• APS-C 368.2mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • 28.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 20.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

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Differences

Nikon Coolpix A advantages over Pentax K-S1

  • Thinner
    40 mm vs 69 mm
    Thinner
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/2000 vs 1/180 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 20 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Pentax K-S1 advantages over Nikon Coolpix A

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Less expensive
    $800 vs $1100 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • 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
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 480 vs 230 shots
    Capture more photos
  • More pixels
    20.1 vs 16.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Optional anti-aliasing filter
    Optional vs None
    Lets you choose sharper photos or reduced moiré
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    5.4 fps vs 4.1 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/6000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    51200 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

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
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • 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

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • 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
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Buy the Nikon Coolpix A
Nikon Coolpix A (Black)
  • Nikon Coolpix A (Black)
  • Nikon Coolpix A (Silver)

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Pentax K-S1
Body Only
  • Body Only
  • Kit with 18-55mm and 50-200mm Lenses
All K-S1 Deals

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

The Competition

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

Pentax K-S1
Leica X2
  • $502
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $1499
  • APS-C
  • Thinner

Compare Pentax K-S1 vs Leica X2

Compared to Sony A58

Nikon Coolpix A
Sony A58
  • $1097
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • More dynamic range
  • $598
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking

Compare Nikon Coolpix A vs Sony A58

Pentax K-S1
Sony A58
  • $502
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $598
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Pentax K-S1 vs Sony A58

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)

Pentax K-S1
Leica X-E (Typ 102)
  • $502
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $1534
  • APS-C
  • Thinner
  • Higher max flash sync

Compare Pentax K-S1 vs Leica X-E (Typ 102)

Compared to Pentax K-S2

Nikon Coolpix A
Pentax K-S2
  • $1097
  • APS-C
  • Thinner
  • Higher max flash sync
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive

Compare Nikon Coolpix A vs Pentax K-S2

Pentax K-S1
Pentax K-S2
  • $502
  • APS-C
  • Higher-res screen
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Pentax K-S1 vs Pentax K-S2

Compared to Fujifilm X70

Nikon Coolpix A
Fujifilm X70
  • $1097
  • APS-C
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • Bigger RAW buffer
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Touchscreen

Compare Nikon Coolpix A vs Fujifilm X70

Pentax K-S1
Fujifilm X70
  • $502
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Pentax K-S1 vs Fujifilm X70

Compare Other Cameras?