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Nikonos reborn? Our first impressions review of the submersible Nikon AW1

Sep 19, 2013 at 04:00:00 GMT

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The Nikon 1 System has been around for a couple of years now, but the emergence of the AW1 signals a radical departure from what has been the norm. Functionally very similar to the 14MP J3 which Nikon announced earlier this year, the AW1 is waterproof to 15m (49ft), shockproof from 2m (6.6 ft), and freezeproof.

It's being announced alongside two equally rugged lenses, and a range of colorful silicone skins for underwater and wet weather use. We had the opportunity to use the new camera recently, and we've put together a first impressions review covering its design, operation and key features. Click the link below to read all about it.

Click here to read our First Impressions Review of the Nikon AW1

PREVIEW NIKON REVIEW WATERPROOF

Nikon 1 AW1

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Nikon 1 AW1 Waterproof Mirrorless Camera Kit with AW 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 and 10mm f/2.8 Lenses (Black)●	$996.95	Buy on GearShop
Nikon 1 AW1 Waterproof Mirrorless Camera Kit with AW 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens (Black)●	$796.95	Buy on GearShop
Nikon 1 AW1 Waterproof Mirrorless Camera Kit with AW 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens (Silver)●	$796.95	Buy on GearShop
Nikon 1 AW1 Waterproof Mirrorless Camera Kit with AW 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens (White)●	$796.95	Buy on GearShop

Nikon 1 AW1 14.2 MP HD Waterproof, Shockproof Digital Camera System with AW 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 1 NIKKOR Lens (Black)	$796.95
Nikon 1 AW1 14.2 MP HD Waterproof, Shockproof Digital Camera System with AW 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 and AW 10mm 1 NIKKOR Lenses (Black)	$996.95
Nikon 1 AW1 14.2 MP HD Waterproof, Shockproof Digital Camera System with AW 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 1 NIKKOR Lens (Black)	$796.95
Nikon 1 AW1 14.2 MP HD Waterproof, Shockproof Digital Camera System with AW 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 1 NIKKOR Lens (White)	$796.95
Nikon 1 AW1 14.2 MP HD Waterproof, Shockproof Digital Camera System with AW 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 1 NIKKOR Lens (Silver)	$796.95
Nikon COOLPIX AW110 Wi-Fi and Waterproof Digital Camera with GPS (Orange)	Too low to display
Nikon COOLPIX AW110 Wi-Fi and Waterproof Digital Camera with GPS (Black)	Too low to display
Nikon COOLPIX AW110 Wi-Fi and Waterproof Digital Camera with GPS (Blue)	Too low to display
Nikon COOLPIX AW100 16 MP CMOS Waterproof Digital Camera with GPS and Full HD 1080p Video (Orange)	$249.50
Nikon COOLPIX AW110 Wi-Fi and Waterproof Digital Camera with GPS (Camouflage)	Too low to display
Nikon COOLPIX L620 18.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 14x Zoom Lens and Full 1080p HD Video (Black) + 32GB Memory Card + Focus Memory Card Reader + Vivitar Small Camera Case + Kit	$239.95

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Comments

Total comments: 561

dpr team: Any chance you could update your definitions here?

http://www.dpreview.com/misc/sitefaq#q3

thx

0 upvotes

Because changing lenses in thin air is so 2002-ish.
But good surprise! Thanks Nikon

Comment edited 41 seconds after posting

1 upvote

i just may buy my first digital nikon product...

2 upvotes

Yes indeed ...

2 upvotes

First impressions... what? You couldn't take it to a beach... or find a nearby swimming pool? Suggest breaking that test budget and rent a motel room... hit that pool... and see how it works in snorkel-depth water. And, while you're at it, why not put a test target on the bottom of the pool... say at the 2-meter depth line... and start a reference standard for future underwater camera tests?

3 upvotes

I'm going to assume you're joking...

6 upvotes

How would that test prove?
Of course it works underwater.

It's just like pushing the power button, to make sure it turns on, then post a video of that. Then the crows goes uh...ahh....

1 upvote

Why would they do that? Are you a non-believer and insinuating that the camera will not be usable under water? Well, get a better one then. :)

Anyway, there will be plenty user feedback soon after the release. The Nikon 1 forum will be flooded by underwater images, everything from bath tubs to deep sea. I am pretty sure will also see if the gaskets hold more than the specified limit as well.

Comment edited 49 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

I thin Jon has a point. What's the point of previewing a UW camera if you don't test it UW?
Otherwise dpreview might as well put up a link to the J3.

2 upvotes

You guys didnt read the whole thing, did you? DPR staff said that this is an early pre-production model and they didn't have the time to give it a good go.
Also they stated that as soon as they get a final, production model, they WILL do all those tests.

Or you're all joking and I'm taking yourselves too seriously :)
(which I hope)

1 upvote

I saw the AW1 working quite happily underwater at a UK press event. Is that OK?

1 upvote

No stabilization. :( Not suitable for handheld video shooting. Under water use tripod!!! :)

3 upvotes

but who knows what future lenses may hold - why not some OIS, maybe?

Actually, I wonder - if you attached a massive (as in: mass, not size), but neutrally buoyant load to the camera, I guess that would give it a good degreee of stabilisation under water. Not sure how practical it would be?

1 upvote

You don't need stabilisation underwater - the water acts as a damper (sorry!) preventing excessive shake of the camera.

1 upvote

Does not!

0 upvotes

Wonderful. Something small, decent quality photos, and rugged. Festivals, concerts, parties, hiking, camping, beach, kids, etc, etc, etc. This is a good development.

21 upvotes

Waterproof? It'll sell in Seattle!

8 upvotes

and Manchester (UK). Sony once got into trouble for an ad featuring their all-weather cam-corder with the billing that it would be ideal for Mancunians. The regional tourism authority took umbrage at the characterisation of their weather.

3 upvotes

"bono-ruggedized" - mental image of Bono kicking the camera around on stage...

9 upvotes

Bono stopped "kicking" 20 years ago though...

0 upvotes

dammit, they fixed the typo. that was a lovely auto-correct.

0 upvotes

'announced alongside two equally rugged lenses' - surely not 2m shockproof lenses :)

0 upvotes

that's what's written on the lenses. one is 15m, the other 20m waterproof, both 2m shock-proof.

0 upvotes

gorilla glass!

0 upvotes

So I can drop this thing, camera and lens combined, from the height of a doorway onto what - concrete, asphalt, soft grass? - it lands excruciatingly at an angle on the rim of the lens, and then I start shooting with it, no problemo.

I'd like to see that tested, thoroughly. I mean, presumably that is no more of an ask than testing its focusing speed or ISO performance - likewise they don't need a new camera after each test result either?

Comment edited 54 seconds after posting

3 upvotes

There is a video of a journo doing his own test and dropping on the floor @ engadget or gizmodo, I think.

0 upvotes

This is a very interesting camera, and 20m is enough for most underwater photographic purposes. I would dive with it a bit deeper than 20m but would not operate any buttons below 20m. In fact the buttons may depress by themselves at 30m because of the water pressure.

0 upvotes

... and all I dreamed of was bracketing and CLS compability. By the way Nikonos you could actually dive with. This is for shallow bathtubs...

0 upvotes

You have a 20m deep bathtub? How long does it take to fill?

20 upvotes

At last. A camera hard enough to take with me winter walking in the Lake District and Scotland , that I can clip to my rucksack straps without the need of an extra bag !
Still might need to change the battery at some point. Shame it ain't got a vf.

2 upvotes

But thinking about it , the pentax K30/50/5 would all probably be ok with that. With bigger sensor and a viewfinder. I wont knock the new nikon model though. Its just that i dont dive. Or even swim often. I only have a shower in the house too.

1 upvote

"I only have a shower in the house"

reminds me of boarding school - they did used to have a shower out of the house, bloody cold in winter ;)

0 upvotes

Isn't the Aptina sensor capable of better video output?
Was hoping for 1080P @ 60 / 720P @ 120 / 480P @ 240.
Higher FPS (400/1200) at reduced resolutions is hardly usable.

Comment edited 1 minute after posting

3 upvotes

If this sells well, and I hope it does, you might look for additional features in future models.

3 upvotes

Wow. Dpr so full of enthusiasm, such a contrast to your grudging brevity when announcing m43 products.

2 upvotes

http://www.dpreview.com/previews/olympus-om-d-e-m1

You were saying?

19 upvotes

so, damned if they do, damned if they don't?

Comment edited 21 seconds after posting

1 upvote

Niiiice, just need to wait for the price to drop below $500 :).

1 upvote

That would be great... if it ever happened... I'd be happy with a tough underwater version of the P330 (or LX7 or XZ2...), a P&S with bigger sensor that shoots RAW. But if the price of this baby falls the way the price of the original 1 fell, then I'm definitely in.

0 upvotes

Nikon is throwing good money after bad money. The 1 system is crippled by its small sensor, so Nikon is going to market a waterproof camera with a too small sensor? Good luck. Waterproofing the D800 would make a lot more sense.

1 upvote

That already exists...It's called a $2000 housing

Comment edited 35 seconds after posting

20 upvotes

Small sensor? Have you looked at the sensor size of the 'other' rugged cameras? And none of them shoot RAW.

8 upvotes

Finally something interesting and different in the world of news cameras.

29 upvotes

It cannot compete IQ-wise with the other DSLM manufacturers so is this what the marketing dept has come up with to save the day? Oh, well, some people will even call it "pioneering"...

1 upvote

Please show me the other rugged camera with this level of IQ at this price point.

3 upvotes

meanwhile: you can get similar IQ for a similar overall price with a high-end compact with a waterproof housing, but it'll be a much bulkier package and less versatile (though usable for scuba diving, whereas this is just for snorkeling). nevertheless, it's an outstanding entry in a niche that has long been frustratingly empty.

2 upvotes

As I said, the marketing dept...

0 upvotes

The design looks great, also the lens, it should have been the V1.

1 upvote

Only 15 meters? Not really a Nikonos replacement then when the sport diving limit is generally 40-50 metres - never mind the pro diving limit on mixed gas etc.

1 upvote

This is a rugged/waterproof interchangeable lens camera for the masses..Dads, moms, adventure seekers, party animals, you know the Red Bull crowd

3 upvotes

You mean wannabes?

0 upvotes

No, I mean folks that actually use their cameras vs. measurebating on specs and targets on their walls in the living room...

Comment edited 26 seconds after posting

20 upvotes

Agree with MPA1 , another 5 meters pressure resistance and it's a great camera for thousands of Recreational divers whose PADI certification only permits them to dive to 20 meters anyway. Would you risk a 15 meter camera at 20 meters??? Maybe it's clever. Many might be tempted and if it flooded there would be no comeback on Nikon whereas if it was marginal at 20 and Nikon made the spec 20, they would have big problem...no company would risk that. AS- is looks like mainly for snorkellers and yatchmen etc market which already has cameras available. Perhaps not with the same IQ etc ..

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 6 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

this camera is for snorkeling, boating, etc., not for scuba diving. however, if they make a housing for it, it would be a great camera for diving: housings sometimes leak, and when you open and close the housing on a diving boat or around wet gear, things can get unpleasant for electronic equipment. having a waterproof camera to go inside your housing can be a very good idea.

4 upvotes

misolo: freediving is up to 45 meters for recreational diving and 100+ meters for pro. So, "snorkelling" is deeper that "diving" ;-)
I was deeper that scuba PADI 20 meters on my second day of freediving training, without any scuba experience before it. So, 15 meters is more useful for Put-Another-Dollar-In scuba divers :)

1 upvote

blacklion--

And sponge divers (extreme free divers) dive 200 feet.

This is for snorkeling and light scuba. There's other photogear for deeper scuba diving, or if you insist extreme free diving.

1 upvote

My dreams jhave come true. An UW camera that shoots raw, uses a fairly large sensor and you can change lenses. I've been saying for years whoever, does this first will make a motza. Cudos Nikon for having the balls to do what should have been done 5 years ago. No more crapulent P&S frauds, that thought a gazillion features were more important than good IQ.

15 upvotes

"Although we don't have access to sales figures, we understand that the 1 System is doing pretty well for Nikon."

Ummm. Did you miss their press release saying they have 500k camera units unsold in warehouses, most of which are the Nikon 1. Nikon also said they are re-evaluating the Nikon 1 product and cutting back on Marketing and R&D.

This quote looks like it came directly from Nikon trying to save face.

6 upvotes

Yes, launch is already interesting in itself, but this line pretty much tanked the readability of this article.

0 upvotes

Ummm, did you read their press release?

Nikon revised their ILC _forecast_ for this year (ending March 31, 2014) down by 550,000 units; they did not say they had 500K unsold cameras sitting in a warehouse.

And they said they would "reconsider product planning of Nikon 1". They said nothing about cutting back marketing or R&D.

They might _increase_ marketing and R&D. The phrase "reconsider product planning" simply means they believe they may need a new feature/design/price mix to meet the sales targets they had set for themselves. What they do to accomplish that is anybody's guess. It might mean doubling down on their investment, not cutting back on it.

5 upvotes

Great. Now i can change my lenses under water.

17 upvotes

Only in seawater.

1 upvote

And below -9º.

1 upvote

The Nikon 1 is very popular with Asian ladies. The inclusion of this AW1 will widen its appeal, particularly for those active people who want to bring it for their rugged outings.

2 upvotes

You research it?

2 upvotes

Well done NIKON, find a niche and exploit it. The rest of the so called waterproof and shockproof cameras are toys compared to this.

Excellent.......

13 upvotes

This might force Panasonic and others to up their rugged camera game.

0 upvotes

Throw in waterproof feature and expect consumers to pony up $800 for the privilege. Worst of all it is only good to 49'. Basic PADI OW divers are certified to 60'.

Good luck.

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 13 minutes after posting

3 upvotes

LOL, how much does a rugged point and shoot cost?
How much does an underwater housing cost for a DSLR?
Learn how much things cost before you comment...

10 upvotes

$50 is what I paid for a new Nikon S30 that's good enough for the pool/beach and a bit of snorkeling.

1 upvote

If you are comparing the S30 to this, then you deserve what your getting and I guess you have made the point for me...
Thanks for responding and clarifying your camera budget.

Comment edited 18 seconds after posting

7 upvotes

If there are more people like you Nikon sales wouldn't be sinking like they have been and their stock holders wouldn't own the illustrious title to having the worst performing stock in the Nikkei this year.

This is a product that is neither here nor there. It is priced at a premium yet cannot even cater to the needs to basic recreation divers. And there are not enough mom and pop going to Hawaii with a $800 budget for a beach camera.

2 upvotes

Don't be mad...maybe someday you'll save enough to go to Hawaii

6 upvotes

Mad. If you say so. I just care about how I spend my hard earned money as should millions of other consumers.

0 upvotes

Just two posts from Bamboojled and he/she is going on my ignore list. What an arsehole!

0 upvotes

Sangster--

Okay there are cheap cameras for use in the pool, NOT ONE of them shoots raw. This Nikon does.

There is not another camera that is even a bit waterproof and shoots raw, has a 1" sensor, takes interchangeable lenses, has phase detect AF.

If this cameras is not for you, fine, but don't claim there are easy and equivalent substitutes.

Comment edited 42 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

Sounds like a pretty cool camera for active people that go outdoors to take pictures versus shooting a wall in their living room

6 upvotes

does it float?

1 upvote

if you don't let it sink, sure ;)

5 upvotes

None of the waterproof/rugged cameras I have owned to date, floated. So this is no different.

My Nikonos of yore didn't float either.

1 upvote

Finally a Nikon 1 camera that interests me!

Sold.

4 upvotes

Finally a camera that can honestly claim to be weather sealed.

9 upvotes

The O ring and lens design looks promessing ! But I hope the seals on the other doors are not as crapy as on my AW 100. The very first time my son jumped from a 3m bridge the gasket did not hold and water leaked in to the internals making the screen go black for a few days :( So I,m looking for a replacement and some realy tough tests

0 upvotes

Total comments: 561

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