Nikon 1 AW1 Review

Nikon 1 AW1 Review – The Nikon 1 AW1 is a rugged compact that merits a rugged test. With a storm approaching, what better way to test Nikon’s latest 1-series camera than heading out into the North Sea with the RNLI?

Product Overview

Overall rating:

85%

Nikon 1 AW1

Overall score:85%
Value:85%
Performance:85%
Image Quality:85%
Design:80%
Features:90%

Pros:

  • Incredibly strong; Fast burst rate; Superb image quality for a waterproof camera

Cons:

  • Slippery body; No PASM mode dial; Limited waterproof lens range; Lack of hotshoe

Product:

Nikon 1 AW1 Review

Manufacturer:

Price as reviewed:

£749.00

Nikon 1 AW1 Review – Verdict

Nikon 1 AW1 Review – front view

Although the AW1 is built like a tank and survived our brutal test at sea, it’s not entirely faultless. The lack of manual controls on the body means you’ll constantly have to fight your way through the menu if you like to be in charge of frequently used settings, and in that respect it’s just like other Nikon 1 system CSCs – great for the point and shoot snapper who wants no fuss, but not as good for the more advanced photographer who likes to get creative.

As a system camera, it’s currently in a niche of its own. With no other fully waterproof or shockproof CSC like it, it suggests the AW1 could be the first in a new line of similar rugged CSCs from other manufacturers.

Though the build will shake off the worst knocks and drops, we’d like to see the design improved with a rubberised grip and a fully waterproof fisheye lens added to the NIKKOR 1 range, which we see as a must for underwater photography.

  1. 1. Nikon 1 AW1 Review
  2. 2. Nikon 1 AW1 Review - Design
  3. 3. Nikon 1 AW1 Review – Image Quality
  4. 4. Nikon 1 AW1 Review - Verdict
  5. 5. Nikon 1 AW1 Review – First Look
Page 4 of 5 - Show Full List