Nikon Coolpix A becomes the world’s first DX-format compact camera

Nikon has announced the Coolpix A, the company’s first compact camera with a DX-format CMOS sensor, which will become available later this month.

Nikon has been rumored for a long time that it would reveal a compact camera with a DX-sized sensor. The rumors are true, courtesy of the Coolpix A, which features a 16.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS image sensor, as the one found in the D7000.

Nikon Coolpix A features a 16.2-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor.

Nikon Coolpix A: the first compact camera with a DX-format CMOS sensor

The company claims that the newly-announced Coolpix A camera will capture photos at the quality of DSLR cameras. The 16.2-megapixel DX sensor does not feature an optical low-pass filter, continuing the Japanese manufacturer’s trend of overlooking anti-aliasing filters in its cameras.

The Nikon Coolpix A features a fixed focal length, wide-angle 18.5mm lens, with an aperture of f/2.8 and which offers a 35mm equivalent of 28mm. The Nikkor lens will ensure that photographers will capture high-quality images with accurate color reproduction and rich tone expression, says the press release.

Nikon Coolpix A’s rear is dominated by a big 3-inch LCD screen.

Plenty of features in a small body

Despite the fact that it employs a DX-sized sensor, the camera retains its compact traits as it measures 4.37 x 2.52 x 1.57-inch and weighs 10.55 ounces.

The digital camera features a seven-blade diaphragm, meaning that blur effects will look more natural and more beautiful, added Nikon. Additionally, the Coolpix A can capture 14-bit compressed RAW images and full HD movies at 30 frames per second.

It also features an ISO range between 100 and 6,400 (maximum of 25,600 with digital boost), 3-inch 921k-dot LCD monitor, shutter speed range between 1/2000 and 30 seconds, 3.94-inch macro focus range, 4fps in high-speed burst mode, built-in flash, and a self-timer.

Nikon Coolpix A does not feature a viewfinder, but users can purchase a separate optical viewfinder

DSLR-like traits prevented Nikon from making the Coolpix A a fully-featured compact shooter

Unfortunately, the Nikon Coolpix A does not feature an image stabilization technology, a viewfinder, or digital zoom. However, users can choose an optional optical viewfinder as well as optional GPS.

The company’s first compact shooter with a DX-format sensor is made out of durable magnesium alloy and a leather material on the grip, both making sure that the Coolpix A feels sturdy in hand.

Nikon’s EXPEED 2 is the image processor, which will deliver improved rendering, also thanks to the removal of the low-pass filter. The DX-format compact shooter also offers a slew of photo-editing effects, such as Color Sketch, Miniature, and Selective Color.

Nikon Coolpix A packs a fixed-focal length, wide-angle 18.5mm lens which offers a 35mm equivalent of 28mm.

Pricing and availability

The camera is equipped with a stereo microphone, mono speaker, EN-EL20 Li-Ion battery, and support for WiFi connectivity via the Wireless Mobile Adapter WU-1a.

It will become available in Black or Silver colors, while all accessories are optional and are going to add an incentive to the final pricing.

The Nikon Coolpix A release date is scheduled for March 21. The camera is available for pre-order now for a price of around $1,100, depending on retailer and market.