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? The camera will start shipping this month at a price of $1099.95.
For more info:
Press release
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