Fujifilm X100T vs Nikon Coolpix A: A Hands-On Expert Comparison for Large Sensor Compact Cameras

When it comes to large sensor compact cameras, two stalwarts from the mid-2010s remain interesting choices for photographers seeking a blend of image quality, portability, and classic appeal: the Fujifilm X100T and the Nikon Coolpix A. While both cameras sport APS-C sensors packed into compact, fixed-lens bodies, they target somewhat different users with distinct philosophies. After extensively testing and field shooting with both, I’m here to share an expert, no-nonsense comparison.

This review dives into practical real-world performance, technical strengths, and weaknesses, and what each camera brings to various photography disciplines. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a simple yet capable travel companion or a seasoned pro wanting a stylish street shooter, by the end, you’ll have a crystal-clear idea of which one deserves a spot in your camera bag.

First Impressions and Build: Size, Feel, and Handling

Let’s start with what you hold in your hand - because ergonomics can make or break your shooting experience during long outings.

Fujifilm X100T: Weighing 440g with dimensions of 127 x 74 x 52 mm, the X100T feels solidly built without being bulky. Its classic rangefinder styling with retro clubs-for-thumbs dials and a well-placed command dial entice serious shooters who crave tactile controls. The camera sports both an electronic and an optical tunnel hybrid viewfinder - one of Fuji’s signature features - allowing for an immersive and versatile shooting experience unmatched by many competitors.

Nikon Coolpix A: On the other side, the Nikon A is decidedly smaller and lighter at 299g and 111 x 64 x 40 mm. It has a more utilitarian design with fewer physical controls, a more minimalist approach, and offers an optional optical viewfinder as an accessory. The smaller body sizes makes it a discreet street shooter but at the expense of less ergonomic grip for larger hands.

If you favor robust handling with plenty of direct manual access, the Fujifilm wins hands down. But if pocketability and lightweight travel are your priority, Nikon's compactness is compelling.

The top-down perspective further confirms the Fuji’s more complex and thoughtful control layout with dedicated dials for shutter speed, exposure compensation, and a well-positioned shutter button trigger. The Nikon uses more multi-function buttons and fewer tactile dials, which might slow down fast-paced shooting.

Sensor and Image Quality: Heart of the Matter

Both cameras deploy an APS-C sensor, but nuances in sensor tech and image processing reveal key differences.

Fujifilm X100T: It features the 16MP APS-C X-Trans II CMOS sensor, distinctively employing a unique color filter array without the traditional optical low-pass filter (anti-aliasing filter). This design yields sharp images with less moiré and excellent color fidelity. Paired with Fuji’s EXR Processor II, it offers lush skin tones, vibrant yet natural colors, and notable dynamic range for its class.

Nikon Coolpix A: Also sporting a 16MP APS-C sensor, Nikon’s unit is a conventional CMOS with an anti-aliasing filter, which may soften images slightly to prevent moiré in fine patterns but sacrifices some edge acuity. Nikon’s image processing tends towards more conservative color rendering and accurate but less punchy dynamic range compared to Fuji.

Here’s a side-by-side sensor comparison showing the near-identical size but different underlying tech:

When pushed in real-world tests across landscapes and portraits, the X100T’s sensor and engine combo delivers more vibrant RAWs and JPEGs out of the box. The Nikon’s sensor, while solid, sometimes requires more post-processing boost to match Fuji’s punch, especially in tricky lighting.

Hands-On Experience Across Photography Disciplines

How do they stack up when you take them out of the lab and into the wild? Let’s break it down by genre and use case:

Portrait Photography

Portraits demand natural skin tone reproduction, smooth bokeh rendering, and eye detection autofocus if possible.

• Fuji X100T: The Fujifilm’s 35mm equivalent f/2 prime lens is renowned for its beautiful bokeh and sharp center resolution. The X-Trans sensor captures warm, flattering skin tones that don’t require heavy color correction. Face and eye detection autofocus reliably latch onto subjects indoors and outdoors, offering smooth subject tracking. The hybrid viewfinder adds a charming way to compose portraits with accurate framing.

• Nikon A: The Nikon’s 28mm equivalent f/2.8 lens is slightly wider than the Fuji and a stop slower, which limits background blur. Skin tone reproduction is neutral but less characterful, and the autofocus system, while having face detection, tends to hunt more and lacks eye detection. This makes it trickier to nail critical focus in tight portrait sessions.

Winner: Fujifilm X100T for portraits due to lens speed, rendering quality, and competent autofocus.

Landscape Photography

Landscape shooters want maximum resolution, dynamic range, and sturdy weather sealing.

• Both cameras offer roughly 16MP resolution - adequate for high-quality prints and cropping.
• Fuji X100T: The f/2 fixed lens limits stopping down to very high apertures needed for extended depth of field, but f/8 is possible via ND filters or focus stacking (though no built-in focus stacking here). Dynamic range and color depth excel due to X-Trans sensor tech.
• Nikon A: The wider 28mm lens is a better fit for broad vistas. Dynamic range measured via DxOMark is about 13.8 EV, competitive for APS-C compacts, though Fuji’s older sensor lacks exhaustive DxO testing but performs well in practice. Nikon’s build lacks sealing, so caution around moisture is advised.

Neither camera sports weather sealing, so trekking in rough conditions demands protective gear. For pure landscape, Nikon’s wider lens and less aggressive color might appeal to those who prefer subtlety.

Wildlife & Sports Photography

Neither camera is designed for heavy-duty wildlife or sports, but we can glean some insights.

• Fuji X100T: Boasts 6fps burst mode, hybrid AF including phase detection, and decent continuous autofocus - good for slow-moving subjects and street action. Lens focal length (35mm equiv.) limits reach for wildlife unless you crop heavily or use teleconverters (not an option here due to fixed lens).
• Nikon A: Only supports 4fps continuous shooting and basically contrast-detection autofocus in single mode. No eye detection. This limits its value for action.

No clear winner, but Fuji’s 6fps and better AF system make it the preferred chronicler of fast moments - though neither replaces a dedicated telephoto setup for wildlife.

Street & Travel Photography

Size, discreetness, responsiveness, and battery life matter a lot.

• Nikon A: Smaller, lighter, and less intrusive. Perfect for sneaky street shots or travel where space is scarce. However, limited controls might frustrate some users.
• Fuji X100T: A bit heavier but still compact, the tactile dials and hybrid viewfinder deliver an engaging street shooting experience. The built-in flash also helps when lighting dips unexpectedly. The battery life of 330 shots is generous versus Nikon’s 230.

Both shoot 1080p video, but Fuji’s superior autofocus and microphone port add versatility for travel vlogs.

Fuji’s LCD resolution is sharper (1040k vs 921k), improving composition and playback clarity in bright conditions.

Macro & Close-Up Work

Both have minimum macro focusing distances of 10cm, but:

• Fuji’s f/2 lens delivers better background separation for pleasing macro shots.
• Nikon’s f/2.8 lens is slower, so less flexibility in low-light closeups.
• Neither supports focus stacking or post-focus, so manual technique is key.

Night and Astro Photography

Low light performance hinges on sensor noise and ISO performance:

• Fuji X100T max native ISO 6400, extended to 51200.
• Nikon A native up to 6400, extended 25600.

The Fuji’s X-Trans sensor cleanly controls noise at high ISO’s, making it more suitable for starscapes and city nights without excessive grain.

Video Capabilities

• Fuji X100T: Full HD up to 60p with H.264, microphone port but no headphone jack, decent stabilization workaround via lens aperture control.
• Nikon A: Full HD max 30fps, no mic or headphone ports, no stabilization.

Video creators will favor the Fujifilm for more flexible, higher framerate footage and audio control.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Reliability

The X100T’s hybrid autofocus blends phase and contrast detection across 49 points, improving speed and accuracy, crucial for catching fleeting expressions or street action. It includes face detection enhancing portrait work.

Nikon’s Coolpix A relies on contrast detection autofocus with face detection but lacks phase detection points and continuous AF modes, leading to slower focus locking and more hunting in low light.

From thousands of shots testing combos, Fuji’s faster, less jittery AF makes it more reliable in dynamic shooting conditions.

Build Quality and Environmental Resistance

Neither camera offers weather sealing or ruggedized bodies typical of modern professional-grade compacts; however:

• Fuji’s X100T construction feels more premium with robust chassis materials.
• Nikon A feels more plasticky but still solid for everyday handling.

If you shoot outdoors frequently, external rain protection is highly recommended for both.

Ergonomics and User Interface

Fuji’s physical dials, hybrid OVF/EVF, and intuitive menu system speed up learning and efficiency, reducing menu diving frustration.

Nikon’s interface is more traditional with fewer direct manual controls, less responsive live view autofocus, which might irk users who demand instant access.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Both are fixed-lens cameras with no interchangeable lens support:

• Fujifilm X100T: 35mm f/2 lens, sharp, fast, with excellent bokeh in a classic focal length ideal for street, environmental portraiture, and travel.
• Nikon Coolpix A: 28mm f/2.8 lens, wider but slower aperture limiting low-light performance and bokeh.

For buyers who value that classic 35mm “walkaround” field of view with faster optics, Fuji is a winner.

Battery Life and Storage

• Fujifilm X100T: Uses NP-95 battery, rated ~330 shots per charge.
• Nikon A: Uses EN-EL20 battery, rated ~230 shots.

In my field tests with heavy live view and EVF use, the Fuji stretches significantly longer, reducing need to carry extra batteries for day trips.

Both accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with a single slot.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Fuji includes built-in Wi-Fi for straightforward image transfer and remote shooting apps. Nikon requires optional accessories for GPS and wireless capabilities, limiting out-of-the-box conveniences.

Price and Value: What Are You Getting for Your Money?

• Fujifilm X100T launched around $899 new, now only found secondhand or from specialized dealers.
• Nikon Coolpix A was priced lower (~$778 at release), also primarily available secondhand today.

Considering build, autofocus, usability, and image quality, the Fuji justifies a premium with its richer feature set and user experience.

Side-by-Side Sample Images

Here is a gallery comparing raw output and JPEG samples from both cameras, showcasing Fuji’s richer colors, sharper details, and superior skin tones versus Nikon’s flatter but faithful rendition.

Fujifilm X100T front Fujifilm X100T screen back Nikon A front Nikon A screen back

Final Performance and Suitability Ratings

After rigorous evaluation with standard testing charts, controlled lab lights, and real-world shooting on location, here’s a visual summary of how each camera scored across major criteria:

Detailed Genre-Based Scores and Recommendations

Who Should Buy Which, Based on Real Usage?

• Choose the Fujifilm X100T if:

  • You prioritize image quality, pleasing color rendition, and classic 35mm optics.
  • You rely on fast and accurate autofocus for portraits and street.
  • You appreciate the tactile charm of manual dials and hybrid viewfinder versatility.
  • You require longer battery life and built-in wireless features.
  • You want a capable video shooter with decent audio input options.

• Choose the Nikon Coolpix A if:

  • You are a cheapskate looking for the smallest, lightest APS-C compact available (especially for discreet street or travel).
  • You prefer a wider 28mm lens for landscapes or environmental photography.
  • You don’t mind slower autofocus and simpler controls.
  • Battery life can be managed with spares or limited shooting.
  • You can accept fewer video features and no built-in wireless.

Closing Thoughts: Classic Cameras Holding Their Own

Both Fujifilm X100T and Nikon Coolpix A remain relevant examples of large sensor compact design that deliver very good image quality without the bulk and complexity of larger mirrorless systems. They excel when used in the right context, depending on user priorities.

If you want a proven all-rounder with killer portrait ability, stronger ergonomics, and creative control, the Fuji X100T is my clear recommendation. If pocketability and minimalism are your lifestyle choices, or if your budget is tighter, then the Nikon A still offers solid performance, especially for landscape-oriented shooters.

Ultimately, your choice hinges on which trade-offs you’re willing to accept between size, usability, and image style. Both cameras reward thoughtful shooting and will serve you well for street, travel, and casual everyday photography.

Happy shooting - whichever camera you pick!