• APS-C 368.2mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • 28.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 20.2 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 840.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Nikon Coolpix A advantages over Nikon A900

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.79 vs 1.19 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
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Higher-res screen
    307k vs 230k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 8 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 7 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Nikon A900 advantages over Nikon Coolpix A

  • Less expensive
    $397 vs $750
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • More telephoto lens reach
    840 mm vs 28 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • More pixels
    20.2 vs 16.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Wider angle lens
    24 mm vs 28 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    7.0 fps vs 4.1 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • 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
  • 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

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon Coolpix A

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon A900

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 Ricoh GR

Nikon Coolpix A
Ricoh GR
  • $750
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Bigger RAW buffer
  • $799
  • APS-C
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Integrated ND filter
Nikon A900
Ricoh GR
  • $397
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $799
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Ricoh GR II

Nikon Coolpix A
Ricoh GR II
  • $750
  • APS-C
  • Bigger RAW buffer
  • $538
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
Nikon A900
Ricoh GR II
  • $397
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $538
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Panasonic ZS60

Nikon Coolpix A
Panasonic ZS60
  • $750
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $448
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
Nikon A900
Panasonic ZS60
  • $397
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • NFC
  • $448
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Slower slow-motion

Compared to Fujifilm X70

Nikon Coolpix A
Fujifilm X70
  • $750
  • APS-C
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • Bigger RAW buffer
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Touchscreen
Nikon A900
Fujifilm X70
  • $397
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Canon SX730 HS

Nikon Coolpix A
Canon SX730 HS
  • $750
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Nikon A900
Canon SX730 HS
  • $397
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Shoot 4K video
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Manual focus
  • Higher-res screen
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