Our photography section is packed with compact cameras of every size and price, and we hope to keep expanding it, but whenever the word superzoom comes up, we usually find bodies more in line with a DSLR or a mirrorless camera. Can a superzoom actually be as small as a smartphone? Nikon gave it a shot with the new Nikon Coolpix A1000, which hides a 840mm equivalent lens, RAW shooting, 4K video and an electronic viewfinder – all useful if you are willing to accept a few compromises.
Shooting close-ups, focusing on portraits, exploring interiors, chasing action, and scanning distant scenes – every photographer has a preference and tries to adapt their gear to it, but over-optimizing can corner you. On the other side, jacks-of-all-trades are convenient for casual use, and we have recommended them before for tight budgets, yet some limits are very obvious. The Nikon Coolpix A1000 presents a very interesting exercise. At first glance it is just another ultracompact in the Coolpix family, but as the successor to the A900, its main feature is a superzoom with a 24-840mm equivalent focal range. The question is, what must you give up in exchange?
A Closer Look at the Nikon Coolpix A1000
Announced in January, the Nikon Coolpix A1000 has a 16-megapixel effective CMOS sensor – four fewer than the A900. Its ISO sensitivity ranges from 100 to 6,400 with no Boost modes, while shutter speed spans 1/4000 to 8 seconds. The 3-inch LCD has 1.03 million dots, supports touch, and flips 180 degrees downward for selfies. One new addition is the electronic viewfinder, but Nikon opted for a humbler implementation than usual: 1.16 million dots and 98 percent coverage. Fortunately, you can switch easily from viewfinder to screen, either with a dedicated button or by letting the proximity sensor take over.
Naturally, everything revolves around that 24-840 on the Nikon Coolpix A1000. One of the first adjustments shows up in the grip, a bit deeper and more defined than on the A900, but anyone determined to make the most of telephoto should add a tripod to their setup – the manufacturer recommends it, and we agree. Another interesting addition is RAW support, something that was missing from the A900. Just don't expect a particularly fast burst when shooting RAW. The maximum is about 3 or 4 frames, and then it needs a few extra seconds to clear the buffer. The same applies to JPEG, but in that case the burst climbs to 10 fps with a buffer of ten frames. On the autofocus side, the Nikon Coolpix A1000 relies on contrast detection with nine zones in manual mode. Its performance is better than expected, with quick and accurate responses, though it can stumble a bit in very challenging low light.
The interface is intuitive, and within a couple of minutes you will be taking photos as if you had known it forever. You get two zoom controls, and if you lose your subject, the quick-return button makes it easy to find it again. No major surprises on the mode dial: Full Auto, Creative, a Scene menu (22 total), Video, Manual M, Aperture Priority A, Shutter Priority S, and Programmed Auto P. Exposure compensation is handled via the multi-selector on the back, and you can reassign the little Fn button on the front. If you need to resolve a secondary detail, don't hesitate to check the manual, which – despite the recent launch – is already in Spanish.
Like its smaller sibling, the Nikon Coolpix A1000 records 4K video at 30 fps, or alternatively 1080p60. It doesn't demand very high write speeds from a memory card, but if you can aim a bit higher than normal, do it. 4K is a nice addition, though not the main reason someone would buy this camera. As always, if you want the best 4K an ultracompact has to offer, you will have to pay double and visit the territory of the Sony DSC-RX100 V, which already has a replacement (more on that soon). The Nikon Coolpix A1000's priority is its telephoto mode and the ability to carry it everywhere like any point-and-shoot. Connectivity is guaranteed via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, and the SnapBridge app, which I imagine will receive an update in the coming weeks.
Accessories for the Nikon Coolpix A1000
There's no point hiding the blow: at €439 on the tag, the Nikon Coolpix A1000 carries a bad price, and I say "carries" because it feels like an anchor. Logic suggests the Japanese manufacturer will have to adjust that number downward soon, because even the advantage of the "portable ultracompact superzoom" isn't enough to justify a position above €400. That said, let our accessory list serve as preventive work. Once the camera's price becomes friendlier, this selection will come to the rescue.
Batteries and Power
With an average of 250 shots, the battery is on par with other ultracompacts: not too weak, but nothing extraordinary either. The good news is that Nikon didn't reinvent the wheel here, and the camera uses the classic EN-EL12 modules, with the compatible kit "DI618,VDTS-4604-CH-VDTS-85" being a straightforward option. That means for just €20 you can buy a compatible Gloxy battery, while the Gloxy 2-in-1 charger for home and car will cost another €22. Not bad for solving the energy equation on the Nikon Coolpix A1000 almost permanently.
Tripods and Supports
Undoubtedly, the Nikon Coolpix A1000 needs a support. That's not to say the camera is heavy, quite the opposite – its 330 grams include battery and memory card – but when used in telephoto mode or in low-light environments, our hands can betray the final result. When looking for a tripod for the Nikon Coolpix A1000, our first stop is the Gloxy GX-TS370, which includes a 3D head and holds a maximum of three kilograms. If you prefer a support as compact as the camera itself, the classic Clampod Takeway T1 can be attached anywhere and used with far more than a camera.
Bags and Cases
The Nikon Coolpix A1000 has no extra protection against dust and liquids, and if you've decided this camera will join your arsenal, you have to explore some options in bags and cases. First up, a Lowepro Dashpoint 30 case with padded interior, a secondary pocket for cards or batteries, and a price under €15. The other alternative we'll mention today is the Pacsafe Camsafe ZP anti-theft bag, resistant to cuts and punctures, with hooks to lock access to its interior, and a neutral color that helps it go unnoticed.
Memory Cards
As we mentioned above, the Nikon Coolpix A1000 doesn't impose heavy demands on memory cards. In fact, the manual says a V6 card is the minimum recommended, but this time we're going to blow past that with two very affordable options. The first is a Transcend 32GB SDHC card that reads at 85 MB/s and writes at 45 MB/s, well above the V6 mentioned in the manual. Its price doesn't reach €20, and for casual use it's more than enough. If you want a bit more firepower, the Sony SF-64UY3 has 64 gigabytes and writes at 70 megabytes per second, with a price just shy of €30.
Special Kits
To wrap up, a small section devoted to miscellany that will help you extend the life of your camera – and maybe make a little money with it. On one side, don't overlook the usefulness of a good cleaning kit like the Gloxy 6-in-1. It has everything a camera needs to keep dust and grease at bay, from a blower and brush to cloth and cleaning fluid. On the other, I suggest the portable mini photo studio. At 40 centimeters per side, it won't take up much space in your home, the colored backdrops are ideal for product photography, and its two lights will eliminate any deficit of light.
Other reviews of the Nikon Coolpix A1000 will say its image quality is similar to a smartphone, or that a camera with these specs shouldn't show noise at ISO 800. However, I'll say it does a solid job at its strongest point (superzoom), and at the end of the day there is no bad hardware, just bad prices. If in the near future Nikon takes €50-60 off this Coolpix, the story will be very different. Let's wait a bit, and good luck!
