Nikon Reveals Coolpix A, a DX Compact Camera with 28mm f/2.8 Lens (Updated)

Update (Mar 26, 2013): The Nikon Coolpix A will retail for S$1,549 starting 26 March. Nikon is bundling a complimentary LOWEPRO REZO 50 camera case with every Coolpix A purchased. This promotion is while stocks last.

Nikon has just announced the Coolpix A, a fixed-lens compact camera with a large sensor in the same vein as the Fujifilm X100 and the Sony RX1. The Coolpix A comes with a 16.2MP DX-format CMOS sensor, the same APS-C size of sensor found in its entry-level to mid-range DSLR cameras. The camera's lens is a fixed 18.5mm (28mm equivalent) f/2.8 prime lens. The Coolpix A doesn't come with an optical low-pass filter, which will likely enhance the clarity of its images but with the risk of introducing moire.

In addition to being able to record 14-bit compressed raw images, the Coolpix A can also shoot 1920 x 1080/30p Full-HD video. While the Coolpix A doesn't come with a built-in viewfinder, Nikon will be offering an optional optical viewfinder. The Coolpix A is compatible with some Nikon Speedlights and the Nikon GPS unit (GP-1), as well as the Nikon wireless mobile adapter.

Compared to the Fujifilm X100S and the Sony RX1, the Coolpix A has a slightly wider lens at 28mm compared to 35mm on the other two cameras. Its lens is slightly slower, at f/2.8 compared to the Fujifilm and Sony's f/2 maximum apertures. Sensor size is the same as the Fujifilm X100S, and both cameras do not have an optical low-pass filter, while the Sony RX1 has the larger full-frame image sensor. 

The Coolpix A measures 110 x 64.3 x 40.3mm and weighs about 299g with SD card and battery. That makes it slightly smaller and lighter than the Fujifilm and the Sony.

Local price and availability has not yet been announced but The Verge reports the Coolpix A will be available in black and silver this month in the United States for US$1,099.95.

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