Nikon 1 AW1 Review | 108 Data compared

The DPReview evaluation highlights the Nikon 1 AW1 as the first rugged, waterproof mirrorless camera, featuring a 14.2-megapixel sensor and extreme durability, including underwater operation down to 15 meters and a fast 15 fps continuous shooting speed. Key advantages include its robust construction without a housing and built-in environmental sensors for outdoor photography. Conversely, the review notes a sluggish menu-driven interface, lack of physical controls, and limited lens options specifically designed for the waterproof system. Additionally, the small 1-inch sensor produces higher noise in low light, and the GPS causes rapid battery drain, restricting, according to DPReview, the overall user experience for serious, fast-paced shooting. YouTube ·

The Nikon 1 AW1 is an innovative compact system camera based on the internals of the Nikon 1 J3, utilizing a 14.2MP CX-format 1-inch sensor paired with an Expeed 3A processing chip. It stands out as a pioneering, action-ready device designed to survive harsh elements without needing a bulky, expensive underwater housing. Key technical highlights include a fast hybrid phase/contrast-detection autofocus system, a 60fps shooting mode (up to 20 shots), and Full HD 1080p video capabilities. The camera is well-suited for adventurous environments due to built-in environmental sensors like an altimeter, electronic compass, a virtual horizon level, and a depth gauge. The primary advantage of the AW1 is its exceptional go-anywhere durability; it is waterproof down to 15 meters, shockproof from drops up to 2 meters, and freeze-proof. Additionally, it offers a bright, high-resolution monitor and highly reliable exposure metering. However, it suffers from significant drawbacks, including a total lack of image stabilization because neither the camera body nor its matching rugged lenses feature Vibration Reduction. Other notable cons include the lack of built-in Wi-Fi, fiddly rear controls, a complex...

The What Digital Camera review highlights the Nikon 1 AW1 as a uniquely rugged, mirrorless camera that excels in harsh conditions with a durable, waterproof magnesium alloy body. It offers fast 15fps shooting with autofocus, good 14.2MP image quality, and an innovative "Action Control" for tilting to adjust settings. However, the camera suffers from a lack of physical manual controls, requiring frequent menu diving, and has a slippery body that requires optional accessories for a better grip. Additional drawbacks include potential lens fogging in high humidity and a limited selection of dedicated underwater lenses.

The DPReview article highlights the Nikon 1 AW1 as a groundbreaking but flawed rugged camera, providing significantly better photo quality, raw support, and faster autofocus speeds than traditional underwater compacts, largely due to its 1-inch CX-format sensor. Tested during snorkeling, the camera is praised for its performance and image quality, surpassing typical tough compacts, despite being an expensive, high-risk investment. However, the review details critical drawbacks, most notably a propensity for leakage due to seal issues and a clunky, menu-heavy interface that lacks user-friendliness. Other cons include rapid battery drain, a bulky body, and a lack of image stabilization on its dedicated rugged lenses, making it a high-performing yet high-risk device. DPReview

The Nikon 1 AW1 is a mirrorless system camera designed for sports and underwater activities, providing an alternative to bulky DSLR housings and standard waterproof point-and-shoot (P&S) cameras. It features a solid, elegant body with a high-quality finish and a screen that remains clear in direct sunlight. Performance-wise, the camera boasts a fast, precise autofocus system and highly secure, double-locked covers for the battery and ports. When paired with the waterproof 11-27.5mm kit lens and shot strictly in RAW mode, it delivers impressive image quality at base ISO, outperforming typical P&S competitors by preserving sharp details even into the corners. However, the reviewer highlights several significant usability and technical drawbacks. The camera's menu system is described as overly complicated and cluttered with unnecessary features. Most notably, the camera's built-in JPEG processing engine is exceptionally poor, making JPEG images virtually useless. Additionally, optical performance drops due to diffraction at smaller apertures, meaning users must avoid shooting above f/5.6 to maintain overall image sharpness. If you'd like to explore alternative options, please let me know: Your maximum budget The maximum depth you...

The Wildside Nature Tours review of the Nikon 1 AW1 details a field test during a Galapagos snorkeling trip, highlighting the mirrorless camera's intuitive underwater controls and high-quality imaging performance on marine life. Key advantages include specialized underwater software, such as automatic distortion correction and adjustable white balance, which facilitate capturing clear images and video while submerged. However, the review outlines significant drawbacks, particularly initial lens fogging upon entering chilly water and an unusable screen in bright, direct sunlight. Despite these environmental limitations, the camera performed well once acclimated to the water temperature.

The Radojuva review characterizes the Nikon 1 AW1 as an exceptionally rugged mirrorless camera, featuring an all-metal, waterproof (down to 15m), shockproof (up to 2m), and frost-resistant design ideal for active, outdoor use. Key advantages include a fast, accurate hybrid autofocus system, a silent electronic shutter, and built-in navigation tools such as a GPS and depth gauge. Conversely, the review highlights significant limitations, specifically the small, two-lens selection of compatible waterproof "AW" lenses and the overall lack of further development for the system. Additionally, the 1-inch sensor suffers in low-light conditions, while the absence of a physical mode dial and lack of optical image stabilization (VR) on kit lenses hamper usability.

In his review, professional fishing writer Steve "Starlo" Starling evaluates the Nikon AW1 mirrorless camera as a highly capable, rugged tool built to withstand harsh marine environments. The camera features a 14.2-megapixel sensor, shoots in both RAW and JPEG formats, and delivers broadcast-quality HD video. A major standout feature is its impressive durability, boasting a fully waterproof rating down to 15 metres without an external housing, a 2-metre shockproof rating, and resilience against dust and extreme temperatures. Starlo notes that its double-locking fail-safe battery and memory card doors make it highly secure for underwater action. Additionally, it features a functional pop-up flash and an innovative "tilt-to-cycle" control system designed for users wearing thick gloves. Despite approaching his ideal setup, Starlo highlights several distinct drawbacks. The most significant flaw is the lack of an optical viewfinder, which relies solely on a 3-inch LCD monitor that becomes difficult to read in direct sunlight, especially when wearing polarized sunglasses. The camera's modest sensor size results in a focal length crop factor that limits wide-angle capabilities, a limitation magnified underwater. Furthermore, the built-in GPS...

The Photography Life review of the Nikon 1 AW1 highlights the mirrorless camera as a unique, rugged, and waterproof system, noting that it offers better image quality, RAW support, and faster autofocus than typical waterproof point-and-shoots. It serves as a specialized option for those requiring interchangeable lenses in wet environments without the bulk of a dedicated underwater DSLR housing. However, the review heavily criticizes the camera’s real-world durability, citing significant issues with lens fogging and complete mechanical failure during testing. Due to these reliability concerns and a lack of quick manual controls, the review concludes that users are better served by a high-quality rugged point-and-shoot or a proper DSLR housing.

The Nikon 1 AW1 is identified by What Digital Camera as a uniquely rugged, waterproof, and shockproof compact system camera (CSC) designed for harsh environments. Key strengths include a 15fps continuous shooting rate, an innovative Action Control tilting interface, and robust, "tank-like" build quality suitable for marine use. However, the review highlights significant limitations, including a lack of external manual controls, potential lens fogging, and limited dynamic range from the 14.2MP CX-format sensor. While praised for its durability, the AW1 is noted for disappointing high-ISO performance, making it better suited for action-seekers than for users demanding high-end image quality.

The Nikon 1 AW1 is an innovative mirrorless camera that breathes new life into the Nikon 1 system by wrapping its land-based internal components in a highly durable, freeze-proof, shockproof, and fully submersible shell. Key strengths highlighted in the review include its waterproof capability down to 15 metres when paired with dedicated AW lenses, as well as an innovative motion-sensing action control system designed for easy setting selection while underwater or wearing thick gloves. The camera delivers an impressive burst shooting performance of 15 fps with continuous autofocus (and up to 60 fps with single AF), features a built-in GPS with a compass, altimeter, and depth meter, and maintains standard compatibility with existing 1 Nikkor lenses for land-use. Priced at $799 with an 11-27.5mm kit lens, it serves as a highly affordable and flexible alternative to expensive dedicated underwater camera housings. However, the camera's primary drawback lies in its sensor performance, as it uses the exact same 14.2-megapixel 1-inch CX-format chip found in the land-bound Nikon 1 J3 and V2 models. With a DxOMark sensor score of 51, its overall...

The Nikon 1 AW1 distinguishes itself with a robust, waterproof magnesium alloy body designed for extreme conditions, removing the necessity for bulky underwater housings. It features a fast hybrid autofocus system that delivers rapid, responsive locking in bright lighting, ideal for outdoor action photography. Conversely, the camera suffers from slow focus point navigation, lacking a touchscreen for more efficient control. Furthermore, the kit zoom lens suffers from slow apertures and a lack of optical image stabilization, which can force higher ISO usage and degrade image quality in lower light.

The Nikon 1 AW1 is a unique 14-megapixel mirrorless digital camera based on the entry-level J3, distinguished as the world's first waterproof (up to 15 meters for 60 minutes), shockproof (up to 2-meter drops), and freezeproof (down to -10°C) interchangeable lens camera. Built for extreme environments, it features an exceptionally high-speed 1" CMOS sensor capable of class-leading burst rates up to 60 FPS with single-shot AF or 15 FPS with continuous autofocus. It is highly equipped for adventure tracking, boasting an array of built-in environmental sensors including a GPS, a digital compass, a digital level, an altimeter, and a depth-meter. The camera offers full manual controls (PASM), spot metering, and custom white-balance fine-tuning, alongside the capability to shoot 1080p HD video and ultra-high-speed video up to 1200 FPS. However, the camera's ruggedized design introduces several notable trade-offs. Its primary limitation is that waterproof and shockproof capabilities require the use of specific, specially designed rugged Nikon 1 lenses, which are not compatible with other Nikon 1 bodies. Due to its shockproof construction, the camera body and its rugged lenses entirely lack...

The Nikon 1 AW1 is recognized as the world's first waterproof and shockproof interchangeable lens camera, featuring a robust, durable construction suitable for demanding outdoor environments like diving and snorkeling. It is highly regarded for its fast autofocus and quick continuous shooting, making it a unique, specialized, and compact system for adventurous users. However, key drawbacks include a limited selection of specifically waterproof lenses and the loss of rugged protection when using non-native lenses. Additionally, the standard kit lens is limited in brightness, and the built-in flash can be prone to accidentally deploying during impacts, notes ePHOTOzine.

Nikon 1 AW1 Review Summary The Nikon 1 AW1 is a mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera designed for adventure sports and rugged outdoor environments, serving as a spiritual digital successor to the classic, indestructible Nikonos V film camera. Boasting high-speed performance, it features a 14.2 MP CMOS sensor capable of capturing tack-sharp images at an impressive 15 frames per second with full autofocus, or up to 60 frames per second with fixed focus. It records full 1080p HD video and comes packed with highly practical outdoor utilities, such as built-in GPS for geotagging, an altimeter, a depth gauge, a digital level, and a unique action-control system that allows users to change shooting modes by simply tilting the camera body—a great benefit when wearing thick winter gloves. The primary strengths (pros) of the camera lie in its incredible environmental durability and blazing speed. It is waterproof down to 49 feet, freezeproof to 14°F, and shockproof against drops from up to 6.6 feet, utilizing heavy-duty rubber gaskets to seal out water even when swapping between its dedicated 11-27.5mm zoom and 20mm prime lenses. The...

The Nikon AW1 is highlighted as a groundbreaking release, earning the title of the world's first waterproof and shockproof interchangeable lens camera. Designed to offer ultimate peace of mind during family vacations and rugged outdoor activities, the camera can submerge up to 49 feet underwater, survive drops, endure freezing temperatures, and resist sand. Major pros include its incredibly indestructible body and a clever quick-select "pendulum" user interface that allows seamless shooting mode adjustments via tilting, even when the user is underwater or wearing gloves. Additionally, it captures higher-quality, wider shots than standard point-and-shoot cameras, features a highly responsive video button, and offers entertaining creative options like a "miniature" fake tilt-shift effect and scrollable panorama playback. However, the reviewer notes several significant cons that limit its overall appeal. The camera's small sensor struggles in low-light environments, an issue further compounded by a complete lack of vibration reduction (image stabilisation). From a financial and practical standpoint, the standard $800 single-lens kit feels restrictive due to an uninspiring 11mm to 27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 starter zoom lens that lacks sufficient zoom range and speed for...

The Nikon 1 AW1 is identified by PCMag as the first mirrorless interchangeable lens camera designed for underwater use, featuring a rugged, waterproof, shockproof, and freezeproof design. It boasts a 14-megapixel, 1-inch sensor offering high-quality images, strong ISO performance, and rapid autofocus and burst shooting capabilities suitable for outdoor adventures. PCMag However, the review notes drawbacks including a high price point, frustrating controls that bury manual settings, and limited lens options. Additionally, the camera requires an external adapter for Wi-Fi and has restricted flash sync speeds, making it a specialized, albeit capable, tool. PCMag

The Nikon 1 AW1 is highlighted as the world’s first underwater digital mirrorless system camera, offering an interchangeable lens design built to withstand harsh environments. It is waterproof down to 15 meters, freezeproof to -10°C, and shockproof from drops up to 2 meters. Equipped with a 14.2 Megapixel CX-format (1-inch) sensor, it is considerably larger than standard rugged compacts, delivering superior image quality and low-light performance. Major pros include its incredibly fast hybrid autofocus, a rapid 15fps continuous burst mode with tracking AF (up to 60fps with focus locked), and the unique capability to capture full-resolution stills while simultaneously recording 1080i60 HD video without interrupting the footage. Additionally, it features excellent outdoor metrics such as a built-in GPS, electronic compass, and an altimeter/depth gauge. However, the camera comes with notable downsides, particularly its lack of built-in or lens-based image stabilisation on the waterproof kit zoom, requiring faster shutter speeds on land to prevent camera shake. The 11-27.5mm f3.5-5.6 kit lens is also optically slower and offers less zoom range compared to competitor fixed-lens tough compacts. Users face practical handling hurdles;...

The Shutterbug lab test reveals the Nikon 1 AW1 produces excellent, realistic colors and maintains exceptionally low noise (under 1.0% luminance noise) at high ISOs for both stills and video. It offers strong resolution with 2,739 lines, producing high-quality Full HD video with superior white balance. Shutterbug.com Conversely, the camera displays noticeable overshot, haloing, and double-contour artifacts due to heavy, aggressive sharpening. It is prone to slight moiré, exhibits a cool color shift in auto white balance, and lacks an electronic viewfinder, relying solely on the rear LCD.