Find a used Nikon Coolpix A or other premium compact camera at MPB. And if you do, you also help support this channel by using the links below: MPB US, prf.hn/l/aWYE4wX MPB UK, prf.hn/l/2M3nn4j MPB EU, prf.hn/l/EJAjb9e
Hi! I'm the guy who bought one for 60€ 🤣🤣 ohh man I can talk for hours about this beautiful machine. I use mine in dance floor at weddings, it's my travel companion, is my family camera, I use it for every single job I do professionally or not. Need to buy another one as mine is currently falling apart! Mathias, once again congrats on your awesome videos!
This was my first "high end" digital camera when it came out. It is the only Nikon I ever owned and it was a Christmas gift from a friend. I had a lot of fun with it. Disney World with my kid, Lake Geneva, Lake Michigan, Niagara Falls, and some golden hour and night urban landscapes at night in Chicago and Joliet. I gave it to a friend who had just become a parent in 2016.
I had never heard of this camera before now. I noticed on your instagram that you had been shooting with a "Coolpix" of some sort, but I assumed it was a point and shoot with one of those tiny, microscopic sensors. Didn't realize Nikon made a Coolpix with an APS-C sensor!
yes the sensor is tha same sensor in D7000 16mp ( Nikon made snensor not sony) ( if been hard core nikon shoter before switch to fuji and Nikon Coolpix A is a stuning little camera)
Two notes on price and AF based on a couple of comments and a few people contacting me: Regarding AF, it’s pretty much on par or faster than the Ricohs and Fujis within the segment. When scratching the surface of the loudest complaints it’s usually the same story and perfectly illustrates how important marketing is for a camera to succeed. They simply expected a small camera that would match their DSLR in every single way. Because that is what rumors and magazines said prior to the release (they didn’t know any better). And many of the early reviews when read today are pretty obviously made by DSLR shooters with little to no experience of street shooters like the Ricohs. While the Ricoh instead where hyped and reviewed by people already using the film versions so they had more balanced expectations and know how to zone focus, pre focus and/or think ahead. And about price, there still are plenty of cheap cameras to go around. But expecting to find the best deal at the top of a quick eBay search is a fantasy. You need to do some leg work and negotiate the price. And don’t get me started on Amazon.. in my experience they have never been particularly cheap compared to classifieds, small store sales or forum market places.
I noticed my tongue in cheek comment regarding price and the "Burling" effect got some people going. 😉 I think the hunting down of the odd yesteryear bargain on Ebay etc is as much fun as getting great shots out that very same item. I just picked up an absolutely mint condition Canon S120 for £66 including shipping,, which I thought was great for the spec. I've been having great fun, and it's my every day carry around now. Many thanks for getting me back to shooting basic / minimal gear, and putting the fun back into photography..... Next up is a bit of second hand Fuji X and adapted lens (my old analogue M42 and Pk mount lenses) fun. I have a Fuji XM1 and adaptor coming my way for less than £110 .... Keep up the great work.
"You need to do some leg work and negotiate the price. " This! Right here! I have never bought a new camera. They have always been used or open box. I had always wanted to own a Leica, and when I saw your vid about the X-1, I had my target. I spent months looking. Lost a few bids. Then I found a guy who I spoke with. Got my X1 with 3 batteries and a Voigtländer viewfinder for about $400. I had a pleasant conversation with the owner and we struck a deal. He was thinning the herd by his wife's request and felt the X1 was about to go to a good home so he worked with me on price. I got my Canon 5D Mk II with LOW shutter count for about $300a few years back. Patience and diligence.
Been a happy Coolpix A owner for 5 or so years now. Great image quality, just don't ever try to shoot video with it. A note about the position of the AF confirm light right next to the hotshoe. This should mean you can use an external OVF in the shoe, and still see confirmation of focus. I used to do the same thing with my original DP2 all the time.
I have bought this little gem of camera. When i compared it to my Sony a7 III with 24mm gm - basically the Coolpix A have a sharper lens! Amazing camera and good colors!
I LOVE LOVE love my Coolpix A. I have made 13x19 prints with images taken with this camera (because 13x19 was the limit on that printer) without any issue. The RAW files are amazing and I can push and pull all over. Right now I have a custom profile in there for black and white jpegs that I am happy with for the most part. The lens is super sharp and the pop up flash does add a nice pop to a lot of images. Because it is so small it goes with me most of the time and most of my work for the past seven years has been done with this guy because it can go with me everywhere. The back grip has pealed off and the hinge that holds the battery door closed has broken off and I can't find a replacement (gaffers take helps me here). If I could only keep one camera it might be this one. Yes it is not as "good" as my other cameras but this one has recorded so many memories and made great photos for me that it has earned it's place in my lineup of cameras. Most of my other cameras can be replaced.
I purchased one in 2016 when Amazon had them on discount for £210. Originally selling for £999 and did not sell very well. Mine is not used very often but the monochrome images are great. Recently I took it out with a tripod and again I was amazed with the quality. As it happens I also have the Fuji XF10 which just is also great. Which is better? The XF10 has stabilised lens and excellent Fuji colours, but as pointed out in your video the colours of the Nikon are first class. If either company had issued a 45mm full frame equivalent I probably would never need to buy another camera again. Speaking of old cameras I was looking at some files of my Nikon D80 DSLR and if you keep the ISO low you can get some beautiful CCD cinematic images from it. Sadly I sold mine but they are very cheap on the used market. Keep up your great work and your super videos. It’s lovely to enjoy a real camera enthusiast looking at forgotten gems. I try to think of my camera as a paint brush ie. Nikon D750 fine art, Canon 250D as a cheap all rounder, Sony A6000 holidays, Sigma DP2/3 oil paintings and finally Nikon D3500 for a poor man’s Leica. My Fuji and Nikon Coolpix A as pocket rocket note pads!!!!!!
Very interesting. I believe you are the only one on the Tube that does reviews like this. The most important thing you said was that the competition hasn't really gone that far. This is sadly true. More megapixels, frame rates, video rates, codecs, but not much else that is important to photographers. Ergonomics, nothing. Ease of use, going backwards quickly. Value, prices were going up and still are amongst those camera manufacturers that are still living under a rock and there are a couple. Hope you are doing well and staying safe.
I have the silver version and love it. I managed to snag a new one at less than half price when they didn’t sell well. The controls are intuitive and IQ is phenomenal. The raw files need almost no work for color. I just wish it slipped into a pocket as easily as the Ricoh
I've owned one of these, along with a dozen other cameras, since the year after it came out. Its initial reception was terrible because the asking price was absurd. Once they dropped it to 60% of the original figure, I bought one. I've had no regrets. It's astonishing how much power this camera can generate, and I don't mean that its batteries last a long time (although they do).
I love mine..It is one of the few cameras I would not part with..It's made probably 8 out of 10 of my major images in the last two years. .It practically lives in my pants pocket...which it actually fits...and the image quality is just awesome. Not continuing this camera was one of Nikon's biggest blunders.
Mattias, I watch your videos everyday. I feel like I’m a lot like you. I love all the diff types of gear, and it’s all about the experience in photography. Keep up the great work! Best regards from Idaho USA.
I was about to sell my immaculate hardly used silver Coolpix A on ebay and came on youtube to see what they're worth. Thanks to you Im going to keep it now.
Super underrated camera I think, the lens on the Coolpix A is super sharp. I hope Nikon considers releasing a successor, or maybe a full frame version.
Thank you for the post. I own one and bought new when the local store was clearing them out 5 years ago. I have bought and sold many cameras since but this is here to stay. I love the portability and leaf shutter. Nikon's image quality is second to none.
Awesome video as usual. If I didn't want to spend 800$ on the grIII, but had the money to buy a grII, would you recommend the grII over the Coolpix? Thanks!
Bought one over the weekend..paid more than suggested by Mattias, but having received it today I’m not bothered...it’s a delight...feels good in the hand...lovely controls and menu system.....and then of course it produces lovely photos...happiness
Thanks for this vid, I just pulled the trigger on one of these after watching GR prices go up too high over the years. I love it, and I'm actually glad to have something that isn't a GR. It feels nice and solid, shoots great photos, and has plenty of quirks that I want in a camera. Awesome little box that reminds me of shooting on old 35mm rangefinders. I set one of the user preset modes to monochrome so I can just roll over to it nice n easy when I'm feelin moody.
In return for the information you've given in this video may I suggest a synthetic rubber adhesive - impact rubber adhesive which is used for shoe repair - or a 5 minute 2 part epoxy for your peeling thumb grip. Or maybe just good old cheap superglue - which is a cyanoacrylate 2 part adhesive, the second part is water from air humidity.
Hi Mattias, thank you for this fine video (and all the other videos of course). Sweden seems to be THE country for cheap cameras. I was searching for a Coolpix A here in Germany for years but the offers were very very rare and the prices ridiculously high. So at the Moment I stopped looking around and bought a Fuji X-E3 new for 363,84€ new to complement my X-T4.
Der ursprünglich angesetzte Preis der Nikon-A war auch mir viel zu hoch. Als der Preis dann bei 350€ war, hatte ich zu lange gezögert und schon waren die gebraucht Preise bei ca 500€ 😡. Im Nikon-Forum fand ich dann einen Bericht über die "Refurbished" Abteilung von Nikon. Und siehe da, eine A war im Angebot für 239€ 😃😃😃. Sofort gekauft, keine Ahnung in welchem Zustand das Teil war und ob Zubehör dabei ist, auch keine diesbezügliche Antwort auf meine Anfrage. Dann kam das Paket...wow, wie eine nagelneue Kamera mit allem Zubehör und neuem Akku 👍, nicht die geringsten Gebrauchsspuren. Ich verwende sie nicht allzu oft, aber es macht immer wieder Spaß und die Qualität ist super! PS Der Kauf war im Jahr 2017.
I‘ve got the coolpix A today.. shutter count 500, a second battery, adapter ring/lens hood set and an optical viewfinder for 350$.. every thing looks super mint, even the boxes.. don‘t know if i made a good deal..
Using cheap camera to its limits is better than using expensive and big camera without understanding how to use it properly. And that hotshoe... Using flash can make the camera more versatile than its size suggest.
Dang it Matias...you did it again. One more cool camera I have to add to the "cheap but worthy & fun camera" I want add to the collection. I had the nice premium Lumix LX 100 (lots of manual controls, nice 1.8 fast lens, 1" sensor, etc, etc. You gave it a good review too.), but had a big dust on sensor issue. ..so SOLD. As for finding bargain on eBay - don't get ME started.. But at least it's better for the buyer than the seller ! I like to photo forum/for sale .com market. Or local stuff for sale apps. Thanks as always for keeping me entertained as a camera/photo junky :)
The Ricoh GR was notorious for sensor dust issues. I had to send mine in twice within 6 months before giving up as you lose the camera for a significant period while waiting for it to come back from warranty.
in my opinion and for the money, yes. Focus speed is the only thing that lets it down compared to modern cameras but it’s so small and easy to pocket and take anywhere.
Afdhal Arif you might find the S90 auto focus a little slow for street and the screen difficult to see. Manual focus is quicker but when you switch it off and on, it defaults back to AF. I’ve no experience of the other two cameras you mention.
Coolpix A C firmware Ver. 1.11 "AF focus-acquisition rate has been improved when the scene contained in the frame exhibits an extremely high level of contrast." FYI, the final firmware update was 1.12.
Thanks for reviewing these older camera's. I own on for about 4y now. Bought it 2nd handed as new almost with guarantee. It starting to fall apart a bit from the rough use over the years. Those images are tack sharp!! Als the in camera jpgs come out so nice. Use it a lot still, even on assignments! The little Nikon SB-300 flash is a great add for it
I bought one a few years ago, after it was discontinued, for around $200. It had been an expensive camera when it debuted, which was probably the reason it wasn't more popular. It's a very good camera overall. Too bad Nikon can't tweak the firmware so it can hold the manual focus distance between uses. Maybe some enterpriser hacker can figure out how to do that?
Coolpix A sells here in Germany for about 325 €, but I am hesitating and consider the Fuji X70 or even Fuji E2. Would like to see a comparison between the three. OK, x70 sticks out just with the size, but misses a view finder.
Have my coolpixA for about 4 yrs now and I love it! I just hate 28mm lens so do lot of cropping, but it’s worth it. ColorScience on it is best of any camera I own.
I got mine back in 2015 when I lived in Italy, even though my iPhone takes good pictures, this was go to camera when I moved to Japan, if I didn’t feel like carrying a DSLR this was a great choice
They are worth far more than their current value which I think is down to the 16MP which is thought a bit old now. I think they are worthy for the lens alone. If you have FF setup then Coolpix A covers 28mm nicely and you get to leave the FF gear behind when you wish to travel light. I have this and RX1R covering 35mm.
I was just searching for this kind of review in 2020! I've just bought one today and I was wondering (because I can't find an answer on internet) if is there a way to turn off the screen while shooting (of course when you're using a viewfinder!), can you tell me something about this? Thank you!!
Just came from watching a video of the new *Sony ZV1* ! Seems really good for a layman like me but what do you think about it? Do you see yourself reviewing it?
Yes , been really pleased with mine. Picked up the optical finder too for a fraction of the original price, although I can’t say I’ve the optical finder it a lot , although it could be useful maybe for Leica Q2 owners being designed for 28mm prime . The image quality is fantastic
It's so funny Nikon kept the DSLR layout on the Coolpix A, it really looks very similar. I know we're comparing premium APSC compacts here, but the other cool thing is that pretty much every other Coolpix line camera can produce some great images if you don't mind the smaller sensor size or if you want a zoom lens.
First time you review a camera which I already have :-) I bought mine a year ago with dust on the sensor for 50,-€. Cleaning costed 60,-€ by Nikon repair Munich. They did a great job. I really love this camera. They shouldn't have named it coolpix. I don't think people combine "Coolpix" with professional grade cameras. Another good example of how marketing let's people focus on products (Ricoh GR) - or in this case not. One thing you don't mention in this video though is, that the menu is some what cluttered. Try to find the video option ;-)
I found one for 250€ which a leather case ,the filter with the sun extension and 3 batteries. I love it. It’s also very discrete, people think it’s a crappy compact camera so the don’t pay attention to you while shooting on streets. The 28mm is fantastic. Never seen one under 200€
Mathias,i hesitate between ricoh gr3 or fuji xe3 with 35mm f2 or fuji x100f.I would prefer the ricoh but sometimes i like to take pictures of my children and i dont know if a 28 mm lense even croping in camera would be suitable.I own ricoh gr1 love it but dont shoot film anymore.Please tell me if you dont mind if i can shoot decent half body pictures with the ricoh griii.Thanks Mathias,good afternoon!
I really want Nikon to make a successor to the Coolpix A that uses the same batteries as the A1000 (or... update the a1000 to, among other things, use the same batteries as a coolpix A successor). Currently the A1000 + the GR are my ultra compact grab n go travel set up, because that gets me super high quality for wide angle, and versatility + long zoom range for birds & wildlife. But if I could share batteries between them and the quality was good, I might go nikon instead of getting a GR III whenever my first gen apsc GR becomes unusable.
Thanks. The Coolpix A is a great camera and I've got two in the last few years used/refurbished for about $200 USD after much looking. I know that you're not keen on the Nikon 1 system but someday you'll see the light - just look at what years ago Blunty (a guy we both admire) , Steve Huff, Snapchick, Granger and others have said about it and its quick autofocus. Right now the several Nikon 1's with 1" sensor is the best bargain in used mirrorless for the bang.
Wow, i owned this camera for the pass 3-4 years now but i never knew how big of a lowkey fan base it had. Just like everyone else here i absolutely love it! the only issue i have is that the sensors seems to always attract dust but i'm too afraid of what would happen if i opened it. SOOOOO any suggestions would be nice. (the vacuum method doesn't seem to work). Also if y'all think the Coolpix A is cool. y'all should look up the DL line from Nikon that never got to come out :(
I'd be curious to see some sort of comparison between this and a Sigma DP1. There seems to be a lot of similarities between the two and they occupy similar price brackets these days
I don't see how the dp1 is more similar than the GR or X70. Either way, I have a video comparing the DP1, GRii and X70. From that it's easy to draw conclusions how it would fare against the Coolpix.
@@gearreallydoesntmatter True, but i would still be interested to see which one you prefer personally, specifically if you think the better focusing system and foveon sensor on the Dp1 justify its slightly higher price.
I am so glad I got this camera very cheap with warranty before you got to make a video about it 😊 Mine even came with a seperate hood and filter thread adapter. I got some great photographs from it. Also macro mode is pretty good.
Arrrrggghhh no! I've been wanting one of these Nikons for a while now and they were almost becoming reasonably priced. No longer, now the 'Mattias Magic' has been added they will be increasing in value!
😗😗😁😁 I just found one it was $400 but it is new , never used I hope it is worth it did they make a evf or optical c.f. for it. I just discovered they made a 40nn adapter for the gr I wonder if I can attach that to this considering they almost the same lens . anyone else have any ideas for a d.i.y . way to do a similar thing for the coolpix🤷🤷
Hello! Thank you for this video. With regard to the peeling thumb rest, I have found success in using fabric glue such as E7000 to adhere them. I have used this to reattach the rubber portion for my fuji XE3. Hope this helps and thank you again! :)
I have been used this for one year. I use this for daily pocket, I also use it for work as a second camera. The AF is slow, there is no wifi, but enough to make me not intimidate. btw i bought it around 150 dollars. 😁😁😁
Many thanks for the video. I am mourning my Ricoh GR which I loved (the first APS-C version), its lens collapsed some weeks ago and I read somewhere this is programmed obsolence (so, no more Ricohs anymore). Anyone could let me know about the reliability of a used Nikon A or the Fuji X70? Yesterday I was looking at a new Fuji XF-10 but did not like the controls and user interface.
Thank you for this. I have a GR2 (my 3rd) but am impressed by the image quality of this little guy. I was considering an X70 but the prices whilst affordable are not good value so I'll look for the Nikon. I must ask you to please take care. I think that I speak for many who have come to sort of know you through your videos in saying that we care about your health in a country that is not looking good on per-capita scores for Coronavirus19.
Don't worry and be critical about your sources. And obviously don't listen to the trolls. Here we feel genuinely sorry for other countries that haven't been able to use the same tactic as we have. We are pretty much owning the situation. Stay safe.
Thank you for your good wishes. My source is Worldometer which provides detailed day-by-day statistics for over 200 countries. My comments are based on the current statistics for Sweden. Ranking for cases per million is 24 (N=3,677). Ranking for deaths per million is 8 (N= 435). Total cases are 37,113, new cases are 637 and new deaths are 45. This is why I expressed concern. My concern applies to an even greater extent for all countries which rank higher in these regards. I just want you to be safe.
Mattias, you've done it again. You found a great camera, made a video about it and now the prices have skyrocketed on eBay. You need a find a way to get a finders fee from people selling the various cameras you review. Right now, this camera is going for $340 USD on the low-end and as much as $600 USD on the high-end. I haven't seen this camera anywhere on eBay in the $200 USD range.
This camera is just amazing. It was over US$1000 when it launched. The image quality is amazing. The focusing is a bit slow but no biggie. It's really not getting enough press at the time. I guess a premium compact like this was not a thing.
@@gearreallydoesntmatter The higher ISOs get pretty grainy very quickly, and I have a suspicion that the Nikon has better colours, but you're definitely right. This channel doesn't help with the Gear Acquisition Syndrome though haha
@@gearreallydoesntmatter I have an old Nikon 885 bought - years ago - refurbed but it didn’t last. Have a P5000 from the early 2000s - if charged, just chugs along. Both came from Nikon. When you see too many refurbed models on the used market - beware!
Find a used Nikon Coolpix A or other premium compact camera at MPB. And if you do, you also help support this channel by using the links below:
MPB US, prf.hn/l/aWYE4wX
MPB UK, prf.hn/l/2M3nn4j
MPB EU, prf.hn/l/EJAjb9e
Love how you dig up these overlooked old cameras and give them a new chance to shine :)
There is a never ending supply out there :)
And we are happy to report that this camera is priced at $750, give or take, on eBay as of 2023. What a time to be alive.😂
True, but at a cost oh what a cost, a 500$ markup 😢
Hi! I'm the guy who bought one for 60€ 🤣🤣 ohh man I can talk for hours about this beautiful machine. I use mine in dance floor at weddings, it's my travel companion, is my family camera, I use it for every single job I do professionally or not. Need to buy another one as mine is currently falling apart! Mathias, once again congrats on your awesome videos!
This was my first "high end" digital camera when it came out. It is the only Nikon I ever owned and it was a Christmas gift from a friend. I had a lot of fun with it. Disney World with my kid, Lake Geneva, Lake Michigan, Niagara Falls, and some golden hour and night urban landscapes at night in Chicago and Joliet. I gave it to a friend who had just become a parent in 2016.
Been shooting with my Nikon Coolpix A for 5 years now. I still love it. Beautiful images from a camera I can still fit in my pocket.
Finally a video not about the ZV-1 ! Thanks for the fresh content
I had never heard of this camera before now. I noticed on your instagram that you had been shooting with a "Coolpix" of some sort, but I assumed it was a point and shoot with one of those tiny, microscopic sensors. Didn't realize Nikon made a Coolpix with an APS-C sensor!
Yeah they only made one APS-C as far as I know.
yes the sensor is tha same sensor in D7000 16mp ( Nikon made snensor not sony) ( if been hard core nikon shoter before switch to fuji and Nikon Coolpix A is a stuning little camera)
These 3 comments just gave me the green light to buy this little gem this weekend 😁😁😁
Kentuckyman30, you're channel is awesome.
Ok that Coolpix A I've had in my eBay watch list for a year is definitely sold now.
Two notes on price and AF based on a couple of comments and a few people contacting me:
Regarding AF, it’s pretty much on par or faster than the Ricohs and Fujis within the segment. When scratching the surface of the loudest complaints it’s usually the same story and perfectly illustrates how important marketing is for a camera to succeed.
They simply expected a small camera that would match their DSLR in every single way. Because that is what rumors and magazines said prior to the release (they didn’t know any better). And many of the early reviews when read today are pretty obviously made by DSLR shooters with little to no experience of street shooters like the Ricohs.
While the Ricoh instead where hyped and reviewed by people already using the film versions so they had more balanced expectations and know how to zone focus, pre focus and/or think ahead.
And about price, there still are plenty of cheap cameras to go around. But expecting to find the best deal at the top of a quick eBay search is a fantasy. You need to do some leg work and negotiate the price. And don’t get me started on Amazon.. in my experience they have never been particularly cheap compared to classifieds, small store sales or forum market places.
I noticed my tongue in cheek comment regarding price and the "Burling" effect got some people going. 😉
I think the hunting down of the odd yesteryear bargain on Ebay etc is as much fun as getting great shots out that very same item. I just picked up an absolutely mint condition Canon S120 for £66 including shipping,, which I thought was great for the spec.
I've been having great fun, and it's my every day carry around now. Many thanks for getting me back to shooting basic / minimal gear, and putting the fun back into photography..... Next up is a bit of second hand Fuji X and adapted lens (my old analogue M42 and Pk mount lenses) fun. I have a Fuji XM1 and adaptor coming my way for less than £110 .... Keep up the great work.
"You need to do some leg work and negotiate the price. "
This! Right here! I have never bought a new camera. They have always been used or open box. I had always wanted to own a Leica, and when I saw your vid about the X-1, I had my target.
I spent months looking. Lost a few bids. Then I found a guy who I spoke with. Got my X1 with 3 batteries and a Voigtländer viewfinder for about $400. I had a pleasant conversation with the owner and we struck a deal. He was thinning the herd by his wife's request and felt the X1 was about to go to a good home so he worked with me on price.
I got my Canon 5D Mk II with LOW shutter count for about $300a few years back.
Patience and diligence.
Great to hear Pat. Good deals are out there and the hunt can be very rewarding :)
@@patricklgreen I wish I would be wise as you ! Everyday, I have to struggle against my impulsiveness...
There is room to dream. Thanks to this video just got one for £60
Been a happy Coolpix A owner for 5 or so years now. Great image quality, just don't ever try to shoot video with it. A note about the position of the AF confirm light right next to the hotshoe. This should mean you can use an external OVF in the shoe, and still see confirmation of focus. I used to do the same thing with my original DP2 all the time.
I have bought this little gem of camera. When i compared it to my Sony a7 III with 24mm gm - basically the Coolpix A have a sharper lens! Amazing camera and good colors!
I LOVE LOVE love my Coolpix A. I have made 13x19 prints with images taken with this camera (because 13x19 was the limit on that printer) without any issue. The RAW files are amazing and I can push and pull all over. Right now I have a custom profile in there for black and white jpegs that I am happy with for the most part. The lens is super sharp and the pop up flash does add a nice pop to a lot of images. Because it is so small it goes with me most of the time and most of my work for the past seven years has been done with this guy because it can go with me everywhere. The back grip has pealed off and the hinge that holds the battery door closed has broken off and I can't find a replacement (gaffers take helps me here). If I could only keep one camera it might be this one. Yes it is not as "good" as my other cameras but this one has recorded so many memories and made great photos for me that it has earned it's place in my lineup of cameras. Most of my other cameras can be replaced.
Tengo los mismos fallos, después de 5 años.
I purchased one in 2016 when Amazon had them on discount for £210. Originally selling for £999 and did not sell very well. Mine is not used very often but the monochrome images are great. Recently I took it out with a tripod and again I was amazed with the quality. As it happens I also have the Fuji XF10 which just is also great. Which is better? The XF10 has stabilised lens and excellent Fuji colours, but as pointed out in your video the colours of the Nikon are first class. If either company had issued a 45mm full frame equivalent I probably would never need to buy another camera again. Speaking of old cameras I was looking at some files of my Nikon D80 DSLR and if you keep the ISO low you can get some beautiful CCD cinematic images from it. Sadly I sold mine but they are very cheap on the used market. Keep up your great work and your super videos. It’s lovely to enjoy a real camera enthusiast looking at forgotten gems. I try to think of my camera as a paint brush ie. Nikon D750 fine art, Canon 250D as a cheap all rounder, Sony A6000 holidays, Sigma DP2/3 oil paintings and finally Nikon D3500 for a poor man’s Leica. My Fuji and Nikon Coolpix A as pocket rocket note pads!!!!!!
Very interesting. I believe you are the only one on the Tube that does reviews like this. The most important thing you said was that the competition hasn't really gone that far. This is sadly true. More megapixels, frame rates, video rates, codecs, but not much else that is important to photographers. Ergonomics, nothing. Ease of use, going backwards quickly. Value, prices were going up and still are amongst those camera manufacturers that are still living under a rock and there are a couple. Hope you are doing well and staying safe.
Yup, lots of good and practical features have been lost over the years in the race for more megapixels.
I have the silver version and love it. I managed to snag a new one at less than half price when they didn’t sell well. The controls are intuitive and IQ is phenomenal. The raw files need almost no work for color. I just wish it slipped into a pocket as easily as the Ricoh
I've owned one of these, along with a dozen other cameras, since the year after it came out. Its initial reception was terrible because the asking price was absurd. Once they dropped it to 60% of the original figure, I bought one. I've had no regrets. It's astonishing how much power this camera can generate, and I don't mean that its batteries last a long time (although they do).
I love this camera. I got mine 4 years ago for $300.00 CAD. Take it with me everywhere. Never going to let it go.
I love mine..It is one of the few cameras I would not part with..It's made probably 8 out of 10 of my major images in the last two years. .It practically lives in my pants pocket...which it actually fits...and the image quality is just awesome. Not continuing this camera was one of Nikon's biggest blunders.
Because of you, I've bought both a Pentax Q and an X70. Not that I'm complaining.
Matthias and Blunty got me hooked on the Q as well.
COOLPIX A is incredibly underrated!! LOVE THIS CAMERA!
Agreed
Mattias, I watch your videos everyday. I feel like I’m a lot like you. I love all the diff types of gear, and it’s all about the experience in photography. Keep up the great work! Best regards from Idaho USA.
I was about to sell my immaculate hardly used silver Coolpix A on ebay and came on youtube to see what they're worth. Thanks to you Im going to keep it now.
Super underrated camera I think, the lens on the Coolpix A is super sharp. I hope Nikon considers releasing a successor, or maybe a full frame version.
Just picked up today like new condition for $250. Excited to use it along side my fuji x100v
Did you color grade any of these photos a certain way or are they out of camera?
Finally got one of these for my birthday. Can't wait!
Thank you for the post. I own one and bought new when the local store was clearing them out 5 years ago. I have bought and sold many cameras since but this is here to stay. I love the portability and leaf shutter. Nikon's image quality is second to none.
Awesome video as usual. If I didn't want to spend 800$ on the grIII, but had the money to buy a grII, would you recommend the grII over the Coolpix? Thanks!
Bought one over the weekend..paid more than suggested by Mattias, but having received it today I’m not bothered...it’s a delight...feels good in the hand...lovely controls and menu system.....and then of course it produces lovely photos...happiness
Any complaints so far?
ReginaldEsque none
Great review. I just pulled mine out of storage after watching this video. Thanks 😊.
Thanks for this vid, I just pulled the trigger on one of these after watching GR prices go up too high over the years. I love it, and I'm actually glad to have something that isn't a GR. It feels nice and solid, shoots great photos, and has plenty of quirks that I want in a camera. Awesome little box that reminds me of shooting on old 35mm rangefinders. I set one of the user preset modes to monochrome so I can just roll over to it nice n easy when I'm feelin moody.
In return for the information you've given in this video may I suggest a synthetic rubber adhesive - impact rubber adhesive which is used for shoe repair - or a 5 minute 2 part epoxy for your peeling thumb grip. Or maybe just good old cheap superglue - which is a cyanoacrylate 2 part adhesive, the second part is water from air humidity.
Superglue works great on rubber that's starting to peel, fixed my fuji x-t10 like that.
I'd prefer contact glur. Super glue causes this mist, which, if it hits an optical surface...
From experience, superglue can melt the rubber. Safest to use double sided adhesive. Nikon often sells the rubber grip new as well.
Hi Mattias, thank you for this fine video (and all the other videos of course). Sweden seems to be THE country for cheap cameras. I was searching for a Coolpix A here in Germany for years but the offers were very very rare and the prices ridiculously high. So at the Moment I stopped looking around and bought a Fuji X-E3 new for 363,84€ new to complement my X-T4.
Der ursprünglich angesetzte Preis der Nikon-A war auch mir viel zu hoch. Als der Preis dann bei 350€ war, hatte ich zu lange gezögert und schon waren die gebraucht Preise bei ca 500€ 😡. Im Nikon-Forum fand ich dann einen Bericht über die "Refurbished" Abteilung von Nikon. Und siehe da, eine A war im Angebot für 239€ 😃😃😃. Sofort gekauft, keine Ahnung in welchem Zustand das Teil war und ob Zubehör dabei ist, auch keine diesbezügliche Antwort auf meine Anfrage. Dann kam das Paket...wow, wie eine nagelneue Kamera mit allem Zubehör und neuem Akku 👍, nicht die geringsten Gebrauchsspuren. Ich verwende sie nicht allzu oft, aber es macht immer wieder Spaß und die Qualität ist super! PS Der Kauf war im Jahr 2017.
Mattias, love your videos! I’m in the market for a new point and shoot with decent video capabilities, what do you think of the Sony ZV-1?
Still using Nikon A. Excellent
👍
You are talented photographer that deserve more follower!
One of your best sets of photos. Great dynamic range.
I‘ve got the coolpix A today.. shutter count 500, a second battery, adapter ring/lens hood set and an optical viewfinder for 350$.. every thing looks super mint, even the boxes.. don‘t know if i made a good deal..
Love mine. Excellent build quality, juicy NEF files and fast operation. I've got the hood/filter adapter too. Awesome!
Hi, I wanted to ask you if you still use the Red One MX? If you sell it, let me know. Thanks.
Using cheap camera to its limits is better than using expensive and big camera without understanding how to use it properly. And that hotshoe... Using flash can make the camera more versatile than its size suggest.
I have 2 of these! My go-to second camera for 4+ years!!
Dang it Matias...you did it again. One more cool camera I have to add to the "cheap but worthy & fun camera" I want add to the collection.
I had the nice premium Lumix LX 100 (lots of manual controls, nice 1.8 fast lens, 1" sensor, etc, etc. You gave it a good review too.), but had a big dust on sensor issue. ..so SOLD. As for finding bargain on eBay - don't get ME started.. But at least it's better for the buyer than the seller ! I like to photo forum/for sale .com market. Or local stuff for sale apps. Thanks as always for keeping me entertained as a camera/photo junky :)
The Ricoh GR was notorious for sensor dust issues. I had to send mine in twice within 6 months before giving up as you lose the camera for a significant period while waiting for it to come back from warranty.
I'd be very interested to know what you think to the Canon S90. I've cherished mine for 10 years, it's a tiny low light monster.
worth getting s90 in 2020?
in my opinion and for the money, yes. Focus speed is the only thing that lets it down compared to modern cameras but it’s so small and easy to pocket and take anywhere.
@@alexreay4164 given for the same price for Lx5 and Lx3 and s90,which one works better for street photography?
Afdhal Arif you might find the S90 auto focus a little slow for street and the screen difficult to see. Manual focus is quicker but when you switch it off and on, it defaults back to AF. I’ve no experience of the other two cameras you mention.
Coolpix A
C firmware Ver. 1.11
"AF focus-acquisition rate has been improved when the scene contained in the frame exhibits an extremely high level of contrast."
FYI, the final firmware update was 1.12.
Thanks for reviewing these older camera's. I own on for about 4y now. Bought it 2nd handed as new almost with guarantee. It starting to fall apart a bit from the rough use over the years. Those images are tack sharp!! Als the in camera jpgs come out so nice. Use it a lot still, even on assignments! The little Nikon SB-300 flash is a great add for it
I bought one a few years ago, after it was discontinued, for around $200. It had been an expensive camera when it debuted, which was probably the reason it wasn't more popular. It's a very good camera overall. Too bad Nikon can't tweak the firmware so it can hold the manual focus distance between uses. Maybe some enterpriser hacker can figure out how to do that?
Coolpix A sells here in Germany for about 325 €, but I am hesitating and consider the Fuji X70 or even Fuji E2. Would like to see a comparison between the three. OK, x70 sticks out just with the size, but misses a view finder.
how about olympus xz2 ?
Have my coolpixA for about 4 yrs now and I love it! I just hate 28mm lens so do lot of cropping, but it’s worth it. ColorScience on it is best of any camera I own.
Its a bummer Nikon never made a Coolpix A2, like you told Coolpix A has so many good qualities that Ricoh or Fuji does not have.
I was very excited about the DL as well, but we got key mission instead. :(
I got mine back in 2015 when I lived in Italy, even though my iPhone takes good pictures, this was go to camera when I moved to Japan, if I didn’t feel like carrying a DSLR this was a great choice
And I'm back staring at this camera on eBay again
That was a reallly good quality review. Thank you
They are worth far more than their current value which I think is down to the 16MP which is thought a bit old now. I think they are worthy for the lens alone. If you have FF setup then Coolpix A covers 28mm nicely and you get to leave the FF gear behind when you wish to travel light. I have this and RX1R covering 35mm.
I was just searching for this kind of review in 2020! I've just bought one today and I was wondering (because I can't find an answer on internet) if is there a way to turn off the screen while shooting (of course when you're using a viewfinder!), can you tell me something about this?
Thank you!!
A famous shooter of these is Daido Moriyama. He made some great pictures and collections using the Coolpix series of cameras!
Just came from watching a video of the new *Sony ZV1* ! Seems really good for a layman like me but what do you think about it? Do you see yourself reviewing it?
Probably not. I don't vlog.
Yes , been really pleased with mine. Picked up the optical finder too for a fraction of the original price, although I can’t say I’ve the optical finder it a lot , although it could be useful maybe for Leica Q2 owners being designed for 28mm prime . The image quality is fantastic
It's so funny Nikon kept the DSLR layout on the Coolpix A, it really looks very similar. I know we're comparing premium APSC compacts here, but the other cool thing is that pretty much every other Coolpix line camera can produce some great images if you don't mind the smaller sensor size or if you want a zoom lens.
Its so hard to find this camera. Does it comes with different names?
First time you review a camera which I already have :-) I bought mine a year ago with dust on the sensor for 50,-€. Cleaning costed 60,-€ by Nikon repair Munich. They did a great job. I really love this camera. They shouldn't have named it coolpix. I don't think people combine "Coolpix" with professional grade cameras. Another good example of how marketing let's people focus on products (Ricoh GR) - or in this case not. One thing you don't mention in this video though is, that the menu is some what cluttered. Try to find the video option ;-)
I found one for 250€ which a leather case ,the filter with the sun extension and 3 batteries.
I love it. It’s also very discrete, people think it’s a crappy compact camera so the don’t pay attention to you while shooting on streets. The 28mm is fantastic. Never seen one under 200€
Great review as usual. I’m a Nikon fans. Do you have any experience on Nikon v1 with 18.5mm lenses
I have it but I don't use it much. It's a fine and pretty fun camera.
Mattias Burling so will you do some test?
So which Nikon coolpix A is it.....there are quite a few ??
It's the one called "Coolpix A" :)
@@gearreallydoesntmatterMany thanks👍🏻
Looking to buy a Nikon A but is impossible to find one in camera stores or Internet
Mathias,i hesitate between ricoh gr3 or fuji xe3 with 35mm f2 or fuji x100f.I would prefer the ricoh but sometimes i like to take pictures of my children and i dont know if a 28 mm lense even croping in camera would be suitable.I own ricoh gr1 love it but dont shoot film anymore.Please tell me if you dont mind if i can shoot decent half body pictures with the ricoh griii.Thanks Mathias,good afternoon!
Either is good enough for taking images of family. Buy the one you think seems the most fun to use.
I really want Nikon to make a successor to the Coolpix A that uses the same batteries as the A1000 (or... update the a1000 to, among other things, use the same batteries as a coolpix A successor).
Currently the A1000 + the GR are my ultra compact grab n go travel set up, because that gets me super high quality for wide angle, and versatility + long zoom range for birds & wildlife. But if I could share batteries between them and the quality was good, I might go nikon instead of getting a GR III whenever my first gen apsc GR becomes unusable.
Picked up a mint condition GR I recently, geat companion to my a7r II (and soon an a7r IV)
Thanks. The Coolpix A is a great camera and I've got two in the last few years used/refurbished for about $200 USD after much looking. I know that you're not keen on the Nikon 1 system but someday you'll see the light - just look at what years ago Blunty (a guy we both admire) , Steve Huff, Snapchick, Granger and others have said about it and its quick autofocus. Right now the several Nikon 1's with 1" sensor is the best bargain in used mirrorless for the bang.
I have a Nikon 1.
@@gearreallydoesntmatter I know. I still love them.
I love it, I bought a nikon 1 s1 with 2 extra batteries for 50 dollars and the quality is very good for that price
You mentioned the Fuji XF10... SUPER underrated camera.
Did anyone own the Nikon P310 before? That compact was like the GRII and really good quality images and a quality build as well
Hmmm Nikon P310 only shoots JPEGs, no RAW. Typical for many companies to cripple their lower end compacts this way... something I've never understood.
Wow, i owned this camera for the pass 3-4 years now but i never knew how big of a lowkey fan base it had. Just like everyone else here i absolutely love it! the only issue i have is that the sensors seems to always attract dust but i'm too afraid of what would happen if i opened it. SOOOOO any suggestions would be nice. (the vacuum method doesn't seem to work). Also if y'all think the Coolpix A is cool. y'all should look up the DL line from Nikon that never got to come out :(
I'd be curious to see some sort of comparison between this and a Sigma DP1. There seems to be a lot of similarities between the two and they occupy similar price brackets these days
I don't see how the dp1 is more similar than the GR or X70. Either way, I have a video comparing the DP1, GRii and X70. From that it's easy to draw conclusions how it would fare against the Coolpix.
@@gearreallydoesntmatter True, but i would still be interested to see which one you prefer personally, specifically if you think the better focusing system and foveon sensor on the Dp1 justify its slightly higher price.
Well done comparison and to the point.
Yep!
Df+50e1.8 and Coolpix A live in my Domke F-5xb.
Mate, you could sell snow to Eskimos!
I am so glad I got this camera very cheap with warranty before you got to make a video about it 😊
Mine even came with a seperate hood and filter thread adapter. I got some great photographs from it. Also macro mode is pretty good.
I got mine with a GPS module. Never tried it though.
@@gearreallydoesntmatter there also seems to be an ovf for it I would love to find one.
Arrrrggghhh no! I've been wanting one of these Nikons for a while now and they were almost becoming reasonably priced. No longer, now the 'Mattias Magic' has been added they will be increasing in value!
Just bought pentax Q and Canon SL1 this year alone. I want to get this one but its hard to find.
One of the cameras I owned that I regret selling the most
😗😗😁😁 I just found one it was $400 but it is new , never used I hope it is worth it did they make a evf or optical c.f. for it. I just discovered they made a 40nn adapter for the gr I wonder if I can attach that to this considering they almost the same lens . anyone else have any ideas for a d.i.y . way to do a similar thing for the coolpix🤷🤷
Hello! Thank you for this video. With regard to the peeling thumb rest, I have found success in using fabric glue such as E7000 to adhere them. I have used this to reattach the rubber portion for my fuji XE3. Hope this helps and thank you again! :)
guys please where i can find a nikon coolpix A for sale in france ?
I have been used this for one year. I use this for daily pocket, I also use it for work as a second camera. The AF is slow, there is no wifi, but enough to make me not intimidate. btw i bought it around 150 dollars. 😁😁😁
Many thanks for the video. I am mourning my Ricoh GR which I loved (the first APS-C version), its lens collapsed some weeks ago and I read somewhere this is programmed obsolence (so, no more Ricohs anymore). Anyone could let me know about the reliability of a used Nikon A or the Fuji X70? Yesterday I was looking at a new Fuji XF-10 but did not like the controls and user interface.
Nikon has better build quality. I owned gr2 before and now a used coolpix a
@@mikatiot many thanks!
Thank you for this. I have a GR2 (my 3rd) but am impressed by the image quality of this little guy. I was considering an X70 but the prices whilst affordable are not good value so I'll look for the Nikon. I must ask you to please take care. I think that I speak for many who have come to sort of know you through your videos in saying that we care about your health in a country that is not looking good on per-capita scores for Coronavirus19.
Don't worry and be critical about your sources. And obviously don't listen to the trolls. Here we feel genuinely sorry for other countries that haven't been able to use the same tactic as we have. We are pretty much owning the situation. Stay safe.
Thank you for your good wishes. My source is Worldometer which provides detailed day-by-day statistics for over 200 countries. My comments are based on the current statistics for Sweden. Ranking for cases per million is 24 (N=3,677). Ranking for deaths per million is 8 (N= 435). Total cases are 37,113, new cases are 637 and new deaths are 45. This is why I expressed concern. My concern applies to an even greater extent for all countries which rank higher in these regards. I just want you to be safe.
Statistics rarely tell the whole story.
I search for this camera but can only find A1000 or A900, seems the model A is pretty rare.
I thought it had an aps-c size sensor? You didn't mention
It does.
Nikon really needs a mark ii of this camera to compete with the GR series.
All grip related glue? Just use 3M 300LSE. You have to cut it to your own shape though.
Thank you. I forgot about this fine camera
In my place the CoolPix A is rare to no where to be found.
Mattias, you've done it again. You found a great camera, made a video about it and now the prices have skyrocketed on eBay. You need a find a way to get a finders fee from people selling the various cameras you review. Right now, this camera is going for $340 USD on the low-end and as much as $600 USD on the high-end. I haven't seen this camera anywhere on eBay in the $200 USD range.
Just did a quick search, found one on a classified for $250 ;)
I was just looking at these a few weeks ago :( were you the one who bought this on eBay??
No I bought mine from a store. Or a classified. I don't remember :)
This camera is just amazing. It was over US$1000 when it launched. The image quality is amazing. The focusing is a bit slow but no biggie. It's really not getting enough press at the time. I guess a premium compact like this was not a thing.
It's a thing, they simply didn't get through.
I almost bought this instead of my GR2 last year. I absolutely love my Ricoh, but sometimes I still wonder if I made the right decision.
If you "love" the Ricoh I would stop thinking about it.
@@gearreallydoesntmatter The higher ISOs get pretty grainy very quickly, and I have a suspicion that the Nikon has better colours, but you're definitely right. This channel doesn't help with the Gear Acquisition Syndrome though haha
May I know how u edit your photos to look like that?
Hard to find used in the US. Formerly the Nikon site had refurbished cameras…
Refurbished is a bit of a scam imo.
@@gearreallydoesntmatter I have an old Nikon 885 bought - years ago - refurbed but it didn’t last. Have a P5000 from the early 2000s - if charged, just chugs along. Both came from Nikon. When you see too many refurbed models on the used market - beware!
Fantastik camera nikon Coolpix A, I use on top of my Nikon D800 as video extra 1080p