• APS-C 368.2mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • 28.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Nikon Coolpix A advantages over Panasonic GM1

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.79 vs 3.77 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Higher effective ISO
    1,164 vs 660 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • More dynamic range
    13.8 vs 11.7 evs
    Retain detail in highlight and shadows
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/2000 vs 1/50 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 10 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    17 vs 7 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)

Panasonic GM1 advantages over Nikon Coolpix A

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Less expensive
    $750 vs $1100 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Fast startup
    ~0.90 vs 1.9 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Thinner
    30 mm vs 40 mm
    Thinner
  • Less shutter lag
    0.19 vs 0.58 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    9.9 fps vs 4.1 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    10.3 fps vs 4.1 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 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
  • 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
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • 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
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • 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.

  • Large Four Thirds sensor is impressive for a camera this small; Shares sensor and processor of GX7; Excellent image quality with class-leading high ISO performance; Responsive all-around performer; AF system is fast and accurate; Easy to use and responsive touchscreen; Built-in Wi-Fi with remote control and sharing features; Lightweight and pocketable design makes it easy to carry everywhere.

  • Can be awkward to use with larger lenses; Rear dial is easy to accidentally press; Lacks a hot-shoe for EVF or external flash; Weak built-in flash; 1/50s flash sync; No 1080p60 video; No external headphone jack or mic input.

The Competition

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
Panasonic GM1
Leica X2
  • $479
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $1499
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Panasonic GM5

Nikon Coolpix A
Panasonic GM5
  • $1097
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $898
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
Panasonic GM1
Panasonic GM5
  • $479
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Internal flash
  • $898
  • 4/3
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-camera panoramas

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
Panasonic GM1
Leica X-E (Typ 102)
  • $479
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $1534
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Panasonic GF7

Nikon Coolpix A
Panasonic GF7
  • $1097
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $590
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
Panasonic GM1
Panasonic GF7
  • $479
  • 4/3
  • $590
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Fujifilm X70

Nikon Coolpix A
Fujifilm X70
  • $1097
  • APS-C
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • Bigger RAW buffer
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Touchscreen
Panasonic GM1
Fujifilm X70
  • $479
  • 4/3
  • Thinner
  • Longer exposure
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
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