Nikon Coolpix A vs Olympus E-M1 II

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Nikon Coolpix A vs Olympus E-M1 II

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APS-C 368.2mm²
16.2 megapixels
28.00mm (35mm eq.)

Go in depth with our full Nikon Coolpix A Review.
See real-world photos taken with the Coolpix A.

4/3 226.2mm²
20.4 megapixels
ISO 200 - 25,600

Go in depth with our full Olympus E-M1 II Review.
How does it shoot? Olympus E-M1 II in the real world.
See real-world photos taken with the E-M1 II.
Compare Olympus E-M1 II image quality against competitors.
What’s the bottom line? Read our Olympus E-M1 II conclusion.

Succeeded by the Olympus E-M1 Mark III
Compare E-M1 II vs E-M1 Mark III
Compare Nikon Coolpix A vs Olympus E-M1 Mark III

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Differences

Nikon Coolpix A advantages over Olympus E-M1 II

Larger sensor
APS-C vs 4/3
More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
Bigger pixels
~ 4.79 vs 3.36 microns
Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
Internal flash
Internal flash vs None
Useful in a pinch for fill flash
Thinner
40 mm vs 68 mm
Thinner
Higher max flash sync
1/2000 vs 1/250 sec
Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
Lighter weight
298g vs 574g
Lighter weight
Bigger JPEG buffer
Unlimited vs 51 shots
Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Olympus E-M1 II advantages over Nikon Coolpix A

Tilt-swivel screen
Tilt-swivel vs none
Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
Focus peaking
Peaker vs Non-peaker
Your camera will highlight what's in focus
Eye-level viewfinder
Eye-level vs Rear display only
You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
In-Camera Image Stabilization
Yes vs No
Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
Shoot 4K video
4K (DCI) vs 1080p
Make sure you have a fast computer
Touchscreen
Touch vs No touch
Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
High resolution composite
Yes vs No
Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
Fast startup
~0.80 vs 1.9 sec
Faster startup lets you catch the moment
Built-in Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi vs None
Share your photos wirelessly
Higher effective ISO

Higher effective ISO

Maximum effective ISO is an estimate of the highest sensitivity at which a camera can capture excellent quality photos.

Cameras with higher effective ISO will be better choices for indoor photography, night shooting, and indoor sports photography, especially if you intend to make large prints.

You can learn more at our glossary entry.

Maximum effective ISO test data courtesy of DxO Mark.
E-M1 II test data on DxO Mark Coolpix A test data on DxO Mark

1,312 vs 1,164 iso
Take photos in low light with less noise
On-sensor phase detect
Yes vs No
Usually improves live view and video AF performance
Longer stills battery life
More info

Longer stills battery life

Cameras with longer battery life can take more photos before exhausting their batteries.

Special note: The measurement standard for battery life stipulates that if a camera has an internal flash, it must be used for 50% of photos taken. For this reason, comparisons of one camera with an internal flash to another without will not be comparable

440 vs 230 shots
Capture more photos
External Mic Jack
Jack vs No jack
Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
Newer
8 years vs 12 years old
Newer cameras often support more advanced features
Less shutter lag
0.11 vs 0.58 sec
Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
More pixels
20.4 vs 16.2 megapixels
Higher resolution photos
Shoots 60p video
Yes vs No
A faster framerate can give you more editing options
Dual card slots
Yes vs No
Gives you more storage flexibility
Headphone jack
Yes vs No
Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
Longer exposure
60 vs 30 sec
Long exposures for night shots
Faster JPEG shooting
60.6 fps vs 4.1 fps
Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
Faster RAW shooting
60.6 fps vs 4.1 fps
Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
Bigger RAW buffer
51 vs 17 shots
Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
Faster shutter
1/32000 vs 1/2000 sec
Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

Rear display
Both provide
Review photos on the back of the camera
RAW file ability
Both provide
Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
Manual focus
Both provide
AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
HDMI out
Both provide
Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
Hot shoe
Both provide
Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
Bulb shutter
Both provide
Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

In-camera panoramas
Neither provide
Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
NFC
Neither provide
Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
Built-in Bluetooth
Neither provide
Always-on wireless connectivity
Built-in GPS
Neither provide
Geotag your photos
Slow-motion videos
Neither provide
Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Amazon
Adorama
Read E-M1 II User Reviews

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Nikon Coolpix A (Silver)

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Review Excerpt

Solid alloy body with true twin-dial design; Smaller, lighter, and cheaper than most direct competitors; Excellent image quality, even when compared to interchangeable-lens cameras; Numerous accessories expand upon its capabilities.
Fixed prime lens is not for everybody; Ergonomics could be better; Performance is spotty; Built-in flash is rather weak; Battery life is quite modest.
Read our Nikon Coolpix A Review

Excellent image quality; Very good dynamic range & high ISO performance; Fantastic C-AF performance; Incredible burst rates, even with RAW; 4K UHD & Cinema 4K (DCI) video; Clean HDMI; Dual SD card slots.
Expensive; Menus still confusing; UHS-II support only on one card slot; No optical low-pass filter means greater risk of moire; No built-in flash.
Read our Olympus E-M1 II Review

The Competition

Compared to Fujifilm X-T2

Nikon Coolpix A

Fujifilm X-T2

$1097
APS-C

Bigger pixels
Internal flash

$999
APS-C

Focus peaking
Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Nikon Coolpix A vs Fujifilm X-T2

Olympus E-M1 II

Fujifilm X-T2

$899
4/3

Lens selection
Less expensive

$999
APS-C

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

Compare Olympus E-M1 II vs Fujifilm X-T2

Compared to Leica X2

Nikon Coolpix A

Leica X2

$1097
APS-C

Less expensive
Shoots 24p video

$1499
APS-C

More telephoto lens reach
Longer stills battery life

Compare Nikon Coolpix A vs Leica X2

Olympus E-M1 II

Leica X2

$899
4/3

Focus peaking
Tilt-swivel screen

$1499
APS-C

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

Compare Olympus E-M1 II vs Leica X2

Compared to Leica X-E (Typ 102)

Nikon Coolpix A

Leica X-E (Typ 102)

$1097
APS-C

Less expensive
Shoots 24p video

$1534
APS-C

More telephoto lens reach
Has anti-aliasing filter

Compare Nikon Coolpix A vs Leica X-E (Typ 102)

Olympus E-M1 II

Leica X-E (Typ 102)

$899
4/3

Focus peaking
Tilt-swivel screen

$1534
APS-C

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

Compare Olympus E-M1 II vs Leica X-E (Typ 102)

Compared to Panasonic G7

Nikon Coolpix A

Panasonic G7

$1097
APS-C

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

$498
4/3

Tilt-swivel screen
Focus peaking

Compare Nikon Coolpix A vs Panasonic G7

Olympus E-M1 II

Panasonic G7

$899
4/3

In-Camera Image Stabilization
High resolution composite

$498
4/3

Less expensive
In-camera panoramas

Compare Olympus E-M1 II vs Panasonic G7

Compared to Panasonic GX8

Nikon Coolpix A

Panasonic GX8

$1097
APS-C

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

$998
4/3

Tilt-swivel screen
Focus peaking

Compare Nikon Coolpix A vs Panasonic GX8

Olympus E-M1 II

Panasonic GX8

$899
4/3

High resolution composite
Fast startup

$998
4/3

In-camera panoramas
NFC

Compare Olympus E-M1 II vs Panasonic GX8

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