The Nikon 1 AW1 is one tough cookie,
but is it any good?
How
will this camera benefit divers?
When used with the dedicated waterproof
lenses (featuring rubber seals and protective glass), the Nikon 1 AW1 makes a
fantastic diving companion, allowing photographers to take the plunge without
being restricted by underwater housing.
The Nikon 1 AW1 delivers high quality
images anywhere
with its tough, waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof construction
The Nikon 1 AW1, when used in conjunction
with one of the two dedicated NIKKOR AW lenses, is the first CSC camera to be
completely waterproof, capable of delving to depths of 15 metres without the
hassle of underwater housing. It is also dustproof, shockproof – withstanding
drops from up to two metres – and freeze proof, remaining operational in
sub-freezing temperatures (down to -10°C). Other highlights include a 14.2MP CX
CMOS sensor, manual controls, full HD movie recording, plus it offers Wi-Fi
connectivity in the form of an optional Wi-Fi adapter or Eye-Fi card.
From kayaking to mountain climbing, keep
the rugged Nikon 1 AW1 by your side
There’s no denying that the AW1 is one of
the sharpest-looking models within the realm of ‘tough’ travel shooters.
Constructed using a high-grade metallic exterior with stainless steel front
panel, it also welcomes a superior robustness, featuring double-lock
compartment covers, rounded edging for enhanced shock impact, plus a
strategically positioned non-slip grip and large buttons – ideal for underwater
use. Nikon has fully thought through the shooting process for divers here, and
as such handling is incredibly logical, simple and quick. The AF is well paced
in good light, but dimmer scenes can slow things down, plus there is a slight
paused reaction after fi ring the shutter, which could deter underwater
wildlife enthusiasts.
For a price point of $1,237, there is an
expectation that the image quality will be of a superior standard to that of
the typical ‘tough’ camera. This is certainly the case here, as for the
majority of scenarios it succeeds in producing well-balanced, colour-accurate,
richly detailed frames. The main problem with image quality, however, is noise;
comparatively speaking, its sensitivity range is rather stunted, topping out at
ISO 6400. Colour and clarity are disturbed from as low as ISO 800, with those
taken above ISO 1600 showing worrying signs of noise reduction software,
therefore flash or a tripod is advisable for low-light photography.
The Nikon 1 AW1 is ready to multi task,
shooting video
while simultaneously capturing high-quality still images
As an everyday shooter, consumers will
find many mid-range DSLRs better value. But as a ‘tough’ travel camera, this is
one of the best on the market.
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Specifications:
·
Effective Pixels: 14.2 million
·
Sensor Size: 13.2mm x 8.8mm
·
Top Continuous Shooting Speed at full
resolution: 15 frames per
second
·
ISO Sensitivity: 160-6400
·
Movie: HD: 1920 x 1080/60i, HD: 1920 x
1080/30p, HD: 1280 x
720/60p,
HD: 1280 x 720/30p, Slow-motion: 640 x 240/400fps, Slow
motion: 320
x 120/1200fps, Motion Snapshot: 1920 x 1080/60p (plays
at 24p),
Audio file format: ACC, Movie file format: MOV
·
Monitor: 3.0 in. diagonal, TFT-LCD with
brightness adjustment TFT
LCD with
brightness adjustment
·
Battery: EN-EL20 Lithium-ion Battery
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