Are you in the market for a premium large sensor compact camera but find the prices of popular models like the Fuji X70 or the Ricoh GR a bit steep? Then perhaps the Nikon Coolpix A is worth a closer look.
Released in 2013, the Nikon Coolpix A boasts a premium build with an all-metal, stealthy finish that feels very solid. Despite being a bit larger than the Ricoh and not as comfortable, the camera sits snugly in the hand, and the thumb rest has a very grippy and secure material. Additionally, the on/off switch, shutter release, and command dial are all well-placed and easy to operate.
One of the most significant advantages of the Nikon Coolpix A is its price, which ranges from $60 to around $200, depending on where you buy it and how lucky you get. Many of its original owners were Nikon DSLR shooters who forgot about it, thinking it was too old to be worth any money. However, the camera has held up well and is an affordable alternative to the more expensive options.
Moreover, the Nikon Coolpix A has a standard Nikon layout with buttons on both sides of the screen, making it easier for Nikon DSLR shooters to feel at home. Nevertheless, the camera’s manual focus operates much better than the Ricoh GR, though it lacks snap focus. Unfortunately, the manual focus motor on the Fuji X70 is pretty awful, and it doesn’t stay at the distance; instead, it reverts to infinity when turned off. Nonetheless, the autofocus on the Nikon Coolpix A is not bad at all and is on par with the X70.
While the Nikon Coolpix A doesn’t have a tilt screen, it has a little green light in the corner that is useful when shooting very low angles. Additionally, the camera comes with a built-in flash, which makes it a lot of fun and handy, especially when compared to the Ricoh GR3.
Another advantage of the Nikon Coolpix A is its surprisingly good battery life, which keeps on going despite its age. The camera also has Nikon’s signature colors, pushable raw files, and a very sharp 18-millimeter lens in front of its 16-megapixel sensor, resulting in very nice-looking images that are fun to play around with in Lightroom.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for an affordable alternative to more expensive options, the Nikon Coolpix A is worth considering. At a good price, it’s an excellent alternative to the Ricoh GR2, the Fuji X70, or the Xf10.