Nikon has just announced its first large sensor compact: the Nikon Coolpix A, which boasts a dSLR-sized DX (APS-C) sensor, the same as in used in most dSLRs. Or Nikon, it has now entered direct competition with its biggest rival, Canon, which announced a large-sensor point and shoot last year: the G1X. Obviously, the question arises: which is better.
Well, lets have a look.
Body:
D7000 :plastic
D7100: plastic
All square here
Sensor size:
Coolpix A: 18 x 24mm
G1X: 14 x 19mm
Bigger is better
Optics:
Coolpix A: fixed
G1X: zoom
No contest here
ISO:
Coolpix A: 100-25,600
G1X: 100-12,800
Advantage: Nikon
Viewfinder:
Coolpix A: LCD
G1X: LCD, optical
Two viewfinders are better than one
Shutter speed:
Coolpix A: 1/2000th to 30 sec.
G1X: 1/4000th to 60 sec.
Canon has a 1-stop advantage on both ends
LCD:
Coolpix A: 921k dot, fixed
G1X: 920k dot, articulating
G1X: “Hey, look what I can do!”
Built-in flash:
Coolpix A: yes, 11.5m range
G1X: yes, 7m range
Nikon is better here
Continuous drive:
Coolpix A: 4 fps
G1X: 2fps
Nikon is double the fun
Exposure Compensation:
Coolpix A: +/- 5 stops
G1X: +/- 3 stops
Nikon wins here
Video:
Coolpix A: 1080p at 30 fps
G1X: 1080p at 24fps
Coolpix wins, but will anyone notice?
Wi-Fi Connectivity
Coolpix A: yes
G1X: no
Nikon wins
GPS:
Coolpix A: optional
G1X: none
Nikon wins here
Storage:
Coolpix A: single SD
G1X: single SD
Tied up again
Dimensions:
Coolpix A: 4.3 x 2.5 x 1.6”
G1X: 4.6 x 3.2 x 2.6”
The Nikon is decidedly smaller
Weight with battery:
Coolpix A: 299g
G1X: 534g
The Nikon is almost half on the bulk
So, which to buy?
The good news that, while there's a lot of differences in the cameras' capabilities, there's one major make or break difference in specifications: the G1X zooms while the Coolpix A doesn't? Now, time for a question: do I need zooming or not? If you need the zoom, go for the G1X as it is a far more versatile camera thanks to its flexible optical capabilities. Don't need the zoom? Well, then buy the Coolpix A as its smaller, faster, and generally has more bells and whistles than the Canon.
That's that, answer that question and make your purchase.
Looking to buy a Coolpix A in the Cleveland area? Well, there's Cleveland-based Dodd Camera, with its downtown superstore. In addition, there are many smaller Cleveland metro area chain stores in the Cuyahoga County area, too. Dodd is an authorized Nikon dealer. The camera will start shipping this month at a price of $1099.95.
For more info:
Press release
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