Drop a NEF RAW file from your Nikon Coolpix A to check the shutter count — processed entirely in your browser, never uploaded anywhere. The Coolpix A uses a full APS-C sensor and stores the count in Nikon's standard NEF EXIF block.
Check Shutter Count →The Nikon Coolpix A (2013) is one of the rarest APS-C sensor fixed-lens compacts ever produced by Nikon. It uses a 16.2 MP APS-C CMOS sensor (the same sensor class found in the Nikon D7000 series) paired with a fixed 18.5mm f/2.8 lens (28mm equivalent on APS-C). Unlike other Coolpix models, it shoots full Nikon NEF RAW files — including the embedded shutter count in the MakerNote block. Nikon does not publish a rated shutter life for the Coolpix A.
| Model | Release | Sensor | Est. Shutter Life | RAW Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikon Coolpix A | 2013 | 16.2 MP APS-C CMOS | ~100,000 (est.) | NEF |
| Ricoh GR (direct competitor) | 2013 | 16.2 MP APS-C CMOS | ~100,000 (est.) | DNG |
| Ricoh GR II (GR successor) | 2015 | 16.2 MP APS-C CMOS | ~100,000 (est.) | DNG |
| Actuation Count | % of Est. Life | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 5,000 | 0 – 5 % | Very low use — near new |
| 5,000 – 25,000 | 5 – 25 % | Low to moderate use |
| 25,000 – 60,000 | 25 – 60 % | Moderate use — normal for a daily carry |
| 60,000 – 85,000 | 60 – 85 % | High use — negotiate price |
| 85,000 + | 85 %+ | Near or past estimated life |
The Coolpix A is unusual in Nikon's lineup: the Coolpix brand typically denotes consumer point-and-shoot cameras, yet the Coolpix A uses a sensor and RAW format on par with Nikon's enthusiast DSLRs. The 16.2 MP APS-C sensor (same class as Nikon D5100/D7000) produces DSLR-quality NEF files from a jacket-pocketable body.
The 18.5mm f/2.8 lens (28mm equivalent) is well-corrected and sharp, though autofocus speed is modest by modern standards. The camera supports Nikon's Vibration Reduction (VR) image stabilisation. Maximum ISO is 3200 (6400 with expansion). It lacks an EVF — the 3-inch rear LCD is the only composition aid.
Yes. The Coolpix A embeds the shutter count in the Nikon MakerNote block of its NEF files. Drop a Coolpix A NEF into shuttercount.app and the count will be read directly from the file. This works the same way as reading the count from a Nikon D850 or Z6 III NEF.
The Coolpix A uses a 16.2 MP APS-C CMOS sensor from the same generation as cameras like the Nikon D7000 and D5100. The Coolpix A image quality at base ISO is therefore comparable to those cameras — significantly above what the Coolpix brand name might suggest.
Nikon produced the Coolpix A for only a brief production run (2013–2015 approximately) before discontinuing it. The segment — APS-C fixed-lens premium compacts — proved niche in the market, with Ricoh's GR line dominating the category. Nikon did not release a successor.
Yes, particularly for photographers who want NEF RAW output and are already invested in the Nikon ecosystem (Nikon Capture NX-D workflow, NEF storage organisation). The 28mm equivalent focal length and APS-C image quality make it genuinely compelling. Availability is limited — check shutter count from the NEF before purchasing and factor in the lack of firmware updates.