Nikon 1 AW1
Announced September 19, 2013
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Good
Nikon 1 AW1 is a unique, ruggedized interchangeable lens camera built to withstand water, shock, and freezing temperatures. While it offers a convenient and durable solution for outdoor adventures, its lack of manual controls and limited lens selection can frustrate more advanced users.
Weighted from 17 reviewer scores
Pros
- Rugged, waterproof, and shockproof build quality
- Fast autofocus performance and burst shooting
- Compact and portable design
- Integrated GPS functionality
- Sharp image output with accurate colors
Cons
- Difficult and slow manual control access
- Short battery life, especially with GPS enabled
- Limited selection of compatible rugged lenses
- Absence of an eye-level viewfinder
- Issues with lens or screen fogging
- Launch price $799.95 (USD)
- Sensor 14.2MP 1-inch CMOS
- Video 1080p 30p 4K 0p
- Stabilization None
What the Reviewers Say
All 17 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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The Nikon 1 AW is an excellent choice for picture taking either in or out of the water.
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It’s capable of taking fine images, but for raft trips down the Grand Canyon, it stands for All Wet.
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In the AW1, Nikon has delivered the most rugged system camera on the market. The lack of manual controls makes it incredibly slow to set up, and in that respect it’s no different from other Nikon 1-system CSCs.
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The Nikon 1 AW1 is the world's first waterproof and shockproof interchangeable lens digital camera, and features built in Wi-Fi and GPS.
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If you're not fussed about the lack of a built in eye level viewfinder as previously found on Nikon's 1 series V1 and V2 flagship models, then arguably the AW1 is Nikon's most comprehensive and very probably best compact system camera yet.
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The Nikon 1 AW1 is the first interchangeable lens camera that you can take deep underwater, but it's best left in automatic mode.
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The AW1 will get you decent shots well off the beaten track.
- Digital Trends 8/10
The Nikon 1 J3 is a solid ILC, but it didn’t overwhelm us. However, take that same camera and make it waterproof and shockproof, name it the AW1, and it’s hard to not make an overwhelming recommendation.
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The Nikon 1 AW1 is the company’s most fully realized compact system camera of the past three years.
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The waterproof, drop-proof, freeze-proof and dust-proof AW1 is currently one of a kind when it comes to compact-styled interchangeable lens cameras.
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The Nikon 1 AW1 is absolutely unique. It is the only waterproof or shockproof interchangeable lens camera every made.
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If you are looking for a durable, waterproof camera with great image quality, check out the Nikon AW1. Retail kit price (body and 11-27.5mm lens) $799.95.
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If you need the waterproof and ruggedness, then the AW1 is pretty much the best choice of anything made directly for that.
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I simply love the AW1, and I think I can sum up that love in one sentence: It’s the camera I bring when all the others stay home and therefore the camera I use to take the picture, making it my best camera.
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If you adventure in wet places and want to capture images significantly better than shooting with a waterproofed smartphone, but don’t want to buy a separate waterproof housing for (and carry around) a bigger camera, the AW1 is the camera for you.
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This camera did a very, very good job.
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Regardless of my small gripes, the AW1 is definitely an improvement over the original Nikon 1 cameras, even before you get to its reason for being, that indestructible body — and lens.
