• APS-C 368.2mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • 28.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • APS-C 357.3mm2
  • 20.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 16,000

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Differences

Nikon Coolpix A advantages over Sony QX1

  • Rear display
    Yes vs No
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Thinner
    40 mm vs 52 mm
    Thinner
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/2000 vs 1/160 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    4.1 fps vs 3.5 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 15 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 16000 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Sony QX1 advantages over Nikon Coolpix A

  • Less expensive
    $498 vs $750
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 440 vs 230 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Lighter weight
    216g vs 298g
    Lighter weight
  • More pixels
    20.1 vs 16.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • 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.

Common Weaknesses

  • 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
  • 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
  • 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

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon Coolpix A

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
Sony QX1
Ricoh GR
  • $498
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $799
  • APS-C
  • Rear display
  • Integrated ND filter

Compared to Samsung NX2000

Nikon Coolpix A
Samsung NX2000
  • $750
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • More dynamic range
  • $680
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Touchscreen
Sony QX1
Samsung NX2000
  • $498
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $680
  • APS-C
  • Rear display
  • Touchscreen

Compared to Samsung NX3300

Nikon Coolpix A
Samsung NX3300
  • $750
  • APS-C
  • Internal flash
  • Higher max flash sync
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
Sony QX1
Samsung NX3300
  • $498
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Lens selection
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Rear display
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Ricoh GR II

Nikon Coolpix A
Ricoh GR II
  • $750
  • APS-C
  • Bigger RAW buffer
  • $538
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
Sony QX1
Ricoh GR II
  • $498
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $538
  • APS-C
  • Rear display
  • Integrated ND filter

Compared to Fujifilm X70

Nikon Coolpix A
Fujifilm X70
  • $750
  • APS-C
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • Bigger RAW buffer
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Touchscreen
Sony QX1
Fujifilm X70
  • $498
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Rear display
  • Touchscreen
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