Just posted: Nikon Coolpix A real-world samples gallery

why did you not post some high ISO shout... 800 and 1600 ISO...?

I bought this camera three days ago, and I've used it a lot already. As a D700 user I can totally jump straight into using it, with the controls being very similar. The ergonomics and feel of this camera is close to perfect, with the smallish size adding to the total package: I've tried a lot of compacts in this range lately, but the build quality, the wide focal length and its files just does it. It costs quite a bit, but after handling it in the store, even taking some days to think about it, I just knew it! I might seen euforic about it, and it is almost that good. Gone is the feeling "Nice pic, if I only shot it with my D700 and 24 pc-e" (which was left at home, anyway). At least, go pick it up and just feel it. I personally guarrantee that you'll forget both the price and that this is actually a compact camera. And no, I'm not paid to say this, I just wanted to share my enthusiasm :)

Do these cameras come with a free slap in the face?
Because that's exactly how I'd feel after spending $1500 for one.

Here are raw files from Nikon Coolpix A and a original not processed video.
http://fil.io/FL5k7/Nikon%20Coolpix%20A
I'm very impressed with the shot at ISO 25600

I have played with the camera at my local shop and, to be honest, I liked how it felt in the hand. I've been waiting for a "replacement" to the Ricoh GRD series (yes there's talk of a GRD V with an APSC sensor but I've seen no proof nor any firm confirmation from Pentax/Ricoh). I honestly thought Nikon was dumb for bringing this camera out - I've since changed my mind.

This camera has a lot going for it - not just great IQ as many have stated - the ergonomics (which is what led me to the GRD series in the first place) are ALMOST as good as Ricoh - I would say that the Coolpix A is second only to the GRD in terms of ergonomics. The sensor is ridiculously good and so is the lens on the A - yes it costs more but compare it to the Sigma DP Merills. This camera fits into my pocket has better IQ than my Samsung smartphone and I would enjoy using it. Those are 3 winning reasons right there to look at this seriously.

The lack of negative comments here speaks volumes about the IQ presented in these samples and the images that Richard made with the new Coolpix A. Congratulations DPR and thanks for the new samples. Great job.

FYI- mikekobal who loves the X sensor posted a mini comparison A versus X100s, he said the A sensor lens combination was the sharpest APS-C sensor lens combination he had ever seen. He also said the A lens was better than the Fujii. I would add someone elses OVF and the A would still be a lot smaller package' plus the APS-C sensor blows away m4/3s and smaller sensors. The A is not a camera 4 me, I would probably choose X-E1 but I am sure it will fill many peoples needs.

I love my G1 X.

I just tested the A and am blown away by the image quality, not too concerned about f2.8, af speed however, is, well, last generation, I expected it to be a little faster, but most impressed by how tiny this camera really is and image quality, now when is the $300 rebate coming?? :)

Very good images, not to say fantastic.

Even though these are quick-n-dirty samples in appearance (not a ton of variety), they do a fair job of showcasing the lens at different apertures. It's pretty freaking sharp @f/5.6 across the board. Impressive stuff.

this may be the reason for the price of Coolpix A

"..The Coolpix A has a lens with 7 elements arranged in 5 groups, with one of those being an aspherical element. Nikon promises 'professional quality' in terms of sharpness and corner consistency. Mounting a wide-angle lens so close to the sensor poses a problem, one that Nikon says they've overcome in two ways, first by applying an anti-reflective coating to the sensor. Then they designed the microlenses to cope with the sharp angles from which light will approach the sensor."

The images look fantastic. The price is too high. This is a camera to buy used in a year or two or three.

Am I the only one to find Bokeh a little disturbing and not very tidy?
OTOH it looks like the dynamic range is good, actually more than good.

Just another "me too" camera.

Wow, I just saw for the first time what they charge- almost 1.000€.
You can get a 5200 with 2 lenses for the same money. I know it's a premium compact but how on earth are these prices calculated? The sensor can't be the reason, the electronics or body neither. Remains the lens, but I doubt it's more expensive to make than a 18-55 kit lens. I guess they just want to make 5x the profit they make with a equally priced DSLR.

I'd buy a Coolpix B if it had a 24mm f/2 lens. The rest could be left unchanged.

Purchased my "A" this week, and getting to grips with it. The IQ is awesome. Files are very crisp, ultra detailed (certainly as good and maybe better than Nex 7 + best glass, even if 16 MP vs 24 MP).

It IS trouser/jacket pocketable (was wearing jeans yesterday and comfortably played bowling with camera in jean pocket). It is substantially thinner than a J1+10mm. It is also lighter , and does not make your jacket hang lopsided. Am using my old Ricoh GV2 VF (small and light as well).

In other words awesome IQ that you can always carry with you.

I had hesitated with X100s, but after borrowing one for 30 mins during a Fuji demo, I was really underwhelmed by the IQ at f2. Kind of defeated the 1 stop advantage. At the end, I decided that X100s was more style than function (for me) and not worth the extra bulk.

Anyway, 28mm eq makes the A very versatile (cityscapes, indoors, parties/groups). It is snappy in operation and excellent in low light. Close focus is fine. Very well built.

As nice as this camera is, an apsc sensor in a subcompact is overkill. It'll appeal to a select group of cu$tomer$.

For me and most people, the excellent 1 inch 10megapixel sensor from the J1 and V1 in a subcompact body at a reasonable price will be appealing.

(of course there's the rx100 but doesn't mean that Sony has to be the only one in that market segment.)

Fence image (DSC_0127) shows that there is pretty much DOF. More than I would like to see. I credit this to the APS-C sensor and f2.8 aperture.
Most of the sample images could be taken with any P&S as well. If this camera style is what I like I would rather buy a V1. Dirt cheap and gives me the same shooting experience.

Good IQ, but no high ISO and no micro shots....

Not bad all. I can imagine to have this camera in my pocket. When price will be 700$.

Again... No challenging low light conditions, that a larger sensor is supposed to cope with better. I'd think it's the one type of shot you would post, that potential buyers would be interested in seeing, instead a bright daylight post card scenes that virtually any modern camera is able to capture. And, again... no "macro".

Wonder why...