What you may have missed about the new Nikon Coolpix A compact camera:
- the Coolpix A is compatible with the optional WU-1a wireless mobile adapter (see demo)
- the camera does’t not have an optical low-pass filter
- the new Coolpix supports 14-bit compressed NEF (RAW) images
- it seems that only the top plate is made from magnesium alloy
- Nikon markets the Coolpix A as the smallest compact camera with a DX sized sensor
- the 18.5mm f/2.8 lens has a manual focus ring
Accessories
The main accessories listed for the Coolpix A model are:
- DF-CP1 optical viewfinder
- UR-E24 adapter ring for attaching lens hoods and filters
- HN-CP18 metal lens hood
The Nikon DF-CP1 optical viewfinder is priced at $449.96, the adapter ring and lens hood will be sold together as a set for $129.96. After adding the listed $1,096.95 price of the camera, the entire Coolpix A set comes to $1,676.87! I am not sure what Nikon is thinking, but I believe the Coolpix A will join the instant rebates program very soon.
Here is the complete charts of compatible accessories:
MTF Charts
MTF charts at f/2.8 and f/5.6:
Sample Images
Sample images from the new Coolpix A can be found on Nikon Imaging, Nikon Japan websites and on flickr:
Videos
Hands-on with the Nikon Coolpix A at Focus on Imaging:
Nikon Coolpix A quick menu walkthrough video:
Nikon Coolpix A AF test:
Quotes
What others are saying:
“How do you get an APS-C senor into a point-and-shoot camera? You compromise on the lens […] At $1100, it’s a tad more expensive than what you imagine an audience of enthusiasts will be willing to pay.” –Gizmodo
“There’s a handful of DSLR-like features, such as a full-size hot shoe with i-TTL compatibility, a dedicated mode dial, an adapter ring that accepts a lens hood or 46mm filters, and WU-1a WiFi module compatibility. There’s no optical viewfinder in the box, but no matter — you can add one on for a mere $450.” –Engadget
“Though we liked the build quality, we felt the camera’s front grip could have been bigger for a more secure hold. The camera’s On/Off lever–which some mistook to as a zoom lever–could be easily toggled and fared no worse than a conventional power button.” –Cnet
“What we do know about the sensor is that there’s no optical low-pass filter, so the usual softening caused by anti-aliasing is avoided and, therefore, shots should be sharper.” –Pocket-Lint
“Our biggest concern, though, is one of specifications. While we’re sure there are people who will be happy with a fixed 28mm equivalent lens, we’re not sure how many of those will be happy to pay $1100/£1000 for a camera with a relatively modest F2.8 maximum aperture.” –Dpreview
