Nikon Coolpix A Hands-On Preview

The Nikon Coolpix A is a new compact camera from Nikon with the 16.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor from the Nikon D7000, a Nikkor 18.5mm f/2.8 lens that is equivalent to 28mm in 35mm film terms, as well as full manual controls, RAW shooting and full HD video. The Nikon Coolpix A is due to be released on the 21st of March, priced at £999.

Camera In Your Pocket

According to Nikon, the Nikon Coolpix A is the world's smallest camera to feature an APS-C sensor, being smaller than the Leica X2. The design of the camera is very stylish, and will be available in black or silver, with a metal body and it fits very nicely into pockets. 

Key Features

• 16.2 megapixel DX APS-C CMOS (23.6x15.6mm) sensor
• No Optical Low Pass Filter
• 18.5mm f/2.8 lens equivalent to 28mm in 35mm film terms
• 3inch 921k dot screen
• ISO100 to ISO25600 when extended
• Full HD 1080p, 30/25/24fps, built in stereo mic
• 4fps continuous shooting
• 2 function buttons
• AF/Macro/MF focus switch on the side
• Manual focus ring, and manual override in AF mode
• 14-bit RAW (NEF) recording
• P/S/A/M with 2 User modes
• Made in Japan

With a 16 megapixel DX APS-C sized CMOS sensor, from the Nikon D7000, image quality should be very good, with excellent low light performance and the camera features an AF-assst light. Nikon has also removed the optical lowpass filter (OPLF), so detail and sharpness should be good as well. We were impressed by the results we saw from the camera. The camera is powered by a 1020mAh 7.2V lithium-ion battery.  

Anyone familiar with the Nikon Digital SLR menu system will be glad to see the same menus on the Nikon Coolpix A - which you can see in action on our YouTube channel. The camera also features the new <i> button to give quick access to options on the rear screen, and a number of buttons run along the left side of the monitor to provide quick access to ISO and exposure compensation.



Focus appears to be quick, although we will be able to perform our full speed tests when we have the camera in for review. The side switch lets you choose between manual focus, or autofocus, and in manual focus mode you can use the lens ring to focus smoothly. You can manually select the focus area, right to the edges as well as the very far corners. The manual focus ring is speed sensitive, and there is also a removable ring to allow adapters to be screwed on. Macro performance also appeared to be good for a fixed focal length lens, which is the equivalent of 28mm in 35mm terms, and barrel distortion appears to be very negligible.

Optional accessories are available including an optical viewfinder (DF-CP1), and it is compatible with Nikon's DSLR accessories as well. An optional UR-E14 adaptor ring enables the use of 46mm lens filters, or there is an optional lens hood (HN-CP18). The Nikon Coolpix A is compatible with the WU-1a Wi-Fi dongle, as well as the optional GPS unit (GPS-1).

Nikon Coolpix A Hands-On Photos of Equipment

Nikon Coolpix A Specifications

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