Nikon Coolpix A with DX-format sensor provides the highest image quality possible from a compact point-and-shoot

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Nikon Coolpix A is the first Coolpix camera to incorporate a DX-format sensor; similar to those found in many of Nikon’s coveted D-SLRs, which provides the highest image quality possible from a compact point-and-shoot. The combination of this 16.2-megapixel DX-format sensor and ultra-sharp prime NIKKOR lens firmly positions the Coolpix A as the reigning flagship camera in the Coolpix line.

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Nikkor_lens The all-glass 18.5mm (28mm equivalent) prime lens has an f/2.8 aperture, allowing users to shoot with a shallow depth of field to blur backgrounds for professional-looking photos. Even when the sun goes down, the lens offers the ability to turn a fleeting glance into a flattering moonlit portrait with just a press of the shutter. Always ready for the spontaneous moment, the camera’s quick AF performance and 4 frames-per-second (fps) burst help users to consistently capture any moment with outstanding image quality.
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For those who want to push their photography skills, the versatile Coolpix A also offers advanced settings to allow shooters to have complete creative control to master nearly any shooting situation. With multiple Scene Modes, a familiar manual focus ring, full manual exposure controls (P,S,A,M), and the ability to shoot RAW/NEF image files, even a simple snapshot can be transformed into artistic expression.
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The Coolpix A offers a variety of accessories to enhance the shooting experience, including the DF-CP1 Optical Viewfinder, the UR-E24 Adapter Ring for attaching lens hoods and filters, and the HN-CP18 metal Lens Hood, which helps protect the surface of the lens and restricts light from passing through without negatively influencing images. The camera also has a full size hot shoe port that makes the camera compatible with various accessories such as Nikon Speedlights.
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The Coolpix A will be available in March 2013 for a suggested retail price of $1099.95 and will be offered in Black and Silver. The DF-CP1 Optical Viewfinder will be available for a suggested retail price of $449.96, and the UR-E24 Adapter Ring and HN-CP18 Lens Hood will be sold together for a suggested retail price) of $129.96.
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COOLPIX A Primary Features

A new wide-angle 18.5mm, f/2.8 (equivalent to a 28mm angle of view in 35mm [135] format) fixed focal length NIKKOR lens designed exclusively for the COOLPIX A .
The new NIKKOR lens developed exclusively for the COOLPIX A has been optimized for the DX-format CMOS sensor and mechanical design of the lens barrel. The optical design maximizes lens performance while also helping to make the camera smaller and lens barrel slimmer. The lens is an extremely flexible fixed focal length 18.5mm (equivalent to a 28mm angle of view in 35mm [135] format) lens well suited to a variety of scenes, from landscapes and architecture, to snapshots and photos of vacations. It also enables dynamic expression by utilizing the perspective that is only possible with a wide-angle lens. Constructed of seven elements in five groups, it ensures images exhibiting a good balance between high resolution and pleasing blur characteristics throughout the entire frame at maximum aperture, as well as the most commonly used f/5.6.
Equipped with a DX-format CMOS sensor and the EXPEED 2 image-processing engine
Despite being a compact digital camera, the COOLPIX A is equipped with a Nikon DX-format CMOS image sensor, an effective pixel count of 16.2-million pixels, and the EXPEED 2 image-processing engine, both similar to those built into Nikon DX-format digital SLR cameras. Having no optical low-pass filter, the superior rendering performance of the camera’s NIKKOR lens makes images exhibiting superior resolution and sharp rendering possible.
The camera supports a broad range of standard sensitivities, from ISO 100 to ISO 6400, as well as additional expansion up to ISO 25600 (Hi 2) for crisp, clear images exhibiting very little noise with shooting at high sensitivities. What’s more, the image-processing engine, developed based on the ideas, know-how, and technologies regarding digital images that Nikon has cultivated over the years enables faster image processing, excellent noise reduction, better color reproduction characteristics, and less power consumption. Support for recording and processing of 14-bit compressed NEF (RAW) images makes reproduction of the finest details and textures, with rich tone expression and broad dynamic range, possible.
An elegant design of which users will be proud and metals used for a strong, durable body
Measuring approximately 110.0 mm wide, 64.3 mm high and 40.3 mm deep, and weighing approximately 299 g, the COOLPIX A is compact and lightweight enough that it can easily be taken anywhere. Adoption of magnesium alloy for the body enables a design with a metal look and feel, while ensuring strength and durability with a lighter weight. A leather accent on the grip and dials cut from metal ensure an elegant finish with attention to detail, and a dignified body with a sense of authenticity that will be a source of pride to users.
A focus ring for operation that feels like that of a digital SLR camera
Operation and monitor display that make the camera an excellent back-up for a digital SLR camera
The lens is equipped with a focus ring that allows users to focus in a way that suits their creative intent. It makes fine adjustment of focus, such as focus slightly in front of or behind the primary subject with macro photography, allowing users to enjoy the operational experience similar to that offered by digital SLR cameras. In addition, the camera is equipped with an autofocus with manual override function. Therefore, when the shutter-release button is held down halfway and the focus ring turned while the camera is focusing automatically, manual focus is immediately activated.
The GUI built into the COOLPIX A is inherited from Nikon digital SLR cameras, ensuring smooth transition when it is used as a back-up to a digital SLR camera.

Full-HD movie recording function

The combination of NIKKOR lens, a DX-format CMOS image sensor, and the EXPEED 2 image-processing engine enables sharp, high-resolution imaging expression with movie recording as well. What’s more, the COOLPIX A also offers in-camera movie editing functions that allow users to save a single frame as a still JPEG image or delete unnecessary portions from the beginning or end of movie files.
Support for a variety of new, dedicated accessories, as well as digital SLR camera system accessories, for complete system expansion
A number of new accessories have been developed for use with the COOLPIX A. The new Optical Viewfinder DF-CP1 with its high eyepoint, approximately 90% frame coverage, and 0.52x magnification, the Adapter Ring UR-E24 for attaching third-party 46mm filters, and the HN-CP18 metal bayonet lens hood, which can be mounted via the UR-E24 can all be used with the COOLPIX A.
Although the COOLPIX A is equipped with a built-in flash, external Speedlights*1 can also be used. What’s more, the COOLPIX A also supports the GPS Unit GP-1 and Wireless Mobile Adapter WU-1a*2, both of which increase possibilities of creative imaging expressions as well as ways of enjoying images after they are captured.(all available separately).

Sample:
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