Nikon Coolpix A vs. Canon G1X: which is better?

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

Conclusion? There's no clear-cut winner anywhere as there's very few categories where the cameras are equal, which can make a real pickle for any would-be buyer. Expect some advice to be forthcoming.

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

Like this?
Hit the 'subscribe' button for automatic email updates when I write something new!

Why not check out my other columns?
National Space News Examiner
National Photography Examiner
Cleveland Astronomy Examiner

Want even more? Check out my personal website:
Bodzash Photography & Astronomy

Advertisement

, Cleveland Photography Examiner

Dennis is a self taught photographer who seeks to pass along tips on photography itself and help photographers save money. He is also deeply involved in amateur astronomy and astrophotography. Contact him here.

Today's top buzz...