 4 days of shooting with it (and not full days either) I can state with 100% fact that the lens/sensor combo on the A is FANTASTIC, in fact, I give the Coolpix A and “A” in this area. The quality, even wide open, challenges what I have seen coming from a Leica M9 and 28mm Elmarit in regards to sharpness and color. No, this is not full frame but in the 28mm (or equivalent) world this is about as good as it gets. Take a look at the shot below which was taken at f/4 on a full sunny day in Scottsdale AZ. You can click it for the full size but I have also put a crop below it.
Click image for the full size from RAW file – it is insanely sharp. I have put two 100% crops below the image as well.
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Razor sharpness – really too sharp!
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A crop from the bottom left corner
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Also, at f/2.8 this lens/sensor combo can give you some nice color and depth as well as sharpness and micro-contrast. Image below at 2.8 in very contrasty conditions with a crop below it
So this lens has the goods, even wide open unlike the Fuji X100s which is soft at f/2 and sharp starting at 2/8 but razor sharp by f/4. The Nikon lens here fantastic.
Focus Speed
The AF of the Nikon Coolpix A is decent but not blazing. It is about on par with the old X100 and the latest firmware updates. The Olympus OM-D is quicker, the Sony RX100 is quicker and the X100s is quicker. The “A” is on par with the full frame Sony RX1 when it comes to AF speed. Not bad, but not amazingly fast. One thing that irked me before I realized there was a dedicated Macro button the camera was the minimum focus distance in standard mode. I could not get any kind of close focus whatsoever so make sure you set it to Macro when you want to shoot up close. IN fact, they should not call it “Macro” mode as you can not do really close up shooting. It should be called “Close Up” mode. Still, I am happy they have this mode as it allows me to get pretty close to my subject about 4″. Normal mode has about a 20″ limitation for close up.
Auto focus in low light is a bit slower than the day of course. I have had it hunt and miss focus. If Nikon had put in an EVF and had super fast and accurate AF this could have been a game changer of a camera.
High ISO Capabilities
The Nikon Coolpix A is up there with competing cameras when it comes to higher ISO. If you stay at 3200 or under you will be just fine shooting just about anything. After 3200 you may object to the noise, or you may not. Still, these days most APS-C cameras provide such good low light and high ISO shooting capabilities that we need not worry about these things anymore. I rarely go over 1600 and I shoot in all kinds of light. WIth the wide angle of the “A” and an f/2.8 aperture we can get away with hand holding the camera at a slower shutter speed than even a Fuji X100. No issues. Below are a few high ISO samples without any Noise Reduction added. The 1st image is a B&W from the camera. When you click on them you will see the ISO they were shot at embedded on the photo and I go up to 6400.
and below is a full size file at ISO 1250 which was taken in my kitchen at night
and one more below at ISO 6400. This is an OOC JPEG
If I had the camera for more than 4 days I would have done a full ISO crop test but in reality, those tests are no good anymore as all of these modern cameras can do high ISO very well. As I said above, we really should not worry about ISO anymore but instead worry about using a camera we can get along with and bond with. While all cameras have some sort of limitation, we can learn to work around them. That is what helps to create and make an artist, using the tool one has on hand to create something beautiful.
Pros and Cons of the Nikon Coolpix A
Pros
- Large APS-C Sensor delivers the goods
- Great color out of camera
- Small size can indeed fit in your pocket
- Black or Silver, no extra cost for black
- Image quality is superb!
- Best Auto White Balance I have seen in a mirrorless
- Lens is very sharp, even wide open
- Macro mode is useful for getting in closer
- Controls are all on the outside so no menu diving required
- Built in flash
- Build is SOLID
- No lens cap to lose
- ON/OFF is quick
- HD video on board
Cons:
- AF can be sluggish at times, not as fast as other cameras on the market
- Macro mode focus is even slower while not really being Macro
- No built in EVF or VF at all. Boo.
- No focus peaking in Manual Focus mode
- Not as much charm as the Fuji X100s
Next to the Leica Monochrom
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My final thoughts to wrap up this quick look review of the Nikon Coolpix A, and where I prefer it to the X100s
So as you can see this was indeed a quick review. After four days of use I found that I really enjoyed using the camera as well as the output it has given me. I usually do not shoot the 28mm focal length often so I am not a wide angle guy, but yea, it was starting to grow on me. If I had more interesting things to photograph while I had it I feel it would have easily been able to take on any task. The build is solid. The controls are superb. The Menu system is great. The LCD is very nice and the output is awesome with rich colors, some of the best AWB I have experienced and high ISO that is up there with the best of them. In comparison to the X100s I prefer the Nikon Coolpix A’s Image Quality. There is no flatness to be found with the Nikon. I also prefer lens on the Nikon as it is much sharper wide open and is just about as sharp as what comes from a Leica M9 and 28 Elmarit lens, a $8k + combo.
Where I prefer the X100s over the “A” is the fact that the Fuji has that gorgeous EVF/OVF, the retro and solid design and the new Phase Detect AF speed. It also has more charm and fun factor but if Nikon had put these three things in the Coolpix A and kept it at $1100 this would have easily been my #1 pick for a mirrorless camera. It would have had it all, but with the limitations of a 28mm equivalent lens of course, but many of you LOVE the 28mm focal length and that is a great one for some up close street shooting as well.
Before going to buy a Nikon Coolpix A you must make sure you enjoy the 28mm focal length as that is all you get here. It is not quite 35 and not quite 21 so it is not ultra wide but an in between.
The Nikon is great for all kinds of shooting as you can get as close as 4″ to your subject when activating Macro Mode so it even works for portraits if you wanted it to.
There are things I did not even touch on in this quick review like the built in flash, the hot shoe for adding accessories, and the HD Video, which I did not get to test. Maybe if I can get a hold of one for longer I can add to this review at a later date but even so, I know the flash is decent for snapshots and some fill, and I know I would not use the WiFi add on, but some would and the video is probably just as good as modern day mirrorless cameras, but probably even better than the Fuji X100s video. The Nikon V1 had some fantastic video capabilities.
For now, I do recommend the Nikon Coolpix A if image quality is important as well as small size, and a wider angle 28mm lens.
With the new Ricoh GR coming soon it will be taking on the Nikon head on and the GR series has MANY fans because it is known as a “Photographers Camera” with the right mix of design, features, settings and quality. The new GR will have an APS-C sensor as well so it will be interesting to see how it compares and if it can match the IQ of the Nikon.
At $1100 the Coolpix A is not cheap but when you look at cameras like the Sony RX1 at $2700, the Fuji X100s at $1299 and even a used Leica M8 and 24mm lens at about $4500+, the Coolpix looks quite affordable.
To me, the IQ can beat the X100s, the RX100, the Nikon V1/V2 and the Leica M8 with 24mm Lens (which will be closest to a 28mm focal length) but it does not beat the RX100, X100s and M8 in usability simply due to the fact it has no viewfinder installed.
I enjoyed my four little days with the “A” and if I wanted a 28mm solution I would probably buy one. As with the Nikon V1, I expect the prices to drop on the Coolpix A eventually but even at $1098 it is a great buy for those who appreciate quality and tiny size.
I expected to hate it but ended up really enjoying it and appreciating it for what it is, one hell of a 28mm shooter that will feel right at home at home, on vacation or on the street. Just wish I had more time with it to extract more memories from the little box 🙂
You can buy the Coolpix A at:
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A few more images from the Nikon Coolpix A
Exif is embedded in all photos! Thanks for reading this quick review of the Nikon Coolpix A! On to the next 🙂
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I was photographer already when olympus-pen was a must. It fantastic see all the cameras coming every day with more resolutation
Hi, Steve, congrats for your work first
I have a question:
Do you know if it is possible to close the lens with the camera turned on?
Thanks!
Yesterday I tested the RX100 versus the CoolpixA and was very surprised by the difference. Shot in RAW mode and then processed in Lightroom 5 I was astonished to see how much detail are imbedded in the Coolpix pictures. Substantially better IQ: detail resolution, sharpness, contrast, colour, all aspect that magnified after processing in Lightroom 5, lead to a much better overall result compared to the RX100 (I confess its a Stellar). Its a subjective test, although the same process was applied to both images and then continued in detail tweaks to get the best out of each images. I really wanted the Stellar to win this game, but the CoolpixA excels in IQ, especially when the RAW files are maxed out.
Hmmm, this camera for the now low price of $299 (factory refurbished) or the Hasselblad Stellar for $999?
Just picked one up @ $329 – factory refurbished w 1 yr warranty. Looking to trying it out on the cheap.
The pics look really great. Thanks for the review of the A. The only thing that gives me some pause is the alleged distortions of a 28mm lens when shooting close in portraits. Any feedback from anyone here re whether this has a big effect on portrait pics in these situations?
I am still not sure if I would be willing to part with $1,096 for a camera that’s very similar to a point and shoot. I am pretty sure that I am missing something here. Is it because the sensors are full frame?
Great review!
Well, it is no more a P&S than a Fuji X100, Sony RX1 or Sony RX100. All of these are similar in form, function and they all have manual controls, dials and buttons. Size alone does not make it a P&S. While it may look like one, it is much more powerful than any P&S and the sensor is not full frame, it is just under that. APS-C. Thanks
Thanks! I am in the market for smaller cameras that would complement my main gear. I need something very light and portable. Brides nowadays want to go to different places. I was looking into mirrorless ones. Thanks again!
Thank you Steve for your wonderful reviews (including this one). Being French I love reading your reviews which are quite a change from the ones you can read online here in France. I am looking forward to your GR review. I have had a grd3 with me for some time. I have it with me everyday and I consider it a wonderful little camera but I’m dying for another larger sensor.
Just one question, here in Europe there are rumours that Leica would not repair the M8 sensors (and I do own one and love it). Is it the same in the US?
I
“At $1100 the Coolpix A is not cheap but when you look at cameras like the Sony RX1 at $2700, the Fuji X100s at $1299 and even a used Leica M8 and 24mm lens at about $4500+, the Coolpix looks quite affordable.”
you’re kiddin’ ain’t ya? Compare what is comparable, if you relate to camera size, you’re out, except for the RX1, if you relate to sensor, Fuji is in the game and for the rest, I suppose it is a joke. And to be honest on the price, be this for Fuji x100, x100s, or Nikon A, all of them are heavily overpriced, I leave RX1 and Leica out of discussion here. What Ricoh can do for less than 800$ others must be able to do as well. Nikon pricing policy for certain of their gear is out of this world since a bit of time anyway, for Leica, all comments in this matter are useless talk.
Anyway, you create your world to your image by your way of thinking and seeing things, so up to you to know if it is worth the money you pay for it. There are not more components involved in a same type FF camera, than in any minichip one. If I consider some 10% bulkier size, I consider to pay 10% more. But that is marketing policy, want it, pay for it? Those policies are anyway based on giving a chance to all cameras to be sold by just putting them in a different price range to protect the lower edge sales, while most of them are not worth what you pay for it. To me, manufacturing and selling just a few excellent models is a better policy than selling 50 different, bad or average, ones and a few excellent among them. In that game, the better ones are just heavily overpriced, as we know if from the actual stand of the market. Camera marketing sucks.
Just wonder if you could get soon a Ricoh GR and make a comparison review, the GR is attractive in price, solid built and I think that it has a better lens as well.
A good street photographer alternative .
I have been on what seems like a never ending search for the perfect pocket camera to carry when I don’t want to lug around full gear. Just before leaving for a trip to Paris, I picked up a coolpix A – mainly because I had broken my fuji x100 in an unfortunate incident in my briefcase and the fuji x100s was in stock no where the day before I left for Paris. I thought I’d probably be disappointed in the A, but picked it up to try. The think blew me away. The quality for a truly pocketable camera is amazing. I think all the folks who are panning it on the Internet have only read about the specs or shot a frame or two. The thing totally rocks.
Forgot to include an I image. Straight out of the Coolpix A – no post processing
http://www.vickismithphotography.com/photos/i-mJWVXWh/0/L/i-mJWVXWh-L.jpg
Lovely paris shot..do you have any more?
beautiful shot
Hey Steve,
I wrote you an email a couple of weeks ago about this little camera. You said you don’t think you’ll review it…. but you did and I’m glad! 🙂 You even seem to love it, that’s great! I think its exactly the camera I need for everyday photos and snapshots!
Hello,
Thanks for your review of this great, small powehouse. I just find the price comparison with the RX-1 shaky.
Yes the Rx1 is triple the price but goes against 5-10k cameras whereas this one goes against the 650$ rx-100 (and beats it).
Flipper231, I guess I find your price comparison shaky. The $650 RX-100 is not a target competitor for the Coolpix A. There is no comparison when it comes to IQ between the two. (And I am a RX-100 owner)
Also, where is the price comparison shaky between the A and the RX1? Obviously the RX1 is superior with it’s full frame sensor. Just as the D800 is superior to the D7100. Does that mean the RX1 is 3 times better than the A? Not really. And for someone who’s budget is $1000 for a pocketable camera, you can get excellent performance with the A without having to stretch to the RX1.
With your logic, you could argue that your price comparison is shaky to compare the RX1 to $10,000 cameras, but we know that the RX1 is an amazing camera that can complete with cameras 2 to 3 times its price.
Seeing the product shots make me appreciate the RX1 that much more every day.
Well done review Steve, just stay honest on the word count – close to 900 are you requoting the specs.
We already know your reviews are thorough – no need to inflate!
Thanks,
cataar
Well, if you want the true #’s, take away the specs and the review is at 3160 words. Not sure you know how to count 🙂
Thanks for the review Steve! Is the image quality far better than an OMD with a Panasonic 14 f 2,5 (or Oly 12 f 2,0 or the new Oly 17 f 1,8)?
Hi Steve,
Good review. I was thinking of the Nikon as a camera to take everywhere. The lens is a little too wide for me. It is a pity that the Ricoh is the same too (always have been).
You forgot to mention about the battery life. Does it last long?
Cheers,
Mo
Interesting, particularly that you found the image sensor produced better output than the X100s, with its X-Trans sensor. Since this Coolpix A is essentially using the same sensor as the D7100 (sans low pass filter), performance ought to be very, very good, but I AM a bit surprised that you feel it surpassed the sensor in the Fuji.
What I’m NOT surprised about is the performance of the lens, however. Nikon is quite capable of producing optics as good or better than anyone in the world, and the performance of the 28mm f/2.8 aptly demonstrates this.
Well if you read my X100s review you would have seen where I write that I slightly preferred the X100 output to the X100s. I am not a huge fan of the X-Trans sensor design. I find the images can be rather flat at times.
Interesting. I haven’t experienced that myself. I’ve actually been rather stunned by that sensor’s capabilities.
When you say flat, do you mean native jpg output … or are your referring to experiences with processing the RAW files?
I am glad i moved to fuji, nikon colors are too dull.
I haven’t necessarily found Nikon colors to be duller than Fuji — but then so many elements factor in here:
1) Is one shooting RAW or jpg?
2) If jpg, is one using default settings (this can be customized to taste, particularly in the Nikon with those U1 and U2 settings).
3) People’s monitors vary; as does their color calibration.
4) Everyone’s eyes / expectations / preferences are different.
I just remember Steve’s review of the X-Pro 1, and if I recall correctly, one of the few things he actually liked about that camera was the tremendous IQ.
Which makes me wonder if the X100s is perhaps not turning out files as pleasing to his eye as the X-Pro 1?
Steve — what say you?
I would add one other very important point regarding Nikon and color etc. And I’m not sure about how this may still apply to their current product or the ‘A’. But if you use the in camera picture controls and tweak the color to your liking and then use Nikon’s proprietary software to open those NEFs the color and the look is absolutely outstanding. If you don’t? And I’m sure even now most pros using Nikon don’t use their software, but if you don’t, there’s a lot of work to be done and from my experience it’s difficult to even approach the quality that you get with Capture NX, View NX, etc. If I were to buy a small camera like this, I would probably go back to using Nikon’s software to process the images.
Steve — how can a sensor be “flat”? You realize that all these companies use the same sensor technology? The arrangement of the color photosites don’t dictate how “three dimensional” a photo is. It seems you used an X100s in flat light or with boring subject matter and are now propagating the illusion that a sensor can dictate the qualitative depth in a photo.
If anything, the new flare-reducing coatings in the X100s lens leads to a more precise replication of what you see. More preicse = more digital = more boring.
I said the IMAGES can be flat looking, not the sensor. Also, the Fuji sensor is much different than other sensors. I am not the only one who mentions this, many others have talked about it. With the X-Trans sensors, the IQ can indeed be “flat” – The Fuji’s while having good low light ISO performance do not really do well in low light in regards to image quality. Ive said from the get go that I preferred the older X100 sensor. I still like the X100s, just wish they did not go to the new sensor as the IQ is not as good IMO (in my opinion).
Searching for that one focal length is eternally frustrating. I found 28mm to be ideal for almost anything, except for portraits, fornwhichnInhave 50 and 85. Good review, sounds like a really great walkaround camera,mif you can stomach the lack of a viewfinder.
Great little review. I am floored by the sharpness of this thing. I did not expect to see that kind of lens on a camera in this segment (on the rx-1: sure) but perhaps this Nikon and the new GR will lift the whole segment up to a new level?
The GR, though, speaks more to me emotionally for some reason (I have not seen or held either one). I think I could really connect with it. Can’t wait for your review.
Cheers.
Jan
steve ,
i think a side by side is in order here the nikon a vs ricoh gr ,head to head comparison !!
boris
Hopefully we’ll get that; Steve’s perspective is always worthwhile.
In the interim, Ming Thein has posted a great comparo between the two cameras:
http://blog.mingthein.com/2013/05/07/battle-of-the-28mm-compacts-ricoh-gr-vs-nikon-coolpix-a/
Well done review but. The Fuji 100s is more then a point and shoot, which this camera is. THe IQ should be very close. Both 16MP, the Fuji with no AA fliter. But, the same ball park. The lens, both world class lens makers, one an F2.0 and the other F/2.8 in the same basic FL, the F2.8 should be sharper. Nikon should have done a few different things. One, in place of this fine lens they have. A great short zoom lens like the Leica DLUX 6 or the Fuji X20. A EVF would also be nice.
In place of trying to a super great IQ. They should stay true point and shoot. A small camera that can done it all, in this case, with this Nikon they would trade just a liitle IQ for a great over all camera. Just think of a Fuji 100s with a fine short zoom lens. I am in the market for a point and shoot. Sorry Nikon, you almost had me, I’ll wait..for the zoom.
The only thing that separates the two (A and X100s) is a viewfinder. Both have dials, buttons and manual controls. Both have APS-C sensors, and both have similar features.
If that makes the Nikon a P&S then so is the RX1 (which it is so not), Leica X2, etc. IQ detail, sharpness and pop goes to the Nikon over the X100s for me and my eyes after using both. The Fuji may not have an AA filter but it is not any sharper, and that is a fact. In fact, it doesn’t match the Nikon until f/4. Also, I would much rather have a fine prime than a zoom any day. That is what makes the Sony RX1 so special. If it had a zoom it would not have been nearly as good.
The Sony RX1 has two viewers for it, on a EVF. The Nikon CoolPix A , looks like it has finder for. Not starting any war here, but in other tests I have seen the Fuji out performs the Nikon. That point is not by much. My real point was to say, I am looking for a point and shoot. If the Nikon had a zoom, I would buy it. But my X-Pro 1 and M7 my frist line, but hard carry around cameras. That is the main reason I never owned a Fuji 100(s). My way of thing. If the Sony RX1 had a zoom, that did not come off, it maybe my only camers. But I cannot live with only one lens. It would be a great choice, if it were interchangable…well then back to prime lens. So for me, fixed lens camras have got to have zooms.
Steve, the Nikon A doesn’t have an AA filter either.
Good review Steve, but based on my recent experiences I would highly recommend the Sony RX100. It’s cheaper for starters, & a faster lens. I spent much of my winter shooting in Cuba with various cameras (including an M9) but found myself grabbing the little Sony more than I thought. Performs really well in most situations, including low light, shooting @ 6400. You can check for yourself here to see some samples;
http://500px.com/danieltv/stories
ps; also dropped it twice, tough little machine!
Ive shot both and the Coolpix A easily beats the RX100 for image quality. The lens on the A is also a better lens. The RX100 is great, as I said in my review of the RX100 months ago but the “A” has much better IQ in general and for printing due to the large sensor. If quality is your main concern, Coolpix trumps RX100. If speed and even smaller size is your main concern and you want some zoom, go for RX100.
A fair and balanced review, thanks. When you wrote that the Ricoh GR would stomp all over the A I suggested to give the little Nikon at least a fair chance in a review. I`m a Ricoh GR line (film & digital) fan, but the new Ricoh will not stomp on the A, as the latter is simply too excellent in a number (not all) of aspects. I thought I would switch from the A to the GR and did even pre-order the Ricoh but decided to keep Nikon`s pocket rocket.
Really nice images with great color.
Hi Steve, I see your opinion regarding the fuji X100s, but what about the fuji X100? I remember you preferred the IQ on that one over the “s”, how do you think it compares to the A?
This is something I’d be curious to know, too – the X100 is a really good price now, at least while there are any left for sale, and, speaking personally, I don’t think I could go back to a camera without an EVF.
If prob take the X100 as well. The original. If I could get a new X100 for $700 I would go for that over a Nikon A any day. The only concern with the original X100 is the sticky shutter blade problem (if you buy used). But fun factor goes to X100 and after the latest FW updates AF speed is about the same as the A.