Nikon COOLPIX A900 Brief Review


REVIEW SUMMARY

Specifications

  • 20.2 megapixel 1/2.3” CMOS sensor
  • 35x optical zoom
  • Maximum aperture f/3.4 – 6.9
  • ISO 80-3200
  • Shutter speed 8 – 1/2000 sec.
  • Burst speed 5 fps (up to 5 photos)
  • Lens-based vibration reduction
  • Macro mode to .4 inches
  • 3” tilting LCD
  • Wi-fi and Bluetooth
  • 4K video at 30 fps, 1080p at 60 fps
  • Weighs 10.2 oz.
  • Li-ion battery rated at 270 shots
  • Release Date: 2016-04-29
  • Final Grade: 91 4.55 Star Rating: Recommended


Nikon COOLPIX A900 packs big zoom, 4K in small camera
Looking for a capable zoom camera that travels well? The Nikon A900 offers perks like 4K video.
By Hillary Grigonis, Last updated on: 3/31/2016

The Nikon COOLPIX A900 is a small camera with a big zoom and even big video capabilities with 4K.

While the A900 looks like a typical point-and-shoot and uses the standard 1/2.3" sensor, the 35x optical zoom is hiding in a pretty small camera. At half the weight of the B700, the A900 still offers 4K video and Bluetooth capability, but a bit less zoom for enhanced portability.

While the lens will reach quite a ways (and shoot close macro photos too), the brightness is just average with a f/3.4-6.9 maximum aperture. That's not the best specs to shoot in limited lighting, but rather expected at the price point. That's helped a bit with the lens-based stabilization system, however.

Despite being a small camera, the A900 offers a number of advanced features. Manual modes are included, though the shutter speed doesn't get quite as high as the B700.

The A900 has a solid feature list, but speed isn't one of them. While the 7 fps burst speed isn't below average, it's nothing too exciting for the category either. That burst speed is also limited to only one second at a time.

The Nikon A900 is a solid travel camera for the price--but it's in a rather competitive category. The Panasonic ZS60 offers both faster shutter speeds and a 10 fps while still including the 4K, though not Bluetooth. The Sony HX90 is also faster and includes a pop-up viewfinder, but without 4K or Bluetooth and with a bit less zoom. And if the 4K and Bluetooth doesn't really entice you, you can save over $100 by going with the Nikon S9900.


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COMMENTS, QUESTIONS, & ANSWERS FORUM BY VIEWERS AND EDITORS

4 comments
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  • Picture
    Rob Le Page

    I have used many cameras since 1967 in a hobby and professional capacity for a variety of uses, and have had good results, then from 2005 onwards moved to the digital camera era with some lovely cameras and lovely results. The previous lovely results from previous cameras have changed, and I have now turned this weekend to fantastic results since acquiring the new Nikon Coolpix A900 (silver). Comfortable to handle, easy to understand instructions, marvelous results in all settings including low light, wide angle, zoom etc. on still shots. Excellent colour, pin sharp. Next weekend will be trying the HD and 4K video.

    Reply almost 3 years ago
    • Thumb 45 ai hillary
      Hillary Grigonis

      Thanks for you input Rob! Camera technology has come a long way and this Nikon looks to be an excellent option!

      Reply almost 3 years ago
      • Picture
        Rob Le Page

        Hi Hillary, Can I add that I have since taken 200+ photos with the Nikon A900 in six days including internal lecture photos with and without flash, sunrise and sunsets, airport shots under the apron lighting, flower and other close ups, building site photos and I have not been disappointed yet. I have done a photo shoot of a subject starting from wide angle then zooming to max Optical equivelant to circa 840mm then on tripod to equivelant to circa 1680mm with excellent results. I am impressed.

        Reply almost 3 years ago
        • Photo
          Carmelito Vidamo

          Hi mate, Im pretty new to this but i am no expert but i am seeking help. its a great camera, but what are the best settings for photographs, I have it on auto, im very steady but seem to focus and as i take the photo it is quite blurry, even when viewing any image it is not very crisp and no different to the iphone 6s, is there any advice anyone can give me or point me in the right direction as there are not many reviews on the camera. im beginning to question the model. thanks Carma (Nikon Coolpix A900)

          Reply over 2 years ago

Nikon Reviews

Nikon has long been one of the top manufacturers in the industry, and their products are still solid options today. The camera giant is continuously releasing new products with enhancements in image quality and performance.

It's hard to go wrong with a Nikon DSLR. With a different model available for every skill level from beginner to professional, Nikon's DSLR's have always been top notch. Their latest DSLRs have seen improved noise reduction, enhanced video quality and upgraded designs over cameras from just a few years ago.

Nikon made an interesting move in the realm of mirrorless cameras—instead of pushing for bigger sensors, Nikon instead has focused on speed. The Nikon 1 line cameras use a 1” sensor, which is larger than your average point-and-shoot but smaller than the Micro Four Thirds options. While the 1 line doesn't have much resolution, their cameras boast speeds upwards of 15 fps—no other mirrorless line currently comes close to that level of speed.

Nikon's compacts aren't as much of a sure thing as their DSLRs—some of their smaller cameras are quite impressive, while others are beaten out by competitors. We liked their higher end consumer point-and-shoots like the COOLPIX S6500, but be careful with their budget compacts. They offer quite a range of compact cameras, just be sure to read the reviews on the individual camera first.

Nikon offers a full range of cameras from tiny budget models to professional DSLRs. More often than not, if you go with a Nikon, you're getting a solid camera.

We here at Digital Camera HQ offer unbiased, informative reviews and recommendations to guide you to the right camera. We're not an actual store; we're just here to help you find the perfect camera at the best price possible by using our camera grades. Let us know if you have any problems or questions, we're happy to help.