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Nikon A100 Review

  • Review
  • Specs
  • Alternatives
  • Nikon A100

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    Main Features

    • 20MP - 1/2.3' CCD Sensor
    • ISO 80 - 1600( expands to 3200)
    • 26-130 mm F3.2-6.5 Zoom Lens
    • 2.70" Fixed Type Screen
    • 1.1fps continuous shooting
    • and HD at 30fps Video Recording
    • 119g. 95 x 59 x 20 mm
    CHECK PRICE
    CHECK PRICE

    Nikon A100 Overview

    First introduced in January 2016, Nikon Coolpix A100 is a 20.0MP Ultracompact camera with a 1/2.3' (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CCD sensor and 5.0x zoom 26-130 mm F3.2-6.5 lens.

    Nikon A100 Review - Click for Table of Contents

    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Sensor and Photography Features
    4. Physical Specs
    5. LCD and Viewfinder
    6. Connectivity, Storage and Battery
    7. Video
    8. Other Features
    9. Lens
    10. Photography Type Scores
    11. Recommended Accessories
    12. Alternatives
    13. Popular Comparisons
    14. Frequently Asked Questions
    15. Detailed Specifications

    Nikon A100 is a member of Nikon's Ultracompact class cameras. Below you can see the latest models in this class and how their main specs have changed with each new model.

    Nikon Ultracompact Series History
    Model Release Date Sensor Max FPS Dimensions Weight
    Nikon A10
    Compare
    January 2016 16.0MP - 1/2.3' 1.2 fps 96 x 59 x 29mm 160g
    Nikon A100
    January 2016 20.0MP - 1/2.3' 1.1 fps 95 x 59 x 20mm 119g
    Nikon S7000
    Compare
    February 2015 16.0MP - 1/2.3" 9.2 fps 99 x 60 x 27mm 165g
    Nikon S6900
    Compare
    February 2015 16.0MP - 1/2.3' 9.0 fps 99 x 58 x 28mm 181g
    Nikon L31
    Compare
    January 2015 16.0MP - 1/2.3' fps 96 x 59 x 29mm 160g

    Check the link below to compare specs of the latest cameras in this series side-by-side:
    Nikon A10 vs A100 vs S7000 vs S6900 vs L31


    **This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    Nikon A100 PROs and CONs Review

    Now let's get in to more details of our Nikon A100 review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

    PROs
    Face Detection Focusing
    Face Detection Focusing
    20.0MP - High Resolution Sensor
    119g Light Body
    25MB Internal Storage
    26mm Wide Angle Lens
    Report a correction

    Buy Nikon A100 from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO


    CONs
    No Wireless Connection
    No Image Stabilization
    No Articulating Screen
    No External Flash Shoe
    No Full HD Video
    No Touch Screen
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    No RAW Shooting
    Max Sensitivity only ISO 1.600
    Small LCD Screen ( 2.70")
    Low Screen Resolution ( 230kdots )
    Slow Continuous Shooting: 1.1fps
    Low Battery Life: 250 shots
    No Manual Focusing
    No Manual Exposure
    No Environmental Sealing
    Slow Lens at Wide: f3.20
    Slow Lens at Tele: f6.50

    Report a correction


    Nikon A100 Physical Specs
    Nikon A100 weighs 119 g (0.26 lb / 4.20 oz) and has external dimensions of 95 x 59 x 20 mm (3.74 x 2.32 x 0.79″). Considering that the average weight of Compact type cameras is 188g, Nikon A100 is a remarkably light camera for its class. Even better, with a thickness of only 20mm, it is also quite small, 8mm thinner than the average of its class.
    Weight Comparison

    Compact Cameras

    Nikon A100
    Min
    Average
    Max
    Thickness Comparison

    Compact Cameras

    Nikon A100
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Here is the front and top view image of Nikon A100 with the dimensions:

    Nikon A100 Body Size Dimensions
    Front and Top View External Dimensions and Size of Nikon A100 Camera Body


    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Nikon A100, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Nikon A100 Body Size Compared to a Credit card and a Battery
    Physical size of the Nikon A100 Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery



    Below you can find the comparison of the weight and thickness of Nikon A100 with its main competitors:

    Nikon A100 Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Weight vs A100 Thickness vs A100
    Nikon Coolpix A100 Camera Sony W830
    Compare
    122g 3g heavier 23mm 3mm thicker
    Nikon Coolpix A100 Camera Nikon S2900
    Compare
    119g equal weight 20mm equal thickness
    Nikon Coolpix A100 Camera Canon IXUS 165
    Compare
    128g 9g heavier 22mm 2mm thicker
    Nikon Coolpix A100 Camera Nikon S3500
    Compare
    129g 10g heavier 21mm 1mm thicker
    Nikon Coolpix A100 Camera Nikon A10
    Compare
    160g 41g heavier 29mm 9mm thicker
    Nikon Coolpix A100 Camera Sony W810
    Compare
    111g 8g lighter 21mm 1mm thicker
    Nikon Coolpix A100 Camera Nikon S3100
    Compare
    118g 1g lighter 18mm 2mm thinner
    Nikon Coolpix A100 Camera Sony W800
    Compare
    125g 6g heavier 21mm 1mm thicker

    Weather Sealing

    Nikon A100 doesn't have any environmental sealings on its body so you got to be extra careful to protect it against water and dust. If you shoot under these conditions very often, consider checking Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing page.

    Nikon A100 Lens

    Nikon A100 features a 26-130 mm F3.2-6.5 5× zoom lens. Lens has a good wide angle capability starting at 26mm, and 130mm on the tele end means that the medium telephoto angle is also well covered, only lacking the reach for wildlife and sports.

    Wide Coverage

    Compact Cameras

    A100
    Widest - Olympus TG-850 iHS
    Average
    Telezoom

    Compact Cameras

    A100
    Longest - Canon SX520 HS
    Average

    With a max aperture of f3.20 at 26mm, we can not consider this lens fast on wide end, and it is slow at the tele end with its max aperture of f6.50.

    Max Aperture at Wide

    Compact Cameras

    A100
    Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6
    Average
    Max Aperture at Tele

    Compact Cameras

    A100
    Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV
    Average

    Nikon A100 Sensor and Photography Features

    Nikon A100 has a 20.0MP 1/2.3' (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CCD sensor . You can shoot at maximum resolution of 5152 x 3864 pixels with aspect ratios of 1:1, 4:3 and 16:9. A100 has a native ISO range of 80 - 1600 which can be boosted to 3200 but unfortunately, Nikon A100 doesn't have RAW file support. If you need a Compact camera with a RAW support, consider Nikon Coolpix P7000 or Olympus XZ-1 in the same price range.

    Nikon A100 is not the highest resolution Small Sensor camera. Canon SX740 HS with its 21.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Nikon A100 vs Canon SX740 HS or take a look at Highest resolution Compact cameras list.

    Let's look at how the size of the Nikon A100's 1/2.3' sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

    Nikon A100 Sensor Size Comparison
    Comparison image of Nikon A100 Sensor Size with other standard sensors



    Nikon A100 LCD

    Nikon A100 has a Fixed Type 2.70-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 230k dots. At only 2.70", the screen is on the smaller side and 230kdot resolution is lower than most of the recent models in this class.



    Nikon A100 back view and LCD

    Unfortunately Nikon Coolpix A100 doesn't have a Selfie friendly screen. If this feature is important for your shooting style, check here the list of Best Compact Cameras with Selfie Friendly LCD screen.


    A100 doesn't have a viewfinder and no option for external viewfinder. Lack of a viewfinder can be problematic especially under strong light where visibility of LCD screens goes down dramatically. If you need a Compact camera with a built-in viewfinder in a similar price range, consider Nikon Coolpix P7800 (Compare) or Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 (Lumix DMC-TZ100) (Compare).
    Alternatively, check here the list of all Compact cameras with viewfinder..

    Nikon A100 Connectivity, Storage and Battery

    Nikon A100 has a USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port to connect your camera to other devices.

    Nikon A100 Battery

    Nikon A100 is powered by EN-EL19 battery which provides a battery life of 250 shots according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of Compact type cameras is 256 shots, its battery life is about average in its class but it would still be wise to invest in some spare batteries for long photo trips.

    Battery Life Comparison in Ultracompact Cameras

    Nikon A100
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Nikon L32 with its 320 shots is the model with longest battery life among Ultracompact cameras. Check the comparison of Nikon A100 vs Nikon L32 or take a look at Longest Battery Life Compact cameras list.

    Nikon A100 Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    Nikon Coolpix A100 Camera Sony W830
    Compare
    1280 x 720 shots No No No
    Nikon Coolpix A100 Camera Nikon S2900
    Compare
    1280 x 720 250shots Yes No Yes
    Nikon Coolpix A100 Camera Canon IXUS 165
    Compare
    1280 x 720 220shots No No No
    Nikon Coolpix A100 Camera Nikon S3500
    Compare
    1280 x 720 shots No No No
    Nikon Coolpix A100 Camera Nikon A10
    Compare
    1280 x 720 200shots No No No
    Nikon Coolpix A100 Camera Sony W810
    Compare
    1280 x 720 200shots No No No
    Nikon Coolpix A100 Camera Nikon S3100
    Compare
    1280 x 720 220shots No No No
    Nikon Coolpix A100 Camera Sony W800
    Compare
    1280 x 720 shots No No No

    Nikon A100 Video Features

    With Nikon A100, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 1280 x 720 at 30p fps and save in and Motion JPEG formats. 1280 x 720 is a low video resolution by todays standards. If video quality is important for you, we recommend you to look at cameras with Full HD, even better 4K / Ultra-HD resolution .

    Video Resolutions Comparison Chart



    Microphones, Speaker and Headphone Connections

    Nikon Coolpix A100 has a built-in Mono microphone and a Mono speaker. On the other hand, Nikon A100 doesn't have any connections for external microphones and headphones. If you need a Compact camera with external microphone connectivity, consider Nikon Coolpix P7000 or Samsung PL120 in a similar price range.

    Also read:

    • Best Compact Cameras with Microphone Port
    • Best Compact Cameras with Headphone Port

    If you are getting into videography and want to know what are the must-have video accessories for your camera, read our article:
    Essential Videography / Filmmaking Accessories for your Camera

    Nikon A100 Other Features

    Max Shutter speed

    Nikon A100 can shoot continuously at max speed of 1.1 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/2000 sec.

    Flash

    Unfortunately A100 doesn't have an external flash shoe so you are limited with the built-in flash.

    Focusing

    Nikon A100 features a Contrast Detection autofocusing system.

    Nikon A100 also features Face detection AF where it intelligently detects the faces in the frame and locks the focus automatically.



    What type of Photography is Nikon A100 Good for?
    In this section, we review and score Nikon A100 in 5 different photography areas.

    Nikon A100 for Portrait Photography

    Nikon A100 has a score of 17 for Portrait Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Portrait We strongly recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Portrait Photography list and consider these alternatives over theA100.
    Very High Resolution Sensor: 20.0MP
    Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
    No Image Stabilization
    No RAW shooting capability
    No External Flash Shoe
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    No Manual Focus Mode
    No Manual Exposure Mode
    Not so good Ergonomics&Handling

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon A100 for Portrait Photography

    Nikon A100 for Street Photography

    Nikon A100 has a score of 37 for Street Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Street We strongly recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Street Photography list and consider these alternatives over theA100.
    Live-view
    Face-Detection Focusing
    26 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
    Small Body
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    No Manual Focus Mode
    No Image Stabilization
    No RAW shooting capability
    Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon A100 for Street Photography

    Nikon A100 for Sports Photography

    Nikon A100 has a score of 15 for Sports Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Sports We strongly recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Sports Photography list and consider these alternatives over theA100.
    Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
    130 mm Tele Lens
    Slow Continuous Shooting: 1.1fps
    Environmental Sealings
    Focus Points
    Poor Battery Life: 250 shots
    Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
    No Manual Exposure Mode
    No Manual Focus Mode
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    No External Flash Shoe
    No Image Stabilization
    Slow Lens at Tele: f6.50
    No RAW shooting capability

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon A100 for Sports Photography

    Nikon A100 for Daily Photography

    Nikon A100 has a score of 46 for Daily Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Daily is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Daily Photography list.
    Compact Body
    119g
    Body Thickness 20mm
    5.0X Optical Zoom
    Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
    No RAW shooting capability

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon A100 for Daily Photography

    Nikon A100 for Landscape Photography

    Nikon A100 has a score of 21 for Landscape Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape We strongly recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Landscape Photography list and consider these alternatives over theA100.
    26 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
    Very High Resolution Sensor: 20.0MP
    No Manual Exposure Mode
    No Manual Focus Mode
    No RAW shooting capability
    Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
    No Environmental Sealings

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon A100 for Landscape Photography
    Nikon A100 Alternatives
    In this section, we analyse how Nikon A100 compares with other Compact cameras within a similar price range.
    Read a more detailed analysis of Nikon A100 alternatives.

    Popular Comparisons of Nikon A100

    Here are the eight most popular comparisons of the Nikon A100 amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Sony W830
    Sony W830
    Compare
    Nikon S2900
    Nikon S2900
    Compare
    Canon IXUS 165
    Canon IXUS 165
    Compare
    Nikon S3500
    Nikon S3500
    Compare
    Nikon A10
    Nikon A10
    Compare
    Sony W810
    Sony W810
    Compare
    Nikon S3100
    Nikon S3100
    Compare
    Sony W800
    Sony W800
    Compare

    Nikon A100 Alternatives in Cameras

    It would also be interesting to compare the Nikon A100 with Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked cameras in Nikon A100's price range.

    Nikon A100 Conclusion and Scores

    Currently, Nikon A100 has an Overall Score of 31/100 which is based on our evaluation of 69 different technical parameters. Our scores are dynamically updated whenever a new camera is added to our database or when we change our ranking algorithm and the maximum score is always 100. Nikon Coolpix A100 is ranked #472 out of 632 in Compact cameras (Top 20 Compact), and ranked #1124 out of 1276 in all Cameras (Top 20 Overall).

    #1124 out of 1276 in Top Ranking Cameras
    #472 out of 632 in Top Ranking Compact Cameras
    #85 out of 152 in Top Ranking Ultracompact Cameras
    #582 out of 741 in Top Ranking Small Sensor Sensor Cameras
    #50 out of 536 in Lightest Compact Cameras with Small Sensor sensor(119g)
    #758 out of 920 in Top Ranking Cameras with Fixed Type Screen
    Geek Score: 0

    Nikon A100
    Nikon A100
    CHECK PRICE

    CHECK PRICE

    Main Scores
    Imaging
    Features
    Value for Money
    Portability
    Overall Score
    Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras.

    Frequently Asked Questions about Nikon A100
    Does the Nikon A100 have Image Stabilization?
    Does the Nikon A100 have RAW support?
    Does the Nikon A100 have Weather Sealing?
    Does the Nikon A100 have built-in GPS?
    What is the Max ISO of Nikon A100?
    What is the Sensor Size of Nikon A100?
    is the Nikon A100 a Full Frame (FF) camera?
    Does the Nikon A100 have Touch Screen?
    Does the Nikon A100 have built-in Wireless?
    What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Nikon A100?
    What is the Weight of Nikon A100?
    What are the Dimensions of Nikon A100?
    Nikon Coolpix A100 Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Nikon
    Model Nikon Coolpix A100
    Announced 2016-01-14
    Body Type Ultracompact
    Lens
    Manual Focus
    Lens Mount fixed lens
    Lens Focal Range 26-130 mm (5×)
    Max Aperture F3.2-6.5
    Macro Focus Range 10cm
    Screen
    Screen Type Fixed Type
    Screen Size 2.70"
    Screen Resolution 230k dots
    Live View
    Touch Screen
    Viewfinder
    Viewfinder None
    Viewfinder Resolution no electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Coverage n/a
    Viewfinder Magnification n/a
    Photography Features
    Min Shutter Speed 4s
    Max Mechanical Shutter Speed 1/2000s
    Max Continuous Shooting 1.1 fps
    Shutter Priority
    Aperture Priority
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Exposure Compensation n/a
    Custom White Balance
    Image Stabilization
    Built-in Flash
    Flash Range 4.00 m (at Auto ISO)
    Flash Modes Auto, auto w/redeye reduction, off, fill flash, slow sync
    External Flash
    AE Bracketing
    WB Bracketing
    Exposure Modes
    Multi-Segment
    Average
    Spot
    Partial
    AF-Area
    Center Weighted
    DxO Sensor Scores
    DxO Overall Score not tested
    DxO Color Depth not tested
    DxO Dynamic Range not tested
    DxO Low Light ISO not tested
    Report a correction

    Sensor
    Sensor Type CCD
    Sensor Size 1/2.3'
    Sensor Dimensions 6.17 x 4.55 mm
    Sensor Area 28.07mm2
    Sensor Resolution 20 megapixels
    Max Image Resolution 5152 x 3864
    Max Native ISO 1,600
    Max Boosted ISO 3200
    Min Native ISO 80
    RAW Support
    Autofocus
    AF Touch
    AF Continuous
    AF Single
    AF Tracking
    AF Selective
    AF Center
    AF Multi Area
    AF Live View
    AF Face Detection
    AF Contrast Detection
    AF Phase Detection
    Video Features
    Video Resolutions 1280 x 720 (30p)
    Max Video Resolution 1280 x 720
    Video Formats Motion JPEG
    Microphone Port
    Headphone Port
    Connectivity
    Wireless Connectivity None
    HDMI
    USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
    Physical
    Environmental Sealing
    Water Proof
    Dust Proof
    Shock Proof
    Crush Proof
    Freeze Proof
    Weight 119g
    Physical Dimensions 95 x 59 x 20mm
    Battery Life 250 shots
    Battery Type Battery Pack
    Battery Model EN-EL19
    Other Features
    Self Timer Yes
    Timelapse Recording
    GPS None
    Storage Type SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal
    Storage Slots 1
    Report a correction


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