Hmm. Looks like no one here is interested in this little camera (understandably)
So I just picked up one from local shop as a companion to D7100. I was considering GRD, X20, X100x, RX100, finally decided to try Coolpix A.
Just handled few mins. I am already impressed by handling and build quality. Very sturdy, Verry compact, I still unable to belive it has DX sensor inside so could be really good tool for street.
My major reservation against it (other than the price) is that I doubt it would offer much over my RX100. For most part the faster lens in RX100 would offset the sensor size difference. I might actually do a "side-by-side" comparison by pairing my D7000 with a f2.8 lens to "simulate" the Coolpix A and then see how that compares against the RX100.
My first observations comments after 20 min of handling. Battery is still charging to take it out for real fun
Size: Its really VERY compact much smaller than online pictures perceive it to be and I still can not beleive it has same sensor as in giant D7000. It is much much smaller than Fuji X100/X10 and just slightly larger than RX100. I found little larger size a good thing as it improves holding and handling a lot still keeping it pocket-able.
Build: Very sturdy (for compact) yet light similar to V1. I personally finding it better than Fujis and slightly better or equal to RX100. Fujis while build is good I found both X100 and X10 (did not try newer iterations) give kind of hollow feel. That's not the case with Coolpix A
Handling: I hndled it just for 20-30 mins as battery is now charging. But to me first impressions are good. All advanced function I need Exp Comp, ISO, Aperture etc are available through direct buttons. Will write more about it as I take it out for real shooting
Menu: No surprise similar to DX, felt straight away at home as soon as I clicked Menu
I just got one on loan and shot with it a little bit this morning. The images are what one would expect out of a half chip SLR with a great sensor and a very good lens. It's well built and the only potential area of weakness I could imagine is what all point and shoots have: the automated lens cap and extending lens. The ergonomics are simple and useful, and the functionality is what one would expect out of the best point and shoot. There is a thin bar of settings displayed over the top of the image area on the live view, so I have to figure out how to shut that off, and perhaps turn on a grid instead.
I'm interested in it but it is a bit pricey. I bought a D600 for travel but now I plan to sell the D600 for something smaller with a good sensor and a more flexable field of view.
I picked up his camera along with the D600. I cannot believe the image quality out of the compact a. I highly recommend this camera. I do not feel like I always need my SLR to now receive SLR quality photographs.
Check out the review on DxO. Only PS to best it is the Sony RX1 at 300% higher price.
Picked this up after shooting with an RX1 and an X100s, and I gotta say, I'm really liking this camera! Here's one of my new puppy from this afternoon:
