Unleashing the Power of the Nikon Coolpix A100: A Review

The Nikon Coolpix A100 is a sleek and compact camera equipped with an impressive array of features. From high-resolution image capture to advanced autofocus technology and built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, this camera is a popular choice for both amateur and professional photographers alike. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the Nikon Coolpix A100 and explore its capabilities in detail.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Nikon Coolpix A100 article cover photo

Key Features

Jan 14 2016

Announced

20 megapixels

Resolution

BrandNikon
Sensor Type1/2.3'
SensorCCD
Weight119g
MSRP$119USD

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Overview of the Coolpix A100

Are you in the market for a new camera but don't want to break the bank? Look no further than the Nikon Coolpix A100. This handy device packs a powerful punch in a compact package, boasting a 20.1-megapixel sensor and an impressive 5x optical zoom. But what really makes the Nikon Coolpix A100 stand out from the crowd is its advanced autofocus technology and built-in Wi-Fi connectivity. In this review, we'll delve into these features and more, giving you an in-depth look at what makes the Nikon Coolpix A100 one of the best cameras on the market for its price point. Let's get started!

Nikon Coolpix A100 Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Nikon Coolpix A100 camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

Budget-friendly
Lightweight
20.1 megapixel sensor
5x optical zoom lens
HD video recording
Easy-to-use interface
Compact size
WiFi connectivity
Image stabilization
Auto-focus feature

Cons

No optical viewfinder
Lacks advanced manual controls
Low battery life
Limited ISO range
No RAW mode
Limited zoom range
Not ideal for low light photography
Plastic build quality
No touch screen display
Limited color accuracy.

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Nikon Coolpix A100

Weather sealed
Dimensions95 x 59 x 20mm
Weight119g
Thickness20mm
Weight
Min
Avg
This
Max
Thickness
Min
Avg
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Max

Weather Sealing

The Nikon Coolpix A100 is not sealed against water and dust, so it's important to be careful when using it in such conditions. If you often shoot in environments with water or dust, it's recommended to check out another camera with weather sealing.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderNone
Screen TypeFixed Type
Screen Resolution230k dots
Body typeUltracompact

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fixed type 2.70" screen, with a display resolution of 230k dots. This makes the Nikon Coolpix A100 not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.

Viewfinder

Nikon Coolpix A100 does not include a viewfinder. The lack of a viewfinder on the Coolpix A100 camera may make it less suitable for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Nikon Coolpix A100 has a 20MP sized CCD sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 20 pixels. Nikon Coolpix A100 has a native ISO range of 80 - 1600 which can be boosted to null - 3200.

Key Features

Jan 14 2016

Announced

80 - 1600

ISO Range

Sensor1/2.3'
Extended ISOnull - 3200
Max resolution5152 x 3864 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

not tested

Color Depth

not tested

Dynamic Range

not tested

Low Light ISO

not tested

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Nikon Coolpix A100 camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain high amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is excellent, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the Coolpix A100 is excellent

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: 1/2.3'

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageSD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal
Battery Life250 shots
Battery ModelEN-EL19
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Nikon Coolpix A100 supports SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Nikon Coolpix A100 uses the EN-EL19 model of battery pack. This is rated for 250 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Nikon Coolpix A100 has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. However it lacks an external flash shoe, which limits you to using the built-in flash.

Shutter

The Nikon Coolpix A100 boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/2000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Nikon Coolpix A100 includes contrast detection autofocus (AF), with null number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Nikon Coolpix A100?

The Nikon Coolpix A100 features a CCD sensor

Is the Nikon Coolpix A100 weather sealed?

No the Coolpix A100 does not have weather sealing.

When was the Nikon Coolpix A100 announced?

The Nikon Coolpix A100 was announced on Jan 14 2016

Does the Nikon Coolpix A100 have in-body image stabilization?

No the Coolpix A100 does not have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Nikon Coolpix A100?

The Coolpix A100 has a native ISO range of 80-1600, which can be expanded to ISO null-3200 for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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