• APS-C 368.2mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • 28.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 4/3 226.2mm2
  • 20.4 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 6400

Buy From

Differences

Nikon Coolpix A advantages over Olympus E-M5 III

  • Less expensive
    $750* vs $1099
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.79 vs 3.36 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/2000 vs 1/250 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Lighter weight
    298g vs 414g
    Lighter weight
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 26 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Olympus E-M5 III advantages over Nikon Coolpix A

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (DCI) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • High resolution composite
    Yes vs No
    Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 310 vs 230 shots
    Capture more photos
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Newer
    4 years vs 11 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • More pixels
    20.4 vs 16.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    30.0 fps vs 4.1 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    30.0 fps vs 4.1 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/32000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • 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
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • 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 Olympus E-M5 III

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.

  • Improved image quality; Very good dynamic range & high ISO performance for a modern MFT sensor; Very fast AF; Excellent image stabilization; 4K video recording; Weather-sealed build quality.

  • Below average battery life; Small size can be awkward with long, heavy lenses; One SD card slot.

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
Olympus E-M5 III
Ricoh GR
  • $950
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $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
Olympus E-M5 III
Ricoh GR II
  • $950
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $538
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Fujifilm X70

Nikon Coolpix A
Fujifilm X70
  • $750
  • APS-C
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • Bigger RAW buffer
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Touchscreen
Olympus E-M5 III
Fujifilm X70
  • $950
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Panasonic G100

Nikon Coolpix A
Panasonic G100
  • $750
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $597
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
Olympus E-M5 III
Panasonic G100
  • $950
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • High resolution composite
  • $597
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Olympus E-M10 IV

Nikon Coolpix A
Olympus E-M10 IV
  • $750
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $666
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Olympus E-M5 III
Olympus E-M10 IV
  • $950
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • High resolution composite
  • $666
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Longer video battery life
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