Nikon Coolpix A Detailed Review

In additional Coolpix A was introduced by Nikon in June 2013. It belongs to the enthusiast Compacts category.

Nikon is well-known and shouldn’t require further introduction, please see our manufacturer’s page for more digital cameras by Nikon.

Also Coolpix A features a CMOS sensor in APS-C size (with Nikon cameras: DX)that has an area of approximately 24 x 16 mm² (0.93″ x 0.61″).

Picture of Coolpix A’s sensor compared to popular format.

The 1-Euro coin has a diameter of 23.25mm.

The Coolpix A’s image sensor has an effective resolution of around 16 megapixel. That’s roughly average and will be sufficient for most purposes. Photos with this resolution can easily be printed to A3 or A2 size.

The Nikon supports taking images in RAW. RAW images are stored as they come from the sensor, without any in-camera processing or sharpening. Converting to JPEG or other formats takes place on the computer, using software like Adobe Lightroom or Nikon’s RAW converter. This involves one extra processing step but almost always results in superior image quality. Some filters, like converting to monochrome (black and white) will only yield decent results when used with RAW images.

The Coolpix A does not come with a built-in viewfinder. The camera’s display is used to compose the photo. That can be cumbersome in broad daylight.

The Coolpix A’s shutter speed varies from 1/2000s to 30s.

The highest shutter speed of the Nikon is just 1/2000s. That’s no longer state of the art and may cause problems in challenging light conditions.

The Coolpix A’s sensitivity is from 100 ISO and 6400 ISO.

Also, Nikon’s sensitivity can be boosted to 25600. Therefore, ISO boosting will lead to growth noise.

The Coolpix A supports all general exposure modes.

The Nikon allows spot exposure for the difficult occasion.

The Coolpix A’s auto focus processor uses 1 AF points (or sensors). A basic rule of thumb says that the more AF points you have, the better. More AF points mean a better chance to have a point at the location of interest in a scene, a big plus in challenging situations (e.g. with low contrast subjects).

Manual focus is also possible with the Nikon, a plus in tricky situations or for some creative freedom.

The Coolpix A has a built-in flash with a diapason of up to 12m (38 ft.). That range will fit for almost all occasion.

The Coolpix A features a monitor with a diagonal of 75.00mm (3.0 in.) and a resolution of c. 0.92 megapixel. That’s about average.

Unfortunately, the Coolpix A’s monitor is not articulated. That can make it tricky to frame your subject in some situations, e.g. when taking selfies.

The Coolpix A does not feature a touch screen.

Display characteristics at a glance:

Coolpix A video supported the resolution with 1920 x 1080 pixel.

ACamera is not equipped with an external microphone.

Nikon Coolpix A Video parameters:

Built-in wireless connectivity is not available with the Nikon. You will need appropriate accessories to wirelessly transfer images between camera and smartphone.

Connect the Nikon to a monitor or TV set over HDMI.

The Nikon supports USB 2.0.

Connection parameters:

The camera supports SD HC and SD XC cards.

Memory cards characteristics:

The Nikon Coolpix A works with a EN-EL20 battery. The battery lifetime is an average 230 shots. That’s on the lower side of things for a full day, consider a spare battery for the Coolpix A.

The battery can be charged over USB while in camera. Very useful, especially on vacation when most people bring a USB charger for their smartphone anyway.

The Coolpix A’s battery battery parameters:

The Nikon Coolpix A’s dimensions are 111 x 64.3 x 40.3mm³. (4.4″ x 2.5″ x 1.6″). This includes the lens. The camera’s weight is only 299 grams (9.6 oz.), lens included.

Here is front and top view of the Coolpix A:

To put the size of the camera in context, here it is next to a typical ID card (c. 86mm x 55mm, about the size of a credit card).

The Coolpix A is not much bigger: