Coolpix A

FA Limited said:
http://www.dpreview.com/previews/nikon-coolpix-a/
16 MP APS-C sensor, 28mm f2.8 equivalent, pocketable size, $1100

don't really see what this has on the X100s at all besides the smaller size
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It's a Nikon, likely with the same excellent Sony sensor that is in their D7100. Raw data from these sensors is much easier to process than raw data from the Fujis, IME.

Looks like a nice camera. Don't need it myself ... between the X2 and the GXR I have this class of compact/APS-C sensor digital covered. ;-)

G
 
so cool. I'm just happy that non-zoom compacts are starting to happen. I just sold my contax t3, and would love to replace it with something like this. maybe the nikon b will have a "35" 2.0
 
Godfrey said:
It's a Nikon, likely with the same excellent Sony sensor that is in their D7100. Raw data from these sensors is much easier to process than raw data from the Fujis, IME.

Looks like a nice camera. Don't need it myself ... between the X2 and the GXR I have this class of compact/APS-C sensor digital covered. ;-)

G
Click to expand...

The D7100 has a 24MP sensor (allegedly the same one in the D3200 and D5200, made by Toshiba).

The 16MP one, though is being phased out, is still excellent enough for our needs.
 
It's a very nice little camera. I can do a write-up on RF-enthusiast relevant features and qualities, but I must say that initial experience is very possitive! While it does look like a high quality Coolpix, luckily GUI is a huge step away from it in definitely the right direction. All important functions have direct access (has always been a pain with coolpix compacts and Nikon 1), and for whatever there's no external control there is a "genious" addition of < i > button that gives access to all important functions on one screen (DSLR users already know this botton as "info" button). Manual focus works through physical switch and the lens ring with sufficient feedback. I don't think I will use MF, but it can be made usable in combination with screen magnification.
JPEGs from the early firmware look good, didn't play with RAW as no proper support in my software yet. Lens distortion is controlled, I don't see it but I'm not a clinical person. It's very sharp, I actually had to check my sharpening setting in the camera to make sure I didn't have it on some extreme.
Well, I'll post some photos later this week and you be the judge, my overal conclussion is that for me this is a very nice camera. I'm pleased both with the ergonomics and ease of use (in this case the coolpix simplicity actually works to the benefit) and with image quality that comes from the DX sensor. Of course I have some minor complaints, but they do not take away from the overal pleasure I have using this camera, Price-tag is a different story, and one must remind himself that MSRP is one thing and final street price is another. Price evaluation and how it fits between other available products is for individuals to decide.



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Great camera, IF, it was priced at $600.

$1100? Forget about it.


Nikon needs to stop smoking whatever they're smoking while pricing their products, Nikon 1 pricing was silly and this camera's price is silly as well. With a few dollars more X100s. Or wait a few months for $600 discount at B&H just like with the Nikon 1 system.
 
Phantomas said:
It's a very nice little camera. I can do a write-up on RF-enthusiast relevant features and qualities, but I must say that initial experience is very possitive!
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thanks for your early report phantomas! how is the AF? it was highlighted in the specs that the phase detection on sensor (like the Nikon 1) is not present in this camera.
 
Archlich said:
The D7100 has a 24MP sensor (allegedly the same one in the D3200 and D5200, made by Toshiba).

The 16MP one, though is being phased out, is still excellent enough for our needs.
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Thanks for the correction. Got my Nikon numbers crossed. :)

I think the 16Mpixel Sony sensor is also the same sensor family as what's in the Pentax K5, Leica X2, NEX 5n and 6, all of which have outstanding sensor performance.

G
 
Phantomas said:
It's a very nice little camera. I can do a write-up on RF-enthusiast relevant features and qualities, but I must say that initial experience is very possitive! While it does look like a high quality Coolpix, luckily GUI is a huge step away from it in definitely the right direction. All important functions have direct access (has always been a pain with coolpix compacts and Nikon 1), and for whatever there's no external control there is a "genious" addition of < i > button that gives access to all important functions on one screen (DSLR users already know this botton as "info" button). Manual focus works through physical switch and the lens ring with sufficient feedback. I don't think I will use MF, but it can be made usable in combination with screen magnification.
JPEGs from the early firmware look good, didn't play with RAW as no proper support in my software yet. Lens distortion is controlled, I don't see it but I'm not a clinical person. It's very sharp, I actually had to check my sharpening setting in the camera to make sure I didn't have it on some extreme.
Well, I'll post some photos later this week and you be the judge, my overal conclussion is that for me this is a very nice camera. I'm pleased both with the ergonomics and ease of use (in this case the coolpix simplicity actually works to the benefit) and with image quality that comes from the DX sensor. Of course I have some minor complaints, but they do not take away from the overal pleasure I have using this camera, Price-tag is a different story, and one must remind himself that MSRP is one thing and final street price is another. Price evaluation and how it fits between other available products is for individuals to decide.



item.JPG
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I like it in that champagne color! Looks positively 90s (in a good way)
 
It sounds like this has the same sensor as my D7000, but probably with newer a|d conversion algorithms for even better low light/high iso use? Even if it is the same it would be nice. Paired with a Cosina 28/35 Brightline Mini-Finder (if I could find one), this would be a very welcome backup/every day 'off duty' camera to carry I think. Yes, $1100 is a bit steep, but if it is fully capable of professional work, probably justifiable and it likely won't be long at all before there is a Nikon Instant Savings applied to that bringing the price down to something the market will accept.
 
I am somewhat surprised Nikon did not go full retro (28ti) with dials and all, but most likely to keep costs down. Am also very interested in hearing AF speed since no phase-detection employed (why are Nikon no capitalizing on their lead from the V1?). And why does the lens go in/out - risk of sucking dust in? At this price (which I cannot afford at the moment) it seems too close to the X100s. Compared with an SB-400 it is a tasty combo though.

It will be interesting to follow in the near future.
Xpanded
 
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