Nikon Announces the Coolpix A, Its First Compact Camera with an APS-C Sensor

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Nikon had quite a surprise for the camera world today, as it announced the new Coolpix A — the company’s first compact camera to sport a massive DX-format sensor.

Inside the camera is a 16.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor that can capture 12- and 14-bit RAW photos at sensitivities ranging from ISO 100 to ISO 25600. It can also capture 1080p Full HD videos.

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On the front is an 18.5mm lens (equivalent to a 28mm on a full frame) with a f/2.8 maximum aperture — great for low light environments and capturing photos with a shallow depth of field. On the top is a i-TTL compatible full-sized hot shoe mount for attaching various accessories, including Nikon Speedlight flashes.

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There’s no optical viewfinder built into the camera, but you’ll be able to purchase an attachable one separately if you’d like for $450.

In addition to speedy autofocus performance, Nikon is also making it a good camera for capturing life’s spontaneous moments by giving it a snappy 4 frame-per-second burst mode.

Although the camera is a Coolpix “point-and-shoot,” it has its fair share of advanced settings and manual modes. There’s a manual focus ring, full manual controls (P/S/A/M), and multiple Scene Modes.

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Here are some sample photographs captured using the camera:

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Given the viewfinder attachment for the Coolpix A costs about the price of a nice compact camera, you can probably already tell that the camera itself doesn’t exactly come cheap. It’ll hit store shelves later this month in both black and silver varieties with a hefty price tag of $1,100.

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