Nikon Coolpix A300 Pro Reviews

In using a CCD sensor rather than a CMOS type, the Nikon Coolpix A300 is limited in a few ways. First, video recording maxes out at 720p resolution. Then, there is the impact on image quality. In good light, the A300 is able to produce punchy JPEG pictures even with noise being present. In low contrast light, image quality takes a nose dive. Detail is poor, noise is high and dynamic range limited. Put it this way, when it comes to image quality, the A300 is no better than your average smartphone.

If you have a good smartphone, with a 12mp sensor, and a bright lens, then it's quite likely that your photos will be better than photos taken with the Nikon Coolpix A300 at the wide-angle setting. As the A300 uses a 20mp CCD sensor, images show high levels of noise, and poor levels of detail. In fact there's no more detail in images than a good 12mp smartphone, or an average 16mp camera. However, one thing that the A300 has going for it, is the 8x optical zoom lens, and easy connectivity to your smartphone. For places where you might not want to take an expensive smartphone, the A300 provides a reasonable alternative. If you can find it for less that £109 then it is could be considered reasonable value for money, however there are many others available for less without Wi-Fi. If your budget stretches, then the WX220 is much better.

The Nikon Coolpix A300 packs a long zoom lens into a slim, affordable camera with wireless connectivity, but its image and video quality disappoint.