• APS-C 368.2mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • 28.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 720.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Nikon Coolpix A advantages over Canon SX510 HS

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.79 vs 1.54 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Larger lens aperture
    f/2.8 vs f/3.4
    Take photos in low-light or isolate your subject
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Thinner
    40 mm vs 80 mm
    Thinner
  • Higher-res screen
    307k vs 154k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • More pixels
    16.2 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 15 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Canon SX510 HS advantages over Nikon Coolpix A

  • Less expensive
    $250 vs $1100 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • More telephoto lens reach
    720 mm vs 28 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Wider angle lens
    24 mm vs 28 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.5 fps vs 4.1 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Review Excerpt

  • Solid alloy body with true twin-dial design; Smaller, lighter, and cheaper than most direct competitors; Excellent image quality, even when compared to interchangeable-lens cameras; Numerous accessories expand upon its capabilities.

  • Fixed prime lens is not for everybody; Ergonomics could be better; Performance is spotty; Built-in flash is rather weak; Battery life is quite modest.

The Competition

Compared to Olympus SP-610UZ

Nikon Coolpix A
Olympus SP-610UZ
  • $1097
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Canon SX510 HS
Olympus SP-610UZ
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • More pixels

Compared to Leica X2

Nikon Coolpix A
Leica X2
  • $1097
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Shoots 24p video
  • $1499
  • APS-C
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Longer stills battery life
Canon SX510 HS
Leica X2
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $1499
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Canon SX400 IS

Nikon Coolpix A
Canon SX400 IS
  • $1097
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $149
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Canon SX510 HS
Canon SX400 IS
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $149
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More pixels

Compared to Leica X-E (Typ 102)

Nikon Coolpix A
Leica X-E (Typ 102)
  • $1097
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Shoots 24p video
  • $1534
  • APS-C
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
Canon SX510 HS
Leica X-E (Typ 102)
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $1534
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Fujifilm X70

Nikon Coolpix A
Fujifilm X70
  • $1097
  • APS-C
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • Bigger RAW buffer
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Touchscreen
Canon SX510 HS
Fujifilm X70
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
Compare Other Cameras?